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Retro Handhelds |OT| Is that a Tiger in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?

My thor shipped so excited to receive it.
walken dancin GIF


Also noticed the AYN Odin 2 portal is on sale if anyone's interested.
NtukW5U8hgZBd41G.jpg
 
Kilau said:
What do you guys suggest for a front end or whatever for emulators?
Click to expand...
Right now? For a single Screen Device I would say to use ES-DE but for a Dual Screen device like the Thor my recommendation is Cocoon.
 
Is the Ayn Thor worth it just to play DS and 3DS games? I was considering picking up an old 3DS, but those prices are ridiculous.
 
Aurelius said:
Is the Ayn Thor worth it just to play DS and 3DS games? I was considering picking up an old 3DS, but those prices are ridiculous.
Click to expand...

Yes, and initially I thought this was all I would use it for. But I've found it's great for other systems too. The top screen is bigger than many of these other handhelds anyway.
 
Aurelius said:
Is the Ayn Thor worth it just to play DS and 3DS games? I was considering picking up an old 3DS, but those prices are ridiculous.
Click to expand...
In my honest opinion this should be only and main reason to pick up a Thor specially now that the 3DS System prices are out of control.
 
2026/1/30


AYN Thor Rainbow Pro: 1291xx--1295xx


AYN Thor Rainbow Max: 1300xx--1319xx


AYN Thor Black Pro: 1232xx--1285xx


AYN Thor Black Base: 1088xx--1269xx

Bored Wait GIF by FirstAndMonday
 
Ordered the Ayn Thor (Base 8+128 black). Expected delivery in march. Should be a nice complement to my Retroid Pocket Classic for playing NDS, 3DS and above.

I use to have a NDS and 3DS with a huge library and I always regreted selling them.
 
Am I the only one that doesn't like to play these older, emulated games on the Steamdeck? It works fine, but I just don't like the way it feels compared to a dedicated device that looks like the original hardware.
 
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I think these devices are a lot more fun that using it on PSP. I wish they werent so complicated on the devices tho. PSP is alot easier to use tho.
 
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I just started playing MGS Twin Snakes on Mangmi Air X. It runs slightly slow, but I think its better than nothing. The screen is really dark tho. I hope I can adjust to playing it so dark.
 
Topher said:
Yeah, it is being discontinued

No.....sorry. Odin 2 is being discontinued, not the Portal
Click to expand...
www.notebookcheck.net

AYN discontinues the Odin 2, drops the Odin 2 Portal to $249 for a limited time

AYN has announced that its Odin 2 handheld has reached its end of life and will no longer be available for purchase. However, it has revealed that the newer Odin 2 Portal will be available at a discount for a limited time.
www.notebookcheck.net www.notebookcheck.net

Not sure if that deal was posted, don't feel like going through the last few pages.
 
Tobimacoss said:
www.notebookcheck.net

AYN discontinues the Odin 2, drops the Odin 2 Portal to $249 for a limited time

AYN has announced that its Odin 2 handheld has reached its end of life and will no longer be available for purchase. However, it has revealed that the newer Odin 2 Portal will be available at a discount for a limited time.
www.notebookcheck.net www.notebookcheck.net

Not sure if that deal was posted, don't feel like going through the last few pages.
Click to expand...
Base Portal for $250 is a super solid deal, IMO. Same hardware as Thor with better ergonomics and larger main screen. If you don't care for NDS, 3DS, it's probably a better bet.
 
StereoVsn said:
Base Portal for $250 is a super solid deal, IMO. Same hardware as Thor with better ergonomics and larger main screen. If you don't care for NDS, 3DS, it's probably a better bet.
Click to expand...

I'm hoping the grip that comes with the bundle pack helps the ergonomics of Thor. I really bought it for an all-around handheld more than just NDS, 3DS myself. Almost bought the Portal, but really just buying the same form factor as most other handhelds felt.......boring. Wanted to try something new. Might regret it. lol
 
Aurelius said:
Am I the only one that doesn't like to play these older, emulated games on the Steamdeck? It works fine, but I just don't like the way it feels compared to a dedicated device that looks like the original hardware.
Click to expand...
Steam Deck is good for 6th gen and onwards. It is a little weird to play GBA or NES games on the Deck, it's kind of overkill. I like ~4in 4:3/1:1 screen in vertical orientation for retro 2D gaming.
 
New to retro handhelds, planning to get one to primarily play PS3 and below games.

Should I get AYN Odin 2 Portal or Retroid Pocket 6? How does both compare hardware wise, from what I have seen, both are using same SoC, but how's the other stuff like display quality, build quality, battery life etc?
 
