Ayn Thor Review - IGN
Since receiving my silver Game Boy Advance SP as a birthday gift in 2003, I've been captivated by the clamshell design of portable gaming devices. The Game Boy Advance SP initiated this trend, and the DS Lite further solidified it for me: two screens and a clamshell case are my preferred handheld design. Fast forward over two decades, and I'm smitten with the Thor, an Android-based clamshell powerhouse from Ayn.
The Ayn Thor comes in four variants: three with varying onboard memory and RAM, and a 'Lite' version featuring a different CPU. All models boast a 6000mAh battery, drift-free Hall effect joysticks, active cooling, a DisplayPort for video output, and stunning AMOLED screens. The top screen is a 6-inch 1080x1920 display at 120Hz, while the bottom is a 3.92-inch 1080x1240 screen at 60Hz. Every game, video, and webpage looked incredible, as expected from such high-quality displays. I locked the top screen to 60Hz for improved battery life, but a quick press of the Ayn button accessed the custom settings menu, allowing me to toggle to 120Hz anytime.
The Base, Pro, and Max versions share the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 CPU, Adreno 740 GPU, and DDR5 memory. The Lite model features a Snapdragon 865 CPU, Adreno 650 GPU, and DDR4 memory. Non-Lite versions offer additional perks, including Wi-Fi and 4K 60fps video output capabilities.
I opted for the Max version to future-proof my storage, though a Micro SD port is available for expansion. The Thor is a potential Steam Deck replacement, so having the best specs is crucial. It's available in Clear Purple, Rainbow (warm grey plastic with SFC-inspired buttons and joysticks), Black (a fingerprint magnet), and White (reminding me of my beloved white DS Lite).
Weighing 380g and nearly matching the New 3DS XL in size, the Thor features layers of glass over the top and bottom screens, excluding button and joystick holes. I was concerned about excessive reflections or fingerprints obscuring gameplay, but the white model I chose proved worry-free. While I haven't played outdoors much due to winter, the clear OLED screens and 550 nits of brightness impressed me.
Despite its flat bottom, the Thor remains comfortable for extended use. The device has a good weight and sturdy, high-quality plastic. It stays cool even under heavy loads, thanks to its quiet fans. However, I have some criticisms. The flat-edged L2 and R2 trigger buttons could be more rounded for better finger alignment.
The front-facing speakers are adequate, and I prefer wireless earbuds. A small gap between the two halves when closed, with the top screen on pads, could be improved. I use the included foam for stability, but a slight overhang on the top screen would be ideal. Ayn offers a shell to cover the gap, and old 3DS XL cases work well.
For those using both joysticks, the right stick can be awkward. I occasionally had to maneuver it with my thumb instead of the thumb pad for comfort. Ayn's grip accessory might help, but I haven't tested it.
The Thor's first boot displays a familiar Android UI with surprisingly little clutter. Based on Android 13, it requires installing games and apps. Downloading from the Play Store is straightforward, but other gaming apps require more effort. Android 13's familiarity makes setup manageable.
Compact Power
In recent weeks, I've used the Thor identically to my Steam Deck, streaming PlayStation 5 games, playing retro games, and even PC games via apps like Gamehub Lite and Winlator. The Max model's extra memory and storage are beneficial.
Most indie games run smoothly, though Cyberpunk 2077 isn't native. Mid-2010s shooters like Deus Ex: Human Revolution and BioShock are playable, but require some fiddling. The battery drain limits heavy 3D game play.
The Thor has sparked my interest in mobile games. With the preinstalled Play Store, I easily downloaded games like Persona 5X, which I previously avoided due to onscreen controls. The great buttons and smooth joysticks made Persona enjoyable. Every Play Store app ran smoothly, and games like Pokémon Unite can be adapted to simulate controller support.
Software-wise, the Thor's dual-screen capability is impressive. Tapping a screen sets it as active, and applications load on the active screen. Multitasking is possible, allowing you to play a game while waiting for another to download. The Ayn button under the bottom screen provides access to a stats screen for temperature, fan speed adjustments, performance modes, and more.
For a long time, breaking the dual-screen barrier has been a challenge for Android handhelds. The Thor delivers a sensational product at a reasonable price, starting at $249 for the Lite or $299 for the Base. The Pro ($349) and Max ($429) offer better specs for PC gaming and resource-intensive tasks. All models are cheaper than the Steam Deck, except the Max, which is $20 more but worth it.
The Thor sets a new standard for Android handhelds, refining and improving in future generations.
