Ayaneo, renowned for its retro gaming handhelds, has officially announced plans to launch its first smartphone. This revelation follows a brief teaser in August, when the company introduced its dual-screen Pocket DS. Given that many of Ayaneo’s gaming devices already operate on a customized version of Android, integrating a cellular modem seems like a logical progression.

Details about the new handheld device remain scarce. The teaser video reveals a glimpse of a conventional rectangular design featuring dual cameras positioned in the top-left corner. Additionally, what appear to be shoulder buttons can be discerned. Speculation from Android Central suggests that the Ayaneo phone might adopt a sliding design reminiscent of the Sony Xperia Play, where controls are concealed beneath the screen. However, the video does not provide enough information to confirm this.

While Ayaneo enters a market already populated with gaming-centric phones, most contemporary models prioritize being phones with enhanced gaming capabilities, often sacrificing physical controls. These devices typically boast high-performance processors and advanced cooling systems to manage intense gaming sessions. While physical controls are generally offered as optional accessories, Ayaneo might challenge this norm with its new phone. It’s important to note, however, that there is no confirmation yet on whether the Ayaneo phone will be available in the United States, so excitement should be tempered until more details are revealed.