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Android Authority
4 days ago
- Android Authority
The AYANEO Pocket S2 is the most powerful Android handheld I've ever tested, but is it the best?
AYANEO Pocket S2 The Pocket S2 is the most powerful Android gaming handheld you can buy, with a massive battery to boot. Only small sticks and a non-OLED screen keep it from achieving absolute perfection, if you can afford it. When it comes to truly premium Android gaming handhelds, AYANEO practically owns the market. Its devices are admitedly niche compared to the likes of Retroid and ANBERNIC, but they offer premium devices with performance that blows away the competition. So when it was announced that the Pocket S2 would be one of the first devies to get the Qualcomm's new handheld-focused G series chips, I was immediately intrigued. Could this be the first of a new generation of ultra powerful Android gaming handhelds? After a week of testing, I'm confident that the answer is yes. Does that mean you should actually buy it? That's still up for debate. Sleek and slender Before I get to the chipset, let's talk about the design of the AYANEO Pocket S2. At first glance, the all glass front and flat form-factor make it look an awful lot like a phone, which doesn't sound like good news for ergonomics. But I'm happy to say that it actually feels great to hold. The aluminum frame is perfectly curved and smooth, with the plastic back providing a little extra grip for your fingers. It uses the same flat design philosophy as the Nintendo Switch, but with a more premium build. Nick Fernandez / Android Authority The other thing that makes it comfortable to hold are the stacked triggers. Like the Nintendo Switch, they flare out from the back, and provide a nice little ledge to rest your fingers on. They're much more pronounced than the triggers on my OG Switch, and the triggers themselves have a nice, grippy texture. The Pocket S2 is more comfortable to hold than a Switch, with a premium feel. Unlike the Switch, the rest of the controls are also great. The buttons offer a satisfying amount of resistance, although I did find them a bit on the small side. The sticks are also on the smaller side and I'd highly recommend picking up bigger stick caps or replacing the sticks altogether if you're going to play FPS games. They pop right off, so it's a quick fix. Size aside, they are high-end TMR electromagnetic sticks. This technology is essentially the successor to Hall effect sticks, providing many of the same benefits but with better precision, resolution, and battery efficiency. I'm sure these will never drift as badly as my Switch sticks do, even after replacing them once. Nick Fernandez / Android Authority The D-pad, on the other hand, is perfect. It's an absolute joy to use, and if you swing for the Pocket S2 Pro, it comes with a second, shield-style alternative. There's a small tool to pluck out the D-pad to install the other one, and it's just as easy as swapping the keys on a mechanical keyboard. It's completely unnecessary and no one else does it, but it does spark joy. Speaking of sparking joy, the Pocket S2 marks the return of a fan favorite feature: a headphone jack. I'm glad AYANEO decided to listen to the fans on this one, because it doesn't make much sense to omit them on gaming handhelds. On phones you can argue it helps with water resistance, but I'm not taking the Pocket S2 anywhere close to the pool, no matter how hot it gets this summer. Nick Fernandez / Android Authority My only complaint, other than the smaller sticks, is the screen. It's a gorgeous, 6.3-inch 1440p IPS display with great colors and brightness, but at this price, it feels like it should be more. Don't get me wrong, I love gaming on this screen, but OLED should be the standard here. Or at the very least, a 120hz refresh-rate to enable black frame insertion on retro titles. That's available on cheaper devices like the Odin 2 Portal or even the ANBERNIC RG 477M. The screen is the only component that isn't top-spec. Still, the whole package looks and feels premium. It's also relatively light for the size, weighing in at 440g. That's very similar to the Odin 2 Portal (430g) and significantly less than something like the Steam Deck OLED, which weighs a whopping 640g. Obviously the Steam Deck is a different class of device, but there's a reason I'm comparing them, and it's because the Pocket S2 packs way more power than any other Android handheld released until now. Unmatched power Nick Fernandez / Android Authority I ran the Pocket S2 through our standard suite of benchmarks, and it confirmed what I already knew: this thing is a beast. Let's compare the scores to other popular handhelds, including the AYANEO Pocket ACE (Snapdragon G3 Gen 2), AYN Odin 2 Portal (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2), ONEXSUGAR SUGAR 1 (also the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3), and the Retroid Pocket Flip 2 (Snapdragon 865). In terms of multi-core CPU performance, we're looking at a more than 25% increase over the previous leader, the AYN Odin 2 Portal. It even outperforms the SUGAR 1, which has the same chipset. That device has two screens and a less-than-ideal cooling setup, but it could also be chalked up to AYANEO's years of experience with Android handhelds. Nick Fernandez / Android Authority Moving on to GPU performance, we see even more drastic results. The Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 is essentially a gaming-oriented Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, so it makes sense that it outperforms the competition. Still, I wasn't