Ayn just keeps kicking Ayaneo's legs out from under them. Ayaneo comes out with the Pocket Air only to be snuffed out by the Odin 2.... then they come out with the Pocket S, only to get snuffed out by the Odin 2 Mini.
This is an awesome thorough review! I believe with the D-Pad, it has been an issue called out and they had to delay shipment on the first few batches to revise it. I'm hoping the review unit you have is an earlier version prior to that.
I think the base model of the Pocket S 12GB costs 399 same as the Odin 2 mini 12GB, the quality and aesthetics are absolutely beautiful (more than Odin), the company is working to fix the DPad BEFORE the crowdfunding campaign ends, there is more power from this chipset than the Odin 2 mini, the screen is borderless (unlike the competition), so I don't understand why it is lower than the Odin 2... can someone explain? Thanks
Odin Loyalists lol. On Paper this definitely seems better but the 1100nit brightness mini led display of the Odin Mini is making me hesitate to Order the Pocket S that only goes up to 400 nits which is close to the same brightness as the Switch, Steam deck, and Odin 2, so it shouldn't be a big deal but still, having a screen that bright would be perfect for playing outdoors, even in sunlight lol
@@netnomad47 mini led screen is cool but that borders are unwatchable, and black shadows in corners ugly too, i would prefer it only if the life time of the screen is better
@ZetaPogo true those bezels are so ugly. I like that the pocket S has very slim bezels. They both have pro's and cons and that's what makes it difficult for me. I need to wait for more reviews.
@@netnomad47 i understand, the price is still high even if the pocket s has nice material. I still went for it the 16 GB ram 1080P version hoping it will last for years! Finger crossed
@@netnomad47 I will update you when my poket s arrive! At thew moment i only have tried the Retroid pocket 4 pro That is INSANE for the price,with the grip is so comfortable too! But i want to play things in a better quality from ps2 to new consoles, that's why i changed!
Damn, I really wanted one of these devices. Sounds like the battery life doesn't actually beat out the Win Mini for the type of emulation I wanna do, so I might just look at the AYN Odin 2 or Mini.
I adore my win mini. Finish a game, alt f4 out of the game and steam, then open firefox and youtube and set the thing down with no stand and enjoy my videos while eating, then pick it back up, hibernate it, and slip it into my back pocket while I run back up to the office after my lunch break is done. By FAR the most utilitarian handheld on the market. I wouldn't replace it with anything.
I think the real issue with this device for most people is the price. It's the price. It's very expensive for an Android gaming device that is also not a phone.
We need an Android flip console with a large 4:3 screen, like 7 inches, with a mini version of 6 perhaps. 7 inches in 4:3, for example, allows a 6.5 inch 16:9, while a 7 inch 16:9 screen only allows 5.7 in 4:3. Another point is that a 4:3 flip allows for a smaller size, in this 7 inch example it would only need approximately 16cm, it still fits in your pocket... if it is a 6 inch version then around 14cm. The idea of the flip does not exclude the desire for horizontal consoles with larger 4:3 screens, just the flip allows for a much larger screen without increasing to the sides, in addition to better ergonomics. PLEASE SEND THIS COMMENT TO THE MANUFACTURERS, REPLICATE IT IN OTHER VIDEOS. The goal is for us to have incredible consoles.
been considering the 1440p version specifically so i can use the best version of crt royale shaders 1080p is not enough resolution for a good experience
I have a dream...that handheld OEMs will make the analog sticks symmetrical because human hands are symmetrical! Yeah, the Pocket S is fine but uncompetitive next to the Odin 2.
I'd like to point out that the Razer Edge is on sale right now (and has been before) for $250. Not gonna pretend it's anywhere near as premium as the Aya product or as cohesive as any device with the controller properly built into the chassis, but thats a lot of value comparatively.
From what I've heard from people who owned the Razer Edge, it was a piece of shit on the software side, controllers that just drain the device, software updates breaking it and obviously Razer's support is as bad as always.
