Released in October 2025, the AYN Thor arrives with a bold mission: to redefine the handheld console market by reviving the iconic clamshell design that defined the golden age of the Nintendo DS and 3DS. Featuring two vibrant OLED screens, it delivers an immersive and nostalgic visual experience, blending the charm of the classics with cutting-edge technology. But the Thor isn’t just about emotional appeal—powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, one of the most powerful processors available, it promises top-tier performance for modern gaming and advanced emulation. And if that’s not enough, its technical specs and extra features make it one of the most exciting releases of 2025.
AYN Thor Design: Premium Nostalgia
The design of the AYN Thor pays a striking tribute to the classic aesthetic of Nintendo’s handhelds, especially the legendary Nintendo 3DS XL. Its clamshell form not only evokes nostalgia but also serves a practical purpose—protecting the screens when closed and making it easy to carry around. The premium build, using durable materials, conveys a sense of quality and longevity, while the matte finish helps prevent fingerprints, keeping the console looking clean even after long gaming sessions.
With dimensions of 150 x 94 x 25.6 mm and a weight of 380 g, the Thor strikes a balance between sturdiness and portability, feeling comfortable both in hand and in a backpack. It comes in four color options: black, white, rainbow, and purple—offering variety to match different styles. The overall look reinforces Thor’s identity as a device that blends retro design, modern functionality, and bold personality.
AYN Thor Controls: Complete and Precise
The controls on the AYN Thor follow AYN’s well-established standard of quality, delivering a refined and comprehensive experience for both modern and retro games. The traditional layout includes ABXY buttons, a responsive D-pad, and two recessed analog sticks, all surrounded by customizable RGB lighting that adds a striking visual flair. Additionally, the Thor features shoulder buttons and analog triggers, ensuring precise control in games that require nuanced input, such as racing and FPS titles.
A standout feature is the ability to switch button layouts via software, allowing users to choose between Nintendo-style or Xbox-style configurations based on personal preference. This flexibility makes the Thor even more adaptable, catering to a wide range of gamers.
AYN Thor Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3
Connectivity is one of the Thor’s strongest suits, reinforcing its role as a high-performance portable console. With Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3, it ensures fast and stable connections—perfect for online gaming, content streaming, and pairing with accessories like external controllers and wireless headphones. The USB-C port enables fast charging and efficient data transfer, while the microSD card slot offers easy storage expansion for those who want to carry a large library of games and files.
The Thor also includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature increasingly rare in modern devices, providing direct, latency-free audio. Support for HDMI dock via adapter transforms the console into a mobile entertainment hub, allowing games to be displayed on larger screens with ease.
AYN Thor Display: Dual High-Quality Screens
The display setup on the AYN Thor is undoubtedly one of its most impressive and defining features. With two high-definition OLED screens, the console delivers a vibrant visual experience, featuring deep blacks, rich colors, and excellent contrast—raising the bar for today’s handhelds. The main screen measures 6 inches, with Full HD resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, 650 nits brightness, and 152% sRGB coverage, ensuring smooth and accurate visuals even in demanding games.
The secondary screen, located on the lower half of the device, is 3.92 inches, with a resolution of 1240 x 1080, a 60Hz refresh rate, 550 nits brightness, and 150% sRGB, serving as an interactive extension that enhances navigation and gameplay.
AYN Thor Battery: 6000mAh for Up to 10 Hours
The AYN Thor’s battery is one of its most robust features, boasting a 6000mAh capacity that delivers solid autonomy across different usage profiles. In sessions with demanding games, the console offers around 6 hours of continuous performance, while lighter activities like retro emulation or streaming can stretch up to 10 hours.
Its 27W fast charging via USB-C is another highlight, allowing a full recharge in about 2 hours. This efficiency is ideal for users seeking mobility and speed, making the recharging process convenient and aligned with modern usage rhythms.
AYN Thor Processor and Storage: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Up to 16GB RAM
The AYN Thor is available in two main versions, each tailored to different types of gamers. The AYN Thor Lite comes equipped with the Snapdragon 865 and 8GB of RAM, delivering solid performance for emulating consoles like the Nintendo DS and 3DS, with smooth gameplay and broad compatibility. For those seeking higher resolutions, enhanced textures, and the ability to run more demanding games, the standard model—simply called AYN Thor—features the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, available in configurations with 8GB, 12GB, or up to 16GB of RAM, ensuring ample power for advanced emulation and next-gen Android gaming.
In terms of internal storage, the Thor offers options of 128GB, 256GB, and up to 1TB, depending on the chosen version. This range allows users to install a wide variety of games, apps, and media files without worrying about space. Additionally, support for microSD cards up to 2TB further expands its capacity, turning the console into a true portable gaming hub. With its combination of raw power, memory flexibility, and generous expansion, the AYN Thor caters to both casual players and hardcore enthusiasts.
Operating System and Emulation Platforms on AYN Thor
Running on Android 13, the AYN Thor delivers a modern and fluid experience, with responsive navigation and excellent compatibility with the latest system features.
Supported Platforms on AYN Thor
- Arcade Systems: CPS, FBA, MAME
- Handhelds: Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Neo Geo Pocket, Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, PSP, PS Vita
- 8-bit and 16-bit Consoles: NES, Master System, Super Nintendo, Mega Drive
- 32-bit and 64-bit Consoles: PlayStation 1, Dreamcast, Nintendo 64
- Sixth Generation Consoles: PlayStation 2, GameCube
- Recent Systems: Nintendo Wii, Nintendo Wii U, Nintendo Switch
Partial Support Platforms
- PlayStation 3 (PS3)
- PC
AYN Thor Pricing
The AYN Thor enters the market with a competitive price point, starting at $249 for the Lite version with Snapdragon 865, ideal for intermediate emulation. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 version, priced at $299, delivers premium performance for demanding games and multitasking. Both options offer excellent value for users seeking power and versatility in a handheld console.
Is the AYN Thor Worth It in 2025? Final Thoughts and Alternatives
In 2025, the AYN Thor stands out as one of the top choices for handheld gaming enthusiasts who appreciate a Nintendo 3DS-inspired design, modern performance, and functional versatility. Its clamshell form with dual OLED screens is a distinctive feature, merging visual nostalgia with cutting-edge tech. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, the Thor delivers exceptional performance for demanding Android games and smooth emulation. With long battery life and robust connectivity, it’s a well-rounded device. For fans of the Nintendo DS and 3DS, the Thor is a modern tribute that goes beyond nostalgia, offering a rich and updated experience.
Notable Alternatives
- Retroid Pocket 5: Offers performance similar to the Thor Lite with Snapdragon 865, but features a larger single screen, ideal for those who prefer a wide display. Priced around $199, it balances cost and functionality.
- Retroid Pocket Flip 2: Shares the same performance as the Thor Lite, with a clamshell design. Its price ranges from $179 to $199, making it an affordable foldable alternative.
- Anbernic RG477M: Features a metal build for enhanced durability and a premium finish, though its performance is lower than the Thor Lite. Priced between $150 and $180, it’s best suited for light emulation.
- AYN Odin 2 Portal: Considered the most complete handheld console, equipped with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and a 7-inch screen. At $329, it offers maximum performance for Android gaming and advanced emulation.
