Retro handheld devices are seeing an increase in popularity, with a couple of manufacturers reintroducing the Nintendo DS. Handheld consoles have been experiencing a strong resurgence since the launch of the Steam Deck, if not earlier. In recent years, the market for gadgets that merge the classic designs of the Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, or PSP with contemporary technology has expanded significantly. The Nintendo DS seems to be the next in the lineup.
Two manufacturers introduce handhelds featuring dual displays
In just a few weeks, two handheld manufacturers have presented devices featuring the legendary dual-display setup of the GBA successor.
Initially, Ayaneo launched the (Flip 1S DS), soon followed by AYN with the “Thor.”
Both products are primarily created for emulating games that debuted on the Nintendo DS or Nintendo 3DS. Nonetheless, there are some distinctions regarding technology and pricing.
Here are the key details:
| AYN Thor | Ayaneo Flip 1S DS | |
|---|---|---|
| Main display | 6” 120Hz AMOLED | 7” 144Hz OLED |
| Second display | 3.92” 60Hz OLED | 4.5” |
| Processor | Snapdragon SD865 or 8Gen2 | Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, Ryzen 7 8840U |
| Memory options | 8 GB RAM + 128 GB 12 GB RAM + 256 GB 16 GB RAM + 1 TB | 32GB RAM + 1TB 32GB RAM + 2 TB 64 GB RAM + 2TB |
| Operating system | Android | Windows 11 |
A direct comparison makes it evident that the Ayaneo Flip 1S DS is designed to function more like a complete PC handheld, while the AYN Thor, as an Android handheld, is likely intended primarily for emulation purposes. Additionally, the Thor is significantly smaller. This is reflected in their pricing.
The AYN Thor begins at $249 with a Snapdragon 865, 8 GB RAM, and 128 GB storage. The specifications may not be notably impressive, but they are more than sufficient for playing older NDS and N3DS games. Upgrading to the Snapdragon 8Gen2 increases the price to $299, while the highest variant with 16 GB RAM and 1 TB storage is priced at $429.
Conversely, the Ayaneo Flip 1S DS will require a much greater financial investment. The entry-level model with 32 GB RAM and 1 TB storage retails for approximately $1,279. Depending on the configuration, the cost could soar to as high as $1,559. Are you keen on retro handhelds like these? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
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