@@Fleshlight_Reviewer that is what I do, Pixel 8A. It's fine for up to most PS2, Yuzu is a no go on mali though. I've never seen proof on ANY ARM device that my two favorite PS2 titles are fully compatible, Gran Turismo 4 & Tourist Trophy. Everyone will run benchmarks on day tracks and say it runs great, absolutely shits the bed on any night track with lighting effects. x86 is definitely where it's at, but I'm not hauling my deck with me everywhere!
I do like how this looks. Essentially, a phone with a built-in controller. It does seem like a downgrade, though, considering the Pocket Air is one of the best-looking handhelds ever.
Did they promise anything "meaningful" in the first place? Did any of their marketing target the Odin 2 to give the impression of "meaningful"? Answer to both questions is no because"meaningful " is very subjective that you have a bad case of
Premium feel, that's AYAs whole selling point for their devices. Most people obviously don't care and will play on a calculator if they must but some people really like a device that goes the extra mile for presentation.
@@seethruhead7119 But that's if the game is whitelisted and does install without workarounds. The Odin 2 as great and as powerful as it is, suffers from a lack of whitelist so a lot of games refuse to install unless side loaded, that's not great for the end user.
I had hard time choosing between this and Odin 2 Mini but ultimately went with Pocket S 1080P 16G/512G. Imo if you compare apple to apple Pocket S early-bird price is better value compared to Odin2 Mini. I wish Ayn tried a bit harder to fit 5.5" screen in Mini, after all Ayaneo managed to fit 6" in almost same form-factor. Just my opinion but bezel on Mini looks horrendous specially as it copied Vita design. Its as if Sony had made a Vita Lite model. I am not worried about Driver or D-pad; what I am worried about is whether I can open it for cleaning.
Good luck opening the pocket s for cleaning, especially if they hide the screws under the triggers like they do for pocket air/air/air plus. Every time you open those device, you have to snap the triggers off and risk breaking the clips for the triggers and not being able to put them back. And that's only the start.
Aya Neo informed backers that they will be "optimizing" the dpad, so hopefully that fixes that issue. I guess they got quite a bit of negative feedback about it.
bought one, think the retro gaming youtubers are unnecessarily shitting on this. The earlybird pricing is comparable to the ODIN 2 whilst offering FAR more gpu performance and build quality
I feel like this has the performance boost and the screen upgrade that Ide want to see in an Odin 3, however ive heard so many terrible things about the controls in comparison to the amazing feel of the Odin 2, and the Switch style sticks are a real turn off for me.
Its just the typical ayaneo device which charged a premium for supposedly being a premium looking device. Removing the headphone jack in such a device where the thickness can accommodate it is a joke, same thing in the upcoming micro handheld. Anyway they know their target market well and their fanbase will buy it like they buy the Kun.
I was hopeful on this unit but I think three things are extremely clear: - Ayaneo develops too many handhelds and cannot maintain proper QC so they make a new one and move on - Android is limiting this hardware, the upgraded GPU over a standard SDG2 doesn't fundamentally do a whole lot here (not to mention lower CPU scores compared to a properly actively cooled SDG2...) - lastly, the selection of parts is always a potentially questionable thing on Ayaneo units; especially given the premium they charge
It's a shame about this as tbh i prefer the form factor, design and build quality over the ODIN 2. AYA are just better at building hardware than AYN imo but it seems the just made some questionable choices with regards to the controls and the cooling system.
...DUDE,WHY THE HELL HAVE YOU AVOIDED REALLY RESOURCE EATING GAME LIKE *_BOTW_* ??.......IT RUNS AROUND 20FPS ON 8GEN2 AND SHUTTING DOWN FREQUENTLY!!SO GOT TO DO PORTABLE 0,75x!! .....SOOOOO....ALL THAT POWER IS NEEDED !!! ......SOO.....I'LL KINDA GET ONE SOON NO MATTER WHAT PAIN FOR MY BUDGET IT'LL TAKE
Here a tip, try to cool your phone. I have redmagic 9s plus cooler can play both Zelda at full speed full resolution with no problem. On reddit someone was playing odyssey 60 FPS on an 888 by hooking up a PC cooler to the back of the phone
@@ZetaPogo I'm going to be using this for emulation. the current set of emulators are optimized for Gen2 not Gen3 chipset. With the state of high end emulator development, who knows when they will support Gen3. Gen2 is already powerful enough to do everything. Mini 2 also has Hall joysticks, and better d-pad / buttons. Also $200 dollars cheaper while still having an awesome screen. Got the black model, so don't really care about the bezels.
