Ayaneo, a company known for its high-end handheld PCs, has announced its latest creation: the Ayaneo 3. This 7-inch modular handheld PC starts at $900, making it a more affordable option compared to its predecessors. The Ayaneo 3 is packed with features, including two USB4 ports, OcuLink, and RGB-ringed Hall effect joysticks, making it a promising device for gamers.

The Ayaneo 3 is being touted as the "world's first modular handheld," allowing users to customize their gaming experience with interchangeable modules. For an additional $139, users can purchase the "Magic Module" kit, which includes six modules that can be swapped out to change the joystick and button layout, add analog sticks, or even incorporate D-pads and face buttons with conductive silicone underneath. This level of customization is unprecedented in handheld gaming devices.

In terms of specs, the Ayaneo 3 comes with a Ryzen 8840U processor, 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and 512GB of storage. While it may not be the most powerful handheld on the market, its competitive pricing makes it an attractive option. Users also have the choice between an OLED or IPS screen, with the OLED option boasting a 1080p 144Hz HDR panel with 800 nits of global brightness and 110 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut.

The IPS panel option, on the other hand, features a 120Hz, 500-nit, native landscape 1080p display with 7ms response time and 100 percent sRGB coverage. Although it may not be as colorful as the OLED panel, it does offer variable refresh rate for added smoothness. Additionally, the Ayaneo 3 comes with top and bottom USB4 ports capable of 65W PD charging, an Oculink port for eGPUs, and support for full-length M.2 2280 SSDs for easy storage upgrades.

Other notable features of the Ayaneo 3 include a dedicated hardware mode switch, new trigger locks for its Hall effect triggers, and a modular design that allows users to swap out joystick caps. While the device's 49 watt-hour battery may raise concerns about battery life, Ayaneo's track record of delivering on its promises suggests that the Ayaneo 3 could be a game-changer in the handheld gaming market.

As with any crowdfunded project, there are risks involved, and Ayaneo's history of delivering on its promises is not without its hiccups. However, the company's commitment to innovation and customization makes the Ayaneo 3 an exciting development in the world of handheld gaming. The device is set to ship at the end of April, and interested buyers can find it on Indiegogo.

With its modular design, impressive specs, and competitive pricing, the Ayaneo 3 has the potential to shake up the handheld gaming market. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how devices like the Ayaneo 3 shape the future of gaming on-the-go.