Asked them to upgrade me to a Ayn Thor Pro 12+256GB. For the extra storage and the color white. I use to have a white DS Lite.

yDaGEHMwwmV5DYPG.gif
 
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JackHanma said:
Gonna eventually pull the trigger on an Odin 3. Probably will be my last device for awhile. Holding out for the Ultra model with 24 gigs of ram. It will probably be readily available by April so I still have a considerable amount of time. Until then I have the Odin 2 Max which is a fantastic handheld in its own right but man that Amoled screen just keeps screaming out at me.
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Why do you need 24gigs of ram on a retro handheld?
 
hardwood007 said:
New to retro handhelds, planning to get one to primarily play PS3 and below games.

Should I get AYN Odin 2 Portal or Retroid Pocket 6? How does both compare hardware wise, from what I have seen, both are using same SoC, but how's the other stuff like display quality, build quality, battery life etc?
Click to expand...
PS3 is dicey on Android/Arm alongside Xbox OG and 360. If that's a must, better to get a Z1E based handheld (ex. Lenovo Legion Go S) or Steam Deck OLED.

For everything under it, if you don't care about 3DS and DS, either Retroid 6, Portal, Odin 3 or Ayaneo handhelds would work.

IMO right now Portal base for $250 is a great deal if you don't plan to run Windows games on it.
 
Topher said:
I'm hoping the grip that comes with the bundle pack helps the ergonomics of Thor. I really bought it for an all-around handheld more than just NDS, 3DS myself. Almost bought the Portal, but really just buying the same form factor as most other handhelds felt.......boring. Wanted to try something new. Might regret it. lol
Click to expand...
I just got my Thor and grips seem to be decently comfortable. I haven't had more than like 10 min to mess with it before running out but they seem to be much better vs vanilla.

Note that they are designed to work with Ayn's case but you should have it since you have accessory pack!

So far built quality seems to be really good, pretty happy at this juncture.
 
StereoVsn said:
I just got my Thor and grips seem to be decently comfortable. I haven't had more than like 10 min to mess with it before running out but they seem to be much better vs vanilla.

Note that they are designed to work with Ayn's case but you should have it since you have accessory pack!

So far built quality seems to be really good, pretty happy at this juncture.
Click to expand...

Great to hear. Never even occurred to me about the grip and the case, but yeah, I'm getting them both.

Still no word on mine shipping. sigh
 
Topher said:
Great to hear. Never even occurred to me about the grip and the case, but yeah, I'm getting them both.

Still no word on mine shipping. sigh
Click to expand...
Should be soon judging by how quick they have been moving!

I really won't have time to set anything up myself till like next weekend, lol. Work has been crazy thanks to AI initiatives. 🤦

Edit: I also bought these grips which I saw couple of YouTubers recommend:


Got the "Chonky version":

tC1h477W9ZZ57O3Z.jpeg
 
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StereoVsn said:
PS3 is dicey on Android/Arm alongside Xbox OG and 360. If that's a must, better to get a Z1E based handheld (ex. Lenovo Legion Go S) or Steam Deck OLED.

For everything under it, if you don't care about 3DS and DS, either Retroid 6, Portal, Odin 3 or Ayaneo handhelds would work.

IMO right now Portal base for $250 is a great deal if you don't plan to run Windows games on it.
Click to expand...
Yeah I just ordered the Odin 2 portal base last night since it was on sale for usd249.
Seemed like a great deal, though I was struggling with whether I should have opted for Odin 3, which is only 80usd more. I ultimately went with Odin 2 portal coz I prefer a larger display.

Maybe when they do an Odin 3 Portal with 7-8 inch display


I already have pc handhelds, though haven't tried emulating ps3 on them.
 
hardwood007 said:
Yeah I just ordered the Odin 2 portal base last night since it was on sale for usd249.
Seemed like a great deal, though I was struggling with whether I should have opted for Odin 3, which is only 80usd more. I ultimately went with Odin 2 portal coz I prefer a larger display.

Maybe when they do an Odin 3 Portal with 7-8 inch display


I already have pc handhelds, though haven't tried emulating ps3 on them.
Click to expand...
If you already have a PC handheld it's a no brainer to do that. Depends on your OS of course, but should work. Just temper your expectations as emulators for Xbox/360 an PS3 are still WIP, although PS3 is in better shape.

As far as Odin 3 vs Portal, it's a tough choice. Both are really good.
 
