Yes, But It's Complicated - (Odin 2 Mini IN-DEPTH Review)

[@GameTechTalk]

Quick shoutout to @m2ljay and Epsy on the RH Discord. There is a discrepancy in my review, which is that the panel reports as HDR, my apologies as I used the wrong tools to evaluate that information. With that said, I still put the tonemapping up for questioning as without it, it's not proper HDR. Forcing HDR makes the panel washed out, precisely as if no tonemapping is available. That might be something that can be fixed in the future, or something for which I simply have not come across the tools yet to address. To see what I'm talking about, load an OLED HDR video on KZbin from Chrome, load it again from the latest version of KZbin app from the Play Store and make sure you are on HDR quality, should be on by default. See the difference in the first 5 seconds. It's pretty obvious. If you know a solution to this, please do share, thanks!

[@aprichman]

Can’t wait for mine to ship. This is my first emulation device. Portability is my main factor since I travel almost every week for work. I was debating over the RP4 Pro and Odin 2 when this dropped out of nowhere. After watching your review, I think I made the right choice.

[@GameTechTalk]

Oh totally that you did. As a first unit owner, you can't really do much better to be honest. Sure it's more expensive but it's also a solution that goes far beyond emulation which I think is too often forgotten when talking about the Odin 2s. Sure emulation is fun and all but there's so much more to it. Also, it's a very "rabbit hole" kind of hobby to get into but quite frankly, the Odin 2 Mini is so portable that there is hardly any reason to buy the Anbernics, Retroid and Powkiddy alternatives. Everything else will be considerably underwhelming in comparison unless you want to have "one device per emulated system". Yeah, honestly, a lot of people burned a lot of $ to get to that point, you went straight for one, if not the most well rounded devices for power, value, portability. Great decision on your end!

[@m2ljay]

Good review! Only things to point out is the screen actually does have hdr so that plus much better outdoor use makes the brightness a plus

[@GameTechTalk]

Thanks! So here is the nuance I comprehend. The specs are capable of HDR, that I can get behind but afaik, HDR tonemapping is not supported. I also don't also find the color gamut to give off nuances of what HDR looks like. Compared with HDR certified panels, the difference is definitely visible. But maybe there is a setting I missed or maybe AYN could add support over a future firmware update? If you have access to a HDR On/Off type of slider, please let me know, I'd love to investigate this further. Cheers! 😊

[@michaelbenny659]

I love the comparison format

[@GameTechTalk]

It was a "third time" filming touch that I do like as well, something I would definitely want to reproduce again in the future. Thanks Michael!

[@Sadtiric]

I can't wait to see what the Odin 3 looks like after all the feedback from this one!! The main reasons I bought the Mini are to support the direction and to mess with a mini-LED screen in person ^_^ 💚

[@GameTechTalk]

AYNTEC sure make exciting stuff. Let's see what they'll have in store for us next time!

[@fillerbunnyninjashark271]

Finger tips go into those grips on the back. Your palms shouldn't be touching the sides. Your fingers shouldn't be curled in

[@GameTechTalk]

Not my personal go-to grip but I do not necessarily "hold it right" either. As mentioned during the video, I cramped on the Vita whereas many many people thought it was an ergonomically sound solution. It's like mouse grips right? You have claw, palm, fingertips. So from that point of view, I think hearing from different people is always interesting, thanks for sharing your style of griping it!

[@KyleRuggles]

Great review, buddy! Think I'm gonna wait, got an Odin, RP3+ and the games that I love, they play well enough. I'm sure in another year we'll have another kick ass suite of handhelds and yeah... I'm not worrying heh.. Hope you feel better soon! It's so nice out!

[@GameTechTalk]

Such a beautiful weather in our little Montreal! The perfect day to shed the last ounces of virus out my system by spending time in the pool! Thanks Kyle, much appreciated!

[@darknessblur]

Do you recommend i get the mini or the big one? I dont own either and im just wondering which is best to try first

[@GameTechTalk]

If you favor portability and are very sensitive to panel delay, I'd say go 2 Mini. If you are not too picky on your panels and prefer ergonomics, bigger panels and longer battery, go Odin 2. I should point out that I am a massive early buyer of tech so for me, I've been on super high framerate panels (240hz+) easily for more than half a decade. I probably created that problem for myself over time. It's not unbearable but don't go expecting the responsiveness of even a 60hz flagship phone. I also think that just for about anyone, putting the Odin 2 and Odin 2 Mini next to each other makes that issue quite obvious. Put it this way, if I could have a more responsive panel on the Odin 2, no need for MiniLED, I would go for that option over the Odin 2 Mini.

[@Scott7789x]

These ratings are nuts. The vita and switch lite being comparable is a nutty statement. Have you felt joycon sticks and seen the 30fps?

