I just have the steam deck.. so I've been watching videos about all other handhelds without ever using one lol. I finally gave in and bought one yesterday (RG35XXSP) can't wait to get it.
@@MumrikDK I know, my point is that even when Russ qualifies a review by saying it's not as comprehensive as usual, it still ends up giving you pretty much all the info you need
Yes, I find my black Odin 2 smudges more than I'd like but it's not too bad. I tend to wash my hands before I play it to get the oil off of my hands which cuts down on the smudging. I wipe it off afterwards and that has kept it looking pretty good. Thank you for your dedication. Have a great vacation!
23:55 “most of the people who watch my reviews are kinda inside people”. I couldn’t stop laughing at that as he says it with a smirk! Natural light is scary, inside safe!😂
I preordered one the moment it was available. Thermals and ergonomics are inherent compromises when you want a small and powerful device so no surprises there! I cant wait to try mine out.
Honestly it sold me on seeing it's about the size of a Switch Lite. I have a base model Switch and a Lite, and I use my Lite all the time. In bed, or taking to work. I leave my larger Switch docked much more than portable. I'm playing FE Engage on my Lite right now, so obviously that size works for me lol
Love smudges (when not on the screen). Proves device is actually being used and that I'm not anal about superficial things that don't impact anything but one's psychology. Just sayin'
As somebody who has a Retroid Pocket 4 Pro (in no small amount thanks to your coverage of it) and *really* likes it, you're right on the money - the size is the reason I love it and my interest in the Odin 2 Mini would absolutely be about trying to get more power and capability in that compact form factor. It's just perfect to throw a grip cover on and toss into a bag without adding much weight or bulk and suddenly I can play so many things. (I also have a Steam Deck, but... yeah, that thing is just not trivial to take places.) Looking forward to the full review!
I've been waiting for this moment for a long time and i remember when i got my RP3 thinking how amazing it would be when they got a powerful enough chip in it to really play it all. RP4 almost had it but i held off, still not there... now I think it's time! this is my ideal android handheld! perfect size for me I can't wait till mine comes in.
I took delivery of my Odin 2 Pro last week - after a year long obsession of buying retro handhelds I think I'm finally done! This thing paired with my Steam area perfect combo!
Hey Russ, great video! For testing bloom on HDR displays its best to get a nearly all black screen and then have a very bright white object moving across it it like a cursor or something similar. This will really highlight the quality and density of the dimming zones. While its not technically a realistic use case for gaming most of the time it will very plainly show the quality of the screen. Hope you see this!
That's what I said take some time spend with wife and kids.Dont want to see him all burned out and you know the job is awesome but God it's becomes a chore instead of actually able to enjoy his games as much
Regarding to RG Cube: When you said, “Yes, mine should be in the mail!” That was quick! Looking forward to your RG Cube impression video! Always love your videos Russ!
On a side note, a steam deck oled etched glass at max brightness is JUST enough on a sunny day outdoors. I realized about 2 months ago that the 3ds is unplayable outdoors because the glare/panel isn’t bright enough
Odin 2 Black model owner here. It's smudgy, but I don't think it's too bad. The worst area is where my fingers rest on the back of the device, so I don't see it that often. The front, even around the buttons, isn't that smudged for me.
My retroid 4 pro is perfect in size. I’d even go smaller but definitely not bigger. I love the portability of the retroid. Smaller but somehow still comfortable to hold would be even better imo
You’re the best in the business Russ. Thanks for doing this before your trip. I’m not used to trusting a reviewer on a level like this. I was holding my breath because if you hated this thing, I was ready to cancel my preorder. I’ve never had so much faith in a RUclipsr before.
Glad I ordered the original Odin 2. The mini is cool, but I think I'll appreciate the 6 inch screen and grips over the portability. Plan to do a lot of PC streaming at home. And taking it camping, that extra 3000mah on the battery will come in handy. (But maybe that smaller screen and micro LED tech will even out the power drain) Great review as always, even if it's off-the-cuff. Safe travels, get some rest :)
Good looking little device. 20 to 30 year old me would have loved it. 53 year old me wants an AYN Odin XL. Something with a 9"+ screen with beefy, chunky controls. Wishful thinking. Another solid video.
Try some XR glasses. 46 year old me was chasing screen size and now my Viture Pro glasses make it completely irrelevant. Now size is only a consideration for controller comfort.
