AYN Odin 2 Mini // A VERY In-Depth Review / SMALLER. BRIGHTER. STILL THE BEST (Teardown & Emulation)

[@retrotechdad]

That was a DOOZY of a video! Feel free to ask any questions here, I'm always happy to answer! 🙏🙏

[@jreynado9953]

Does odin 2 mini have Bypass charging?

[@retrotechdad]

Yes, it does!

[@kev1310]

Odin 2 mini do you think we can find any battery replacement out there?

[@trentmoodyy]

Odin 2 mini vs RP5, what's your pick? Would be my first premium handheld

[@KeRaySh]

I'm a simple man. I see a Odin 2 Mini video, I hit like. I'm discovering so many new small channels. Great job!

[@retrotechdad]

Thank you for the like and for checking out my video! 🙏

[@GameTechTalk]

Gosh dang Rob. You took "leave no stone unturned" to a whole new level! A-MA-ZING video, from start to finish, this was just so rich in data.

[@retrotechdad]

😅😅 Haha, thank you Klef!

[@jal32231]

You’re the only reviewer I trust completely. Thank you for putting this together man.

[@D4C413]

Um you don’t trust Russ from retrogamecorps??

[@bulletpunch9317]

You should also trust taki, he creates these things.

[@jal32231]

@@D4C413 I’m not sure why you’re trying to cause drama here. Russ just does basic overviews and I enjoy watching his videos, but he doesn’t do full reviews like this. He also has a different style of being an “average consumer”, which I do appreciate. Retro Tech Dad does an expansive overview from a technical and objective viewpoint. Taki does the same thing but hasn’t posted videos as much lately.

[@jal32231]

@@bulletpunch9317 I agree. I wish he had time to make more videos.

[@alechemy]

I don’t think they’re starting drama, just pointing out that if you say you only trust this reviewer, that means you don’t trust any others. But based on your reply sounds like it’s not that you distrust Retro Game Corps, you just prefer more in-depth reviews. Which is fine, but different.

[@TokyoRobb]

I love these type of intros, way of bringing that hype out

[@retrotechdad]

🔥 Always!

[@cosmicgamingunlimited]

Dreaming of reviewing items like these on day one. Really liking your clean reviews and information dense layout. I am currently trying to go off the cuff and give out my thoughts when I have them. It's not a lot of talking, since I'm not very good at talking to no one in an empty room. Trying to get better. You give me hope.

[@retrotechdad]

Thank you for the kind words! I'm not great off the cuff either so I do a lot of note taking/scripting for my videos to make sure I cover my thoughts properly. The most off the cuff I get is when I'm on the RH Podcast every week. It gets easier over time and just practicing. Don't let any of that stop you and just go for it. Most viewers will just appreciate your honesty and sharing your experiences.

[@Majiger]

The first video I've watched by you, and I have to say a big thank you for the teardown! I wish more reviewers focused on the hardware side of things. The main reason I've been researching the Mini was because I want the portability of the PSP/Vita while having access to a large collection of games. Hearing that it can run Vita games is a dream come true. It's everything I was hoping Vita jailbreaking would bring and then some!

[@geggyboy1269]

Thank you so much man. The more reviews I see, the more excited I get for mine to arrive. 😁

[@retrotechdad]

You're very welcome! I hope you enjoy your Mini when it arrives 🔥

[@KeiRetroGaming]

Fantastic review! Great job with the teardown as well!

[@retrotechdad]

Thank you so much, Kei! 🙏🤗

[@Pridetoons]

NGL Ayn has been making PS Vita's since day one so this Handheld doesn't surprise me.

[@retrotechdad]

This is their closest yet!

[@orindo8596]

Love the attention to detail you give to your videos and the amount of focus you put into your video. Hoping that extra entry will get me a head start for the rgcube!

[@retrotechdad]

Thank you for your kind words and I've made note of your extra entry! 🤗 Cube video is slightly delayed since I'm getting a different unit in the mail.

[@ranggasukarno2846]

finally my most favorite Retro gaming reviewer release my (soon) most favorite handheld. great job as always.

[@retrotechdad]

Thank you for the kind words! 🙏🤗

[@juniorelizondo4144]

How are youliking the mini? I want one. Hopefully soon.

