AYN recently got in touch with me, asking if I’d like to review the AYN Thor in an article, and…naturally I said ‘yes’. I’ve been super excited, seeing that there’s a new boom in DS retro handhelds, hoping that this might mean a viable alternative to the older genuine Nintendo hardware.
I’ll just give you a tldr here:
For me, this really is the alternative. There are some caveats, but they’re so few, and those it does have really don’t affect me much. This can handle all the consoles I need, I’ve been enjoying Wind Waker HD, MGS 2, Mario Odyssey and so many DS and 3DS games (Metroid: Samus Returns has been a blast!)
3DS emulation still has a long way to go (the emulators themselves) since Citra got taken down. But some are making great progress, Azahar is a nice project to keep an eye on. Like I mentioned in the article…it can only get better!
As to original games being made after the systems shut down, I’d love to see that too! Now we’re seeing these retro handheld manufacturers pivot to dual screen systems like the AYANEO Pocket DS, AYN Thor and the Anbernic DS, there’s definitely a community and plenty of consoles to play them on!
the bigger wall with switch emulation on android is that mobile companies are terrible at writing gpu drivers when compared to conventional desktop/laptop graphics vendors. its why for example the older snapdragon gen 2/3 outperform their newer snapdragon elite counterparts in emulation.
theres significantly more setup time on mobile because some of the jank doesnt “just work”
The Snapdragon 865 is the undisputed winner of all for the Switch, even now after so much time has passed. Time will change that, and the community is what drives changes, but it’s definitely a unique scene!
If the SD865 is the undisputed champ does that mean that the Lite version is actually the best for Switch Emulation since that’s the one that ships with SD865?
While it’s outdated, its the divers that make it the better option for Switch emulation! But, with time will come drivers which make the newer upgrades work as well, like 8gen2. Right now, it’s the community support that keeps the 865 being the most stable and the one I’d recommend the most (with Turnip) for Switch emu!
But as for everything else? It’s a weigh up for what is most important to you!
Yes! It depends on which Switch games, of course Switch emulation is a slippery slope of diving into drivers, settings and builds. But a lot of games run well!!
Even more surprising was WiiU (since that emulator is quite recent on the scene!), and PS3! WipEout HD: Fury was fun to play!
Little edit: I’ve actually got an article on Eden emulator coming up soon, I interviewed two of the devs, and I’m writing things up now. So if you’re interested in the ‘main’ Switch emulator being built and maintained, then keep an eye out for when I post it! You can just bookmark my author link here and when it’s up, it’ll appear there
Awesome! They don’t mention it anywhere, in a device like this it’s a selling point considering you can buy the cheapest one and still get good storage.
I think it’s the history of my posts. I’ve been interviewing developers from programs and projects for a couple of years now. From Heroic to Lutris to EmuDeck, RetroDECK, Junk Store to things like RomM and Minigalaxy. These and articles on the scene…I don’t know, I guess it’s just because I’ve established my voice as one in this gaming scene.
It’s not as loud as some, but it certainly was nice to have some validation that a company wanted me to review their product!
I wish it (or something similar) had a cellular modem for calls/sms. I would love to replace my phone with something like this, even if it’s a bit large
I’m really interested in getting my hands on one of these. Really wander if it’s better than my Flip 2. For DS games it’s a clear winner but I also got a DS for 50 bucks refurbished. The screen looks legit!
SBC gaming and Emulator handhelds have rekindles my zest for gaming. Mainstream consoles are dull and uninspired monetization machines while PCs are overrun with GPU fetishists and Steam cultists.
I didnt read your article (I did goto their page on the device) but I was wondering to anyone that did, did they disclose what type of sticks they use. For this price if its not hall effect and we get drift (even tho I am sure they would give us better access to the sticks and we could map a custom dead zone to fix it) I would be upset.
CEMU on Android is still very new to the scene, so some things work and some don’t. I’d consider it just an added bonus (like Wind Waker!) when things work!
Go and look at my post history on Lemmy. I’m more than established on here, as I am on Mastodon. I’m not a ad, this wasn’t a paid review. They sent me the device and had no idea what I’d write about it. If it was terrible, I’d have said so. That’s…how this works. In the case of the AYN Thor, it’s just genuinely a VERY good handheld. I stand by what I’ve written. You would too, if you got one.
I loathe that you don’t know me, didn’t check my history with Lemmy, and just called me a paid shill. Fucking shitty.
As to reviewing this handheld and liking it. Its like if you got sent a Steam Deck, and gave it a good review…would you consider that an ad? A product which holds up to scrutiny?
My findings seem to be pretty in-line with others who have reviewed the device.
tbf, I kinda can’t blame anyone for being critical of a review of a niche product. We live in a capitalistic influencer hellscape. We are post authenticity. Everything is a grift, everything is a hustle, everyone is a paid sponsor. Modern subversive advertising has made everyone suspicious of anyone who boasts a company or product.
I feel like in the 2000s before the monetization of the internet became the norm, people were more able to share their art and writing in forums. There were entire sites dedicated to grassroots art-sharing without any profit motive.
