This is the best review of this device that I have seen so far, and by a long shot! You've ran rings around the usuals that cover this kind of content. Thank you! Subscribed.
I have been considering buying the Odin 2 mini, however, when using my original Vita my hands used to cramp after playing for awhile. Hows the ergonomics? Does your hands cramp when using the Odin 2 mini? Also hows the battery life? I know the original Odin 2 has a larger battery, but i was looking for a powerful but compact device to carry around.
I was tempted by the white one, since I have a white Assassin's Creed Vita 1000. But I figured I didn't need to spend extra for the Mini Pro for what would be for me a simple color choice. Sweet piece of hardware so far - no matter what color it is!
Great review! Still kind of indecisive to buy this one or not. Mostly because of the screen. I love mini led, my Asus laptops screen is also mini led and it doesn’t have the vignetting so i don’t know where AYN went wrong with that.. If you compare the performance, which one is better? Odin 2 mini or Razer edge?
I really wonder if the "issue" with vignetting on the Mini versus larger screens is that when you are staring closely at a five inch screen a foot from your face you actually notice details that you wouldn't notice otherwise. So far, I don't notice the effect on most of the games I've played (PS2, PSP, PS1) unless I'm deliberately looking for it AND the screen is very light/mostly white around the edges. The performance question is an easy one - the Odin 2 Mini (and the regular Odin 2) have significantly better performance for high end emulation than the Razer Edge does. The Razer is powered by what's essentially a Snapdragon 888+. Not a bad chip for emulation - and it beats out most other retro handhelds (all the Anbernics and Retroids) except for the new stuff from Ayaneo and the Odin 2 devices. You'll notice the difference between the Edge and the Odin 2/Mini if you're trying to run "difficult" PS2 games. The Edge also has 6GB RAM instead of 8GB like the base Odin 2 models, so you may feel that if you're into Switch or Winlator. But the Edge is currently $200 instead of the $300 the Odins will run you AND it has a very good OLED screen, so there's the tradeoff!
I got an Odin 2 before I realized there was a screen difference between it and the Mini. I watched many vids of the 2 and was happy with the screen (still am) but definitely not as happy as I could be after seeing it in comparison to the Mini. Are the bezels thinner on the Mini? Kinda looks like it from here. In the end, I should just be thankful I have such a powerful device that can play so many old games in the palm of my hand.
Sitting the two devices together (I can't find my ruler at the moment for actual numbers), the bezels on both screens are almost exactly the same width on both the top and the sides ... maybe the Mini is SLIGHTLY smaller on the sides. The regular Odin 2 screen does have some of its own advantages, though. If you do any PC game streaming, I think the bigger screen is definitely going to feel more comfortable. Probably the same for games via Winlator.
I definitely don't have a super-fancy setup here. I've got a manual-focus 4K USB camera (like you'd use for security or Lightburn or similar applications) mounted on a tripod looking down onto the desktop. I usually put the handheld onto a tablet stand to keep it at the same height - and usually in focus - for the gameplay video, and all of that is over a "greenscreen" desk pad. I've got a generic HDMI capture card hooked to the PC via USB to make the gameplay easy to see for handhelds that support video output, so I just run the handheld's video output to the capture card via a USB-C to HDMI cable. I record all my footage using OBS and overlay the footage of the actual handheld from the camera over the gameplay from the handheld's video output as it's recording. And then there's the Razer Edge and old devices like the Neo Geo Pockey Color that just get recorded the old fashioned way via the camera because they don't support outputting video through the controller or just lack video out altogether. I suppose I could just do a plain capture of the handheld's video output with the capture card, but I think seeing the handheld overlaid on top of the captured gameplay footage looks neat. Thanks for watching!
Depends on what you're after, really. The RG556 is definitely a more budget-friendly pick especially if you can get it closer to $150 on sale rather than Anbernic's $185 regular price. It comes with an OLED, a decent amount of power, and a pretty good feel in the hand. But you do miss out on higher-end emulation with the RG556. You're not going to do much Switch or Winlator with the RG556. And the RG556 struggles with more challenging PS2 titles (I don't recommend the RG556 for stuff like Jak 3, and I've got a video showing why here on the channel!) But I agree that the RG556 delivers a good experience for the price.
Bigger isn't always better. There is no reasonable person that'd argue against you in regards to battery. Sceen on the other hand is subjective and because of this, while you may prefer larger screens, not everyone is like you. Look at popular phones released for example, this is why they're often released in two different sizes. Some people like bigger screens/devices, but some people prefer smaller device/screens. If you're of the latter category, then you're probably going to prefer the 2 Mini. The downgrades are acceptable as compromises due to the size that some people want.
