Ayaneo Pocket Play: Retro Slide-Up Gaming Phone Inspired by the Xperia Play

Ayaneo Pocket Play: Retro Slide-Up Gaming Phone Inspired by the Xperia Play

Ayaneo, known for its retro-style gaming handhelds, has finally revealed the design of its first Android smartphone and it’s a nostalgic throwback. Called the Ayaneo Pocket Play, the device pays clear homage to the iconic 2011 Sony Ericsson Xperia Play, a phone that blended smartphone functionality with a slide-out gaming controller.

A Slide-Up Screen With Full Physical Gaming Controls

One of the biggest highlights of the Pocket Play is its slide-up display, which reveals a full set of gaming controls underneath. When you slide the screen upward, you’ll find:

• A D-pad
  
• ABXY face buttons
  
• Two circular touchpads
  
• Dual shoulder buttons at the back
  

It’s designed to feel like a true handheld console — something gamers have been missing since the original Xperia Play disappeared from the market.

However, one classic feature is missing:
There’s no 3.5mm headphone jack, hinting that Ayaneo expects players to go wireless.

Still No Specs — Just a Promise of “Coming Soon”

While the design has finally been unveiled, Ayaneo hasn’t shared:

• Chipset
  
• RAM
  
• Storage
  
• Battery size
  
• Screen specs
  
• Price
  

The company only says the device is “coming soon,” and its Kickstarter page reveals zero technical details at this time.

A Sleeker Alternative to Other Retro Gaming Phones

The Ayaneo Pocket Play is the second Xperia Play-style device to be teased in 2025, following Anbernic’s RG Slide. But the Pocket Play appears:

• Slimmer
  
• More polished
  
• Designed to replace your main phone, not just serve as a gaming handheld
  

Given this, it will almost definitely cost more than the RG Slide’s $189 price tag.

A Promising Return of Gaming-Focused Smartphones

With mobile gaming booming and many players craving physical controls, the Ayaneo Pocket Play could hit a sweet spot if it offers strong hardware and a competitive price.

For now, the Pocket Play remains a mystery with lots of hype behind it. Ayaneo says more details will be revealed “soon,” so expect full specs and pricing in the coming weeks.

TechCity