Yes, grifters exist, but we’re all so cynical these days, not just at the corporations, but everyone. I miss people just sharing things with each other without any suspicion that dark money is involved.
I looked at the blog and it looks like a mere $182 changed hands for the month, and I assume most or all of it goes to Gardiner Bryant and not the OP. Is that comparable Instagram “influencers” hawking Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop in a paid sponsorship deal? Maybe this is just a person who was excited enough about a new console that they decided to write about it, and honestly, good for them.
I assume most or all of it goes to Gardiner Bryant and not the OP.
I make no money from Gardiner’s site, or any other way I’ve done these articles. They’re just because I love to write and because I love the gaming scene. Thanks for realizing that!
I know there are some cool new ways to run PC games on stuff like this. If you have them, how does this run the PC versions of games like Isaac, Gungeon, Slay the Spire, or Vampire Survivors? I know these all (or mostly) have Android or Switch ports but for one reason or another (usually mod support) the PC version is superior. I’m looking into this device as a lower weight, lower power alternative to a Steam Deck, so support for 2D indie PC games is a must.
You can use things like GameHub/GameHub Lite (a community fork which strips the telemetry), or Winlator. This can run far, far more taxing games than just the little indies. Tomb Raider (2013), Halo MCC, Fallout New Vegas, Silksong, Dave the Diver, Hades II and so on. There is tinkering sometimes, but its getting more and more impressive as time goes on.
Its up to you if you want to plan for the future and buy the ‘Max’ version (with more RAM), but for all that’s possible now, the 12GB version (the Pro model) is more than enough.
It will 100% play small indie games, but remember some games are weird. They’re fickle and refuse to work (I think one of the Deus Ex games refuses to play, I might have read that somewhere?). So it might be a case-by-case basis. If it helps, do a search for AYN Odin 2 (or AYN Odin 2 Portal) + GameHub or Winlator. They share the same chip and have plenty of users sharing their experiences!
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I want this
That looks so good. Imagine if people started making games for it. That would be a true ds spiritual successor
3DS emulation still has a long way to go (the emulators themselves) since Citra got taken down. But some are making great progress, Azahar is a nice project to keep an eye on. Like I mentioned in the article…it can only get better!
As to original games being made after the systems shut down, I’d love to see that too! Now we’re seeing these retro handheld manufacturers pivot to dual screen systems like the AYANEO Pocket DS, AYN Thor and the Anbernic DS, there’s definitely a community and plenty of consoles to play them on!
Damn it can play Mario Odyssey?? I am a little surprised it can emulate Switch games, but damn that’s cool.
I understand why it’s Android but that also feels so limiting in a way…
the bigger wall with switch emulation on android is that mobile companies are terrible at writing gpu drivers when compared to conventional desktop/laptop graphics vendors. its why for example the older snapdragon gen 2/3 outperform their newer snapdragon elite counterparts in emulation.
theres significantly more setup time on mobile because some of the jank doesnt “just work”
The Snapdragon 865 is the undisputed winner of all for the Switch, even now after so much time has passed. Time will change that, and the community is what drives changes, but it’s definitely a unique scene!
If the SD865 is the undisputed champ does that mean that the Lite version is actually the best for Switch Emulation since that’s the one that ships with SD865?
While it’s outdated, its the divers that make it the better option for Switch emulation! But, with time will come drivers which make the newer upgrades work as well, like 8gen2. Right now, it’s the community support that keeps the 865 being the most stable and the one I’d recommend the most (with Turnip) for Switch emu!
But as for everything else? It’s a weigh up for what is most important to you!
The next Eden update focuses a lot on the snapdragon elite series, without even using turnip drivers.
Yes! It depends on which Switch games, of course Switch emulation is a slippery slope of diving into drivers, settings and builds. But a lot of games run well!!
Even more surprising was WiiU (since that emulator is quite recent on the scene!), and PS3! WipEout HD: Fury was fun to play!
Little edit: I’ve actually got an article on Eden emulator coming up soon, I interviewed two of the devs, and I’m writing things up now. So if you’re interested in the ‘main’ Switch emulator being built and maintained, then keep an eye out for when I post it! You can just bookmark my author link here and when it’s up, it’ll appear there
often I think to myself “damn, i should buy one of these dual screen handhelds to emulate 3DS games!”
…and then i remember that i have a 3DS lol
Does it have an SD card slot?
Yes, it does! I’m running all my ROMs via a 512GB Samsung card.
Awesome! They don’t mention it anywhere, in a device like this it’s a selling point considering you can buy the cheapest one and still get good storage.
Can they send me one to review too?
I think it’s the history of my posts. I’ve been interviewing developers from programs and projects for a couple of years now. From Heroic to Lutris to EmuDeck, RetroDECK, Junk Store to things like RomM and Minigalaxy. These and articles on the scene…I don’t know, I guess it’s just because I’ve established my voice as one in this gaming scene.
It’s not as loud as some, but it certainly was nice to have some validation that a company wanted me to review their product!
