Ayn Odin Handheld Gaming Pc
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The AYN Odin is a handheld gaming PC with a 6-inch display, built-in game controllers, and an ARM processor. It comes with Android software, but we’ve already seen that other operating systems, such as Windows, can be loaded on some models. The Ayn Odin amazes as one of the most powerful gaming handheld PC of all time by taking the guts of an Android smartphone and building a handheld games console around it. The Ayn Odin is capable of running emulators, Android games, and cloud-gaming apps with ease.
You can now do so without first wiping Android. Project Valhalla is a set of tools created by the community that allows you to convert an AYN Odin handheld gaming PC into a dual-boot device capable of running Android, Windows, or even Linux (although Linux support is still a work in progress).
Today, there are numerous ways to play retro games. Many of those options are handheld devices. However, you may be surprised at how many of these devices feel sloppy, cheap, or both. Worse, there’s a jumble of open-source emulators running on a variety of operating systems to contend with, and each piece of hardware is unique. In short, emulation can be a bit of a wild west at times.
Furthermore, even the best handhelds typically only emulate the PS1/N64 era. If you like the GameCube or PS2 libraries, for example, the Venn diagram of powerful enough, well-made, and reasonably priced handhelds is effectively three separate circles. Perhaps not for much longer, thanks to Ayn’s Odin. Yes, I hadn’t heard of them, but that’s common in the retro-gaming scene. The Odin was launched on Indiegogo and quickly gained popularity.
What Exactly Is the AYN Odin?
The Odin is a console developed by AYN Technologies, a Chinese company. The Odin is similar to consoles such as the Nintendo Switch and Valve’s Steam Deck in many ways.
This means you can play challenging games on the go without having to worry about performance or battery life. What distinguishes the Odin is that it runs on Android 10 or Android 11. (depending on which model you get). That means you’ll be able to play all of your favorite Android games while on the go. But, I hear you say, we could already do that from our phones, right?
And you are correct, but the Odin has more potential because it can also run other types of games, such as emulators and Windows games. Whether you prefer native Android gaming, retro-focused emulation, or cloud gaming, the Ayn Odin handles it all with ease and in a comfortable form factor that allows for long play sessions. It’s hard not to fall in love with it.
Models Of Ayn Odin Handheld Gaming PC

Ayn Odin handheld gaming PC is available in three different models: Pro, Base, and Lite. The Pro is the one we’ve been using, and as the name implies, it has a higher specification. We’re not talking about cutting-edge internals here, but with a Snapdragon 845 and an Adreno 635 handling processing and graphics, we’re looking at something comparable to a high-end smartphone from a few years ago. Keep in mind that the Switch is powered by an older chipset: As the saying goes, it’s what you do with it.
Each model differs in terms of battery size, SoC, storage, RAM, and, of course, price. Here’s a sheet for those interested:
Ayn Odin Handheld gaming PC- Models
Indepth Review
Processor and GPU
Both the Odin Base and Pro editions are based on a modified version of Android 10. Both use the quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset, which is backed by an Adreno 630 GPU. It’s the same processor found in the Google Pixel 3, Razer Phone 2, and Samsung Galaxy S9 – an older chipset with plenty of power, whose limitations will be rarely tested by what the Odin focuses on. While the internal similarities to a phone are obvious, don’t expect to make phone calls with the Ayn Odin – there’s no cellular connectivity or camera here. Surprisingly, there is a gyroscopic sensor, which is useful for the few gaming apps that support it.
The Odin Lite, on the other hand, is significantly different, as its lower price suggests. It has a less powerful chipset in the form of the Mediatek Dimensity D900, which is supported by a Mali-G68 MC4 GPU. If you are an adventure gamer, you will love this Ayn Odin handheld gaming PC.
Storage, RAM, and Battery
The main distinctions between the Base and the Pro are in storage capacity, RAM, and battery capacity. The Base has 4GB of LPDDR4x RAM, whereas the Pro has 8GB; the Base has 64GB of internal storage, whereas the Pro has 128GB; and the Base has a 5,000mAh battery, whereas the Pro has a 6,000mAh battery. While the 8GB RAM upgrade may allow for more complex emulation tasks and make the interface snappier, and the battery capacity may allow for a few more hours of gaming, the overall experience between the Pro and Base will be largely identical – even the storage limitations can be leveled out by inserting a microSD card into each.
