Miss your 3DS XL? You need to see this dual-screened Android handheld (Update: Full specs)

Miss your 3DS XL? You need to see this dual-screened Android handheld (Update: Full specs)

Replace, August 20, 2025 (7:35 AM ET): Just some hours after this was first printed, AYN launched extra specs for the upcoming Thor handheld. It should certainly be very comparable in measurement to the New Nintendo 3DS XL, measuring 150 x 94 x 25.6mm (vs 160 x 93.5 x 21.5mm for the 3DS XL). It should weigh barely extra, coming in at 380g vs 330g.

Apparently, there are two choices for the processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. The previous is similar because the Retroid Pocket Flip 2 and Pocket 5, and the latter is similar because the Odin 2. Each ought to play the whole 3DS catalog to some extent, though the Snapdragon 865 could battle with two screens and upscaling. Additional testing is required right here.

The battery is a 6,000mAh, which is way smaller than the 8,000mAh cell discovered on the Pocket DS. Nonetheless, contemplating the bodily measurement distinction between the 2, this is not any shock.

At this level, we’re solely lacking pricing and a launch date. Contemplating the low-spec mannequin comes with a Snapdragon 865, it’s going to actually be cheaper than the Pocket DS, and it could be much more reasonably priced than a second-hand Nintendo 3DS XL.


Authentic article, August 20, 2025 (5:19AM): It’s been lower than a day since AYN introduced the dual-screened Thor handheld, but it surely’s already trying like an extremely compelling system for Nintendo 3DS followers. Late final evening, the corporate confirmed off the primary key specs, and it’s nice information for anybody trying to change their getting older 3DS {hardware}.

A number of hours after asserting the console, the corporate revealed that it’ll characteristic a 6-inch FHD 120Hz AMOLED panel on the highest, and a 3.92-inch 60Hz AMOLED panel on the underside. That second display screen is probably going the identical because the AYANEO Pocket DMG and Retroid Pocket Traditional, and it’s broadly thought of among the best panels of its measurement.

That stated, the 8:7 side ratio may have some letterboxing on 3DS video games and basic methods. It’s barely smaller than the secondary display screen on the New Nintendo 3DS XL, which measures 4.18-inches, however bigger than one on the non-XL mannequin, which measures 3.02-inches. In any case, the decision is considerably larger, so it ought to supply a big step up by way of visuals.

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AYN Thor screen sizes

As for the primary display screen, it’s an enormous enchancment over the comparatively puny 400 x 240 output on the 3DS. The 6-inch FHD 120Hz AMOLED panel is greater than 5 occasions the decision, though once more, there might be small black bars on the perimeters due to the 3DS’ distinctive 5:3 side ratio. There’s additionally no stereoscopic 3D impact, though many customers turned that off anyway.

The upper refresh fee is sweet for some methods, however it’s going to possible be misplaced when emulating 3DS video games. AYANEO claims that refresh charges are capped at 60Hz when utilizing each screens on its upcoming Pocket DS handheld due to Android limitations. AYN hasn’t stated something about this relating to the Thor, however it’s going to possible have the identical subject.

The AYN Thor seems to be simply as moveable as the unique 3DS {hardware}.

Whereas AYN hasn’t revealed the precise dimensions of the Thor, we will get a tough estimate of the scale from the highest display screen. If the renders are appropriate, it ought to are available barely smaller than the New Nintendo 3DS XL, which measures roughly 5.6 inches by 3.17 inches when closed. It should virtually assuredly be thicker, however not less than it’s going to retain the identical pocketability. Transferring the audio system to the underside and eradicating the digicam altogether permits the a lot bigger display screen.

It’s a lot smaller than the AYANEO Pocket DS, which encompasses a 7-inch panel on high and a 5-inch panel on the underside. That’s excellent news for followers of the smaller measurement of the unique 3DS mannequin, which has exploded in worth in the previous couple of years. AYN hasn’t revealed pricing for the Thor, but when it is available in cheaper than the $400 earlybird pricing on the Pocket DS, it will be a wonderful choice for anybody available in the market for a used 3DS.

AYN nonetheless hasn’t revealed full specs, pricing, or a launch date for the Thor, so keep tuned for extra particulars within the coming weeks.

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