@Hawkster52
It IS a little deceptive to use different materials for manufacturing and then deliberately sending to reviewers the "premium" model without advertising the change in materials as such. If the material differences had been told to you, you'd be able to adjust accordingly to that information, or if the material was an obvious difference (such as a metal backing or some such) from the base models. It's not unheard of in the tech world to have different models and price points have different materials but it's usually something communicated to the reviewer or made obvious in advertising. They deliberately did none of these things.
@ChalcoAPRN
Your reaction is justified in my opinion. Videos like these are why your channel is successful in this community. I personally gravitate toward quality, as it’s the most important aspect in a device for me. I know I would be disappointed as well. Thanks for the PSA
@MarkGibbons
Hey Russ, firstly, thank you for being transparent and honest. We really, really need more of this in the Handheld Space. Secondly, I run a physical repairs business that repairs Ayaneo devices in Australia, these devices are sold locally on shelves and as such they are fairly common, comparatively to other places around the world. The one thing we’ve seen on almost every Ayaneo device is that the plastics on the white and black models crack. Every model, from the Air, to the Flip, to the Slide and even my own personal 2S. These housing will crack and break away. Sometimes it's the air vents, but most of the time it's just cracks alongside the entire devices housing. Just further context on why these lower quality plastics are tremendously bad, it's beyond just smudging and feel.
@lucifuru2390
Don't feel bad about making a video about this, it's just the kind of things people need to know, I really appreciate your honesty, it's because you're do and say that kind of things that I can trust your opinion.
@Seamoorif
I love that you feel comfortable giving your honest opinion on these premium devices that are sent to you. You’re one of the few content creators I trust giving recommendations.
@jeremy__hopkins
Thanks Russ! While I'm not as bothered by the AYA NEO smudgy plastic, it is extremely difficult for buyers to know quality without being able to test devices in person. I would encourage AYA NEO to take this feedback, along with modular controls, for a DMG v2 variant an for all of their future products. Also, next time allow reviewers the option of any devices rather than sending mostly the premium model which can offer a skewed perspective. Thanks again for the work!
@OfficialMikeytendo
Bro, there's not tradebacks. That's the rules of the street.
@Dieter-4
Good to see reviewers come clear and honest like this. Been following you since the beginning, keep up the great work.
@VeganPopTart
This is good news. I debated for a month on buying the lowest base one. Finally went to pull the trigger and they were sold out. Checked the next day and the refreshed it but it cost $423. Same price as the next tier. So I decided not to and that’s been weighing on me but this vid made me comfortable with me decision. Thank you for being honest Russ.
@MBXL
I'll never understand these expensive retro handhelds. This thing is basically competing with handheld PCs at its price point, but it's just a very powerful android handheld. A $160 handheld can do 97% of what this thing does.
@Youkai_graphics
Dont worry, I won't buy by just looking at the price, just get a steamdeck or rog ally at this point, or an Odin 2
@Nextr0nWasTaken
I like ayaneo design so much but I wish they didn't cost an arm and a leg.
@timseyer6769
Needs to be said. If ayaneo wants to establish themselves as a luxury brand with luxury prices, there needs to be luxury quality on all products.
@strongbad79
There's always something with an Ayaneo device. They say and market them as premium devices. But there's always a bunch of weird janky stuff that comes to light with their build quality and software. For the money they're asking for their devices, none of this should be happening. Especially not when companies are selling handhelds that are a fraction of the cost that don't have the same issues. I got the pocket micro because I wanted to check out their devices and it was the cheapest one. The more you use it though the more weird issues come to light and show me how not premium it really is.
@coldfront999
I think I’m seeing a pattern here. Their highest price model for ayaneo pocket evo retro power edition also just happens to be well built with no performance issues pertaining to the placement of the thermal pads unlike their other lower price models 🤔
@NikOutchcunis
This. I got the black one and I REALLY wanted it to be "the one"... but the plastic is just too slippery for me. I can't afford the top model so I'm kinda screwed. First world problem I know, but it's just disappointing.
@wilsonlee4207
I am so glad that you made this video. This is exactly we love you and your reviews because of your faithfulness to search for the best retro game experience and your honestly about what true feelings! Don't mind any hater if there's any. We are always here to support you Russ.
@SPAGGET_T
If you get the chance, please check with someone’s retro power Dmg they bought (a non review unit version). There’s a chance they just gave good plastics to reviewers.
@brentwells6802
I'm sorry but $419 for a modern game boy is laughable. I thought analouge was charging a lot for their own version but that $419 starting price is ridiculous! I could buy a new ps5 slim for that price!
@RetroGameCorps