@@mrgulati Man the udates will come, and you have seen tests of ALPHA Products.. 200 dollars cheaper where??? 399 for odin 2 mini 12 gb and 374 for pocket s 12 gb full hd...i do not understand your fears. They fixed dpad
This chipset and Linux = win. As it is, it's just a really expensive and good looking Odin2. EDIT: I still ordered it, hope i don't end up with a paperweight...
Fyi be careful with your thumbnail gestures. That there is New Zealand/Australia/UK sign language for lesbian..... Lol I know that's not what you were going for, but now you know and I can't unsee it 😅
I WOULD RATHER GET A LAPTOP BUT IF YOU HAVE LINKS TO DEVICES THAT ARE MORE 150 AND UNDER BECAUSE I WOULD BE USING A DEVICE DESIGNED LIKE THIS FOR N64 AND PS1 AND UNDER
I refuse to accept the perception that Ayaneo is a premium brand making premium products when every product they release seems to have quality control issues and their customer service is terrible. Premium companies take care of their customers. Ayaneo has sleek designs, but they don't make premium products. And their designs often sacrifice usability for a "sexy" product.
I dont understand why anyone wants a Android gaming device that can't function as a phone. I just want real gaming controls on a phone, no attachments, no added software, just a real phone with gaming controls that are sleek and dont feel bad in my pocket
Yoo holy shit that transition from thumbnail to video was slick AF. I've only just realised you do it with all your videos, it's very satisfying.
he started it a while ago and its awesome !!
He's perfected it. I usually hate these kinds of thumbnails, but I take exception to this because of how smooth he made the transition.
That's what made me subscribe initially. He's smooth asf with it!
We have the same wish. Xperia play remake. You can use it like a normal phone or small tablet. 6 to 7 screen.
Ayn just keeps kicking Ayaneo's legs out from under them. Ayaneo comes out with the Pocket Air only to be snuffed out by the Odin 2.... then they come out with the Pocket S, only to get snuffed out by the Odin 2 Mini.
"I paid $550 to play PS2 and to feel good while rubbing the plastic"
Why not play switch or pc emulators?
@@bulletpunch9317 he was being sarcastic
@@edmfuturedisco3485 oh i though he was some noob
How can you emulate pc or play steam games?
@@kevinkev1530 winlator
The Handheld revolution will be youtubized
This is an awesome thorough review! I believe with the D-Pad, it has been an issue called out and they had to delay shipment on the first few batches to revise it. I'm hoping the review unit you have is an earlier version prior to that.
The CEO confirmed on discord that this unit was pre fix.
I think the base model of the Pocket S 12GB costs 399 same as the Odin 2 mini 12GB, the quality and aesthetics are absolutely beautiful (more than Odin), the company is working to fix the DPad BEFORE the crowdfunding campaign ends, there is more power from this chipset than the Odin 2 mini, the screen is borderless (unlike the competition), so I don't understand why it is lower than the Odin 2... can someone explain? Thanks
Odin Loyalists lol. On Paper this definitely seems better but the 1100nit brightness mini led display of the Odin Mini is making me hesitate to Order the Pocket S that only goes up to 400 nits which is close to the same brightness as the Switch, Steam deck, and Odin 2, so it shouldn't be a big deal but still, having a screen that bright would be perfect for playing outdoors, even in sunlight lol
@@netnomad47 mini led screen is cool but that borders are unwatchable, and black shadows in corners ugly too, i would prefer it only if the life time of the screen is better
@ZetaPogo true those bezels are so ugly. I like that the pocket S has very slim bezels. They both have pro's and cons and that's what makes it difficult for me. I need to wait for more reviews.
@@netnomad47 i understand, the price is still high even if the pocket s has nice material. I still went for it the 16 GB ram 1080P version hoping it will last for years! Finger crossed
@@netnomad47 I will update you when my poket s arrive! At thew moment i only have tried the Retroid pocket 4 pro That is INSANE for the price,with the grip is so comfortable too! But i want to play things in a better quality from ps2 to new consoles, that's why i changed!
