Ayaneo Pocket Block Leak Reveals a New Vertical Android Handheld That Could Be More Affordable
Ayaneo may be preparing to add another device to its growing handheld gaming lineup, and this time the focus appears to be on a vertical, pocket-friendly Android gaming handheld. The device is expected to launch as the Ayaneo Pocket Block, and early images along with details from a user manual suggest it could be positioned as a more affordable alternative to the Ayaneo Pocket Vert.
The company has been quiet on new product announcements for the past few months, which is not too surprising since some previously revealed devices have yet to begin shipping. Even so, fresh evidence indicates Ayaneo has continued developing new hardware behind the scenes. The latest discovery points to a compact vertical handheld designed for retro gaming, Android gaming, and portable emulation fans.
The upcoming Ayaneo Pocket Block appears to follow a more practical design approach than the premium-looking Pocket Vert. While the Pocket Vert uses a more glass-heavy body, the Pocket Block seems to rely mostly on plastic for its shell and buttons. That change could help reduce production costs, making the device more accessible to gamers looking for an Ayaneo handheld without paying a premium price.
One interesting detail is that some leaked renders show the device with the name “Bitwave” instead of Pocket Block. This may simply be an internal codename, as Ayaneo commonly uses the “Pocket” branding for its smaller Android handhelds. Until the company officially announces the device, the final retail name remains unconfirmed.
In terms of design, the Ayaneo Pocket Block has a classic vertical handheld layout. The display sits at the top, while the main controls are placed below it. Under the screen is a triple-slit grille that the manual identifies as the microphone area. Nearby is the AYA button, used for Ayaneo’s interface controls, and a power indicator LED sits toward the right side.
Unlike the Pocket Vert, which uses unmarked action buttons, the Pocket Block features clearly labeled ABXY buttons. These buttons are surrounded by a pill-shaped outline that gives the device a retro-inspired look, similar to classic console controllers. The D-pad also appears large and comfortable, which could make the handheld especially appealing for platformers, fighting games, and retro titles that rely on precise directional input.
Below the D-pad are three larger pill-shaped buttons. Two are labeled Start and Select, while the third carries an “=” symbol. Since the handheld is expected to run Android, this button may function as an overview, menu, or options key, though its exact purpose has not yet been confirmed.
The side layout also reveals a practical control setup. The power button and volume rocker are positioned on the right side of the handheld. On the left side, there are two customizable buttons along with a microSD card slot, giving users room to expand storage for games, media, and apps.
The rear of the Ayaneo Pocket Block includes a grille behind the display area, likely used for heat dissipation. This suggests Ayaneo is paying attention to thermal management, even in a smaller vertical form factor. The shoulder buttons are placed near the top, where fingers would naturally rest while holding the device, which should help improve comfort during longer gaming sessions.
At the bottom, the handheld includes speaker grilles on both sides of the USB-C port and headphone jack. This is a welcome layout for users who prefer wired audio, especially for gaming with minimal latency. The dual-speaker placement should also help create a better audio experience when playing without headphones.
At the moment, technical specifications for the Ayaneo Pocket Block have not been revealed. Details such as the processor, RAM, storage options, battery capacity, screen size, refresh rate, and pricing are still unknown. However, the visible design choices suggest Ayaneo may be aiming for a lower-cost Android gaming handheld that still keeps the brand’s signature portable gaming focus.
If the Ayaneo Pocket Block does arrive as a cheaper alternative to the Pocket Vert, it could become an attractive option for players who want a compact vertical handheld for retro games, cloud gaming, Android titles, and emulation. With its classic layout, expandable storage, headphone jack, and likely lower price point, the device has the potential to appeal to a wide range of handheld gaming fans.
For now, Ayaneo has not officially announced the Pocket Block, but the leaked manual and renders suggest the device may be close to a public reveal. More details on specifications, launch timing, and pricing are expected to surface soon.
