AYANEO’s KONKR Pocket Advance has drawn renewed attention — and criticism — after the maker announced two additional colourways after pre-orders opened.
The Android-based, Game Boy Advance–inspired handheld was first revealed in July, and AYANEO began taking pre-orders late last month.
During a recent company update, CEO Arthur Zhang confirmed the device has already sold 15,000 units.
What was announced
AYANEO unveiled a Peach Pink edition and a transparent black “Onyx Ice” variant in separate promotional sessions.
The Onyx Ice model is listed for pre-order on AYANEO’s website, with the base 3GB + 32GB configuration starting at $109.
GamesRadar reported the Onyx Ice reveal, and community discussions followed on platforms including X (formerly Twitter) and the SBCGaming subreddit.
Customer reaction and order management
Many customers who pre-ordered prior to the new reveals expressed frustration online.
Several users argued that announcing additional colour options after sales began disadvantaged early buyers; one prominent complaint characterized the situation as AYANEO effectively punishing customers who committed to pre-orders before all colour options were disclosed.
On Reddit, community members described the staggered reveals as a poor practice that did not give purchasers a fair opportunity to choose from the full range of colours.
AYANEO’s position
AYANEO has said that, due to the device’s high order volume, it is not permitting direct modifications to existing pre-orders.
The company’s current process requires customers who want a different colour to request a refund for their original order and then place a new order for the preferred variant once refunds are processed.
Context and relevance
The KONKR Pocket Advance is part of AYANEO’s broader push into handheld hardware that blends retro-inspired design with Android software.
As a commercial milestone, the company’s reported 15,000-unit sales figure was disclosed publicly by CEO Arthur Zhang during a company “sharing session.”
What to watch
For buyers, the immediate practical details are clear: Onyx Ice and Peach Pink are active pre-order options on AYANEO’s storefront, and the company’s current order-modification policy requires refunds and re-orders.
For the wider market, how AYANEO handles order changes and customer communications may influence consumer trust as the company rolls out this and future handheld products.
Have you pre-ordered a KONKR Pocket Advance or changed your order after the new colourway announcements?
Share your experience on social channels and retailer comment sections.
The Android-based, Game Boy Advance–inspired handheld was first revealed in July, and AYANEO began taking pre-orders late last month.
During a recent company update, CEO Arthur Zhang confirmed the device has already sold 15,000 units.
What was announced
AYANEO unveiled a Peach Pink edition and a transparent black “Onyx Ice” variant in separate promotional sessions.
The Onyx Ice model is listed for pre-order on AYANEO’s website, with the base 3GB + 32GB configuration starting at $109.
GamesRadar reported the Onyx Ice reveal, and community discussions followed on platforms including X (formerly Twitter) and the SBCGaming subreddit.
Customer reaction and order management
Many customers who pre-ordered prior to the new reveals expressed frustration online.
Several users argued that announcing additional colour options after sales began disadvantaged early buyers; one prominent complaint characterized the situation as AYANEO effectively punishing customers who committed to pre-orders before all colour options were disclosed.
On Reddit, community members described the staggered reveals as a poor practice that did not give purchasers a fair opportunity to choose from the full range of colours.
AYANEO’s position
AYANEO has said that, due to the device’s high order volume, it is not permitting direct modifications to existing pre-orders.
The company’s current process requires customers who want a different colour to request a refund for their original order and then place a new order for the preferred variant once refunds are processed.
Context and relevance
The KONKR Pocket Advance is part of AYANEO’s broader push into handheld hardware that blends retro-inspired design with Android software.
As a commercial milestone, the company’s reported 15,000-unit sales figure was disclosed publicly by CEO Arthur Zhang during a company “sharing session.”
What to watch
For buyers, the immediate practical details are clear: Onyx Ice and Peach Pink are active pre-order options on AYANEO’s storefront, and the company’s current order-modification policy requires refunds and re-orders.
For the wider market, how AYANEO handles order changes and customer communications may influence consumer trust as the company rolls out this and future handheld products.
Have you pre-ordered a KONKR Pocket Advance or changed your order after the new colourway announcements?
Share your experience on social channels and retailer comment sections.
