Particle.news
Download on the App Store

AYANEO Reveals Pocket Play, a Slider Android Phone With Built-In Gamepad

The company has withheld specs, pricing or dates pending a Kickstarter launch aimed at 2026 availability.

Overview

  • Pocket Play is AYANEO’s first smartphone and features a screen that slides up to expose a D‑pad, ABXY buttons, shoulder triggers and dual‑mode touchpads.
  • A Kickstarter campaign landing page is live, with AYANEO saying the full campaign will launch soon.
  • AYANEO has not disclosed technical specifications, pricing, or a firm release date for the device.
  • The design evokes Sony’s 2011 Xperia Play, positioning Pocket Play as a modern revival of a slide‑out gamepad phone.
  • Coverage highlights open questions about ergonomics with a taller display, the feel of touchpad-based joysticks, and certification and production timelines for broader availability.