[@ranggasukarno2846]

@@juniorelizondo4144 me? its been my daily drive replacing my metal RP2S.

[@EpicMargo]

Great video! Really appreciate the full breakdown

[@retrotechdad]

Thank you for watching, you're very welcome!

[@cho-v4n]

Awesome review buddy. Thanks so much 🫡

[@retrotechdad]

Thanks for checking in Cho! 🔥🤗

[@rogueshinobislash]

oh lordy lordy. info overload in a very pleasant way. thanks for this. saving up for the odin 2.

[@retrotechdad]

😅I'm glad it was pleasant though! Thank you for watching 🤗

[@businessmike2371]

awesome in-depth vid!

[@retrotechdad]

Thank you, I appreciate it!

[@toycoma98]

Use the white foam cutout for when you open the device, not once i've seen a youtube video using it, it comes with almost all handhelds. I think this should have its own name. Some youtubers keep saying its a smaller mini shrunken version of the odin 2 when its not, its got its own look. Thats why i think it should've gotten a name. An actual small odin 2 would be pretty cool too though.

[@retrotechdad]

The PS Vita 2 hehe 🙏

[@flppac]

Leave this guy a LIKE, come on,so many views and so less liked the video. Huge work!

[@retrotechdad]

Thank you for that, it means a lot to me! 🙏

[@wopino]

Very in depth review, thanks dad.

[@retrotechdad]

You're very welcome! 🤗🤗

[@wopino]

@@retrotechdad 👊🤌

[@tignasse]

After watching your video, I'm going to buy this device 😛🤩

[@boxed-sound]

Great video, Rob! Your video looked so good, I decided to change my pre order from white to black! Also I loved the screen comparison. RG556 looks good, but that odin 2 mini screen is awesome! Can't wait to get mine. Also how do you enter to win the rg cube? It looks weird but cool!

[@retrotechdad]

The black is really slick! I'll have more details on the RG Cube giveaway, I was hoping to tie it into my review of that device but Anbernic is sending me an actual retail unit because of the backlight issue. But when the time comes, you get an extra entry! 🙏

[@boxed-sound]

@@retrotechdadawesome! Thank you, can’t wait to see your review.

[@frankiet5885]

Great video! Looks like I won't be attempting any custom button or shell mod on this...😬

[@retrotechdad]

Thank you, I appreciate it!

[@Setzer777]

I think Mini-LED is a good compromise between OLED and LCD and at least you won't have to worry about burn-in down the road.

[@liamwilliams8258]

Awesome, amazing video...what gives you the right...to be so good...😁👍🎮...I want 2.

[@retrotechdad]

🤣😅This definitely put a smile on my face. Thank you for the kind words! 🙏

[@gem8164]

very professional review ! still love my watermelon rr4pro ;)

[@retrotechdad]

The watermelon is such an awesome color, I have that for the base RP4. 🍉

[@pabloezequielgomez7471]

Exellent review, i don´t know which buy if the normal because have more screen and more battery or the mini because is so beautifull diseign and compact?

[@retrotechdad]

Depends on what you're looking for, the regular Odin 2 is still going to be the best price to performance and you do get a larger screen/battery. If you want something much more compact with a really nice screen, the Odin 2 Mini is a solid option as well.

[@Dr-AK]

The top screen seemed to be the bigger oled from annernic. Hope to be placed in the drawing. Thank u for the infoative video.

[@retrotechdad]

Thank you for watching and noted for the extra entry when the times comes for the Cube giveaway!

[@RitzyBusiness]

Can't wait till both Vita emulation gets better, and we get something like this with an HDR OLED.

[@retrotechdad]

Same, I get excited with each new release of Vita 3k!

[@djwrahfael]

This is the rebranded PS Vita to please Sony's fans. I loved it and I want one asap. Great video man!✌🏻

[@MarcBantolina]

should I trade in my Odin 2 for this? I like the smaller size but not sure if it's worth trying to sell my odin at a loss and buy that

[@TatsuyaWow]

really nice review the only one that have battery test how long you vita last in that ? thank you

[@a9udn9u-vanced]

Those big bezels and thick top/bottom frames are holding me back.

