If you are into over powered Gameboy DMG style handhelds [I’m guilty] then the KONKR Pocket Block might be for you.
Initially the Pocket Block was a leak but has since been confirmed by Ayaneo in a recent showcase. It appears the boxes have been printed so the handheld is in close to final form or even possibly production right now.
Specs
We don’t have official specs yet but there is a lot we can deduct from images alone.
The Pocket Block has a front firing speaker and 3.5mm jack for your audio needs. The speakers location is similar to the Gameboy which makes sense in the sorta futuristic clone.
The Block is getting its juice from a supported USB-C though its difficult to tell if this is also an OTG port. The port is however located at the bottom near the 3.5mm audio hole.
It looks like there is active cooling thanks to the grate on the back of the handheld. This goes with our initial assessment that the Pocket Block will be far more powerful than a device w/out joysticks needs to be.
That brings us to the SOC which is going to be a complete guess here. Ayaneo has been doing a few projects to again with Helio chips which would be over powered but make more sense than a Snapdragon SOC w/out at least a single joystick.
As far as the screen we are expecting a 3.4” or 3.5” display. Ayaneo really likes GBA so a 3.4” would allow them to scale an 3:2 aspect ratio.
Another Leak
With the release of the KONKR Pocket Block on the way we are now getting leaks of what looks to be a horizontal Pocket Block. This device has similar design cues but we don’t have a leaked user manual or presentation to confirm it yet.
This leaked handheld is still sticklers but appears to have a slightly wider display. It’s possible they would go 4:3 here.
Looks pretty nice however for people who prefer horizontal over vertical handhelds.
Thoughts
The Ayaneo KONKR Pocket Block is bring an updated design philosophy to the classic Gameboy DMG styling. The finish looks soft to the touch but we won’t know for sure until we get one in our hands.
Being under the KONKR brand the Pocket Block shouldn’t be more than $100, but knowing Ayaneo I think it will be in that $120-$140 range depending on the memory used. If they do use a Helio or Dimensity SOC that will also help drive the cost down.
As far as the KONKR Pocket Block’s audience, I think they are aiming for the TrimUI Brick, Miyoo Mini Plus, Anbernic RG35xx Plus gamers. People who want to play flawlessly through PS1 in a vertical form factor and might be willing to deal with the jank to play systems like Dreamcast.
The KONKR Pocket Fit appears to be near ready to launch so I would expect it by the no later than the end of September. Ayaneo has however had issues procuring components for their handhelds this year so the release might be completely beholden to that process.
What do you think about the KONKR Pocket Block? Will you be picking one up [price depending]?
GameOn
CellPhish
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