This is exactly why i watch your content, honest reviews guaranteed. Please continue making these vidz.
Your transition from thumbnail to video is awesome!
Thanks so much!
I too wish for a real gaming phone. I have since 2011 with the Xperia Play.
Yo, that intro is clean
Damn, I really wanted one of these devices. Sounds like the battery life doesn't actually beat out the Win Mini for the type of emulation I wanna do, so I might just look at the AYN Odin 2 or Mini.
I adore my win mini. Finish a game, alt f4 out of the game and steam, then open firefox and youtube and set the thing down with no stand and enjoy my videos while eating, then pick it back up, hibernate it, and slip it into my back pocket while I run back up to the office after my lunch break is done. By FAR the most utilitarian handheld on the market. I wouldn't replace it with anything.
I think the real issue with this device for most people is the price. It's the price. It's very expensive for an Android gaming device that is also not a phone.
I feel like I'm living in the future. Thumbnails that turn into videos.
how about fans noise and heat issue ?
You should start talking about AR glasses like the XReal or Victure with devices like this. Does the S support glasses via USBC Alt?
Agreed. Waiting on my Victure’s, ordered a week ago.
We need an Android flip console with a large 4:3 screen, like 7 inches, with a mini version of 6 perhaps. 7 inches in 4:3, for example, allows a 6.5 inch 16:9, while a 7 inch 16:9 screen only allows 5.7 in 4:3. Another point is that a 4:3 flip allows for a smaller size, in this 7 inch example it would only need approximately 16cm, it still fits in your pocket... if it is a 6 inch version then around 14cm. The idea of the flip does not exclude the desire for horizontal consoles with larger 4:3 screens, just the flip allows for a much larger screen without increasing to the sides, in addition to better ergonomics.
PLEASE SEND THIS COMMENT TO THE MANUFACTURERS, REPLICATE IT IN OTHER VIDEOS. The goal is for us to have incredible consoles.
That intro was sick
Please review the Odin 2!
been considering the 1440p version
specifically so i can use the best version of crt royale shaders
1080p is not enough resolution for a good experience
I have a dream...that handheld OEMs will make the analog sticks symmetrical because human hands are symmetrical!
Yeah, the Pocket S is fine but uncompetitive next to the Odin 2.
Retroid Pocket
Too bad games are asymmetrical
@@bulletpunch9317 they're not. Modern games use both analogs and the shoulder buttons. Old games use the d pad and face buttons.
@@fillerbunnyninjashark271 no its left analog and face buttons for everythong other than shooters.
@@bulletpunch9317 only 2d games, which you should be using the dpad for.
I'd like to point out that the Razer Edge is on sale right now (and has been before) for $250. Not gonna pretend it's anywhere near as premium as the Aya product or as cohesive as any device with the controller properly built into the chassis, but thats a lot of value comparatively.
From what I've heard from people who owned the Razer Edge, it was a piece of shit on the software side, controllers that just drain the device, software updates breaking it and obviously Razer's support is as bad as always.
Just use your phone with their controller
@@Fleshlight_Reviewer that is what I do, Pixel 8A. It's fine for up to most PS2, Yuzu is a no go on mali though.
I've never seen proof on ANY ARM device that my two favorite PS2 titles are fully compatible, Gran Turismo 4 & Tourist Trophy. Everyone will run benchmarks on day tracks and say it runs great, absolutely shits the bed on any night track with lighting effects.
x86 is definitely where it's at, but I'm not hauling my deck with me everywhere!
Is that 8 or 6gb. Even if its 8 its only good for the oled. Odin 2 for the extra $50 is much better.
it's only 6gb of RAM, rather limiting
it would have to be $200 to be worth it
I do like how this looks. Essentially, a phone with a built-in controller. It does seem like a downgrade, though, considering the Pocket Air is one of the best-looking handhelds ever.
Does this support audio through usbc headphones? I noticed it doesn’t have a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
Wait a few days and Ayaneo will come out with something better.
