Ayaneo is getting ready to enter the smartphone arena with the Pocket Play, a gaming-focused phone that takes clear inspiration from the classic Sony Xperia Play. Known primarily for its Android gaming handhelds, the company is positioning this device as its first true smartphone release, with a launch currently slated for 2026.
Newly shared details confirm the Ayaneo Pocket Play will feature a 6.8-inch OLED display with a 2400 x 1080 resolution. That screen size puts it in the same big-display category as other modern gaming phones, designed for longer play sessions, comfort with on-screen controls, and a more immersive view in fast-paced titles.
Where the Pocket Play aims to stand out is speed. Ayaneo says the display will run at a 165Hz refresh rate, a spec that’s firmly aimed at competitive gaming and smoother motion. A higher refresh rate can make supported games feel more responsive, and it also helps everyday scrolling and animations look notably smoother.
Alongside the screen specs, Ayaneo also teased a real-world look at the phone in use, revealing some design choices that drift away from the typical 2025 smartphone aesthetic. The Pocket Play appears to have thicker bezels at both the top and bottom, including a noticeably chunky “chin.” Interestingly, there’s no visible punch-hole camera in the display. Instead, Ayaneo seems to be using a thicker top bezel to house the front-facing camera and speaker. For some gamers, that could be a practical tradeoff, potentially reducing distractions on the display and avoiding cutouts that can interfere with full-screen gameplay.
Even though the Pocket Play isn’t expected to arrive until next year, Ayaneo has already set up a Kickstarter page for the device. The campaign isn’t live yet, but it’s expected to launch soon. Crowdfunding is a familiar route for Ayaneo, as the company has often used it to bring products to market and gauge demand from its community.
Ayaneo also has another gaming device in the pipeline: a gaming tablet called the Ayaneo Gaming Pad. However, the company hasn’t shared fresh information about that project recently, keeping attention firmly on the Pocket Play as its next big step into mobile gaming hardware.
With a large OLED panel, a 165Hz refresh rate, and a gaming-first approach that nods to a beloved sliding-control classic, the Ayaneo Pocket Play is shaping up to be one of the more unusual gaming smartphones to watch heading into 2026.