[@Robert-x3q1b]

Great review. I currently have an ROG, but I use it docked primarily due to its size and because it's a powerful little Windows machine. I imagine it would be the same situation if I had something like the Odin 2 (OG) or the Steam Deck. I think I'll grab the mini and see if it becomes my daily driver. (Ignoring the RG Cube right now to avoid more analysis paralysis lol.)

[@YouJGSousa]

I couldn’t justify buying the Odin 2 while having the steamdeck but this is small enough to be very tempting

[@tappersreviews4677]

Same.

[@retrotechdad]

The size is just insane!

[@pamfirr]

38:30. Radiator cooling SoC or RAM? Because Odin 2 SoC cooling screen. Radiator cooling RAM.

[@tlaf4367]

Great video Do you have any videoa on how to get started with emulating on this please

[@retrotechdad]

What are you looking to emulate?

[@Hyperfixd]

Let's go!

[@retrotechdad]

My body is ready. 🔥🔥

[@keepitshort4208]

Weird question, which is better modded switch lite, rp4 pro or odin pro mini ? Maybe Linux handhelds more better, I want bit of everything like old school low end PC games. I'm more of a tinker So kinda confused, need help there are so many options.

[@the_Acaman]

the odin 2 and odin 2 mini cpu is much much stronger than what the rp4p or the switch has. At least x2 or x3 times as strong. If you don't mind having a much bigger size, the steam deck is a good option too, especially since it can run windows too. Personally I will get the odin 2 mini, since it can emulate almost everything and having a small device is very important to me

[@TheSuperStroker]

WHAT was that open mouth title screen with the tongue whipping around? I must know

[@retrotechdad]

Carrion! Awesome game 🤗🙏

[@that_johnny_guy]

Are the thumb grips from the odin 2 mini the same size as the odin 2?

[@Yusei255]

how does it handle ps3 emulation mainly dynasty warriors gundam 3. and dynasty warriors gundam reborn i think was the title on the xbox 360

[@retrotechdad]

Unfortunately, there isn't a PS3 or Xbox 360 emulator for Android so the Odin 2 Mini is unable to play any of those games.

[@aprichman]

Do you think this would be too bright for using mainly on an airplane?

[@retrotechdad]

No, not at all. The lowest brightness setting is definitely dim enough for that. There is also the extra dim option in Android which further reduces brightness. I hope that helps! 🙏

[@aprichman]

@@retrotechdad Thank you! I just got a job where I’m traveling 3 weeks a month and this looks perfect to squeeze in my carry on outside of the price 😂

[@aprichman]

I actually pulled the trigger and bought it! Couldn’t pass up the $10 off coupon and free case. So excited to get this! I was really leaning towards the RP4 but the SnapDragon chipset just seems so much more optimized for emulation and gaming in general compared to Mali chips. Thanks for helping convince me to make the most maximal purchase, now I just have to figure out how to let me wife know I dropped $350 on a gaming portable 😂😂😂

[@retrotechdad]

@aprichman 😅😅 I’m glad it was helpful! The RP4 Pro is an awesome device for the money but when it comes tot he Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 it’s just a set it and forget it device. You can spend more time playing and not tweaking settings.

[@olevet75]

could you test hot shots golf inviteational demo or full see if release 12 fixed graphics isuuses

[@retrotechdad]

Just tested it for you and it’s still got graphical issues with OpenGL and just crashes once you go in-game with Vulkan. 😭😭

[@olevet75]

@@retrotechdad whoa it's a bummer, onto next release, 6 month away ..? 💀

[@DarkKnight2037]

I got the screens right. Also, how comfortable is the dpad on the odin 2 mini? I know on the PSP it felt good to me, but the dpad was a in a diff location

[@myriadmyriad7209]

Do you think a bigger battery could be stuffed into the odin mini?

