AYANEO Pocket S Mini Battery Controversy: Company Offers Compensation for Reduced Capacity
Chinese handheld gaming manufacturer AYANEO is once again under scrutiny, following a battery capacity discrepancy with its latest Android handheld, the AYANEO Pocket S Mini.
The issue comes just weeks after the company promised improvements to customer service and product quality in response to earlier criticisms relating to delivery delays and after-sales support. The AYANEO Pocket S Mini—an Android 14-powered, Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 handheld—was launched for pre-order at the end of January 2024.
Marketed as a compact gaming device with a 4:3 ratio LCD, Hall Effect joysticks and triggers, and storage options ranging from 128GB to 512GB, the Pocket S Mini targeted players seeking an alternative to established platforms like the Nintendo Switch.
Early bird prices started at $319 for the base model (8GB RAM, 128GB storage), with higher tiers available at $399 for 12GB/256GB and $479 for 16GB/512GB. However, AYANEO recently acknowledged that the Pocket S Mini was advertised with a 6000mAh battery, but due to what the company described as a 'supply chain communication error,' the final product was equipped with a 4700mAh cell instead.
This reduction in battery size falls short of original specifications provided to customers at launch. In a statement to impacted users, AYANEO took responsibility for the error, expressing regret and outlining two compensation options for those who pre-ordered the device.
Pre-order customers can either receive a complimentary AYANEO Pocket AIR Mini (2GB RAM, 32GB storage)—a separate Android-based handheld with a standard retail value of $89.99—alongside their Pocket S Mini, or request a full refund with an added $20 USD coupon redeemable on the AYANEO online store.
This offer applies to all orders placed before February 3, 2024. The company hopes these measures will help rebuild trust with its consumer base and demonstrate a renewed commitment to transparency and customer satisfaction.
The situation highlights the challenges of hardware manufacturing and supply chain management, an area where even established companies can encounter setbacks. The AYANEO Pocket S Mini’s battery mix-up comes at a critical time for the rapidly evolving handheld gaming market, where devices like the Nintendo Switch continue to set industry standards for reliability and user expectations.
As AYANEO navigates these challenges, the company’s ability to respond promptly and effectively will be key to securing its position within the competitive landscape of portable gaming hardware.
The issue comes just weeks after the company promised improvements to customer service and product quality in response to earlier criticisms relating to delivery delays and after-sales support. The AYANEO Pocket S Mini—an Android 14-powered, Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 handheld—was launched for pre-order at the end of January 2024.
Marketed as a compact gaming device with a 4:3 ratio LCD, Hall Effect joysticks and triggers, and storage options ranging from 128GB to 512GB, the Pocket S Mini targeted players seeking an alternative to established platforms like the Nintendo Switch.
Early bird prices started at $319 for the base model (8GB RAM, 128GB storage), with higher tiers available at $399 for 12GB/256GB and $479 for 16GB/512GB. However, AYANEO recently acknowledged that the Pocket S Mini was advertised with a 6000mAh battery, but due to what the company described as a 'supply chain communication error,' the final product was equipped with a 4700mAh cell instead.
This reduction in battery size falls short of original specifications provided to customers at launch. In a statement to impacted users, AYANEO took responsibility for the error, expressing regret and outlining two compensation options for those who pre-ordered the device.
Pre-order customers can either receive a complimentary AYANEO Pocket AIR Mini (2GB RAM, 32GB storage)—a separate Android-based handheld with a standard retail value of $89.99—alongside their Pocket S Mini, or request a full refund with an added $20 USD coupon redeemable on the AYANEO online store.
This offer applies to all orders placed before February 3, 2024. The company hopes these measures will help rebuild trust with its consumer base and demonstrate a renewed commitment to transparency and customer satisfaction.
The situation highlights the challenges of hardware manufacturing and supply chain management, an area where even established companies can encounter setbacks. The AYANEO Pocket S Mini’s battery mix-up comes at a critical time for the rapidly evolving handheld gaming market, where devices like the Nintendo Switch continue to set industry standards for reliability and user expectations.
As AYANEO navigates these challenges, the company’s ability to respond promptly and effectively will be key to securing its position within the competitive landscape of portable gaming hardware.
