Close enough, welcome back Xperia Play. After releasing a teaser video in early November, Ayaneo has fully revealed its first smartphone called Pocket play. As expected, the Ayaneo Pocket Play features a sliding mechanism that transforms it from a chunky smartphone into a portable gaming device.
In its gaming configuration, the Pocket Play features a controller setup with a D-pad, ABXY buttons, and four shoulder buttons. However, Ayaneo has updated the design of the Xperia Play by incorporating two touchpads, which will also be seen in the manufacturer’s next flagship device called Next II. According to Ayaneo, you can set these touchpads as virtual joysticks or customizable inputs. Ayaneo hasn’t revealed the Pocket Play’s specifications yet, but the device appears to have slots that could indicate expandable storage options.
Pocket Play will be Ayaneo’s first foray into the world of smartphones, with mobile gaming in mind. It will have to compete with the likes of other gaming smartphones like the Redmagic 10 Pro or the Asus ROG Phone series, as well as the latest iPhone and Samsung Galaxy smartphones that can also handle demanding mobile games. Ayaneo will launch Pocket Play on Kickstarter Coming soon, but no pricing details have been revealed yet.