[@sammm_cc]

Since the new SW hunters game came out I was wondering if it’ll work on the Odin 2 mini. I’m definitely getting it

[@retrotechdad]

SW Hunters is awesome, that game slowed me down a little making this video! 😅

[@sammm_cc]

@@retrotechdad I’m guilty as well. I had two videos I was supposed to edit yesterday and playing this game took all the discipline away😂

[@RetroMannGaming]

For the price they could have easily gone with an OLED screen. I have the original OLED Vita and was gaming yesterday night. The OLED Display is just magnificent

[@franticfrost]

Are the odin 2 and odin 2 mini button sizes the same? Bought the sakura mod ps buttons for odin 2 and wanted to see if I could use it for the mini too

[@DavidRambles94]

Can you set up obsidian for Sudachi, and the turnip drivers?

[@fillerbunnyninjashark271]

If you're gonna use turnip, you'll be jumping around between drivers. Some break things while fixing something else

[@DavidRambles94]

​@@fillerbunnyninjashark271 thank you for the heads up, no one mentioned that when I asked on Reddit haha

[@2Mourty]

I guessed right!

[@retrotechdad]

Noted! You get a second entry when the time comes!

[@XxPARTYBEARxX]

There are so many great things about this handheld, but I wish it had an IPS display.

[@darrenhaken]

Would you sell your Odin 2 for the Mini? I’m curious which you prefer. I’m watching the video now if it’s in there…

[@retrotechdad]

The Odin 2 Mini is definitely going to be my main high-end Android device going forward. I will be keeping the original Odin 2 mostly for the channel to do testing and comparisons.

[@FerdinandJosephFernandez]

Is it possible to swap the odin mini's d-pad and buttons to use the vita ones? Really like seeing playstation icons instead of ABXY.

[@Yevg3n1y]

35:51

[@BeyondEllisBeck]

Hey buddy, can you do another update video on the MSI Claw 135h, 155h vs Rog Ally Z1 and Z1 Extreme? Your videos are awesome so keep up the good work. 👍🏾

[@pedroribeiro5996]

Z1 Extreme or Ryzen 7 8840u, forget intel 👍

[@Andy_38]

Whats the price on this lil feller? More then a switch OLED?

[@retrotechdad]

It's $339 for the base with an additional $10 discount until June 21.🙏

[@AG-sb7pu]

Still unsure what to buy!? 😵‍💫

[@retrotechdad]

What are you looking to do for gaming?

[@theprophet2444]

I rather have a bit larger screen and more ergonomic grip, if this unit had an OLED screen I might have jumped the gun but the MiniLED one doesn't add much for me, sure the contrast is worse on the odin 2 but you wouldn't notice that in a normally dimm lit room anyway.

[@Azakebrb]

Se ele for barato vai vender que nem água, ele dá 10 a 0 no rg35xxh que tem o mesmo processador

[@agamaz5650]

Can you test Zombie Hunters 2 please and Darkwatch with 60 fps hack? Sorry if it is a weird request but both games are super demanding to maintain 60 fps

[@chigyver]

LETS GO, DAD!

[@retrotechdad]

😅😅 Enjoy! I'm exhausted. 😅😅

[@ZmondeChefKing]

Can i get sonic mania and modern pixel art games on this?

[@LuisPerez-5]

Seeing you hold that made my hands cramp.

[@Jabbernut-games]

When are they shipping???

[@CaPiTaN3588]

End of this month

[@Statistic189]

A warranty sticker is illegal though. They can't put those in there anymore. I hope AYN is aware lawsuits could happen.

[@fillerbunnyninjashark271]

Ayn isn't an American company. China doesn't abide by American laws

[@RetroTechMommy]

Awe mommas girl doing what she does best role in grass and then roll all over our bed 🤣😊

[@alastor8780]

Do you evern ot get worried doing those teardowns?

[@retrotechdad]

Yes, always! 😅😩

[@JiggityJiggity]

Let's get it Retro Tech Daddy 🥵🥵

[@123MisterPetey]

🤩🤩🤩

[@retrotechdad]

🔥🔥🔥

[@sTuPiDiScOoL_]

Bro play warzone on it if your into it it is mindblowingly good set to low put on high fps solid 60 all the time and if fan on sport never goes over 45 degrees Celsius.

[@JiggityJiggity]

25:20 ofc I didn't guess anything else, AhAHAhAhAHa

[@retrotechdad]

😅😅 It's OK, I know you watched closely 🙏🤗 Extra entry for you when the time comes (SOON TM)!

[@najeebshah.]

