This absolutely smashes Gamecube and Ps2 emulation which I wanted (not bothered about switch as I have one) I do wish the screen was like the oled steamdeck size though 7.5" but it's still a lovely screen and bigger than the vita and psp of course.
Yes, PS2 in particular is incredible. Switch is just a bonus. I’m debating picking up a steam deck. Actually not for emulation. For my Steam and Epic library.
@thegamelounge659 I was in two minds while waiting for odin 2 to be delivered if to buy the steam deck oled as the emulation has really improved by the videos I've seen BUT... and it's concerning BUT... I've read it's still a little behind the odin 2... I am tempted to buy the deck oled and set up emu deck on it and give it a good week comparing the 2... and like you say have the ability of steam library too.. they offer 14 day money back return if you don't like it.. really torn what to do... I also worry the dpad and stick look a little all cramped together ?
I think on PS2 and GC the ODIN2 will do the better job. So from an emulation perspective it depends on if you like the larger screen. The Deck will of course emulate Xbox (XEMU), Wii U (CEMU) and some 360 and PS3 not to mention arcade systems like Model 3. For me this isn’t enough from an emulation perspective but the Steam library is a huge win.
@thegamelounge659 yeah I've seen the performance is definitely better on gamecube and ps2 with the Odin 2... tough one to think... and even running them the odin 2 battery is amazing... think I'll stick with the odin 2 😀
@@pbarratt73did you stick with the Odin 2 in the end? I've been debating Odin 2 vs a used Deck and have been leaning more towards the Odin 2 as I can still stream Xbox to it plus everything else and the bigger Deck doesn't quite fit my use case very well (even though it does more and feels better value for money!)
Android really needs an OG Xbox emulator. Would love to see performance on the ODIN 2. I think it would handle it well after watching various reviews including this one. Great info in this video. Thank you
It would be amazing to see the OG Xbox on Android. Although we waited 20 years for the windows version. I hope this device means more developers start moving the more demanding emulators over. Thanks for the comment, really appreciated
It’s really a fantastic unit. Perfect mix of size etc. I’m actually looking at doing a 3 months in video much has changed even since this video was posted.
Great video m8! I got my odin 2 pro last week and really am getting used to using yuzu and switch emulations for the first time. I got alot to learn about the odin, so keep up the informative vids 👍
@@thegamelounge659 I am seeing Ayn Odin 2 Max as both Android Emulators, TV launcher experience and indie|retro games via dock like an Nintendo Switch style 😊 I definitely wanted this alongside my Nintendo Switch Lite and original Nintendo Switch
Great review! I think I'm going to purchase this over the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro (as a happy owner of an RP3+), the extra performance and screen size are worth the bump in price I think, and I can still use my RP3+ if I want something more portable for anything up to PSP. It's a shame the Base model is only available in black, as I'm dead set on the NTSC SNES colour scheme, and I'm not sure how much a difference 12 vs 8gb is going to make on a device like this. Cheers from drizzly old Cambridge!
Thanks. The main difference with the 12gb vs 8gb is going to be for higher end Switch games like TOTK. Also a bit of future proofing if PS3/360 emulation ever make their way to Android. I have a RP4 PRO. This is a lot faster but the RP4 will still run GC and PS2. As you say this has the bigger screen and better ergonomics. As well as really being able to crank up the resolution. The RP3+ is the system I have played the most last year. It will always have a special place in my heart 😂😂
@@thegamelounge659 Yes, the RP3+ is still a great device, playing PSP at 3x resolution looks brilliant on it. I also love the original Miyoo Mini as a GBA/Pokemon device, it's just so pocketable, and the screen with LCD grid filter looks amazing for GBA games.
With you there, I got a Miyoo mini because it was cheap but use it way more than I thought for 16-bit and below. Good to have someone from the UK watching my videos
I’ve found that to be the case for any controller over Bluetooth unfortunately. I’ve ended up using a wired XBSX controller because there’s no issues that way.
@@solidsnake5751 Thanks for the info! I'm not sure if I can use type-c to connect my pro controller with odin 2 (then I have to use mini-HDMI for output)
That’s really interesting, I need to test this out. It’s something that wasn’t in my review. I’m actually planning a follow up video looking at a few things that I have realised using the device.