expecting the delta to be so large. It scored 20% higher than the Pocket ACE, and more than 40% higher than the Odin 2 Portal. Needless to say, the Retroid Pocket Flip 2's older chipset is completely outclassed here. It isn't easy to see in the graphs, but the G3 Gen 3 on the Pocket S2 also made gains in terms of sustained performance. These tests rate devices for stability, essentially comparing the best and worst results after 20 runs, and the G3 Gen 3 scored roughly 91%. That's up from 85% on its predecessor, but still less than the 99% on mainline chips. Temperatures were also well within control, peaking at just 42 degrees celcius. Compared to 46 degrees on the Pocket ACE, that's remarkably cool. Those temperatures are also focused in the center of the device, so I never felt any heat on my hands while holding it. In other words, it's the new most powerful Android gaming handheld on the market by a heathly margin when looking at the raw data. But how does it perform in Android games and emulators? Spoiler: also great. Nick Fernandez / Android Authority This thing ran literally everything I could throw at it. Obviously retro games play like a dream, even with very heavy shaders. Revisiting some of my favorite retro titles with the CRT-Royale shader is an incredible experience, even with the black bars on the sides. PS2 with widescreen hacks also ran at 3X resolution without breaking a sweat. When it comes to more modern stuff, it still gets the job done. I was actually surprised how well Nintendo Switch emulation worked on this device. Nearly every game was playable, including some titles that don't work on the previous generation of powerful handhelds. It's still not perfect and games still play better on original hardware, but this is the first time that I wouldn't mind playing through an entire Switch game on non-Switch hardware. Nick Fernandez / Android Authority For these kinds of emulators, it all really comes down to drivers. When the Snapdragon G3 Gen 2 debuted on the Pocket EVO and DMG, it was a major issue, even with Android games. Now, it's a total non-issue. You can spoof other devices in settings, but I doubt you'll ever need to. AYANEO announced that it's working closely with Qualcomm on drivers starting with this release, and it really shows here. The company also sent test devices (including the Pocket S2) to the developers behind the Nintendo Switch emulator Eden, which might explain why it works so well right out of the box. The Pocket S2 is the most powerful Android handheld on the market. I'll also note that this chipset is great for game streaming, with WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 supported. However, the smaller sticks on the Pocket S2 made it a little uncomfortable to play modern PC games, so I wouldn't necessarily recommend it for that. There are cheaper devices with larger sticks that perform every bit as well. Another big selling point for the Pocket S2 is battery life. The standard model comes with a massive 8,000mAh battery, while the Pro model ups that to 10,000mAh. That was enough for well over five hours of intense gaming, or more than a dozen in lighter retro titles. Charging is also speedy, jumping from 20% to 90% in about 75 minutes. The 60W max charging speeds I tested are exclusive to the Pro model, however, with the standard maxing out at 40W. Even so, you won't need to spend much time tethered to a charger with the Pocket S2. AYANEO Pocket S2 Pro review: Should you buy it? Nick Fernandez / Android Authority AYANEO Pocket S2: 8/128GB: $499 ($439 early bird) 12/256GB: $559 ($499 early bird) AYANEO Pocket S2 Pro: 16/512GB: $619 ($559 early bird) 16GB/1TB: $719 ($659 early bird) While I was very impressed throughout my testing period with this device, the events of the past week have made it considerably harder to recommend. Don't get me wrong, it's a fantastic device and you will probably love it if you decide to buy it, but the premium price tag is tough to stomach, especially when AYANEO itself is releasing compelling alternatives. The standard version of the AYANEO Pocket S2 comes with 8-12GB of RAM and 128-256GB of internal storage. The Pro model bumps that up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB-1TB of storage, plus a larger battery and a swappable D-pad. Personally, I think the lowest tier of the Pro model is the best value, since you'll be able to play everything at the highest quality. That said, it will run you $559 during the crowdfunding campaign, and $619 retail. That's well into Windows handheld territory in terms of pricing. The problem is that unless you absolutely need the maximum amount of power, there are plenty of devices that cost a lot less or have more interesting designs. Just this week AYANEO announced the dual-screened Pocket DS, which has the previous G3 Gen 2 but pairs it with a massive 7-inch 165Hz OLED panel and a 5-inch LCD panel on the bottom. That makes it an extremely unique handheld, and although full pricing hasn't been revealed, we already know it's going to be cheaper than the Pocket 2S. Unless you want maximum power, there are compelling alternatives, even from AYANEO. It also announced a sub-brand called KONKR, and its first device, the Pocket FIT, looks like a solid alternative to the Pocket S2. It has a 6-inch 144Hz LCD display, and it's powered by the the same G3 Gen 3 as the Pocket S2. That means you can get the same incredible performance for what will surely over a hundred dollars less, although there will be other tradeoffs in build quality. Neither of those products have launched yet, so you won't be able to get your hands