@@zwenkwiel816 I have the Lenovo Legion Go and it is the best out there. But I love my 1st Gen Odin and would love it to be bigger. A Bigger Android device.
Russ, please talk about the sleep battery life in the full review. Everyone ignores this for android devices, but I think it’s one of their biggest downsides. I love just hitting the power button on my deck and being right back into my game without having lost any battery life.
Hoping you have a great holiday with the family. Pulling an all-nighter was not needed but still greatly appreciated. Gotta respect the dedication to the channel.
Thanks for pumping out this first impressions, Russ! I am super excited to get mine, I can't wait to review it from the perspective of someone with smaller hands.
Love your reviews and content Russ! ROG Ally owner here, as much as I love my Ally, i find it's a bit too big and bulky to carry as hand luggage on a place or travelling abroad in general. I revently purchased a PS Vita for this reason but after seeing your review in the Odin 2 Mini, this looks like the best alternative, small, compact, can emulate nearly all retro games i play and keeps the charm of looking like the PS Vita! SOLD 😁
Good break down. I would like to add miniled isn't just for brightness. It's good for black levels, especially when playing in the dark as you have individual dimming zones. IPS contrast is absolutely terrible, so black levels are atrocious. Miniled alleviates that issue. People get miniled for the same reason someone wants an OLED screen, better black levels. Except you don't have to worry about possible burn in like OLED & they do get brighter on average for highlights. It's a good middle ground, even if it doesn't reach OLED levels on a whole.
You are an absolute legend Russ. Thanks for the excellent content per usual, and for working so hard for your audience. Have been fiending for details on the Odin 2 Mini and this video delivered hard. Hope you get some well deserved rest and relaxation!
It's strange they didn't use an OLED panel. It's even stranger that they tried to invoke nostalgia for the Vita, and then proceeded to use the wrong display tech.
Probably because Mini-LED is way brighter than OLED, even the best OLED screens are nowhere near as bright as the Mini-LED counterparts, and the response time is closer to OLED than IPS.
Only the first gen Vita used OLED, and I honestly believe that subsequent models that used LCD screens were overall better devices, if only for the extra battery life and more than sufficient brightness. Also lighter and better ergonomics for long play time. If I didn't buy a GPD Win 4 last year, I'd probably shell out for this device just to play up to PS2 emulation on it.
Ended up picking up one of these myself! I kinda have a rule of 3 types of gaming devices that I keep on hand. PC, TV/Lounging Handheld, and Pocket Portable. This guy fits the bill for the last one, the RP4 Pro left me wanting so I am gonna sell it to get this!
@@Scott7789x I know! People these days are always so depressed and miserable, and even wish they didn't exist in this time, while I'm over here enjoying life and being grateful that I exist now instead of before. This has to be the mose exciting and eventful time in history. Many people take this for granted.
I love all your videos but this one and the RG Cube I think are great! I love the off the cuff style for the first impression videos. They both feel more natural and relaxed. Like you’re just sitting there having a conversation with us. Like halfway through the Odin 2 mini you realized you’d been saying the wrong screen size. Please do more videos like these in the future.
I love the Steam Deck and Odin 2. I wonder whether the mini would be a better companion to the SD considering the smaller size. The ergonomics of the SD Oled are so nice and its not that much more cumbersome than the Odin 2. I find myself grabbing the deck more often. Would the mini present more use cases in this regard? Like lying down, in bed, or for short sessions
The steam deck and odin 2 are not near the same size. 2 very different devices. I have the legion go ND I haven't touched it much since I got the odin 2 pro. Feels so good in hand, great battery life, more portable.
@@julioarroyo9101 Even though the steam deck Oled is much larger than the Odin 2, the ergonomics and weight are so good it doesn't "feel" that much larger. I'd imagine the difference between a Legion Go would be pretty significant though. Unfortunately I've never had the chance to try one!
@@kalvin. Originally had the og steam deck, and was looking for something more portable. For the most part I use both to emulate similar systems. I'll play indie games and a few other steam games on the deck though, which is nice.
So devices like the GPD Win-Mini, and the AYN Odin Mini, well they may actually not have an audience or a use-case. Or at least it might be a tiny niche, of this already small niche hobby. For something small, you make a lot of compromises. But the key factor is to lean towards the advantages. If it's very small, but not really pocketable, well what is the point ? And likewise, if you say let's go portable and make a larger device, then you should try to cram all those good things in there and not miss out. For example, the Anbernic RG 556 is a device that makes zero sense to someone who already has an AYN Odin2, or an iPad, or a SteamDeck.
