58: AYANEO is back with a new handheld

In today's overkill digest newsletter, we take a look at the new AYANEO Pocket Evo, check out the new PCSX2 v2.0, and much more.

Good morning!

Today I have a bit of an odd request for you. I have a new e-reader on its way to me. It is the Boox Go Color 7, a 7-inch e-reader with a coloured e-ink display.

So to fully test the device I'd like to fill it with comics and graphic novels. So my question to you: do you have any suggestions that are not your typical Batman or Spider-Man comics (I prefer something easy to pick up, that's not part of a 1000-issues-series)? Anything you like in particular? Send it my way, and I'll pick it up to read on the Go Color 7.

Much appreciated, and without further ado, let's get to this week's newsletter.

Big this week

AYANEO has started teasing a new handheld:

The AYANEO Pocket Evo is an Android-based handheld, rocking a 7-inch 1080p 120HZ OLED screen.

The Pocket Evo also uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon G3x Gen2, the same one used in the AYANEO Pocket S, which I am currently reviewing (review out next week, but I can already tell you that it runs everything you can throw at it).

This is the third Android-based device from AYANEO, not taking into account the not-yet-released Pocket DMG. However, the design of the Pocket Evo might feel very familiar to you: after all, AYANEO decided to recycle the design of the AYANEO 2s, although making it much thinner.

We've talked to AYANEO CEO Arthur Zhang (the full interview comes out later), and he explained this was done on purpose: On the one hand, this 2s-inspired design is one that, according to Zhang, is very well-liked by their community. On the other hand, it helps differentiate the Pocket S from the Pocket Evo, since it is a larger device and therefore needs better ergonomics.

We don't yet have any pricing information, nor do we know when the device will ship, but Zhang told us he expects it to be around the August-September timeframe, since at the end of July, we'll see the release of the Pocket DMG and the Pocket Micro – two devices I'm particularly attracted to (especially that Game Boy lookalike).

In other news

dbrand has a new set of skins for all the devices they support, including the Steam Deck, the ROG Ally and every major console. The accessory-maker is calling this series Case Hardened, a name ~~stolen~~ inspired by super-rare Counter-Strike skins, where one sold for nearly a million USD.
The PlayStation 2 emulator PCSX2 received a major 2.0 update adding a whole truckload of new features: a completely revamped design, RetroAchievements, you can now change settings on a per-game basis (finally!!!), and amongst many more things, they've also added a big picture mode. It's a massive changelog, so I suggest you read the original blog post. And since I know at least a few readers use a Mac, rejoice, there is a macOS version now, too.
If you have too much money and many cartridges lying at home, you might be interested in the new Analogue Pocket: Aluminium Editions. These limited edition Pockets come in four colours, natural, noir, black, and indigo. Apart from the weird names, since noir is French for black, they cost a whopping 500 USD, for what is basically a shell-mod. I wonder if Analogue took their inspiration from this video made by Bob Wulff.
Nintendo is working on a weird new Horror-game, that has fans very confused.
Delta, an emulator for iOS, received a new update which allows iPad users to emulate several games at the same time. Delta currently emulates the NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, Game Boy (OG and Colour), Game Boy Advance, and Nintendo DS.
I love my Skyrim mods, but this 3000+ mod-heavy list is absolutely ridiculous. The fact that the original collection author only runs a 3060Ti has me baffled (though the YouTuber in the video linked above runs a 4090 – maybe it's time I start saving for that rumoured 5090?).
Microsoft Game Pass will get a price hike in the most convoluted way. Game Pass Ultimate will now cost $3 per month at $19.99, while PC Game Pass will rise by $2 to $11.99. But Microsoft is also adding an Xbox Game Pass Standard tier in September for consoles only for $14.99. However, this tier will not get day-one game releases, nor can it run Xbox Cloud Gaming. Thankfully, pre-existing subscribers will not be affected (for now?).