on them until fall or winter. We also don't have all of the details yet, so there may be downsides that make the Pocket S2 look more attractive in hindsight. Outside of AYANEO's offerings, you've got reliable devices like the AYN Odin 2 Portal ($329 at Manufacturer site). You're trading the extra power of the newer chipset for a 120Hz AMOLED display, albeit at 1080p instead of 1440p. That device has been available for more than six months now, so you can find it for $200 less than the Pocket S2. That said, if you do want power, the AYANEO Pocket S2 is the most powerful Android gaming handheld you can get right now. This device is at the absolute bleeding edge of performance, and if you can't wait for other devices to catch up, your best bet is to buy one before the crowdfunding campaign ends in mid-August. AYANEO Pocket S2 AYANEO Pocket S2 Incredible performance • Beautiful screen • Premium build MSRP: $499.00 The most powerful Android gaming handheld ever The Pocket S2 is the first of the next generation of ultra-powerful Android gaming handhelds. See price at Manufacturer site Follow
Phone Arena
29-07-2025
- Phone Arena
This Android gaming handheld looks like a modern Nintendo 3DS, but will it be as good?
Ayaneo is stepping into uncharted territory with what could be one of the boldest Android gaming devices of the year. The company has officially unveiled the AYANEO Pocket DS, a dual-screen clamshell handheld running Android. This marks the first time we've seen a device with this form factor on Android, and from the early preview, it's shaping up to be a serious throwback to Nintendo's iconic dual-screen handhelds — with a modern twist. Shown during a livestream event, the Pocket DS features a top screen that appears to be a standard 16:9 display, likely around 6.7 inches, while the bottom screen looks slightly smaller and more square-shaped to leave room for physical controls. The lower panel also displayed a custom Android interface, which suggests Ayaneo is building its own software layer to handle the dual-screen layout — a key challenge for Android, which isn't built natively for two-screen gameplay. To accommodate its foldable form factor, the Pocket DS includes recessed thumbsticks and curved grips on the back for better ergonomics. It's still unclear what chipset powers the device, or how Ayaneo plans to optimize performance across both displays, but we should know more during the company's next livestream scheduled for tomorrow. The Pocket DS is also slated to appear at Qualcomm's ChinaJoy 2025 booth, which could hint at a Snapdragon processor inside. Historically, Android gaming handhelds like the Retroid Pocket 4 and Anbernic RG series have focused on horizontal layouts with a single screen. The Pocket DS is trying something far less conventional. While other companies like SUGAR have experimented with quirky dual-screen designs, this is the first to take the classic Nintendo DS concept and pair it with Android in a consumer-ready package. Ayaneo also teased several other upcoming products, including a vertical Game Boy-style handheld and a chunky 8.3-inch Gaming Pad tablet. But while those devices are intriguing, the Pocket DS clearly took center stage. If done right, it could fill a gap that has long been open since Nintendo retired the 3DS line — especially for fans seeking touchscreen-native DS and 3DS emulation. As always, success will depend on software support, pricing, and thermal performance. Ayaneo has a reputation for high-end hardware, but not always at budget-friendly prices. Still, if this new Pocket DS can deliver both functionality and nostalgia, it could be the next cult classic in the Android gaming space.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Yahoo
Feel Old Yet? You Can Now Emulate PS3 Games on Android Phones
PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing. Do you reminisce about games like The Last of Us, God of War III or Uncharted 2? An ad-free PS3 emulator for Android, called aPS3e, is now available on the Google Play Store. The good news is it's free, though there's a $5 paid version if you'd like to support the developer, which doesn't give you any extra features. The bad news: it's pretty unlikely you'll be able to revisit your PS3 favorites on a 5-year-old Android smartphone. You'll need to meet sky-high performance requirements to run the most popular PS3 games, well out of reach for average smartphone users. The developer recommends an absolute bare minimum of 6GB of RAM, with 8GB recommended. You'll also need to be running Android 7 and up and have a high-end chip like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1+. So, there's a good chance you'll need a relatively high-end device like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra or the gaming-focused Asus ROG Phone 9 to get it to work optimally. Users on Reddit are also reporting slow load times and plenty of bugs, though that's fairly understandable given how ambitious the project is. Previous interviews with developers from the project have noted how the PS3's unique software architecture has made emulation, particularly on Android, a difficult task. But these requirements don't seem to be putting off gamers, it has clocked up over 50,000 downloads since launching just a few days ago. Enthusiasts have been releasing PS3 emulators since the early 2010s, though this is the first time something like this has appeared for smartphones. The app comes from a little-known Chinese developer called Aenu and is based on the RPCS3 source code, originally developed for the most popular PS3 emulator for desktop computers.