Yes, I think thats what sets the 400 series apart from the RP3+. Although now I have ordered the RP4 Pro I have also added a set of Hall sensor analog sticks to modify the RP3+. Not got a good track record when it comes to opening up hardware.
for me the reason I don't have it is because I really want an oled screen so I think ill wait for the odin 3, btw android is really perfect system of handheld
Same. If the Odin 3 came with an OLED, it’s gonna be a no brainer. Than again, concerned about the price. If it goes near the price of a steam deck, people might of course choose the steam deck instead. Mighty fine line they have to draw.
Thanks for the feedback. Yes a couple of people have asked me this. You can do this very easily with the Mega Bezel project. I do it all manually as I really like the Batocera Bezels in particular. I’ll certainly do a video with both methods.
Yeah. This is definitely the hand held to beat in 2023. Not sure 2024 can beat it unless somehow AYN step it up and outdone themselves. My white version is so pretty.
The only gripe o have with ds emulation on Android is inability to upscale graphics. Even after paying for Drastic the graphics barely cut it but still the best way to play DS games as the original ds doesn't have a analog stick and the 3ds has the same resolution for ds games as orignal hardware
If you have a pc or laptop, you could stream retroarch from that onto the Odin2 with steamlink and upscale the graphic that way. A very round about method I know, but it works.
Yes, i think the screen is great for upscaled emulated games. Where id love a larger screen would be for game streaming. Those menu’s can look pretty small on EA FC 24
Super happy, it’s been brilliant. Surprised how much I have played the thing. Emulation, game streaming. I’m actually tempted to make another video with all the things that have changed and how much I have used it
On certain games yes, I think Zelda: BOTW when I checked ram utilisation there was 8.7gb being used at one stage. I think the MAX is unnecessary. PS2 and GC never were more than 3-5gb. It’s just top end Switch games that I think it may be an issue. But I certainly don’t claim to be an expert.
Yes you absolutely can, if you use the ‘File Manager +’ app or whatever file manager you typically use and navigate to where the saves are stored you can transfer them/back them up and then copy to the same folder on the new device.
So I haven’t noticed any input lag to be honest. For 16-Bit games I’m using Retroarch and runahead. Which seems fine and I have been playing Donkey Kong on the Wii and not noticing any real difference to real hardware.
@thegamelounge659 I feel like they should work with a front-end dev. Something like dig would be awesome as that would allow the community to also make themes and it registers android games as well
Def not, I have had one for the last month, the buttons and the sticks are way too small, which was not needed theres plenty of room inside. Seems like they made some cost saving measures, only 1 usbc on the bottom. The software is not great either. The volume is screwed up, theres like 4 levels of volume and half the time that doesn't even work and you have to go into the settings to fix it, and the latest update yesterday didn't fix it. They didn't include a sim slot either which would have been great on an android device. All in all some minor fixes that would have made this a nearly perfect device. As it is it's going to be replaced by the next high end handheld with better controls and more ports. It is a great device though, just missed being perfect with some dumb design choices
Interesting points, the sticks don’t really bother me to be honest. I agree with you on the software side though. There seems to be many niggles. To be fair if you are Android based you are at the mercy of the apps created but I’m hopeful things continue to move forward. I hadn’t considered the sim slot but thinking about it this would be a nice addition.
I've had slow download speeds from the time I first took it out of the box, It also has some software issues where it locked me out of Google Play so I had to reset the whole thing. The sound glitches out sometimes while I'm playing also. To be honest I wish I never bought this!
This is actually one of the big issues I think with these Chinese devices. If you have an issue is there really any recourse. I would advise contacting AYN as they generally are at least responsive. Personally I have had fantastic Transfer speeds through Wi-Fi and zero issues with Google play. So I think you are an unlucky one. Also not really known any sound issues. So I would contact them for sure. I do feel for you though!
