I have been tempted by AYN Thor — but I have AYN Thor at home

AYN Thor is a clamshell Android gaming device that’s been at the height of the hype cycle for a good while. Everyone in the web who keeps talking about handheld devices is raving about it. They have been tempting me.

First of all, I love a clamshell form factor. Nintendo 3DS was a big favourite of mine on its heyday. But like with so many older consoles, the hardware isn’t that desirable anymore. Especially the lack of USB-C charging port is keeping me from going back to 3DS. That’s why Thor is so interesting. It’s a modern take on a classic design.

Now, I already have Steam Deck as my handheld device and I’m really happy with it. The one thing that tempts me though is that Steam Deck isn’t exactly small. It’s fantastic for any longer trips but I don’t have it with me every time I leave home and I’ve been low key wanting something that would allow me comfortably play retro games on the go during trips where I don’t bring Steam Deck with me.

Luckily, before I gave up and ordered one, I learned that RetroArch emulation app had been published on App Store for iOS and after an evening of tinkering, I was up and running with RetroArch and 8BitDo’s SN30 Pro controller on iPad and seriously, it’s been fantastic.

I always keep my iPad with me already and its large screen is very enjoyable for gaming. For (3)DS games, I can turn it to portrait mode and have massive screen estate for the two screens. SN30+ Pro is a fantastic controller, maybe my all time favourite and with a 3D printed cover to protect the thumbsticks, I feel comfortable packing it with me wherever I go.

Internet services’ recommendation algorithms combined with a creator economy that’s constantly pushing us to buy the new shiny thing is a nasty combination. There’s no real reason why I’d need an AYN Thor. I have my laptop, iPad and Steam Deck that all can run the games I enjoy. But the constant barrage of videos about the device and people playing with it on their train rides starts to creep in.

The iPad + controller combo is not always the most usable because it requires a flat table space to put the tablet on but most of the time I’m in such environment anyway so it’s not a real problem.

I’ve been recently enjoying a few of my favourite Game Boy Advance games (mainly Advance Wars series and Zelda games) with this new setup and it’s been wonderful.