Form factor (obviously) is the biggest difference. Some compromises are natural based on that. If you are wanted a more portable friendly version of the Odin 2, (especially if you like the Vita-like design) the Mini is the solution. People don’t always want the biggest, most powerful device in that largest version. Some of us would rather have something that can fit more comfortably in bags or even pockets. It’s a give and take, but I think a better screen in a smaller form factor is worth considering even with the compromise to battery life.
Ayn is not the manufacturer we look to for a screen with no/really small bezels! Although I don't mind *too* much - it means that the screen protector's edge is never over a viewable part of the screen.
So which Android tablets/phones are you recommending that have a SoC more powerful than a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 but are cheaper than the Odin 2? Most of the options I've seen are either more expensive or less powerful or both, particularly when you add the expense of a controller. (Just no *used* or "refurbished" phones/tablets ... because the batteries in those things are always shot.)
Find 1 device with a 8 Gen2 or better for less than an Odin 2 mini, let alone the base Odin 2. Good luck, you’re not finding it without going on the used market, which doesn’t even account for the controller accessory you’d need to purchase in addition to that. I haven’t seen anything less than about 600$ because Motorola has last year’s flagship on a BIG sale. The rest is still floating at the 800$ range. Personally, I’m not buying a phone just to use it as a game system, that also would feel like I’m buying a device to not use the cameras, cellular capabilities, etc UNLESS it was on a stellar deal. The Odin 2 is the wrong device to make this comparison for at this point.
This is the best review of this device that I have seen so far, and by a long shot! You've ran rings around the usuals that cover this kind of content. Thank you! Subscribed.
I have been considering buying the Odin 2 mini, however, when using my original Vita my hands used to cramp after playing for awhile. Hows the ergonomics? Does your hands cramp when using the Odin 2 mini? Also hows the battery life? I know the original Odin 2 has a larger battery, but i was looking for a powerful but compact device to carry around.
Hello from discord as well.. love my white mini so far.
I was tempted by the white one, since I have a white Assassin's Creed Vita 1000. But I figured I didn't need to spend extra for the Mini Pro for what would be for me a simple color choice.
Sweet piece of hardware so far - no matter what color it is!
Great review! Still kind of indecisive to buy this one or not. Mostly because of the screen. I love mini led, my Asus laptops screen is also mini led and it doesn’t have the vignetting so i don’t know where AYN went wrong with that.. If you compare the performance, which one is better? Odin 2 mini or Razer edge?
I really wonder if the "issue" with vignetting on the Mini versus larger screens is that when you are staring closely at a five inch screen a foot from your face you actually notice details that you wouldn't notice otherwise. So far, I don't notice the effect on most of the games I've played (PS2, PSP, PS1) unless I'm deliberately looking for it AND the screen is very light/mostly white around the edges.
The performance question is an easy one - the Odin 2 Mini (and the regular Odin 2) have significantly better performance for high end emulation than the Razer Edge does. The Razer is powered by what's essentially a Snapdragon 888+. Not a bad chip for emulation - and it beats out most other retro handhelds (all the Anbernics and Retroids) except for the new stuff from Ayaneo and the Odin 2 devices. You'll notice the difference between the Edge and the Odin 2/Mini if you're trying to run "difficult" PS2 games. The Edge also has 6GB RAM instead of 8GB like the base Odin 2 models, so you may feel that if you're into Switch or Winlator. But the Edge is currently $200 instead of the $300 the Odins will run you AND it has a very good OLED screen, so there's the tradeoff!
@@chemicalburrito782 thank you for the detailed reply! Appreciate it heaps! Gonna order the Odin Mini 2 soon then 🙏🏽
I got an Odin 2 before I realized there was a screen difference between it and the Mini. I watched many vids of the 2 and was happy with the screen (still am) but definitely not as happy as I could be after seeing it in comparison to the Mini. Are the bezels thinner on the Mini? Kinda looks like it from here. In the end, I should just be thankful I have such a powerful device that can play so many old games in the palm of my hand.
Sitting the two devices together (I can't find my ruler at the moment for actual numbers), the bezels on both screens are almost exactly the same width on both the top and the sides ... maybe the Mini is SLIGHTLY smaller on the sides.
The regular Odin 2 screen does have some of its own advantages, though. If you do any PC game streaming, I think the bigger screen is definitely going to feel more comfortable. Probably the same for games via Winlator.