Hey Russ, you probably won't see this but it would be great if you showed what both sides of a device looks in your pocket, that way we coule get an idea of how if would look if it were a bit thicker with a front cover on. i find that when pocketing my pocket flip i actually have the triggers facing my outside thigh which kind of hugs my leg in a way
Bleeehhh, not hype on the xbox style layout. Given that I mostly play Nintendo games on devices like these, having the inverse layout tends to bother me immensely. It would be nice if it was possible to swap them out...
RGB just sucks up the battery. And your hands will cover them anyway. It's more of a gimmick than something that adds to your experience like rumble motors. I might consider having an rgb on the power button and light up differently depending on the battery life / charging state.
You got the Cube too?! 💚 You're living my dream, friend! 😂 I cant wait to join the club! Odin2 Mini was ordered with the early discount, but I gotta get that Cube too. It looks so perfect! 💚
As someone that has a ps vita oled and loves it dearly, fully hacked it and even got dreamcast working on it -- I can't use it for extended periods of time without the huge grips they made for it. I think there are quite a few people that are going to buy this for the vibes, but just because the form factor was made before doesn't make it good. It looks beautiful, I agree, but I really think you'd be better off buying something that is more ergonomic than buying this and then buying a grip that destroys the portability. I think the same would be said for the ever-popular gameboy SP. If you are nostalgic for it, great -- but you're probably an adult with adult hands now, and that nostalgia is not going to matter after a few hours.
I'm taking a bet with the Odin 2 mini but you're totally right lol. I saw all the hype for the new SP handheld and it does look cool but even through all the childhood magic I still remember the Gameboy SP being uncomfortable as shit.
@@azumashinobi1559 Is it that small though? like I kind of though it was about as big as the 35xx, just folded in half. 35xx is fine even for my big hands.
@@zwenkwiel816 I'm unsure how much the size would play a part in the ergonomics there? That very well may be the case honestly. For me it's pretty hard to tell how much I like something until I hold it, so there's always a little bit of a gamble when I buy one of these
Can we start addressing the elephant in the room as to why developers think that the control layout should follow that of the Xbox and Nintendo? What's so bad about the layout like the Dual Shock or Deck has?
I think this just makes me want a Steam Deck mini more; that has that same power and emulation ability while still being slightly more portable and having long battery life. Maybe not the last one but the others would be awesome!
I can't believe the Vita's still ahead of its time design-wise in 2024. Just shows how much Sony blundered with it. It could've owned the market for years and years and years. Honestly I'd actually buy a device this size with these specs, if it only wasn't a PS Vita design replica. It makes it feel soooo cheap... I thought AYN was above this.
you can fix the brightness being too bright at the minimum by reducing the white point setting (called "Extra Dim" on Android, which you have to enable) in settings :) it's basically like reducing exposure in a video game
One of the benefits to the Mini LED display should also be a good contrast/black level. Of course it won't be as good as an OLED but it still should be much better than a traditional LCD. So kinda a middle ground between LCD and OLED in that case. As for the Blooming/Light leakage from what I've seen most monitor/TV reviewers test it by playing a clip of a white point moving across a black area. I am sure You will be able to find some samples here on youtube. Thinking about this: maybe playing a traditional pong and following a white ball as it bounces would be a great test too?
God my wallet!! I sold my Odin 2 wishing it was smaller and RP4 bc it wasnt enough power.......been going back and forth over videos of this and the Pocket S......looks like ive pre ordered every AYN so far as i ordered the black base for the third time came down to the track recordive had with both companies both are good i currently have a Ayaneo 2 but better service overall goes to AYN!!!
The new set up looks great. The coloured lights in the background is a nice touch. I think another light on the right hand side to remove the shadow from your face will brighten it up even more.
If I'm not mistaken, I believe that the benefit of the mini LED screen being so crazy bright is not for the purpose of playing outside, but that the screen can be more power efficient at the same perceived brightness as other types of screens (ass seen in the brightness slider comparison with the Odin 2 and the Mini side by side)
Looks interesting but I am on a self imposed handheld buying embargo until the end of the year lol. I realized I already have too many and buying 2-3 of these a year wasn't helping! Would love to see an update vid on this device once you travel with it some.
looking forward to the RG Cube impression. RG556 performance with a 1:1 screen which is better for all the systems i want to emulate in a portable format, and hopefully they fixed the analog sticks!