So at a basic level nothing. These Android emulation units are essentially Android phone CPU’s with the controller integrated. All the software is standard Android. I had a quick look at the controller and it seems fairly comparable. The CPU In this device is usually one that you would get in a £600 phone and the controller £50-£80. So as a value proposition it’s great. The battery in these is also larger. Using your phone will impact the battery heavily. It really just comes to preference. I like having a phone and a handheld but many will like the convenience of having it within the phone.
HUGE difference. My phone has a SD8 Gen 2, and for whatever reason, even GameCube emulation slows down at some points, very baffling. My only guess is that since it's a phone, it's using other resources in the background that takes away from the full speed of the CPU. I bought the Odin 2 for this reason, even with the same CPU. One is tailored to be a phone, the other is tailored to be an emulation handheld.
@@3godzilla3 Cheers. I'm not a big gamer anymore (I used to buy import consoles up to PS2). I have a steam deck but apart from some occasional Tekken, and a brief go at Left for Dead/2, I'm mostly using it for retro games - 80% is gameboy Tetris, the other mostly Mr Driller (dreamcast), Baku baku animal (Saturn - really needs multiplayer to have the most fun). Not really demanding games! I got a used Retroid 3+ last month and that's fun, but the screen just too small for my old eyes. I was wondering if I could make more use of my phone. I got the 1TB model and only use about 100GB of it.
So no, 99% of apps I don’t think you are going to utilise the additional 4gb of RAM. Tears Of the Kingdom on Switch gets close and who know what the future brings but for now I think 12gb is the sweet spot
It depends, this is a little smaller so better on the go, and more powerful. It’s also cheaper. The steam deck will support your steam and epic library of course. So it really depends. I would say this is a better emulation device but the steam deck does more…
I agree, would be great. But there aren’t that many games that aren’t on the Switch. I guess Sonic Lost World, the Kirby and Yoshi games. Of course the Zelda’s, but the GC versions upscaled are great. I’d personally love to see how this system did with RPCS3
This absolutely smashes Gamecube and Ps2 emulation which I wanted (not bothered about switch as I have one) I do wish the screen was like the oled steamdeck size though 7.5" but it's still a lovely screen and bigger than the vita and psp of course.
Yes, PS2 in particular is incredible. Switch is just a bonus. I’m debating picking up a steam deck. Actually not for emulation. For my Steam and Epic library.
@thegamelounge659 I was in two minds while waiting for odin 2 to be delivered if to buy the steam deck oled as the emulation has really improved by the videos I've seen BUT... and it's concerning BUT... I've read it's still a little behind the odin 2... I am tempted to buy the deck oled and set up emu deck on it and give it a good week comparing the 2... and like you say have the ability of steam library too.. they offer 14 day money back return if you don't like it.. really torn what to do... I also worry the dpad and stick look a little all cramped together ?
I think on PS2 and GC the ODIN2 will do the better job. So from an emulation perspective it depends on if you like the larger screen. The Deck will of course emulate Xbox (XEMU), Wii U (CEMU) and some 360 and PS3 not to mention arcade systems like Model 3. For me this isn’t enough from an emulation perspective but the Steam library is a huge win.
@thegamelounge659 yeah I've seen the performance is definitely better on gamecube and ps2 with the Odin 2... tough one to think... and even running them the odin 2 battery is amazing... think I'll stick with the odin 2 😀
@@pbarratt73did you stick with the Odin 2 in the end? I've been debating Odin 2 vs a used Deck and have been leaning more towards the Odin 2 as I can still stream Xbox to it plus everything else and the bigger Deck doesn't quite fit my use case very well (even though it does more and feels better value for money!)
Android really needs an OG Xbox emulator. Would love to see performance on the ODIN 2. I think it would handle it well after watching various reviews including this one. Great info in this video. Thank you
It would be amazing to see the OG Xbox on Android. Although we waited 20 years for the windows version. I hope this device means more developers start moving the more demanding emulators over. Thanks for the comment, really appreciated
There actually already is one.
That's cool! What's it called?@@galaxywarriorxdwr8055
My odin 2 MAX arrived last week, and it is absolutely amazing! It's running all games, with much higher resolution.
It’s really a fantastic unit. Perfect mix of size etc. I’m actually looking at doing a 3 months in video much has changed even since this video was posted.