A few hours*
@@Fleshlight_Reviewer a few minutes*
Ayaneo is tone def. There’s nothing meaningful here over the Odin 2 and the Odin Mini will be better with the insanely bright screen.
exactly
Did they promise anything "meaningful" in the first place? Did any of their marketing target the Odin 2 to give the impression of "meaningful"?
Answer to both questions is no because"meaningful " is very subjective that you have a bad case of
Premium feel, that's AYAs whole selling point for their devices. Most people obviously don't care and will play on a calculator if they must but some people really like a device that goes the extra mile for presentation.
1440p is good if you know how to use it
(crt royale)
@@seethruhead7119 But that's if the game is whitelisted and does install without workarounds.
The Odin 2 as great and as powerful as it is, suffers from a lack of whitelist so a lot of games refuse to install unless side loaded, that's not great for the end user.
I had hard time choosing between this and Odin 2 Mini but ultimately went with Pocket S 1080P 16G/512G. Imo if you compare apple to apple Pocket S early-bird price is better value compared to Odin2 Mini. I wish Ayn tried a bit harder to fit 5.5" screen in Mini, after all Ayaneo managed to fit 6" in almost same form-factor. Just my opinion but bezel on Mini looks horrendous specially as it copied Vita design. Its as if Sony had made a Vita Lite model. I am not worried about Driver or D-pad; what I am worried about is whether I can open it for cleaning.
Good luck opening the pocket s for cleaning, especially if they hide the screws under the triggers like they do for pocket air/air/air plus.
Every time you open those device, you have to snap the triggers off and risk breaking the clips for the triggers and not being able to put them back. And that's only the start.
I wonder if there can be some kind of kit for certain snapdragon phones where we can convert it into a handheld with a fan. Would be cool.
This would be possible with 3d printer and some soldering skills.
what's the brightness settings when you test the battery life?
i havent seen an odin 2 review - how would you turn on performance overlay for an odin 2
That transition
I don't really understand the Android handheld market, vs a phone and Bluetooth controller, like the wine razer makes.
Aya Neo informed backers that they will be "optimizing" the dpad, so hopefully that fixes that issue. I guess they got quite a bit of negative feedback about it.
Hmm i feel like the retroid pocket 4 pro is better value
The screen is too small/ the battery is a lil bit low and the price is too expensive.
Pocket doesn't mean big screen
Why I ordered an Odin 2 mini
@@rebcommando587 Even though it is pocketable, it does not mean that the screen ought to be too small, however decent.
bought one, think the retro gaming youtubers are unnecessarily shitting on this. The earlybird pricing is comparable to the ODIN 2 whilst offering FAR more gpu performance and build quality
By the time this review video dropped... AYA-Neo Already presenting...
AYA Neo Pocket Evo...
7" inch Oled screen Android Handheld...
🙃🤣🧐🤯
I feel like this has the performance boost and the screen upgrade that Ide want to see in an Odin 3, however ive heard so many terrible things about the controls in comparison to the amazing feel of the Odin 2, and the Switch style sticks are a real turn off for me.
Its just the typical ayaneo device which charged a premium for supposedly being a premium looking device.
Removing the headphone jack in such a device where the thickness can accommodate it is a joke, same thing in the upcoming micro handheld.
Anyway they know their target market well and their fanbase will buy it like they buy the Kun.
I was hopeful on this unit but I think three things are extremely clear:
- Ayaneo develops too many handhelds and cannot maintain proper QC so they make a new one and move on
- Android is limiting this hardware, the upgraded GPU over a standard SDG2 doesn't fundamentally do a whole lot here (not to mention lower CPU scores compared to a properly actively cooled SDG2...)
- lastly, the selection of parts is always a potentially questionable thing on Ayaneo units; especially given the premium they charge
The price needs to be -£100 to make it worth a buy! as usual Ayaneo is over priced.
What model did you review
Hello! Can you please tell me how does Zelda TOTK work on this? Thanks
The question is, why buy this with that price tag instead of getting a steam deck?
Deep spoilers for Metroid Dread in the beginning of the video. You've been warned
These android handhelds are great but I’m sure you can do all this on your smartphone
Sh1tty dpad and Switch's sticks= hard pass.
