AYANEO Teases Pocket Play: A Modern Xperia Play Successor
The handheld maker has revealed its first smartphone, a slider with hidden physical controls aimed at retro gamers.
Handheld manufacturer AYANEO has just pulled back the curtain on its first foray into smartphones. The device, called the Pocket Play, is a modern reimagining of the classic Sony Xperia Play slider design, complete with hidden physical controls. The company teased the device on its official channels, positioning it as a spiritual successor to that iconic 2011 gaming phone.
It's a bold move. The Xperia Play, often dubbed the 'PlayStation Phone,' developed a cult following but never achieved mainstream success. AYANEO seems to be betting that today's mature Android emulation scene and a dedicated retro gaming audience can make the slider concept work where Sony couldn't. The Pocket Play aims to be a proper smartphone first, but one that transforms into a dedicated gaming handheld with a slide of its screen.
📱 Pocket Play Preview- Design: Modern slider with hidden controls- Key Features: D-pad, ABXY buttons, Smart Dual-Mode Touchpads- Target Release: 2026- Inspiration: Sony Xperia Play (2011)
What We Know So Far
Details are still light, but the core concept is clear. Sliding up the screen reveals a full set of physical controls: a D-pad, four face buttons (presumably ABXY layout), and what AYANEO is calling 'Smart Dual-Mode Touchpads.' These touchpads are intriguing-they could function as analogue stick replacements, mouse pointers for DOS games, or even as extra virtual buttons. It's a feature set that suggests serious emulation ambitions beyond just 16-bit consoles.
Credit: Ayaneo
The announcement places AYANEO directly into an increasingly crowded space of high-end Android handhelds. It joins devices like the recently announced Anbernic RG477V and the dual-boot Abxylute E1 in targeting gamers who want one device for everything from PS2 emulation to cloud streaming. The key differentiator for the Pocket Play is its integrated smartphone functionality. You wouldn't need to carry a phone and a handheld; this aims to be both.
Of course, the big questions remain unanswered. What chipset will it use? How will battery life balance phone duties with gaming? And crucially, what will it cost? A 2026 target release date gives AYANEO plenty of time to refine the hardware, but it also means the competitive landscape could shift dramatically by then.
The original Xperia Play is remembered fondly for its concept, let down by underpowered hardware and limited official support. AYANEO, with its experience in the Windows and Android handheld market, might just have the right recipe to finally deliver on that 13-year-old promise. If they get the specs, software, and price right, the Pocket Play could be a genuine game-changer. For now, it's a fascinating glimpse into a potential future where your gaming handheld is simply the phone in your pocket.
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