I have to confess - I spend far more time watching Russ' reviews than I actually spend gaming on any of my handhelds.
Send me one I'll put them to good use lol
Real 😅
I don't even have a handheld! 🤣
I just have the steam deck.. so I've been watching videos about all other handhelds without ever using one lol. I finally gave in and bought one yesterday (RG35XXSP) can't wait to get it.
This is the way
“Most of the people who watch my reviews are inside people”
How dare you be correct Russ.
His smile after sent me lol
@@DavidHernandezE-h8h The cut away to his face and his smile killed me 😂
Homebodies rise UP
Porch gang rise up
I force myself outside for my kids sake but I've never felt more seen lol
> doesn't have time to do full review
>43 minute video
Never change man
It's the work to prep, not the video length.
@@MumrikDK I know, my point is that even when Russ qualifies a review by saying it's not as comprehensive as usual, it still ends up giving you pretty much all the info you need
lol
the review 13 minutes. Another 30 minutes blablablabla
He really like Odin, like the first one he still make 3 more videos about AYN Odin after "Full Review" 😂
Yes, I find my black Odin 2 smudges more than I'd like but it's not too bad. I tend to wash my hands before I play it to get the oil off of my hands which cuts down on the smudging. I wipe it off afterwards and that has kept it looking pretty good. Thank you for your dedication. Have a great vacation!
Thank you for the feedback!
SAME! Ever since covid i got used to washing my hands a lot more not to be gross and i hate using my controllers/handhelds with greasy/dirty hands
Smudges > yellowing on white devices
I find mine fine (didn't wanna say "maybes wash your hands?!?") lol
New setup looks great. Video quality with such a quick turnaround is incredible. Keep up the good work buddy, and safe travels
Black Odin 2 owner: it isn't smudge resistant, but it isn't terrible either, better than this production mold I would say
Doesn't matter if you're black, white, brown, or Asian. I cherish your opinion nonetheless.
My black doesn't smudge unless you have greasy hands . Screen on the other hand I have to clean 10 times a day lol
@@zanfear♥️
23:55 “most of the people who watch my reviews are kinda inside people”. I couldn’t stop laughing at that as he says it with a smirk! Natural light is scary, inside safe!😂
Who are the “inside people”?? Edit: oh, first commenter edited his comment and know I understand the context
Listen, I can’t help that the sun is actively trying to kill me.
I preordered one the moment it was available. Thermals and ergonomics are inherent compromises when you want a small and powerful device so no surprises there!
I cant wait to try mine out.
Wow that is a massive difference in size. I knew it was going to be smaller but not that kind of difference
That's what she said.
@@fabriciofontes2898 HEYOH!
Honestly it sold me on seeing it's about the size of a Switch Lite. I have a base model Switch and a Lite, and I use my Lite all the time. In bed, or taking to work. I leave my larger Switch docked much more than portable. I'm playing FE Engage on my Lite right now, so obviously that size works for me lol
@@NeoConker626you like it small. Nothing wrong with that. Don’t always need 8 inches
With all these trips Russ will easily have the best reviews for people who travel a lot.
wtf is ur profile picture lol
😂@@Soddus.
Love smudges (when not on the screen). Proves device is actually being used and that I'm not anal about superficial things that don't impact anything but one's psychology. Just sayin'
YOUR PFP IS SO WOMANLY 😍
@@Soddus. I was questioning the dress. Looked much better once I did my makeup. Rawr! lolz
The black Ayn Odin2 picks up smudges pretty easy. I have to clean it pretty much anytime I use it.
Indeed. I kinda regret getting black. It's not looking good! - Frank
The mini or original?
They should start making em in a sandstone finish like the original oneplus one.
@@tice170 the original Odin2
I bought a black vinyl skin on Sopiguard and it's fantastic.
As somebody who has a Retroid Pocket 4 Pro (in no small amount thanks to your coverage of it) and *really* likes it, you're right on the money - the size is the reason I love it and my interest in the Odin 2 Mini would absolutely be about trying to get more power and capability in that compact form factor. It's just perfect to throw a grip cover on and toss into a bag without adding much weight or bulk and suddenly I can play so many things. (I also have a Steam Deck, but... yeah, that thing is just not trivial to take places.) Looking forward to the full review!
