The buttons and D-pad here are pleasantly soft, with a spongy feel reminiscent of theNintendo 2DS.
GBA games run perfectly and look sublimely crisp.
This even includes more demanding titles that skirted with 3D visuals, like the open-world crime caperDriver 3.
This is also the story with native Android gaming.
Its also hard to ignore the quality of the speakers which are pretty poor.
Ayaneo Pocket Micro: Price and availability
The Ayaneo Pocket Micro is currently only available viaIndieGogo.
Multiple colors are available for each version.
I tested an early production sample, but you wouldnt know it from the quality of the overall feel.
Its constructed using a CNC aluminum alloy frame, lending the outside of the tablet an incredibly robust feel.
The back of the tablet is plastic, which helps keep the weight at a manageable 8.21oz / 233g.
To the left of the screen, you will find the well-sized D-pad and left thumbstick.
On the right are the face buttons (in the traditional Nintendo layout) and the right thumbstick.
Both thumbsticks are very small but are still capable of more than enough motion for 3D gaming.
Underneath all of that, there are two sets of small rectangular buttons.
No microSD card is included, so you will need to source your own.
As you might expect, there is your usual USB-C port for charging on the bottom of the system.
In terms of overall features, the Ayaneo Pocket Micro is a fully-fledged Android tablet.
Ayaneo Pocket Micro: Performance
The Ayaneo Pocket Micro excels at Game Boy emulation.
Every GB, GBC, and GBA game that I tested ran perfectly.
Running at 4x the original Game Boy Advance resolution, the picture is incredibly crisp.
The screen is also bright enough to be used comfortably outdoors without any glare.
You will begin to encounter some performance issues if you attempt more intensive emulation, however.
This is definitely one to buy if youre most keen to play Game Boy games.
Unlike a conventional mobile phone, the Ayaneo Pocket Micro has an in-built fan for active air cooling.
It should comfortably last for the duration of a commute, where its pocketable nature really shines.
That said, the rectangular shape did start to dig into my palms when I attempted longer sessions.
There is one bigger problem with the Ayaneo Pocket Micro though: its speakers.
Theyre very poor, producing a weak, muddy sound that lacks any bass or real clarity.
In-game music sounds tinny and sometimes even a little crackly.
Headphones are an absolute must, which makes the lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack a real shame.
Should I buy the Ayaneo Pocket Micro?
They run flawlessly and look absolutely superb on the small 3:2 screen.
The physical controls are also a joy to use.
Also consider…
After a unit like the Ayaneo Pocket Micro?
Consider these two alternatives.
Modretro ChromaticThe Modretro Chromatic is capable of playing your favorite GB and GBC cartridges natively.
Its got excellent buttons, superb overall build quality, and a shape incredibly reminiscent of the original handheld.
It also benefits from a huge library of great exclusive games, plus a compact all-in-one design.
For audio, I relied on a pair ofBeats Solo Buds.
Read more about how we test
First reviewed January 2024.
