The AYANEO 3 might be 2025’s most unique handheld

Play it your way with swappable control modules.

AYANEO is known for pushing boundaries and trying new things with their products, and their latest reveal for the upcoming AYANEO 3 is no exception.

The device will feature a “Magic Module” system that allows users to swap out the control components on both sides of the device. With a range of options already revealed, this modular approach is designed to give gamers more flexibility in configuring their handheld just the way they like it.

How does it work?

The Magic Module system supports easy swapping of control modules using magnets. You won’t need tools to make the switch—just snap the module on or off. This means you can quickly adjust the setup based on the type of game you’re playing. On paper, it’s an awesome solution for those who play a wide variety of game genres, as you won’t have to be locked into one control layout.

So far, the options revealed for the left side include a basic d-pad/analog stick combo, a disc-shaped 8-way d-pad and a more traditional cross-shaped d-pad combined with a trackpad. On the right-hand side, there’s a standard ABXY/analog stick combo, another trackpad module, and even a 6-button layout, perfect for fans of fighting games.

What makes these modules even more customizable is the ability to adjust their placement and orientation. You could align the analog sticks symmetrically, or have them offset (Xbox-style) if that feels more comfortable to you. On top of that, you can also change the position of the ABXY buttons.

Beyond the modular design, the AYANEO 3 is packing powerful hardware under the hood. It will offer two chipset options, the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and Ryzen 7 8840U. There are also two high refresh rate display options to choose from, OLED (144Hz) and LCD (120Hz), and the handheld will be available in black and white finishes.

The AYANEO 3 is shaping up to be one of the most interesting handheld concepts to come to market in recent years, and we can’t wait to learn more. While we wait for more details about pricing and availability, you can sign up for updates on Indiegogo, or check out AYANEO’s official overview video below.