I've been waiting for this moment for a long time and i remember when i got my RP3 thinking how amazing it would be when they got a powerful enough chip in it to really play it all. RP4 almost had it but i held off, still not there... now I think it's time! this is my ideal android handheld! perfect size for me I can't wait till mine comes in.
I took delivery of my Odin 2 Pro last week - after a year long obsession of buying retro handhelds I think I'm finally done! This thing paired with my Steam area perfect combo!
“Most of the people who watch my reviews are inside people”
Never in all my life have I ever been more offended by something that I 100% agree with!
Grandma bring me another orange soda
Man, what a beautiful device. Looks great, and the size is perfect. I love my steamdeck, but I've long wanted something small yet powerful like this.
Hey Russ, great video! For testing bloom on HDR displays its best to get a nearly all black screen and then have a very bright white object moving across it it like a cursor or something similar. This will really highlight the quality and density of the dimming zones. While its not technically a realistic use case for gaming most of the time it will very plainly show the quality of the screen. Hope you see this!
thank you my goat. I will not be purchasing either of these devices but this was a nice video to have in the background while I work
Get some rest on holiday Russ, you're a RUclips machine getting all these videos ready!
That's what I said take some time spend with wife and kids.Dont want to see him all burned out and you know the job is awesome but God it's becomes a chore instead of actually able to enjoy his games as much
Yeah ... Have a great time with your family and relaxing days- we will wait for you !
Regarding to RG Cube:
When you said, “Yes, mine should be in the mail!”
That was quick!
Looking forward to your RG Cube impression video!
Always love your videos Russ!
Outdoor player here, and that mini led screen pops and would be a selling point
On a side note, a steam deck oled etched glass at max brightness is JUST enough on a sunny day outdoors. I realized about 2 months ago that the 3ds is unplayable outdoors because the glare/panel isn’t bright enough
It’s brighter but the colors are lacking and that vignette is also not appealing when comparing it to its big brother.
The staring off into space during the audio testing nearly killed me.😂 please make this a regular thing
Odin 2 Black model owner here. It's smudgy, but I don't think it's too bad. The worst area is where my fingers rest on the back of the device, so I don't see it that often. The front, even around the buttons, isn't that smudged for me.
Thanks for the feedback!
Hope you get your rest bro. Thanks for the content as always!
Russ: Most of the people who watch my reviews are kind of inside people.
Me: ......................
...harsh but fair.
My retroid 4 pro is perfect in size. I’d even go smaller but definitely not bigger. I love the portability of the retroid. Smaller but somehow still comfortable to hold would be even better imo
You’re the best in the business Russ. Thanks for doing this before your trip. I’m not used to trusting a reviewer on a level like this. I was holding my breath because if you hated this thing, I was ready to cancel my preorder. I’ve never had so much faith in a RUclipsr before.
Excellent comparisons, Russ! Loved the size and price comps. Looking forward to the RG cube review!
Glad I ordered the original Odin 2. The mini is cool, but I think I'll appreciate the 6 inch screen and grips over the portability. Plan to do a lot of PC streaming at home. And taking it camping, that extra 3000mah on the battery will come in handy. (But maybe that smaller screen and micro LED tech will even out the power drain)
Great review as always, even if it's off-the-cuff. Safe travels, get some rest :)
If you're primary use case it's home it makes sense not to worry about portability as much
You are my favorite RUclipsr. I can see the love you put into your content. Even the intro music makes me happy; it's very nostalgic. Thank you, Russ.
Good looking little device. 20 to 30 year old me would have loved it. 53 year old me wants an AYN Odin XL. Something with a 9"+ screen with beefy, chunky controls. Wishful thinking. Another solid video.
Try some XR glasses. 46 year old me was chasing screen size and now my Viture Pro glasses make it completely irrelevant. Now size is only a consideration for controller comfort.
why not just get a steamdeck or ROG Ally or something??
@@zwenkwiel816 I have the Lenovo Legion Go and it is the best out there. But I love my 1st Gen Odin and would love it to be bigger. A Bigger Android device.
Start taking eye bright supplements... 😵💫💔😭
The screen kills it for me. I'm here with my Switch lite, the fact its even smaller is a bit of deal breaker for me.
Russ, please talk about the sleep battery life in the full review. Everyone ignores this for android devices, but I think it’s one of their biggest downsides. I love just hitting the power button on my deck and being right back into my game without having lost any battery life.
Russ, thank you for taking the time to go into such detail on your videos. Your work is very much appreciated.