What a coincidence, I also have the Beelink SER 5 mini pc, and am currently waiting for my Odin 2 Base to arrive!
Nice! You are going to love the ODIN 2.
Such a great review. This seems like a brilliant system
Thanks, glad you enjoyed!
Great video m8! I got my odin 2 pro last week and really am getting used to using yuzu and switch emulations for the first time. I got alot to learn about the odin, so keep up the informative vids 👍
Thanks for watching. Yes YUZU in particular is something I’m learning a lot about. This is certainly my new favourite handheld.
Saving up money for my Ayn Odin 2 Max coming soon and get my hands on this bad boy. Great video here
You won’t regret it. I love mine, been playing it more and more!!!
@@thegamelounge659 I am seeing Ayn Odin 2 Max as both Android Emulators, TV launcher experience and indie|retro games via dock like an Nintendo Switch style 😊
I definitely wanted this alongside my Nintendo Switch Lite and original Nintendo Switch
This was a an excellent video, thanks mate
Thanks so much, appreciate the comment!
Great review! I think I'm going to purchase this over the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro (as a happy owner of an RP3+), the extra performance and screen size are worth the bump in price I think, and I can still use my RP3+ if I want something more portable for anything up to PSP. It's a shame the Base model is only available in black, as I'm dead set on the NTSC SNES colour scheme, and I'm not sure how much a difference 12 vs 8gb is going to make on a device like this.
Cheers from drizzly old Cambridge!
Thanks. The main difference with the 12gb vs 8gb is going to be for higher end Switch games like TOTK. Also a bit of future proofing if PS3/360 emulation ever make their way to Android. I have a RP4 PRO. This is a lot faster but the RP4 will still run GC and PS2. As you say this has the bigger screen and better ergonomics. As well as really being able to crank up the resolution.
The RP3+ is the system I have played the most last year. It will always have a special place in my heart 😂😂
@@thegamelounge659 Yes, the RP3+ is still a great device, playing PSP at 3x resolution looks brilliant on it. I also love the original Miyoo Mini as a GBA/Pokemon device, it's just so pocketable, and the screen with LCD grid filter looks amazing for GBA games.
With you there, I got a Miyoo mini because it was cheap but use it way more than I thought for 16-bit and below. Good to have someone from the UK watching my videos
One drawback I can tell is that there's noticeable input lag when connecting Switch Pro controller to Odin 2.
I’ve found that to be the case for any controller over Bluetooth unfortunately. I’ve ended up using a wired XBSX controller because there’s no issues that way.
@@solidsnake5751 Thanks for the info! I'm not sure if I can use type-c to connect my pro controller with odin 2 (then I have to use mini-HDMI for output)
That’s really interesting, I need to test this out. It’s something that wasn’t in my review. I’m actually planning a follow up video looking at a few things that I have realised using the device.
All Anbernic 400 series has hall effect joysticks, for sure the 405m, for the rest, amazing, awaiting mine for playing Saturn on the bed
Yes, I think thats what sets the 400 series apart from the RP3+. Although now I have ordered the RP4 Pro I have also added a set of Hall sensor analog sticks to modify the RP3+. Not got a good track record when it comes to opening up hardware.
for me the reason I don't have it is because I really want an oled screen so I think ill wait for the odin 3, btw android is really perfect system of handheld
I think an OLED screen would be the icing on the cake. The screen on this is beautiful though.
Next Odin should be 7.0 inch OLED with 120 Hz refresh rate in future maybe SD 8 gen 3 for higher-end emulation
7 inch is too big, and 120hz is useless for the most part @@ojciechumoru92
Same. If the Odin 3 came with an OLED, it’s gonna be a no brainer. Than again, concerned about the price. If it goes near the price of a steam deck, people might of course choose the steam deck instead. Mighty fine line they have to draw.
Great video! Can you do a vid on how to get the Odin set up with the bezels and shaders? They looked great!
Thanks for the feedback. Yes a couple of people have asked me this.
You can do this very easily with the Mega Bezel project.
I do it all manually as I really like the Batocera Bezels in particular. I’ll certainly do a video with both methods.