Eh should have been an overclocked variant of sd8g2 with better cooling

[@Evergreen085]

Wouldn't buy the odin 2 mini based off the shape alone. Then the price is another setback. Other than that its not bad at all.

[@retrotechdad]

Yea, the regular Odin 2 is still going to appeal to more just because of the price and size.

[@elcoreano11]

Big difference between 8 and 12 GB RAM?

[@Daevid11]

Not so much, but maybe in the future

[@ZetaPogo]

Nice handheald but BELOW the Pocket S in my opinion, could you review it? Would be nice! I like you videos! You did a nice work behind the scenes

[@retrotechdad]

I'll be purchasing that one myself since I love high-end Android devices. Unfortunately, Ayaneo doesn't know who I am so no early unit. 😅🤣

[@ZetaPogo]

​@@retrotechdad Very nice, i bought mine last week. If you could do a video with teardown and/or setup would be perfect! Nobody did that already!

[@jasonrodriguez2963]

Below in some aspects, but the Odin 2 Mini has better ergonomics and sticks, which is something I personally find more important for gaming.

[@fillerbunnyninjashark271]

Your just wanna spend money. The snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is better supported with emulators

[@ZetaPogo]

@@jasonrodriguez2963 for the ergonomics there is a Pvc protective case with better grips

[@gregorybolivar5712]

Try out...Android Games Modern Combat 3 / 4 or 5..., N.O.V.A. 3 Samurai Vengeance 2....🙃🤓🧐

[@PolymerJones]

When is this price gonna drop? Too high

[@retrotechdad]

Probably not for a bit, I'd say keep an eye out for a second hand unit.

[@estusflask982]

probably won't

[@seaneckhart9914]

That blooming is a deal killer

[@ramonvasquez3503]

Now imagine how much more thinner the Vita 2000 would have been if they stuck an OLED screen on that too? That things was to good for us 🥹

[@retrotechdad]

It's true, the world was not ready for the Vita 😭😭

[@gregorybolivar5712]

Just found out there were some awesome 007 Bond games for PS2... I had to dropped them into my 1tb micro-Sd Card in my... Black Edition A-02 Pro... That's some awesome content... R.T.D... 👍😎

[@retrotechdad]

So many gems on PS2! 🔥🔥

[@gregorybolivar5712]

@@retrotechdad Indeed...😎

[@leonardomatheus1888]

I can't fathom why the battery life is so bad. The snap 8 gen 2 on smartphone lasts so much more

[@retrotechdad]

I think most smartphones have larger batteries than this. The Red Magic 8 Pro that I've talked about on the channel before had a 6000 mAh vs the 5000 mAh on the Odin 2 Mini.

[@leonardomatheus1888]

@@retrotechdad I mean phones with the same or smaller batteries. Rhe s23+ has a 4700mah battery and it lasts twice as long on gow 2. And on easy to run games more than 15 hours.

[@retrotechdad]

What are the settings? I had GoW II with a 4x upscale which is going to be pretty demanding.

[@leonardomatheus1888]

@@retrotechdadI tested at 3x.

[@Ralkila]

You all need to be careful with odin 2 as there are games poorly optimized like rabbits go home on wii. That shit sent my odin 2 to high temperatures, it gets hot in the screen itself. I've experienced the same with some switch games. Notice that the fan setting i used was the default noiseless or something noise related. It worried me cause the screen got super high temp.

[@estusflask982]

Then use a higher fan speed? What

[@Ralkila]

@@estusflask982 Solved nothing, the first time was with the default fan settings. I've heard that you need to buy and install dissipation things. So don't think this is easily solvable. Although i've played a lot of ps2 games that work well with def fan speed. That's why i pointed out poorly optimized / emulated games.

[@agamaz5650]

F-Zero GX at 4K 60? WHAT THE ACTUAL F

[@retrotechdad]

Haha, this made me smile. 😅😅

[@agamaz5650]

@@retrotechdad I almost wanted to buy the device until I saw how hot it sadly gets

[@agamaz5650]

@@retrotechdad bro if you lower the wattage does it get less warm? so far month later still device is still the closest to perfection, i just want pocketable + oled + 6th gen emulation

[@namcojr]

The screen looks very blurry. It even notices through KZbin. It is very bright, but the price to pay in sharpness... It's a skip for me.

