AYANEO Unveils the Pocket VERT, a Gorgeous Vertical Retro Handheld

AYANEO has officially revealed the Pocket VERT, and it might just be the most stylish vertical handheld we’ve ever seen.

Clearly designed with an “aesthetics over ergonomics” approach, the device looks absolutely stunning. It features a metal body with sharp geometric lines and a full glass front panel that gives it a sleek, almost architectural feel.

Available in black, white and a bold metallic red, this is very much a premium collector’s handheld, one that manages to feel both nostalgic and ultra-modern at the same time.

The controls sit flush beneath the glass surface, giving the device a minimalist look that feels more like a concept render than real hardware. If there’s one thing we’d tweak, it’s the ABXY buttons, which seem a little small. Larger buttons would’ve improved ergonomics without compromising the aesthetic.

On the back, AYANEO continues this design-first approach with a sculpted rear shell, polished accents and a unique transparent trigger setup that gives the device a really premium, jewel-like detail. Even the venting and side trim feel deliberately considered.

Of course, the Pocket VERT isn’t just about looks. AYANEO is promising solid retro gaming performance and a flagship handheld experience with a bright 3.5″ display (1600×1440 resolution, 615 PPI, 450 nits), a 6000mAh battery for longer play sessions, and refined controls. There’s even a touchpad cleverly hidden behind the unified front panel (sitting below the D-Pad and face buttons), which can be mapped to left or right analog sticks, dual-stick mode or mouse input.

Preorders are opening soon and AYANEO has shared a full breakdown of features and early specs in their announcement. For more details, you can check out their official reveal below: