Back in May of this year, Ayaneo CEO Arthur Zhang first revealed the Konkr Pocket Block. Maybe it was quickly ushered from your memory as it was being touted as the “world’s first AI-powered handheld”. Today, there is no mention of AI in their marketing of the device over on their product page.
Fast forward to today, Arthur, who is still streaming on YouTube right now, has revealed much more about the Pocket Block. The Pocket BLOCK has a 3.33-inch 4:3 LCD at 960×720 (360 PPI). It’s powered by a MediaTek Helio G85, runs Android 12, and comes in either 2GB RAM/32GB storage or 3GB RAM/64GB storage configurations. There’s a 3,500mAh battery, 3.5mm headphone jack, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, USB-C charging, and the whole device weighs 165g.
As you can see in the photos, this device has no analog sticks, which immediately tells you it’s for the retro-heads. I’m sure the community will try to play whatever they can on it, for pure science, of course. Even Arthur demonstrated it running PSP games today and said, “Can play PSP, no problem.” We know the PSP shipped with only one stick. This will certainly be something I’ll test if I decide to pick one up.
If you’re ready to drop some cash today, you’re in luck because the KONKR Pocket BLOCK is now available to order. For any Broforce sickos like me, Go Go Go! As the title says, the 2GB RAM / 32GB model starts at $79, while the 3GB RAM / 64GB model starts at $99 during the early-bird period. Chinese orders are expected to ship on October 15, with international shipments scheduled for near the end of October.
Ordering Note: The 2GB RAM / 32GB model is only available in Original Grey, while the 3GB RAM / 64GB model is available in all three color options: Original Grey, Cube Purple, and Atoms White (this variant was just announced today.)
Quick note, I couldn’t decide if I wanted to type this out as KONKR Pocket BLOCK or KONKR Pocket Block, so I mixed it up in there to please my own whacky mind. All nasty comments will be BLOCKed, oh wait, I don’t have comments enabled.
| Hardware | |
|---|---|
| Processor | MediaTek Helio G85 |
| RAM | 2GB / 3GB |
| Software | |
| Operating System | Android 12 |
| Display | |
| Screen Size | 3.33-inch LCD |
| Resolution | 960 × 720 |
| Aspect Ratio | 4:3 |
| PPI | 360 PPI |
| Physical | |
| Weight | 165g |
| Form Factor | Vertical |
| Storage | |
| Internal Storage | 32GB / 64GB |
| Battery | |
| Battery Capacity | 3500mAh |
| Charging | USB-C |
| Controls | |
| Analog Sticks | None |
| Controls | D-Pad, ABXY Buttons, Shoulder Buttons |
| Connectivity | |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| USB | USB Type-C |
| Audio | |
| Headphone Jack | 3.5mm |
| Pricing | |
| 2GB RAM / 32GB | $79 Early Bird / $89 Retail |
| 3GB RAM / 64GB | $99 Early Bird / $109 Retail |
| AYANEO | Official KONKR Pocket BLOCK product page |
| Retro Dodo | KONKR Pocket BLOCK specifications, pricing, and availability |