AYANEO Pocket Micro Classic arrives at $179, removes analogue sticks
AYANEO this week announced the Pocket Micro Classic, a refreshed version of its compact Android handheld.
Revealed March 5, 2025, the Pocket Micro Classic follows the original Pocket Micro and retains the device’s Game Boy Micro-inspired form factor while making a notable hardware change: the new model removes the dual analogue sticks and debuts at a reduced price of $179 — $20 less than the original release.
Design and input changes
The clearest hardware revision in the Pocket Micro Classic is the removal of the dual analogue sticks.
AYANEO’s move simplifies the control layout and helps the company position the Classic as a more affordable entry in its lineup.
AYANEO is known for premium-feeling handhelds and historically higher price points; the $179 launch makes the Pocket Micro Classic the most budget-friendly device the company has released to date.
Performance and internals
Both the original Pocket Micro and the Pocket Micro Classic are powered by the MediaTek Helio G99 chipset and run Android, preserving the platform’s emphasis on emulation and mobile Android titles.
In our 2024 review of the original Pocket Micro we noted that the Helio G99 handled emulation up through the Dreamcast era reliably, while more demanding systems could outpace the chipset.
We also observed that the device’s slim profile and premium build helped offset its performance limits, making it an attractive option for users seeking a compact emulation-focused Android handheld that can also run AAA mobile games.
Market context and platform notes
AYANEO’s Pocket Micro Classic targets a different segment than Nintendo’s hardware.
Unlike the Nintendo Switch ecosystem, which uses Nintendo’s proprietary software and operates through the eShop and news cycles like Nintendo Direct, the Pocket Micro Classic runs Android and caters to those prioritising a wide range of emulation and Android-native titles.
Availability and final notes
AYANEO released the Pocket Micro Classic with a $179 price tag on March 5, 2025, positioning it as a lower-cost alternative to the original Pocket Micro.
The device retains the original’s aesthetic influences from the Game Boy Micro and continues AYANEO’s focus on compact, design-forward handhelds running Android.
AYANEO this week announced the Pocket Micro Classic, a refreshed version of its compact Android handheld.
Revealed March 5, 2025, the Pocket Micro Classic follows the original Pocket Micro and retains the device’s Game Boy Micro-inspired form factor while making a notable hardware change: the new model removes the dual analogue sticks and debuts at a reduced price of $179 — $20 less than the original release.
Design and input changes
The clearest hardware revision in the Pocket Micro Classic is the removal of the dual analogue sticks.
AYANEO’s move simplifies the control layout and helps the company position the Classic as a more affordable entry in its lineup.
AYANEO is known for premium-feeling handhelds and historically higher price points; the $179 launch makes the Pocket Micro Classic the most budget-friendly device the company has released to date.
Performance and internals
Both the original Pocket Micro and the Pocket Micro Classic are powered by the MediaTek Helio G99 chipset and run Android, preserving the platform’s emphasis on emulation and mobile Android titles.
In our 2024 review of the original Pocket Micro we noted that the Helio G99 handled emulation up through the Dreamcast era reliably, while more demanding systems could outpace the chipset.
We also observed that the device’s slim profile and premium build helped offset its performance limits, making it an attractive option for users seeking a compact emulation-focused Android handheld that can also run AAA mobile games.
Market context and platform notes
AYANEO’s Pocket Micro Classic targets a different segment than Nintendo’s hardware.
Unlike the Nintendo Switch ecosystem, which uses Nintendo’s proprietary software and operates through the eShop and news cycles like Nintendo Direct, the Pocket Micro Classic runs Android and caters to those prioritising a wide range of emulation and Android-native titles.
Availability and final notes
AYANEO released the Pocket Micro Classic with a $179 price tag on March 5, 2025, positioning it as a lower-cost alternative to the original Pocket Micro.
The device retains the original’s aesthetic influences from the Game Boy Micro and continues AYANEO’s focus on compact, design-forward handhelds running Android.