It's a shame about this as tbh i prefer the form factor, design and build quality over the ODIN 2. AYA are just better at building hardware than AYN imo but it seems the just made some questionable choices with regards to the controls and the cooling system.
...DUDE,WHY THE HELL HAVE YOU AVOIDED REALLY RESOURCE EATING GAME LIKE *_BOTW_* ??.......IT RUNS AROUND 20FPS ON 8GEN2 AND SHUTTING DOWN FREQUENTLY!!SO GOT TO DO PORTABLE 0,75x!!
.....SOOOOO....ALL THAT POWER IS NEEDED !!!
......SOO.....I'LL KINDA GET ONE SOON NO MATTER WHAT PAIN FOR MY BUDGET IT'LL TAKE
Here a tip, try to cool your phone. I have redmagic 9s plus cooler can play both Zelda at full speed full resolution with no problem. On reddit someone was playing odyssey 60 FPS on an 888 by hooking up a PC cooler to the back of the phone
No dpad input? Count me output
Please review Advan X-play
The 7840u slide cost LESS than the highest end pocket s 😂 I'd buy neither there service is atrocious and no customer service equals no deal 😂
Ill stick with the odin 2 mini 🤙
Good chip that can go beyond 1080p but damn, they need a better screen.
Do you prefer the Ayn Odin 2 Pro? i´m seriously thinking on selling the odin to buy this one
Not worth it at all.
The base models are more than fine
@@fillerbunnyninjashark271 but better than odin?
Canceled and ordered the Ayn Odin 2 Mini
Ordered a 2 mini last night myself. This is just too damn much
Just why? That screen bezels are so ugly and the power is lesss at the same price
@@ZetaPogo I'm going to be using this for emulation. the current set of emulators are optimized for Gen2 not Gen3 chipset. With the state of high end emulator development, who knows when they will support Gen3. Gen2 is already powerful enough to do everything. Mini 2 also has Hall joysticks, and better d-pad / buttons. Also $200 dollars cheaper while still having an awesome screen. Got the black model, so don't really care about the bezels.
@@mrgulati Man the udates will come, and you have seen tests of ALPHA Products.. 200 dollars cheaper where??? 399 for odin 2 mini 12 gb and 374 for pocket s 12 gb full hd...i do not understand your fears. They fixed dpad
NGL this Handheld isn't very good. It's too flat and has no grip or ergonomics. Sure it has performance but I'll by an Odin 2 instead. 😕
There are grips for it…
That poor Steam Deck 😭
Ayn is playstation and aya is xbox and im xbox for life
This chipset and Linux = win. As it is, it's just a really expensive and good looking Odin2. EDIT: I still ordered it, hope i don't end up with a paperweight...
You can see the disappointment on The Phawx's face. There's no way to hide it. xD Odin 2 it is, don't look further.
If I could run Ubuntu on this thing I would buy it now
Is this channel ignoring the existence of the Odin 2? There's no reviews or mentioning it on this video. Weird...
The Stream Deck is a better choice compared to these Chinese devices.
Fyi be careful with your thumbnail gestures. That there is New Zealand/Australia/UK sign language for lesbian..... Lol I know that's not what you were going for, but now you know and I can't unsee it 😅
I WOULD RATHER GET A LAPTOP BUT IF YOU HAVE LINKS TO DEVICES THAT ARE MORE 150 AND UNDER BECAUSE I WOULD BE USING A DEVICE DESIGNED LIKE THIS FOR N64 AND PS1 AND UNDER
Ayaneo Pocket Sucks….
I refuse to accept the perception that Ayaneo is a premium brand making premium products when every product they release seems to have quality control issues and their customer service is terrible.
Premium companies take care of their customers. Ayaneo has sleek designs, but they don't make premium products. And their designs often sacrifice usability for a "sexy" product.
We all know the premium company making gaming handhelds right now is ... Valve.
I dont understand why anyone wants a Android gaming device that can't function as a phone. I just want real gaming controls on a phone, no attachments, no added software, just a real phone with gaming controls that are sleek and dont feel bad in my pocket
Quality controls or sleek and fits nice in your pocket. Choose one.
@@subzero-ku2wx yu can have both, the PSP GO did it