[@WheeledHamster]

I like the design but I like all my 3D games to be on a larger screen, 5" is a hell no.

[@caleb5780]

someday

[@Stunnax757]

Do you purposely try to sound like an AI/robot? I don't mean that in a bad way, I think it's cool

[@YOjeremyRaps]

That’s an insane thing to say to someone haha

[@retrotechdad]

It’s a beautiful combination of me trying to enunciate my words clearly to overcome my Brooklyn accent that comes through here and there. 😅🤣 Oh and probably some of the compression I use in post processing.

[@brownwallet942]

Who even plays God of War? I finished every GoW before Ascension cos I have the GoW Anthology remastered on PS3. The best GoW is still 1&2. They're all repetitive and the story is nonsense after 2. If this can play Okami flawlessly, it's an instant buy

[@retrotechdad]

It’s a good game to use as a benchmark of a device’s capabilities for PS2/PSP emulation performance.

[@brownwallet942]

@@retrotechdad Please try Okami and let me know if it plays flawlessly. Also Shinobido. Ive spend countless hours on those 2 games and also the Warriors by Rockstar

[@youraveragedillon5958]

I only would if it had the 8000mah battery life but nope. Odin 2 is still the king not the mini

[@retrotechdad]

Yea, it's a bummer about the battery but it's a tough space to fit it all into. The Odin 2 is still the best performance to price device out there in the Android space!

[@JohnStenborg]

…got ayn odin 2 because it got large screen enough to play the big screen emulators it have the huge process power to play…this dont but what to do ayn when you already made the optimal android handheld…over shrink it…oversize it…overpower it…overfanzy metal it…overcolor it…over under power it…over cut down cheeping it…over complicate it…over retro it…over design it…

[@fillerbunnyninjashark271]

There's no such thing as "big screen emulators"

[@leksdex5682]

What a point on android? Smartphone do the same. For 300+- usd. U can by gamedeck for smart. And why wheb steamdeck around 400 usd lcd.

[@davidraquepas2344]

Looks like a great device but not for 400$. Maybe 250-275$. At 400$ ill just buy a second steam deck

[@VaticanTop]

Seems like the purpose of this device completely wooshed you.

[@emilianomontanari283]

the screen is too small

[@estusflask982]

it's literally called Mini

[@emilianomontanari283]

@@estusflask982 the screen is smaller than needed…..

[@estusflask982]

@@emilianomontanari283 then get the non mini

[@EliasPfaiffer]

brutal downgrade to my Odin 2 Max 5000 to 8000mah 5 inch to 6 inch also the screen quality looks worse

[@VaticanTop]

You mean the screen quality on the mini is far better than your Odin 2 Max? Ofcourse it is.

[@EliasPfaiffer]

@@VaticanTop wake up...exactly the opposite!!! the odin 2 Mini is a brutal downgrade to my Odin 2 Max!!! Less inches on the display brutally much less battery power (just 8000mah to 5000mah) and yes, in general I find the picture on the Odin 2 Mini not as great as on my Odin 2 Max!!! deal with it,...

[@HunnysPlaylists]

oof that's such a downgrade.

[@Bugside]

It's like a Retroid Pocket 4 Pro Pro. Too small for ps2 and up

[@fillerbunnyninjashark271]

Perfect size for GameCube/Wii/PS2. You're just blind

[@iTheBeep]

Disagree... it's the same screen size as the Vita, which also had PS2 games ported to it.

[@Bugside]

@@fillerbunnyninjashark271 lol the bigger the better

[@提姆索尼克]

这块MINI LED屏幕四角会有暗角，高亮度下 颜色发白 准确性也不太好，关键是过高的亮度对于掌机来说并不合适，对眼睛伤害很大，加上MINILED普遍存在背光光晕问题 所以我不认为掌机使用MINI LED是有必要的！

[@AquaLady153]

What's the refresh rate? Be a shame if it's this powerful and it's locked at 60fps

[@estusflask982]

it's 60fps

[@raulserranomena]

This was an awesome review!! Hopefully I win that cube! 🥹🙌🏻😬