With Ayaneo releasing the Pocket S, and the Odin 2 being about six months old, it was only a matter of time before AYN got back on the horse. Over the past week, AYN has been trickling out different bits of information for a new gaming handheld. It began with a silhouette of a random device, revealing only its weight.Fast forward a few days, and we now know that the AYN Odin 2 Mini is the company’s latest handheld.
AYN Odin 2 Mini: Design
It’s impossible to look at the Odin 2 Mini and not immediately think of the PS Vita. We were hoping that Sony would have created a successor to the Vita, but that hasn’t happened. At least not yet.
The Odin 2 Mini has all of the right buttons, even down to the dual shoulder buttons and triggers. On the front, we have a D-Pad that looks practically identical to the one found on the Vita. It’s a bit tough to tell from the renders, but it also looks like we have Switch-style joysticks. However, AYN made the correct decision to offset the joysticks, as opposed to keeping them in line like the Vita.
After revealing that the Odin 2 Mini weighs 320 grams, AYN shared that its next handheld uses a MiniLED display. This is an immediate upgrade over the LCD touchscreen found on the Odin 2. However, this also gave us an idea that the Odin 2 Mini wouldn’t be a Retroid Pocket 4 Pro competitor. Notably, having a handheld that can reach up to 1100 nits of brightness means that you’ll be able to play this outside without worrying much about it not being bright enough.
The exploded view also gives us a look at the back, complete with the indentations on either side for your fingers to rest. We don’t know if these are touch-sensitive, but I would bet that not to be the case. Lastly, the Odin 2 Mini is available in either Black or White, which we’re happy to see.
AYN Odin 2 Mini: Specs
Once AYN started teasing its new device, there were obviously a lot of unanswered questions. Namely, whether this new handheld was set to replace the Odin 2, which remains the pound-for-pound best retro handheld, besides a Steam Deck. On the AYN Discord, the company clarified that it’s not positioning the device as a competitor or replacement for the Odin 2, stating that it is “mainly designed for portable purposes.”
Although it’s seen as a “side-grade,” the Odin 2 Mini will still reduce sales of the regular Odin 2. Especially when looking at the spec sheet, revealing that pretty much everything is the same between the Odin 2 and Odin 2 Mini.
The two major differences, besides the weight, are the battery and the screen size. The Odin 2 Mini features a smaller 5-inch touchscreen display, compared to the 6-inch screen of the Odin 2. As for the battery, AYN tossed a 5,000mAh cell in its latest handheld, leaving the Odin 2 and its 8,000mAh cell as the king.
AYN Odin 2 Mini: Price and Release Date
The second-to-last piece of the puzzle was the price, which AYN swiftly shared. There are two configurations available, with the 8GB/128GB model priced at $339. Those who want a little more “oomph” can opt for the 12GB/256GB model, coming in at $399. The company says “All SKUs will include a free bag and screen protector during the pre-ordering period.” If you pre-order, you’ll receive a couple of freebies.
You’ll need to move quickly.
AYN decided to wait a few more days before letting everyone knowwhen you would actually be able to pre-order the Odin 2 Mini. Thankfully, the wait is almost over, as pre-orders open on May 20th at 6:30 PM PST (or 9:30 PM EST).
In an attempt to fuel the hype train even more, there are a few different coupons. You can save up to $30 for a limited time. AYN has confirmed there are 200 $30 coupons available, along with 300 $15 coupons. Even if you miss out on either of those, you’ll still save $10 if pre-ordering between May 20th and June 20th.
Once you get your orders in, the timer begins. AYN says the Odin 2 Mini will begin shipping sometime in “late June.” It’s rather disappointing but doesn’t come as too much of a surprise. Between the Odin 2 Mini and Ayaneo Pocket S, there’s a lot to be excited about in the realm of Android handhelds.
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