@@thegamelounge659 Awesome, thanks dude! Subscribed so I don’t miss it :)
Great review!
Thanks, appreciate the comment!
Yeah. This is definitely the hand held to beat in 2023. Not sure 2024 can beat it unless somehow AYN step it up and outdone themselves. My white version is so pretty.
Yeah I’m not convinced by the Blue colour. White of black, simple and sleek I think is the way forward.
The only thing that will out beat this device is one containing the snap dragon 8, gen 3. Which I'm confident they will be doing.
Yes it will certainly happen in the end. I’m not sure how much more performance it will give right now thoght
@@thegamelounge659 Watch a review of the red magic 9 pro. that will give you an idea.
It has the snapdragon 8, gen 3 in it.
I really want one but when this was announced, I already blew some money on a gaming phone and rp3 plus 😅😂😭
Yes I wasn’t sure but kept looking at videos and it just looked incredible. It will also be a better product in a year.
Make an odin with the dpad on top, then its perfect.
It’s never really been an issue for me. I guess it depends on your hands/preference
The only gripe o have with ds emulation on Android is inability to upscale graphics. Even after paying for Drastic the graphics barely cut it but still the best way to play DS games as the original ds doesn't have a analog stick and the 3ds has the same resolution for ds games as orignal hardware
That’s true. Although If you use Retroarch the MelonDS can look pretty good with an LCD shader.
If you have a pc or laptop, you could stream retroarch from that onto the Odin2 with steamlink and upscale the graphic that way. A very round about method I know, but it works.
Th only thing I wish is that it was a 7" screen, to me that would make it perfect.
Yes, i think the screen is great for upscaled emulated games. Where id love a larger screen would be for game streaming. Those menu’s can look pretty small on EA FC 24
Awesome video thanks
Thanks, glad you enjoyed!
Can I ask u are u happy with ur Odin 2 I’m so undecided on a Odin 2 or a legion go
Super happy, it’s been brilliant. Surprised how much I have played the thing. Emulation, game streaming. I’m actually tempted to make another video with all the things that have changed and how much I have used it
Great video, what colour is that, it looks great 😎
Thanks very much, it’s the transparent blue.!I like it but kind of wish I had stuck to the plain black or white now
What version of yuzu are you using? Your zelda breath of the wild runs alot smoother then for me
So I am using the GitHub APK as opposed to the playstore version. The only thing I also do is use the latest Turnip driver
Would this be a good replacement for my Motorola branded Smartphone?
Do you think there would be a performance hit in swotch emulation with the base model?
On certain games yes, I think Zelda: BOTW when I checked ram utilisation there was 8.7gb being used at one stage. I think the MAX is unnecessary. PS2 and GC never were more than 3-5gb. It’s just top end Switch games that I think it may be an issue. But I certainly don’t claim to be an expert.
Had a rg405m for 10 months and have some PS2/Wii games I'm about 70% through. If I upgraded to this could I transfer the saves?
Yes you absolutely can, if you use the ‘File Manager +’ app or whatever file manager you typically use and navigate to where the saves are stored you can transfer them/back them up and then copy to the same folder on the new device.
is the input lag still insane like on the first Odin?
So I haven’t noticed any input lag to be honest. For 16-Bit games I’m using Retroarch and runahead. Which seems fine and I have been playing Donkey Kong on the Wii and not noticing any real difference to real hardware.
It is the perfect android device. But android isn‘t a perfect emulation device.
You know what, I think in a perfect world for emulation you would have a dedicated Batocera/ArkOS type frontend for these devices
@thegamelounge659 I feel like they should work with a front-end dev. Something like dig would be awesome as that would allow the community to also make themes and it registers android games as well
❤
Def not, I have had one for the last month, the buttons and the sticks are way too small, which was not needed theres plenty of room inside. Seems like they made some cost saving measures, only 1 usbc on the bottom. The software is not great either. The volume is screwed up, theres like 4 levels of volume and half the time that doesn't even work and you have to go into the settings to fix it, and the latest update yesterday didn't fix it. They didn't include a sim slot either which would have been great on an android device. All in all some minor fixes that would have made this a nearly perfect device. As it is it's going to be replaced by the next high end handheld with better controls and more ports. It is a great device though, just missed being perfect with some dumb design choices
Interesting points, the sticks don’t really bother me to be honest. I agree with you on the software side though. There seems to be many niggles. To be fair if you are Android based you are at the mercy of the apps created but I’m hopeful things continue to move forward. I hadn’t considered the sim slot but thinking about it this would be a nice addition.
