Handheld Hardware / May 17, 2026
AYANEO Pocket Block leak points to a smaller Android retro handheld fight
A leaked manual suggests AYANEO may be preparing a compact vertical Android handheld called Pocket Block, aimed at the affordable retro market.
AYANEO may be preparing a smaller, more affordable Android retro handheld. RetroDodo reports that a leaked manual points to an unannounced device likely called AYANEO Pocket Block, a compact vertical handheld that appears aimed at the Miyoo Mini and Anbernic-style pocket market. The caveat is important: this is a leak, not an official AYANEO announcement, and the manual does not confirm specs, pricing or release timing. Still, the design clues are interesting.
The device appears to use a vertical layout, D-pad, face buttons, shoulder buttons, microSD slot, USB-C charging, headphone jack and Android-based setup. The risk is overbuilding it. A small vertical handheld without analogue sticks does not need too much power if it is mainly for retro systems. If AYANEO prices it sensibly, Pocket Block could be a strong pocketable rival; if it over-specs the hardware, the value argument gets messier.
