The new AYN Thor comes in a modern shell that pays homage to the past. This clamshell Android handheld with two screens reminds me of opening a Nintendo DS, but it’s for today’s gamers who want portability.
Two processor options define the Thor’s performance. Entry level models come with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865, a 2020 chip that’s still good for Android games and retro console emulation. Higher end models come with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, a 2022 flagship chip that powers AYN’s Odin 2 lineup. Both chips can handle casual mobile games to demanding emulators for systems like the PlayStation 2 or GameCube. The Thor’s ability to emulate DS and 3DS games feels especially fitting given its dual-screen design, so you can play classics in their original split-screen glory.
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Measuring 150 x 94 x 25.6mm and weighing just 380 grams, the Thor is surprisingly small for a dual-screen device. It’s smaller and lighter than the AYANEO Pocket DS which is 540 grams with a bigger 179.8 x 101.8 x 25mm frame. Even compared to AYN’s single screen Odin 2, the Thor is more pocketable, losing weight and size. A 6,000 mAh battery powers the device, decent for two OLED screens, but short of the AYANEO’s 8,000 mAh. Active cooling keeps the Thor cool during long sessions and upward firing speakers direct audio at the player for an immersive experience.
The dual-screen design is the Thor’s ace. Sporting a 6-inch OLED at 1080p with 120Hz at the top and a 3.92-inch OLED at 60Hz at the bottom with joysticks, D-pad, ABXY buttons and stacked triggers, just like the Nintendo DS. RGB-lit joysticks, 3.5mm headphone jack, USB-C port and a microSD slot complete the package. This setup opens up possibilities: play a game on the top screen and use the bottom for maps, chats or emulator controls.
AYN Thor can effortlessly emulate old systems, ranging from 8-bit to 3DS or Wii. Games for the DS and 3DS that used split screens for menus or gameplay are ideal for the dual screens. Programs developed by the community will unlock more, and modders will make unique apps or launchers that utilize the second screen.
Portability is where the Thor really shines in a crowded handheld market. The clamshell design protects the screens when closed so you can just throw it in a bag and go. At 25.6mm thick it’s almost as slim as the New Nintendo 3DS XL, impressive for a device with modern hardware. The trade off is battery life – two screens and a powerful chip will require careful power management. AYN’s decision to include active cooling should help but heavy use may still require a charger nearby for extended play.
There’s competition in the dual screen space with the AYANEO Pocket DS which has a larger 7 inch main screen and bigger battery targeting the same nostalgia driven gamers. The Retroid Pocket Flip 2 has the clamshell design but no secondary OLED. AYN’s decision to offer two processor tiers could give them an edge, balancing affordability with high end performance. Pricing is still a mystery but given the AYANEO is $400 the AYN will likely aim lower to get the budget conscious buyers.
Details like RAM, storage and exact pricing are still under wraps so some questions remain unanswered. AYN is drip feeding us information to keep us in anticipation with teasers hinting at more to come soon.
[Sources 1 | 2]
