Ayaneo’s first smartphone is a major callback to the Xperia Play

Pretty close, welcome back Xperia Play. After publishing a teaser video in early November, Ayaneo fully unveiled its first smartphone called Pocket Play. As expected, the Ayaneo Pocket Play features a sliding mechanism that transforms it from a large smartphone into a gaming handheld.

In its gaming configuration, the Pocket Play features a controller setup with a D-pad, ABXY buttons, and four shoulder buttons. However, Ayaneo has modernized the design of the Xperia Play by incorporating two touchpads, which will also be seen in the handheld maker’s upcoming flagship device called Next II. According to Ayaneo, you can map these touchpads as virtual joysticks or customizable inputs. Ayaneo has yet to reveal specifications for the Pocket Play, but the device appears to have slots that could hint at expandable storage options.

The Pocket Play will be Ayaneo’s first foray into the world of smartphones, but with mobile games in mind. It will have to compete with other gaming-specific smartphones like the Redmagic 10 Pro or the Asus ROG Phone series, as well as the latest iPhone and Samsung Galaxy smartphones that can also handle demanding mobile games. Ayaneo will launch the Pocket Play on Kickstarter soon, but has yet to reveal any pricing details.