RG Cube 👀
Thanks for the teaser 😊😅
Been excited for the RG Cube
I was here for the massive upgrade in production quality. Great work, Russ!
I have the black Odin 2. I have never noticed smudges. If I look close from certain angles I can see some but it’s not a problem.
I had no clue you used to be a food photographer but given how high quality all of your shots are, it makes total sense
Much more excited for the Cube.
Hoping you have a great holiday with the family. Pulling an all-nighter was not needed but still greatly appreciated. Gotta respect the dedication to the channel.
No RGB isn't disadvantage, it's the strength of Odin 2 Mini imo.
TBH, I don't like RGB either. Seems pointless and gaudy. Like underglow on cars
@@samnope7344 You can always turn them off.
Agree. I hate RGB lights.
In Odin 2 you're easily can turn it off. So it's not disadvantage, it's choice. Choice for both who's love and who's not
rgb improved peerformamce and battery life, what are you on to?
Just started watching and laughing with your explanation on how the video is going to be and why. I love how you make everything.
hell yeah new room setup
Thanks for pumping out this first impressions, Russ! I am super excited to get mine, I can't wait to review it from the perspective of someone with smaller hands.
Russ I just wanna say you rock man
Love your reviews and content Russ!
ROG Ally owner here, as much as I love my Ally, i find it's a bit too big and bulky to carry as hand luggage on a place or travelling abroad in general. I revently purchased a PS Vita for this reason but after seeing your review in the Odin 2 Mini, this looks like the best alternative, small, compact, can emulate nearly all retro games i play and keeps the charm of looking like the PS Vita! SOLD 😁
Ideally I just want a RG556 with the sticks of an Odin 2 and the chipset of the Odin 2.
The Odin 556.
Finally a device that checks all the boxes for me. I can't wait to pick one up. Thanks for another great video russ.
Good break down.
I would like to add miniled isn't just for brightness. It's good for black levels, especially when playing in the dark as you have individual dimming zones. IPS contrast is absolutely terrible, so black levels are atrocious. Miniled alleviates that issue. People get miniled for the same reason someone wants an OLED screen, better black levels. Except you don't have to worry about possible burn in like OLED & they do get brighter on average for highlights. It's a good middle ground, even if it doesn't reach OLED levels on a whole.
You are an absolute legend Russ. Thanks for the excellent content per usual, and for working so hard for your audience. Have been fiending for details on the Odin 2 Mini and this video delivered hard. Hope you get some well deserved rest and relaxation!
It's strange they didn't use an OLED panel. It's even stranger that they tried to invoke nostalgia for the Vita, and then proceeded to use the wrong display tech.
Probably because they wanted to differentiate from the market of other similar devices.
Probably because Mini-LED is way brighter than OLED, even the best OLED screens are nowhere near as bright as the Mini-LED counterparts, and the response time is closer to OLED than IPS.
Only the first gen Vita used OLED, and I honestly believe that subsequent models that used LCD screens were overall better devices, if only for the extra battery life and more than sufficient brightness. Also lighter and better ergonomics for long play time. If I didn't buy a GPD Win 4 last year, I'd probably shell out for this device just to play up to PS2 emulation on it.
Oled have burn In problem on low quality panel too
@@netako Stop spreading misinformation bro, Mini-LED has terrible response times in anything but a TV.
Thanks a lot for the review. Just ordered my Odin2 and happy I did not go for the Mini. Shipping to France as I write, I cant wait!!
Love the new room setup
Looks like every other channel now. Boring.
Ended up picking up one of these myself! I kinda have a rule of 3 types of gaming devices that I keep on hand. PC, TV/Lounging Handheld, and Pocket Portable. This guy fits the bill for the last one, the RP4 Pro left me wanting so I am gonna sell it to get this!
I never thought I would see the day when all modern and retro consoles could be played on a device the size of my wallet.
Dude, I think your wallet is pretty huge 😅
If you told me I could play my GameCube and PS2 on something this big one day I would have called you a liar. We’re so lucky to live when we do.
@@clintonbrito I think it's a girls wallet. It's one of those long ones. Usually get made fun of for it. 😅
@@Scott7789x I know! People these days are always so depressed and miserable, and even wish they didn't exist in this time, while I'm over here enjoying life and being grateful that I exist now instead of before. This has to be the mose exciting and eventful time in history. Many people take this for granted.