Phone Arena
18-06-2025
- Business
- Phone Arena
This Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 bargain makes high-end Android gaming more affordable
The Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 is $100 off $449 99 $549 99 $100 off (18%) Now's your chance to make your mobile Android gaming experience more affordable. The official Lenovo Store has launched another stunning $100 discount on this high-end gaming companion, making it an excellent pick for just about any gaming fanatic. Buy at Lenovo Receive the latest mobile news Subscribe By subscribing you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy Grab Surfshark VPN now at more than 50% off and with 3 extra months for free! Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Check Out The Offer Looking for the perfect gaming tablet? The Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 might be just what you need. Featuring a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and an ultra-smooth 165Hz refresh rate, this Android tablet crushes any app you throw at it. Plus, while its standard $549.99 asking price may put off some users, the model is currently $100 off at you, this is a rare promo we haven't seen in about a month. Not only that, but the sale is exclusively available at the Lenovo Store right now, making it even sweeter. So, if you want to enhance your mobile gaming experience without paying full price, now's the time to Lenovo tablet packs some pretty solid specs, too. For instance, you get UFS 4.0 storage, Ray Tracing support, and 12GB LPDDR5X RAM. Also, the slate boasts an advanced cooling system, ensuring it remains responsive and cool during gaming 8.8-inch display is another standout feature. This buddy features PureSight screen technology and a 16:10 aspect ratio, providing optimized color accuracy and sharp visuals. And then, there's the 165Hz refresh rate to make movie watching and games incredibly of that can now be yours for just $449.99—the same price as the Galaxy Tab S10 FE . That one, mind you, has a significantly less impressive Exynos 1580 chip and a 90Hz 10.9-inch display, which makes it less ideal for mobile the 8.8-inch display may not be everyone's cup of tea. But let's be honest: there aren't many alternatives that offer the same visual experience and gaming potential. So, if you're after a high-quality mobile gaming companion that doesn't cost an arm and a leg, the Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 might just be the one for you. Get yours at the official store and save $100.
Android Authority
17-06-2025
- Android Authority
PS2 emulation on Android just got a big update, but be careful which version you install
Robert Triggs / Android Authority TL;DR PS2 emulator NetherSX2 dropped its first major update of the year. There are two versions, Classic (3668) and standard (4248), with performance differences. Both versions have an updated GameDB conversion script for improved performance. PS2 emulation on Android has been advancing slowly since AetherSX2 shuttered its doors, but things have been picking up once again now that developer Trixarian has been actively improving the NetherSX2 fork. The first big update of the year dropped earlier today, and if you can navigate the confusing two-pronged release, it offers significant upgrades. Version 2.0 of NetherSX2 (build 4248) has several significant changes in appearance and performance. Starting with the former, it has a completely revamped touch control scheme, with more buttons across the top for rewind, save states, macros, and more. Check out the screenshot below for a preview. Nick Fernandez / Android Authority In terms of performance, the conversion script for GameDB has been updated, which should improve performance for many games. It now uses the latest settings and fixes from the main PCSX2 emulator, swapping in a few Android-specific overrides for better compatibility. The result should give the best of both worlds: excellent stability and improved performance. There are a few other minor changes, such as updated widescreen and no-interlacing patches, improved Russian translations, and larger covers on the main game list. However, the patch notes list that NASCAR and Colin McRae Rally games have graphical issues, and there may be issues with older Mali devices when using the Vulkan renderer. NetherSX2 Classic is based on an older build, and may perform better on certain devices. That's where the second version, NetherSX2 Classic (build 3668) comes in. The Classic version is based on an older, more stable version of AetherSX2, and may offer better support for certain games on certain devices. It has also been updated to version 2.0, with the same list of upgrades. Unfortunately, you cannot have both versions of NetherSX2 installed on the same device. Additionally, save states are not compatible between standard and Classic, so make sure you create hard saves before switching from one to the other. For most modern devices, you're better off starting with the standard release and switching to Classic if you're having issues. Check out the patch notes and find download links for NetherSX2 2.0 and NetherSX2 Classic 2.0 on their official GitHub pages. Note that you must provide your own, legally acquired BIOS and ROMs. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
