Ayaneo Pocket VERT: vertical Android handheld with retro flair

Ayaneo has unveiled the Pocket VERT, a vertical handheld inspired by classic retro devices. The company is clearly courting collectors and enthusiasts who care as much about design as they do about performance.

The device was officially shown on December 27, 2025, with Ayaneo’s CEO introducing it during a livestream and emphasizing that Pocket VERT is meant to be more than a gadget—a design object with character. The console features a unibody metal shell crafted via CNC with a glass front panel. It comes in three colors: Eternal Night Black, Lunar White, and Lava Red. Measuring 86.4 × 143 × 20.5 mm, it stays compact yet feels substantial and sturdy, underscoring its premium positioning.

The Pocket VERT uses a 3.5-inch LCD display with a 1600×1440 resolution and 615 ppi. The screen suits both pixel-era classics and modern Android titles, delivering sharp detail and saturated colors with brightness up to 450 nits.

Ayaneo leaned into a distinctive control layout: transparent, unmarked buttons with soft tactile feedback, a classic D-pad, diamond-shaped triggers, a customizable MagicTouch panel, and a MagicSwitch wheel for quick access to functions. Programmable buttons and hidden controls round out the setup, hinting at a device tuned for flexibility across genres.

Inside is the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 built on a 4 nm process, paired with active cooling to maintain stable performance even in demanding games.

The Pocket VERT carries a 6000 mAh battery designed for long sessions, with power management aimed at balancing speed and efficiency. Stereo speakers promise rich, spacious sound for both retro and contemporary releases. A fingerprint reader integrated into the power button offers quick, secure access. Connectivity includes a full-featured USB-C port, a headphone jack, and a microSD card slot, making the device versatile for gaming and multimedia alike.

The console runs Android with Ayaneo’s AYASpace interface. Users get a unified game library, deep UI customization, performance controls, button mapping and profiles, plus intelligent translation and system tools. Official accessories include leather cases, silicone protection, stands, and screen protectors—choices that reinforce its collectible appeal.

Ayaneo’s Pocket VERT comes across as more than a portable console: it blends retro sensibility with modern hardware muscle. It targets those who value style, individuality, and the simple pleasure of play as much as raw specs.