I'm still stunned I can revisit PS2 and GameCube at full speed - I thought that would take longer
I love all your videos but this one and the RG Cube I think are great! I love the off the cuff style for the first impression videos. They both feel more natural and relaxed. Like you’re just sitting there having a conversation with us. Like halfway through the Odin 2 mini you realized you’d been saying the wrong screen size. Please do more videos like these in the future.
I love the Steam Deck and Odin 2. I wonder whether the mini would be a better companion to the SD considering the smaller size. The ergonomics of the SD Oled are so nice and its not that much more cumbersome than the Odin 2. I find myself grabbing the deck more often. Would the mini present more use cases in this regard? Like lying down, in bed, or for short sessions
The steam deck and odin 2 are not near the same size. 2 very different devices. I have the legion go ND I haven't touched it much since I got the odin 2 pro. Feels so good in hand, great battery life, more portable.
@@julioarroyo9101 Even though the steam deck Oled is much larger than the Odin 2, the ergonomics and weight are so good it doesn't "feel" that much larger. I'd imagine the difference between a Legion Go would be pretty significant though. Unfortunately I've never had the chance to try one!
@@kylesmith3045do you find yourself playing the same games between the 2, or was it a game library difference that also helped the decision?
@@kalvin. Originally had the og steam deck, and was looking for something more portable. For the most part I use both to emulate similar systems. I'll play indie games and a few other steam games on the deck though, which is nice.
So devices like the GPD Win-Mini, and the AYN Odin Mini, well they may actually not have an audience or a use-case. Or at least it might be a tiny niche, of this already small niche hobby.
For something small, you make a lot of compromises. But the key factor is to lean towards the advantages. If it's very small, but not really pocketable, well what is the point ? And likewise, if you say let's go portable and make a larger device, then you should try to cram all those good things in there and not miss out. For example, the Anbernic RG 556 is a device that makes zero sense to someone who already has an AYN Odin2, or an iPad, or a SteamDeck.
Hey Russ, you probably won't see this but it would be great if you showed what both sides of a device looks in your pocket, that way we coule get an idea of how if would look if it were a bit thicker with a front cover on. i find that when pocketing my pocket flip i actually have the triggers facing my outside thigh which kind of hugs my leg in a way
Bleeehhh, not hype on the xbox style layout. Given that I mostly play Nintendo games on devices like these, having the inverse layout tends to bother me immensely. It would be nice if it was possible to swap them out...
saaame
Nitendo literally use same lol
@@Raderade1-pt3om i think he talks about the order of the buttons above right joystick
The benefit of the mini LED display isn’t its brightness! It’s the quality of the contrast and deepness of the blacks.
Dimming zones are awesome
RGB just sucks up the battery. And your hands will cover them anyway. It's more of a gimmick than something that adds to your experience like rumble motors. I might consider having an rgb on the power button and light up differently depending on the battery life / charging state.
I'M SOOOOO EXCITED FOR THE RG CUBE!!
I dont need it! I need it! I dont need it!
You got the Cube too?! 💚 You're living my dream, friend! 😂
I cant wait to join the club! Odin2 Mini was ordered with the early discount, but I gotta get that Cube too. It looks so perfect! 💚
As someone that has a ps vita oled and loves it dearly, fully hacked it and even got dreamcast working on it -- I can't use it for extended periods of time without the huge grips they made for it. I think there are quite a few people that are going to buy this for the vibes, but just because the form factor was made before doesn't make it good. It looks beautiful, I agree, but I really think you'd be better off buying something that is more ergonomic than buying this and then buying a grip that destroys the portability. I think the same would be said for the ever-popular gameboy SP. If you are nostalgic for it, great -- but you're probably an adult with adult hands now, and that nostalgia is not going to matter after a few hours.
I'm taking a bet with the Odin 2 mini but you're totally right lol. I saw all the hype for the new SP handheld and it does look cool but even through all the childhood magic I still remember the Gameboy SP being uncomfortable as shit.
@@azumashinobi1559 Is it that small though? like I kind of though it was about as big as the 35xx, just folded in half. 35xx is fine even for my big hands.
Yeah kinda wish it was shaoed more like the ambernic 556
@@zwenkwiel816 I'm unsure how much the size would play a part in the ergonomics there? That very well may be the case honestly. For me it's pretty hard to tell how much I like something until I hold it, so there's always a little bit of a gamble when I buy one of these
Thank you Russ. Fine review and comparisons. Have a nice day.
Can we start addressing the elephant in the room as to why developers think that the control layout should follow that of the Xbox and Nintendo?
