Ayaneo has released the Konkr Pocket Advance, a handheld device designed to recreate the aesthetic of the Game Boy Advance while running on Android 12. The device aims to bridge the gap between retro nostalgia and modern usability, offering a more accessible entry point into emulation for users accustomed to smartphone interfaces.
The hardware diverges from the original Nintendo design in several key areas. While the dimensions are close enough to fit existing Game Boy Advance cases, the Konkr Pocket Advance features eight additional buttons, including X and Y action buttons and four extra shoulder buttons. The build is all-plastic but includes a cooling fan for its MediaTek Helio G90T processor and a 4,000mAh battery. The device is available in two configurations: a $109 model with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, and a $129 model with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. Both versions support microSD card expansion.
A significant upgrade is the 3.5-inch LCD touchscreen with a glass cover, which displays at a 960x640 resolution. This allows Game Boy Advance titles, which originally ran at 240x160, to be scaled perfectly at 4x without distortion. However, the 3:2 aspect ratio means that emulating games from other systems may result in letterboxing or pillarboxing. The button feel is described as soft and quiet, requiring slightly harder presses than some users might expect, though this trade-off is noted for its lack of noise.
Unlike many similarly priced handhelds that run Linux distributions, the Konkr Pocket Advance runs Android 12. This choice simplifies software installation for users familiar with mobile ecosystems, allowing access to the Google Play Store and direct app installations. Ayaneo includes a custom launcher called AYASpace to facilitate emulator setup, but users can also install alternative launchers like Cannoli for a different user experience. The flexibility of the Android OS allows users to switch between launchers or install multiple applications.
Emulation performance is best suited for retro consoles. The seven-year-old processor can handle PlayStation 2 and GameCube titles, but offers smoother performance on PlayStation 1 and Sega Dreamcast games. The best experience is found with older systems like the Super Nintendo and Genesis. The lack of analog thumbsticks limits its ability to run more modern titles effectively. A quick settings menu allows users to boost performance at the cost of battery life for more intensive games.
The device also functions as a general Android tablet, supporting streaming services like Netflix, though some apps like Disney Plus have been reported to crash. Compared to the Anbernic RG34XX, which costs $69.99, the Konkr Pocket Advance is more expensive but offers a higher-resolution display and larger D-pad. The author notes that while the Anbernic device is cheaper, it has experienced intermittent D-pad responsiveness issues, making the Ayaneo device a more reliable option despite the $40 price difference.