The Ayaneo 3 Gaming Handheld: A Revolutionary Console with Up to 56 Customizable Control Configurations

Since Christmas Eve, Ayaneo has been steadily sharing more details about its upcoming Ayaneo 3 handheld. One of the most exciting announcements is the inclusion of swappable control modules. This feature brings a new level of customization for handheld gaming, a concept that, until now, was largely seen in controllers like the Victrix Pro BFG. Bringing this kind of innovation to handhelds is certainly a game-changer, especially with the incorporation of durable hall-effect sensors in the analog sticks and triggers.

To give fans a closer look, Ayaneo has posted updates on both Twitter and Discord, along with a video showcasing different angles of the device and its versatile control modules. Back in November, we learned that the Ayaneo 3 would be available with Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 or Ryzen 7 8840U configurations. However, details like pricing or further technical specs, besides the APU and screen options (LCD and OLED), are still under wraps. We expect more information to drop around the official launch in late January 2025.

What’s particularly impressive about the Ayaneo 3 is the extent of its adaptability. Not only are the control modules swappable, but they can also be inverted as needed, and you can even switch out individual buttons. This flexibility means the Ayaneo 3 can be tailored for virtually any game type, fitting well with genres that utilize a controller. Fighting game enthusiasts, such as fans of Street Fighter or retro Sega console games, will likely appreciate the six-face-button module. Meanwhile, modules with a touchpad are perfect for more desktop-oriented gaming, especially with Steam Input.

Without knowing the price or other specifics, it’s hard to say if the Ayaneo 3 will be a must-have. Yet, its early features hint at a system that’s both adaptable and fairly budget-friendly, especially if you decide on the Ryzen 7 8840U with a 7-inch LCD screen instead of an OLED. Of course, whether this trade-off is worth it will depend on the final pricing. Nonetheless, it looks like the Ayaneo 3 will hold its own against next year’s premium handheld releases, thanks to its standout focus on customizable controls.