Got the MagicX Zero 40 from AliExpress US Shipping. Packaging is nice. The handheld itself is really awesome and it feels great. Screen is vivid and deals with glare well. It's just that I'm getting old and my vision can barely handle this little screen. Even 5 years ago it would have been fine. It's so cute and tiny. Came loaded with games, but no Nintendo stuff even China retro handheld makers are afraid of the ninjas. It's android and comes with a decent front end. The touch screen is responsive and works perfect with your finger. A downside is there's no mic for stuff like Nintendogs. Maybe USB-C mic would work. I like that the d-pad is on top and the analog below. It's pretty good for tate arcade games, but the screen real estate doesn't come out any better than a 4" 4:3 screen without bottom bezel. Still nice if black pillars/borders bother you. Really original DS and tate arcade games are the only games worth playing on here. Screen is too small for it to be worth anything else. IIRC it came with 'Linear' scaling filter by default on DrasticDS. HQ2X or Scale2X look way better.

The screen quality destroys the 2DSXL, but the size makes the 2DSXL better for my eyes. Here's some pics...
y6zB8iw1BSBvW8Jm.jpg
nOoVMwbMhPswfqHY.jpg


The DS/3DS/2DS XL systems are probably still the best way to play original DS games. I would probably take this over a original DS, Lite, or 2DS. Especially for $60.
 
DHL has my Thor in town, just waiting for them to stick it on a delivery vehicle and it should be here today 🙏🏻

edit: Praise the Lord! It's out for delivery! 🙌🏻

edit 2: it's here!
 
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hmm I might have to take off the screen protector for the bottom screen that came with the accessory pack, it seems to be interfering with the stylus being picked up
 


AYANEO Pocket S Mini
4:3 LCD Screen,Full-metal CNC middle frame
Snapdragon® G3x Gen 2 Gaming Platform
RGB Hall Effect joystick + Hall Effect trigger,crystal texture buttons
Designed for gaming enthusiasts who refuse to compromise
Click to expand...
 
graywolf323 said:
hmm I might have to take off the screen protector for the bottom screen that came with the accessory pack, it seems to be interfering with the stylus being picked up
Click to expand...
Which front end are you going to use? Still debating it internally. Don't have to the time to mess with it until the weekend but going to watch some YouTube videos to prep on a side.
 
StereoVsn said:
Which front end are you going to use? Still debating it internally. Don't have to the time to mess with it until the weekend but going to watch some YouTube videos to prep on a side.
Click to expand...
I installed a few to mess around with, I had ES-DE already set up on my old Retroid Pocket Flip 2 that I sold to fund buying the Thor

Cocoon
ES-DE
LaunchBox
 
graywolf323 said:
I installed a few to mess around with, I had ES-DE already set up on my old Retroid Pocket Flip 2 that I sold to fund buying the Thor

Cocoon
ES-DE
LaunchBox
Click to expand...
Ohh, forgot about Cocoon. Was looking at LaunchBox and ES-DE.

Edit: I really need to sell off my RG556 now that I have the Thor.

I Had LaunchBox on it which seemed pretty decent but no idea if they have dual screen support.
 
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Sand Dan Glokta said:
Someone offered to sell me an AYN thor for $310 cash...Base/black. Its practically new.

Shhall I take the plunge?
Click to expand...
Base is currently going for $310 brand new so as long as you don't mind the fact that it's a "used unit" then it's a good deal Price wise.
 
CrustyBritches said:
Got the MagicX Zero 40 from AliExpress US Shipping. Packaging is nice. The handheld itself is really awesome and it feels great. Screen is vivid and deals with glare well. It's just that I'm getting old and my vision can barely handle this little screen. Even 5 years ago it would have been fine. It's so cute and tiny. Came loaded with games, but no Nintendo stuff even China retro handheld makers are afraid of the ninjas. It's android and comes with a decent front end. The touch screen is responsive and works perfect with your finger. A downside is there's no mic for stuff like Nintendogs. Maybe USB-C mic would work. I like that the d-pad is on top and the analog below. It's pretty good for tate arcade games, but the screen real estate doesn't come out any better than a 4" 4:3 screen without bottom bezel. Still nice if black pillars/borders bother you. Really original DS and tate arcade games are the only games worth playing on here. Screen is too small for it to be worth anything else. IIRC it came with 'Linear' scaling filter by default on DrasticDS. HQ2X or Scale2X look way better.

The screen quality destroys the 2DSXL, but the size makes the 2DSXL better for my eyes. Here's some pics...
y6zB8iw1BSBvW8Jm.jpg
nOoVMwbMhPswfqHY.jpg


The DS/3DS/2DS XL systems are probably still the best way to play original DS games. I would probably take this over a original DS, Lite, or 2DS. Especially for $60.
Click to expand...
I picked up a MagicX Zero 40(same color) as a dedicated TATE MODE handheld and picked up a ComfortGrips fat boy grip over on Etsy for it, so now it's quite nice in the hands.
A brand new custom OS from MinUI creator Shaun Inman dropped just yesterday.
 
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