AYN has announced significant changes coming to both the AYN Thor and AYN Odin 3, including another price increase for the high-end Thor models and a major hardware downgrade that affects both devices. If you've been eyeing either handheld, you'll want to pay close attention to these changes before placing your order.
The New Pricing Structure
AYN confirmed that Batch 6 (Thor) and Batch 7 (Odin 3) pre-orders will open soon with adjusted pricing and a new SKU configuration (according to Retro Handhelds).
Here's how the new Thor lineup breaks down:
| Model | Specs | Price | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lite | SD865 / 8GB / 128GB | $249 | Unchanged |
| Base | 8GB / 128GB | $319 | Unchanged |
| Pro | 12GB / 256GB | $399 | Unchanged |
| Max (NEW) | 16GB / 512GB | $469 | New SKU |
| Max | 16GB / 1TB | $549 | Increased |
AYN's justification for the Max price increase? "In an effort to maintain the existing pricing for Thor Base and Pro models." Essentially, they're subsidizing the lower-tier pricing by charging more for the high-end configuration.
The Major Hardware Change: UFS 4.0 to UFS 3.1
The bigger story here isn't the price—it's the storage downgrade. Both the Thor and Odin 3 will transition from UFS 4.0 to UFS 3.1 storage moving forward (according to Retro Handhelds).
This represents a significant performance reduction:
| Specification | UFS 3.1 (New) | UFS 4.0 (Previous) | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sequential Read | Up to 2,100 MB/s | Up to 4,200 MB/s | ~50% decrease |
| Sequential Write | Up to 1,200 MB/s | Up to 2,800 MB/s | >50% decrease |
| Power Efficiency | Baseline | 46% more efficient | Reduced battery life |
What this means in practice:
- Retro emulation (PS1 and earlier): Likely unnoticeable difference
- PS2/GameCube/Wii: Minor impact on load times, gameplay unaffected
- Switch/Xbox/PS3/PC gaming: Expected performance issues that cannot be remedied by switching Turnip drivers
The storage downgrade is particularly puzzling given that competitors like the Retroid Pocket 6 are moving forward with newer hardware, not backward.
How This Compares to Previous Pricing
The Thor has already seen price adjustments since its announcement. The original positioning was as a budget-friendly alternative to premium handhelds like the AYANEO Pocket DS. With the Max 1TB now hitting $549, that value proposition is eroding.
Consider the competition:
- AYANEO Pocket DS 8GB/128GB: $519
- AYANEO Pocket DS 16GB/1TB: $719
At $549, the Thor Max 1TB is now just $170 less than the Pocket DS equivalent—narrowing the gap significantly while offering slower storage and smaller displays.
Should You Buy Now or Wait?
If you're considering a Thor or Odin 3, the decision has become more complicated:
Buy now if:
- You want UFS 4.0 storage (existing inventory)
- The current pricing fits your budget
- You need a handheld soon rather than later
Wait if:
- You want to see how the UFS 3.1 models perform in real-world testing
- You're hoping for a sale on existing inventory
- The price increase pushes you toward competitors like the Retroid Pocket 6
The community reaction has been skeptical. One user noted: "Remember they are going to blame price increases on tariffs, but they won't reduce prices when the next administration nullifies the tariffs. So, in reality, it's all about profits." Another quipped: "Now that's an innovative concept: moving backwards. Ayn no way!" (according to Retro Handhelds)
Current Purchase Options
If you want to secure a Thor or Odin 3 before these changes take effect:
AYN Thor:
- AYN Store: From $249
- AliExpress: From $348.95 (Use code: `RHH35`)
AYN Odin 3:
- AYN Store: From $339
- AliExpress: From $329.13 (Use code: `RHH35`)
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Thor now or wait for Batch 6?
Buy now if you want UFS 4.0 storage and current pricing. The upcoming Batch 6 models will feature slower UFS 3.1 storage, and the high-end Max 1TB model is seeing a price increase to $549. If storage speed matters for your use case—particularly for Switch/PS3/PC emulation—securing a current model makes sense.
What changed in the Odin 3?
The Odin 3 (Batch 7) will also transition from UFS 4.0 to UFS 3.1 storage alongside the Thor. This represents a roughly 50% reduction in sequential read/write speeds compared to previous batches. AYN hasn't announced specific pricing changes for the Odin 3 yet, but buyers should expect similar adjustments.
Is the Thor still worth it at the new price?
The Thor remains competitive at $249-399 for the Lite, Base, and Pro models, which see no price changes. However, the Max 1TB at $549 is a tougher sell with the UFS 3.1 downgrade. At that price point, buyers should seriously consider the Retroid Pocket 6 ($229) or AYN Odin 2 ($299) as alternatives, though the Thor's unique form factor and dual-screen design still differentiate it from standard handhelds.