What's so bad about the layout like the Dual Shock or Deck has?
I think this just makes me want a Steam Deck mini more; that has that same power and emulation ability while still being slightly more portable and having long battery life. Maybe not the last one but the others would be awesome!
I can't believe the Vita's still ahead of its time design-wise in 2024. Just shows how much Sony blundered with it. It could've owned the market for years and years and years.
Honestly I'd actually buy a device this size with these specs, if it only wasn't a PS Vita design replica. It makes it feel soooo cheap... I thought AYN was above this.
5 inch display is really too small for the price nowadays….
Agreed but it may be usefull as a second handheld console!
That's what she said
That's above average I think, actually pretty big
Not if what someone wants is a 5 inch display
No it's not. This is something I've wanted for years and I'm sure many others will too.
I am SOOOO hyped for this can't wait till I save up enough for one
Mini sound is terrible. Vignetting is terrible. “Compromised device” comes to mine.
oh man cant wait to see your video on the RG Cube, just saw the official onboxing and im like :O
Another android device... 😪
I love my RG405M Android is awesome
Android is great for emulation tf??
Do you really expect an x86 device in this form factor?
@@HitmonDprobably a Linux gamer bro 😂
What's wrong with that
the shadows around the screen though compared to the odin 2... can't unsee
Great content as always Russ. Thank you and safe travels!
you can fix the brightness being too bright at the minimum by reducing the white point setting (called "Extra Dim" on Android, which you have to enable) in settings :) it's basically like reducing exposure in a video game
I have been checking in every day to see about the RGcube so I’m so hyped to have a little sneak peak this vid
The pause and smile after 'most of the people who watch my videos are inside people' killed me.
One of the benefits to the Mini LED display should also be a good contrast/black level. Of course it won't be as good as an OLED but it still should be much better than a traditional LCD. So kinda a middle ground between LCD and OLED in that case.
As for the Blooming/Light leakage from what I've seen most monitor/TV reviewers test it by playing a clip of a white point moving across a black area. I am sure You will be able to find some samples here on youtube. Thinking about this: maybe playing a traditional pong and following a white ball as it bounces would be a great test too?
God my wallet!! I sold my Odin 2 wishing it was smaller and RP4 bc it wasnt enough power.......been going back and forth over videos of this and the Pocket S......looks like ive pre ordered every AYN so far as i ordered the black base for the third time came down to the track recordive had with both companies both are good i currently have a Ayaneo 2 but better service overall goes to AYN!!!
The new set up looks great. The coloured lights in the background is a nice touch. I think another light on the right hand side to remove the shadow from your face will brighten it up even more.
Hey Russ where’s your full review video at
Gotta say I did always love the Odin 2 lights just made it more personal and was unaware they omitted on this release.
Damn! new shot setup! Russ goin another level!!!
Warzone runs hot on most devices. Great video love how in depth you go into these
Even a rushed Russ video is quality. Thank you ❤
I got pretty excited when I first saw the Odin 2 mini got announced but that excitement led to me just buying a vita and damn this thing is great
This device is perfect for my needs. Excellent for emulation and I can easily stream my PC games to it. The portability is my biggest deciding factor.
I really enjoyed the new video style in terms of your camera setup. Also, plus one for the dirty inverted fam.
If I'm not mistaken, I believe that the benefit of the mini LED screen being so crazy bright is not for the purpose of playing outside, but that the screen can be more power efficient at the same perceived brightness as other types of screens (ass seen in the brightness slider comparison with the Odin 2 and the Mini side by side)
Russ you are awesome!!! Odin 2 mini and Rg cube are both very tempting
Thanks for the work you are doing!
Enjoy your break and try to switch off from work! Loving the new studio, big congrats on 500k subs, well deserved.
I'll definitely stick with my Odin 2 Pro.
Looks interesting but I am on a self imposed handheld buying embargo until the end of the year lol. I realized I already have too many and buying 2-3 of these a year wasn't helping! Would love to see an update vid on this device once you travel with it some.
“Is that an Odin Mini in your pocket or are you happy to see me?”
looking forward to the RG Cube impression. RG556 performance with a 1:1 screen which is better for all the systems i want to emulate in a portable format, and hopefully they fixed the analog sticks!
I am very tempted to buy this one even though I already got the odin 2 pro.
In the final review I'd like to see some PS Vita emulated like Gravity Rush, after all even the RP4 Pro can run it 👀