The Odin Lite, on the other hand, comes with 4GB of RAM as standard, 64GB of storage, and a 5,000mAh battery. However, its spec sheet is more advanced than the Base and Pro in some interesting areas. For starters, it runs Android 11, has Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2. As previously stated, the Base and Pro are currently stuck on Android 10, with older generations of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards. While we haven’t had the opportunity to put the Lite through its paces, it has the potential to be the superior device for game streaming.
Speakers
The audio on the Ayn Odin handheld gaming PC is mostly good – the internal speakers aren’t ear-piercingly loud, but that’s to be expected from a handheld. They’re loud and clear enough, and the option of two sound profiles (one emphasizing bass and the other emphasizing treble) provides a level of customization that we don’t often see in products like this. However, the volume steps appear to be unbalanced, ramping up from deathly quiet to max volume near the end of the scale.
Ports
In terms of ports, the Odin has a USB-C port on the bottom for charging and data transfer (only a USB-C cable is included, so you’ll need to supply your own power adapter), as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack. On the top edge, you’ll find a pop-out flap that allows you to access the microSD card slot, as well as a mini HDMI output port for connecting to an external screen or TV.
It’s worth noting that Ayn also sells a “Super Dock” for the Odin line, which is a USB cradle for connecting the device to a big screen without a cable dangling from the top. It not only charges the device, but it also adds some extra functionality that will be especially appealing to retro gamers, such as additional full-sized USB ports, a hard drive bay, and, most importantly, ports for native support of original N64 and GameCube controllers.
Cooling Fans
The Odin devices also have a lot of ventilation, with an intake grill on the back and output vents on top, all in service of a physical fan that supports the passive cooling of the chip. It’s unobtrusive and quiet, but it does a good job of increasing the chipset’s overhead limit.
The Ayn Odin handheld gaming PC provides three toggleable clock speeds for the device (Standard, Performance, and High Performance) as well as three fan speeds (an auto-adjusting Smart, as well as a Quiet and a high-speed Sport option). You’ll rarely need to go beyond the Standard and Smart settings, but for the smoothest gameplay from a demanding Android title like Genshin Impact, for example, the tinkerer can squeeze a few more frames from the device without dangerously overclocking – and overheating – the handheld.
Screen

The Odin makes a good first impression by closely resembling the Switch Lite form factor. Odin’s screen is slightly larger (5.9 inches vs. Nintendo’s 5.5) and has a higher resolution (FHD). Anecdotally, most people who have held both find the Odin to be more comfortable and even prefer the latter’s analog sticks and D-pad, which isn’t bad for a company that is new to the space. All models have a responsive, 6-inch 1080p touchscreen encased in a shell similar to the Nintendo Switch Lite, measuring 224mm x 95mm x 15mm.
Controls And Buttons
Clickable asymmetrical analog sticks, stacked shoulder buttons, and analog triggers – useful for gently easing off the gas in a driving game, for example. There are also Y, X, B, and A face buttons, as well as a comfortable and responsive D-Pad similar to the one found on the PS Vita.
Two additional buttons are located where your fingers would grip the device; presumably, a firmware update will allow you to configure these as hotkeys, but we’ve found no use for them so far. A power button and a volume rocker are located on the top edge.
Comfortable Grip
The Odin has its own flourishes, such as a slight curvature to where you grip the handheld, making it infinitely more comfortable than the flat Nintendo Switch Lite, and blue LED lighting that illuminates the control sticks and device’s edges.
The lighting is unique to handhelds and arguably unnecessary – but it can be toggled off or on to your liking, so it’s not distracting. We’re not fans of the Odin logo that sits beneath the D-Pad; if it has to be there, put it on the back of the device.
Ayn Odin Handheld Gaming PC- Gaming Experience
Before we get into performance, let’s take a look at what Ayn Odin is capable of bringing to the table. Emulation apps allow you to play everything from the earliest arcade games to the noughties era of sixth-generation 3D consoles without breaking a sweat.
There is enough processing power to handle even the most demanding native Android apps. Such as Call of Duty Mobile, Genshin Impact, and everything in between. With constant Wi-Fi access, the Play Store brings even the most recent generation of console gaming within reach of the Ayn Odin. Thanks to the growing number of cloud gaming services and remote-play options now available as apps. It would be hyperbolic to claim that the Ayn Odin has access to every game ever created. But it’s as close to being true as is currently possible outside of the world of PC gaming.
