This might be the most affordable Game Boy-style handheld running Android

AYANEO first showed off the KONKR Pocket BLOCK back in May, revealing a vertical Android handheld with a distinctive design. It’s been months since we first saw it, but the company has finally launched this device.

AYANEO has listed the KONKR Pocket BLOCK handheld on its website, with a recommended price of $89 for the 2GB/32GB model and $109 for the 3GB/64GB variant. However, the company is currently offering a promotional price of $79 and $99, respectively.

The KONKR Pocket BLOCK has a Game Boy-style form factor and lacks analog sticks altogether. However, you do have four shoulder buttons on the back. Needless to say, this is clearly positioned as a platform for emulation of 8-bit, 16-bit, and retro handhelds rather than more recent fare like PS2 games.

In terms of core specs, the new handheld has a 3.33-inch 4:3 LCD screen (960 x 720) and ships with a MediaTek Helio G85 chipset. This processor should comfortably handle everything up to and including PS1, Dreamcast, and PSP games. It also packs a 3,500mAh battery, which isn’t a ton of juice on paper. AYANEO hasn’t confirmed charging speeds, but we previously reported that it offered 10W wired charging. Other notable features include a 3.5mm port, Android 12, Bluetooth 5, a microSD card slot, and Wi-Fi 5.

The Pocket BLOCK starts shipping at the end of October, and is available in Atoms White, Cube Purple, and Original Grey color schemes. The latter option in particular is a real throwback to the original Game Boy. This device also follows the launch of the similarly budget-focused MANGMI Air Y series. So you’ve got a couple of options if you’re looking for a new, affordable vertical handheld running Android.