Nice Video. I have a question: how do you record your gameplay on your handhelds? Can u explain it in terms of hardware and software u use please?
I definitely don't have a super-fancy setup here. I've got a manual-focus 4K USB camera (like you'd use for security or Lightburn or similar applications) mounted on a tripod looking down onto the desktop.
I usually put the handheld onto a tablet stand to keep it at the same height - and usually in focus - for the gameplay video, and all of that is over a "greenscreen" desk pad. I've got a generic HDMI capture card hooked to the PC via USB to make the gameplay easy to see for handhelds that support video output, so I just run the handheld's video output to the capture card via a USB-C to HDMI cable. I record all my footage using OBS and overlay the footage of the actual handheld from the camera over the gameplay from the handheld's video output as it's recording.
And then there's the Razer Edge and old devices like the Neo Geo Pockey Color that just get recorded the old fashioned way via the camera because they don't support outputting video through the controller or just lack video out altogether.
I suppose I could just do a plain capture of the handheld's video output with the capture card, but I think seeing the handheld overlaid on top of the captured gameplay footage looks neat.
Thanks for watching!
Just a quick note to say 👍👍👍
Hope you're enjoying your streaming break! I imagine by the time you get back Anbernic will have released a couple more handhelds. 🙃
Great detailed comparison but imo Rg556 is more value
Depends on what you're after, really. The RG556 is definitely a more budget-friendly pick especially if you can get it closer to $150 on sale rather than Anbernic's $185 regular price. It comes with an OLED, a decent amount of power, and a pretty good feel in the hand.
But you do miss out on higher-end emulation with the RG556. You're not going to do much Switch or Winlator with the RG556. And the RG556 struggles with more challenging PS2 titles (I don't recommend the RG556 for stuff like Jak 3, and I've got a video showing why here on the channel!)
But I agree that the RG556 delivers a good experience for the price.
Great review. Thanks for sharing!
lovin my Odin 2 Max!!
Odin 2 Mini is a brutal Downgrade in my Opinion!
5000 mAh vs 8000 mAh
5 inch display vs 6 inch display
Bigger isn't always better. There is no reasonable person that'd argue against you in regards to battery.
Sceen on the other hand is subjective and because of this, while you may prefer larger screens, not everyone is like you. Look at popular phones released for example, this is why they're often released in two different sizes. Some people like bigger screens/devices, but some people prefer smaller device/screens.
If you're of the latter category, then you're probably going to prefer the 2 Mini. The downgrades are acceptable as compromises due to the size that some people want.
@@coxxycabee well said Bro!
@@EliasPfaifferAlso the mini's screen has a better panel than the og
Form factor (obviously) is the biggest difference. Some compromises are natural based on that. If you are wanted a more portable friendly version of the Odin 2, (especially if you like the Vita-like design) the Mini is the solution. People don’t always want the biggest, most powerful device in that largest version. Some of us would rather have something that can fit more comfortably in bags or even pockets.
It’s a give and take, but I think a better screen in a smaller form factor is worth considering even with the compromise to battery life.
GAME? 37:30
Star Ocean: Till the End of Time (PS2)
big bezzel
Ayn is not the manufacturer we look to for a screen with no/really small bezels!
Although I don't mind *too* much - it means that the screen protector's edge is never over a viewable part of the screen.
Greetings from discord
Why buying handheld android, if a android phone or tablet more powerful but on cheaper price bro Odin company
making full of you
For me, active cooling is what I need on the android handheld instead of android phone
So which Android tablets/phones are you recommending that have a SoC more powerful than a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 but are cheaper than the Odin 2? Most of the options I've seen are either more expensive or less powerful or both, particularly when you add the expense of a controller.
(Just no *used* or "refurbished" phones/tablets ... because the batteries in those things are always shot.)
@@mariotruong1611 Right. For really low-end emulation it doesn't make much difference, but my phone gets quite toasty if I game on it for too long.
Find 1 device with a 8 Gen2 or better for less than an Odin 2 mini, let alone the base Odin 2.
Good luck, you’re not finding it without going on the used market, which doesn’t even account for the controller accessory you’d need to purchase in addition to that.
I haven’t seen anything less than about 600$ because Motorola has last year’s flagship on a BIG sale. The rest is still floating at the 800$ range.
Personally, I’m not buying a phone just to use it as a game system, that also would feel like I’m buying a device to not use the cameras, cellular capabilities, etc UNLESS it was on a stellar deal. The Odin 2 is the wrong device to make this comparison for at this point.