Native hardware or TLC version? I have my own reasons for getting a clamshell handheld - travel, distancing myself from social media, quieting the voices, etc. At the same time, I'm attracted by the prospects of the fancy OLED screens, the Steam compatibility, the updated hardware and controls of the Thor, but also mystically fascinated with the idea of having an actual 3DS. That handheld mostly came before I was old enough to game, so I don't have the nostalgia factor going on (yes, I'm young - sue me), but I still see folks buying them and enjoying them all the time.
I have the means by which to mod either of them easily (a little trip around the seven seas), so that isn't an issue. I'm currently leaning towards the AYN Thor, but I would take any excuse to go the 3DS route. There's something invigorating about the detached, closed-ecosystem nature of the device that you just don't get anywhere else. Thoughts?
If you're not going to buy 3DS games and go for the full retro experience, then get the Thor because it can do so much more and looks far better than even an expensive dual-IPS 3DS XL.
I have both. I immediately shelved the n3ds xl when I received the Thor even though I was mid Chrono Cross play through on the n3ds xl on retro arch.
The 3DS does DS and 3DS better than the Thor, but the Thor does all the rest much better including being a clamshell steam deck, switch and 3DS, combined
No way the 3ds does ds better. The resolution doesn't match at all
Latency
A 3DS can’t emulate PS2, GC, Wii, Switch.
For that alone I would recommend the Ayn Thor. Even if you don’t have plans to emulate those libraries rn, you will probably want to have the option down the line.
Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. I can't pay for switch games, anyway; Steam winter sale takes priority.
When you have both devices next to each other, the thor is a different level in terms of screen and picture quality. That being said, rythm based games and/or games that require a stylus will not be great on the thor. If this is not important to you, get a thor!
The 3DS XL is probably way more pocketable because of its design. No triggers than can snag on your clothes and the lip around the screen actually tries to protects it form dust. I carry around in my front pants pocket and usually forget its there.
Yeah, well, it's not like I'll be wearing skinny jeans. My pockets are big enough on average to fit a switch, so I figure I'll be alright in that department.
thor
Thor clears
I wanna get a Thor, but if I'm gonna buy a Thor I'm gonna go for the Max/Ultimate and since I JUST bought a Switch 2, I opted to find a decent New 3DS on eBay for half the price of a Thor in Max config. I have a steam deck and an ally z1e for other emulated consoles, I just can't justify dropping another $400+ after I just dropped $500 on a Switch 2.
A steam deck outshines the thor in pretty much every way except for not having dual screens. You honestly probably would be better off just getting a 3ds if you want to play those games badly
Yup, already on the way, I have a new 2ds xl but it feels so damn cheap and has audio issues, so I ordered a new 3ds, i needed one for my collection anyways and have been dragging my feet for far too long. The Thor looks dope as hell tho.
Ultimate version? I thought the Thor only had up to a Max edition, unlike the Odin 3.
It sounds like you really want the 3DS so you should just go that route.
Thor is going to give you more emulation options but if 3DS is your priority than nothing is going to beat original hardware.