I wish it (or something similar) had a cellular modem for calls/sms. I would love to replace my phone with something like this, even if it’s a bit large
Relegate all the telephony stuff to a smartwatch/earbuds pair and that would be great.
…That’s an N-Gage.
I’m really interested in getting my hands on one of these. Really wander if it’s better than my Flip 2. For DS games it’s a clear winner but I also got a DS for 50 bucks refurbished. The screen looks legit!
SBC gaming and Emulator handhelds have rekindles my zest for gaming. Mainstream consoles are dull and uninspired monetization machines while PCs are overrun with GPU fetishists and Steam cultists.
deleted by creator
I didnt read your article (I did goto their page on the device) but I was wondering to anyone that did, did they disclose what type of sticks they use. For this price if its not hall effect and we get drift (even tho I am sure they would give us better access to the sticks and we could map a custom dead zone to fix it) I would be upset.
never mind I just saw in the buying text (not the specs area) ‘hall sticks’. Sorry for being a dolt.
Glad you found the info!
For a handy stats sheet, this was included too:
Neat! Can it run WiiU games as well?
Yes, but the WiiU emu on android isn’t that great, and you’d be better off using a switch emu, as the best wiiu games were ported to switch anyway.
Exactly this!
CEMU on Android is still very new to the scene, so some things work and some don’t. I’d consider it just an added bonus (like Wind Waker!) when things work!
Wait, it runs Android? One one hand ewww, on the other ooo F-droid store!
Review Sample? You’re an influencer now :P
This is an ad.
For fuck’s sake.
Go and look at my post history on Lemmy. I’m more than established on here, as I am on Mastodon. I’m not a ad, this wasn’t a paid review. They sent me the device and had no idea what I’d write about it. If it was terrible, I’d have said so. That’s…how this works. In the case of the AYN Thor, it’s just genuinely a VERY good handheld. I stand by what I’ve written. You would too, if you got one.
I loathe that you don’t know me, didn’t check my history with Lemmy, and just called me a paid shill. Fucking shitty.
As to reviewing this handheld and liking it. Its like if you got sent a Steam Deck, and gave it a good review…would you consider that an ad? A product which holds up to scrutiny? My findings seem to be pretty in-line with others who have reviewed the device.
Ugh.
I would consider them giving you the device for free to be putting their finger on the scale at the very least.
Yes, also ad for your blog.
This is not ‘my’ blog. Its my friend’s: Gardiner Bryant. I contribute there because I love gaming and I love writing.
Should we start removing all links from this community, do you think? Because sharing links to sites (by your own ‘logic’) are just ads. Right?
tbf, I kinda can’t blame anyone for being critical of a review of a niche product. We live in a capitalistic influencer hellscape. We are post authenticity. Everything is a grift, everything is a hustle, everyone is a paid sponsor. Modern subversive advertising has made everyone suspicious of anyone who boasts a company or product.
I feel like in the 2000s before the monetization of the internet became the norm, people were more able to share their art and writing in forums. There were entire sites dedicated to grassroots art-sharing without any profit motive.
Yes, grifters exist, but we’re all so cynical these days, not just at the corporations, but everyone. I miss people just sharing things with each other without any suspicion that dark money is involved.
I looked at the blog and it looks like a mere $182 changed hands for the month, and I assume most or all of it goes to Gardiner Bryant and not the OP. Is that comparable Instagram “influencers” hawking Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop in a paid sponsorship deal? Maybe this is just a person who was excited enough about a new console that they decided to write about it, and honestly, good for them.
I make no money from Gardiner’s site, or any other way I’ve done these articles. They’re just because I love to write and because I love the gaming scene. Thanks for realizing that!
half this community is “${game} released on steam!”, these are just as much ads as this post is
I know there are some cool new ways to run PC games on stuff like this. If you have them, how does this run the PC versions of games like Isaac, Gungeon, Slay the Spire, or Vampire Survivors? I know these all (or mostly) have Android or Switch ports but for one reason or another (usually mod support) the PC version is superior. I’m looking into this device as a lower weight, lower power alternative to a Steam Deck, so support for 2D indie PC games is a must.
Yes!
You can use things like GameHub/GameHub Lite (a community fork which strips the telemetry), or Winlator. This can run far, far more taxing games than just the little indies. Tomb Raider (2013), Halo MCC, Fallout New Vegas, Silksong, Dave the Diver, Hades II and so on. There is tinkering sometimes, but its getting more and more impressive as time goes on.
Its up to you if you want to plan for the future and buy the ‘Max’ version (with more RAM), but for all that’s possible now, the 12GB version (the Pro model) is more than enough.
It will 100% play small indie games, but remember some games are weird. They’re fickle and refuse to work (I think one of the Deus Ex games refuses to play, I might have read that somewhere?). So it might be a case-by-case basis. If it helps, do a search for AYN Odin 2 (or AYN Odin 2 Portal) + GameHub or Winlator. They share the same chip and have plenty of users sharing their experiences!
Hope this helped :)
How’s performance in Isaac with some workshop mods specifically? Locked 60 even with a bunch of crap on screen