Emulators
It can be installed and used on Odin. This means you’ll be able to play classic GameCube, Nintendo 64, and other console games. Of course, you’ll need to figure out which emulators you can use without breaking any laws first.
For a long time, the limit for devices of this type in terms of emulation was 2D gaming. Which mobile processors have handled with ease for many years. However, more modern 3D systems and titles have always been a challenge. Ayn Odin is not one of them. In comparison to the RG552, an otherwise excellent retro gaming device in its own right. The Ayn Odin is not only capable of handling more than just sixth-generation console titles. But will often enhance them over their original presentations as well. 32-bit games that were never intended for widescreen displays have their worlds stretched to fit the display (without distorting the image). While 128-bit titles originally presented in standard definition are upscaled to HD resolutions to take advantage of Odin’s screen clarity.
To lavish praise on the Ayn Odin, handheld gaming PC team would be unfair. These game-changing changes are the result of emulator developers. Looking to bring the power and experience of older consoles to a new generation of users. While also taking advantage of the benefits of modern technology to find new enjoyment in classic titles. Often after the studios that originally developed them have abandoned them. However, Odin deserves credit for having the horsepower to make these features work properly. It’s uncommon in such devices, and it represents a new high watermark for on-the-go emulation in a dedicated device.
However, emulation is only part of the picture with Odin. The Android Play Store is now brimming with console-baiting games. Not to mention a slew of streaming apps focused on gaming from the cloud or a remote computer or console.

Xbox Game Pass Games
Consider the aforementioned Genshin Impact. It’s a massive open-world game that’s available on PC, PS4, and PS5. It’s usually reserved for players with high-end iPhones or Android phones in the handheld space. The Odin does have to tone down its graphics options. But you’re still left with a smooth, near-60fps experience even with the keymapper enabled. Access to physical controls that aren’t normally available on that platform’s version of the game. The Snapdragon 845 is pushed to its limits here. But the combination of hardware controls makes it the best way to play Genshin Impact on Android on the go.
What’s been even more surprising is how much fun we’ve had with streaming apps. With a large screen, strong Wi-Fi, and built-in controls. The Odin could make a strong case for a dedicated Xbox Game Pass or GeForce Now device.
Windows on ARM Games
If you’re feeling daring and decide to install Windows on ARM for the Odin. You’ll also gain access to supported games for the Odin. Such as Halo: Assault Strike, Temple Run, and Plague Inc.
On the Odin Pro, large portions of the Halo campaign have been completed. Forza racing challenges have been steamrolled online. There have been successful runs in Hades (well, relatively successful at least). Except for games that require a keyboard or mouse, local network streaming from Steam Link, Moonlight, or Nvidia GameStream is the same. Even so, the Odin Pro’s Android foundation means you can always plug in a dongle. And connect an actual keyboard and mouse. Attempt with a Switch. The point is, with the right device and a good internet connection. Cloud gaming can feel almost indistinguishable from a title designed specifically for that hardware. The Ayn Odin handheld gaming PC is exactly the right kind of device.
Also, keep in mind that the larger world of Android apps is available to you here as well. Nothing is stopping you from watching Netflix on the Ayn Odin. Or browsing the web, shopping online, or even swiping on dating apps.
Google Play Store Games
The best part is that, aside from Android Play Store games. You’ll need to dig into some fairly complex apps and services to get this stuff to work. You’re not going to go into a store and pick up a boxed Odin game off the shelf. However, for those who have dabbled in emulated gaming in the past. Whether they see the growing potential of in-game streaming services or have a growing library of Android games. They’d like to enjoy it on a dedicated device, and the Ayn Odin checks all the boxes.
Pros
Cons
Is the Ayn Odin handheld gaming PC worth it?
If you’ve been looking for a retro gaming device that can do it all, the Ayn Odin is it. Taking the core of an Android smartphone and building a gaming device around it is no longer a novel idea. But no company has done it as well as Ayn.
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better portable device for retro gaming. If you’re willing to learn the ins and outs of emulators and game library management tools. Its powerful internals and responsive analog controls enable it to deal with more advanced systems.
But, thanks to an expanding library of top-tier Android games and cloud-gaming services. The Ayn Odin handheld gaming PC also shines as a companion to your most recent gaming exploits. Whether streaming from a local PC or using cloud apps like Xbox Game Pass. The Ayn Odin (with a little tweaking) essentially has access to almost every game ever made in a form factor. That makes accessing the new wave of game streaming apps comfortable and accessible.
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