I saw a different person say they had trouble signing into their google account and using the playstore. Did you have any trouble in that area?
None at all, logged in straight away. So no issues there.
I've had slow download speeds from the time I first took it out of the box, It also has some software issues where it locked me out of Google Play so I had to reset the whole thing. The sound glitches out sometimes while I'm playing also. To be honest I wish I never bought this!
This is actually one of the big issues I think with these Chinese devices. If you have an issue is there really any recourse. I would advise contacting AYN as they generally are at least responsive. Personally I have had fantastic Transfer speeds through Wi-Fi and zero issues with Google play. So I think you are an unlucky one. Also not really known any sound issues. So I would contact them for sure. I do feel for you though!
So what Odin 2 features would I be missing if I have a snapdragon 8gen 2 phone (Fold 5) and a gamesir x2 controller (but never tried together)?
So at a basic level nothing. These Android emulation units are essentially Android phone CPU’s with the controller integrated. All the software is standard Android. I had a quick look at the controller and it seems fairly comparable. The CPU In this device is usually one that you would get in a £600 phone and the controller £50-£80. So as a value proposition it’s great. The battery in these is also larger. Using your phone will impact the battery heavily.
It really just comes to preference. I like having a phone and a handheld but many will like the convenience of having it within the phone.
Active cooling, Your phone will get hot quickly, especially switch games and start throttling.
HUGE difference. My phone has a SD8 Gen 2, and for whatever reason, even GameCube emulation slows down at some points, very baffling. My only guess is that since it's a phone, it's using other resources in the background that takes away from the full speed of the CPU. I bought the Odin 2 for this reason, even with the same CPU. One is tailored to be a phone, the other is tailored to be an emulation handheld.
@@3godzilla3 Cheers. I'm not a big gamer anymore (I used to buy import consoles up to PS2). I have a steam deck but apart from some occasional Tekken, and a brief go at Left for Dead/2, I'm mostly using it for retro games - 80% is gameboy Tetris, the other mostly Mr Driller (dreamcast), Baku baku animal (Saturn - really needs multiplayer to have the most fun). Not really demanding games! I got a used Retroid 3+ last month and that's fun, but the screen just too small for my old eyes.
I was wondering if I could make more use of my phone. I got the 1TB model and only use about 100GB of it.
Great response, really interesting. I get this question a lot from friends so great to actually have an opinion from someone who has tried it…
Mario Lart 64
😂 Love a bit of Mario Lart
Which one are you using? Base, pro, or max Odin 2 model? :0
I have the Pro model, so 12gb of RAM
Do you think there's really a huge difference between the pro and the max model? I mean, in performance. :0
So no, 99% of apps I don’t think you are going to utilise the additional 4gb of RAM. Tears Of the Kingdom on Switch gets close and who know what the future brings but for now I think 12gb is the sweet spot
Why is this positioning of dpads acceptable to everyone? They’re nearly useless positioned like that.
Thanks for the comment. I haven’t really had any issues with the D-PAD so far. Used it a lot for Mega Drive and Saturn. Why do you find them useless?
How just 16 views????
Hey, thanks for the message. Only just posted and there is plenty of Odin 2 content out there. Still, hopefully a few will enjoy!
Is not the steam deck better then this?
It depends, this is a little smaller so better on the go, and more powerful. It’s also cheaper. The steam deck will support your steam and epic library of course. So it really depends. I would say this is a better emulation device but the steam deck does more…
Somebody PLEASE port Cemu to Android. PLEASE.
I agree, would be great. But there aren’t that many games that aren’t on the Switch. I guess Sonic Lost World, the Kirby and Yoshi games. Of course the Zelda’s, but the GC versions upscaled are great. I’d personally love to see how this system did with RPCS3