[@GameTechTalk]

Thanks for pointing it out. That's precisely why the Switch Lite scored 3 in buttons vs 4 for O2M. Same goes for Specs, Switch Lite scored 3, O2M scored 4. With that said, Switch Lite does have other strengths over the O2M and that's the goal of this point system, so that you can pay mind in the areas that matter the most to you and by your comment, I would say performance and buttons are and what it comes down to. Stick to Odin 2 or Odin 2 Mini, you won't be disappointed. If you want to dish out a considerably bigger sum, you could move up to PC handheld territory and grab yourself a GPD Win 4, you'll get more specs and overall about as good buttons though arguably better with a keyboard and a trackpad nub. Cheers! :)

[@Scott7789x]

@@GameTechTalk At this point you might as well rate the 3DS Joystick nubs 3/5 and throw that up on screen.

[@GameTechTalk]

@@Scott7789x Ohhh that's a great suggestion. So basically, to make a category for sticks distinguished from buttons right? It does feel like "buttons" is only about sticks otherwise... Thanks! Oh and thanks for the 3DS suggestion too, I'll save that for my Odin 2 Mini follow-up unboxing video!

[@Scott7789x]

@@GameTechTalk I was just messing with ya man. I shouldn't be so rude. I like your content. I guess if I could vocalize it in a better way, I would say I think we take for granted how much more processing power we have now than old consoles like the Vita and Switch Lite. The switch lite for instance isn't even moddable and is stuck playing Mario Party on the eshop. The Odin 2 mini runs switch and can play way more things with better sticks and buttons. I think it should be a bigger gap than 32 vs 31 score. But it's subjective I suppose. Keep up the great work my friend.

[@pixelhouse18]

Question. I see you are using the AYN super dock to display the mini in it. Does it work with the mini? Any wiggling(since i assume the Odin 2 is a tad thicker)? And does it block the intake of the cooling while using it? Thanks in advance, great video!

[@GameTechTalk]

Yes it does, quite a nice fit. Not millimeter precise but definitely not to an uncomfortable degree either. As far as I am concerned, I would take for granted that they considered the dock in their design because it feels as if it's designed for it precisely. As for blockage, no issues whatsoever except maybe the 3.5mm jack but I doubt that would be a problem.

[@pixelhouse18]

@@GameTechTalk thanks for the info! I’ll be buying it then.

[@DJBlackoutMusic]

Great review bro. I like the editing. I have an Ayn Odin 2 and haven't expereince the display lag like you have. Maybe you should get another Odin 2 to see if the problem persist.

[@GameTechTalk]

I was contemplating it for a minute because I was reading inconsistent inputs from different people that implied I got bad panel lottery. Ultimately, I held off because much like blooming, there are certain situations that makes it more/less apparent. All in all, it worked ok since I now use the Odin 2 Mini and it has some QoL features I enjoy, namely the portability but let me tell you, if my Odin 2 had a better screen, this review would've changed at least a little bit. Crazy to think. Thanks for watching bruh!

[@DJBlackoutMusic]

@@GameTechTalk makes total sense to me. I may get the mini just to see if there's a huge difference between mini led and led panels.

[@thiagoaraujos]

Great review! With "display lag" do you mean the image is lagging behind the input, or in other words, input lag? I notice my Odin 2 has a tad more input lag than my other Android devices, so it's definitely an issue (albeit a small one). I'm just curious how you identified it to be a panel problem. So do you mean the Odin 2 mini is more responsive than the Odin 2?

[@GameTechTalk]

It was more the display than the input themselves, in other words, it wasn't affecting my ability to be precise or responsive with my commands, but it made the image drag out by a few frames, honestly, I think a lot of people would be insensitive to that but for me personally, it made the Odin 2 hard to appreciate to its full potential. Thankfully, the Odin 2 Mini fixed that! Edit: How I identified it never made it into the video. I shot this review 4 times basically, but in the other 3 iterations, I did a *beep* ton of tests, one included comparing both panels with a slowed down 900ish FPS footage. There is a test on TestUFO where you see rectangles going by real fast. The Odin 2 Mini had 1 to sometimes 2 on at times, less than 50% of the frames indicating a slight delay in panel response time but nothing abnormal. The Odin 2 had always at least 2, more than 50% of the time it would have 3, indicating that indeed, the panel is not as responsive as 60hz would indicate, meaning that it has a lot response time. If I had to crunch the numbers, I'd assume its probably in the 30ms range, whereas the Odin 2 Mini is probably half of that. Sorry for the wall of text but I sure hope that helps and answers the question. Cheers!

[@coolj192]

For someone who is looking for portability and being able to emulate consoles like ps2/GC, would you say the Odin 2 Mini is worth the extra $130ish over the Retroid 4 Pocket Pro or should I save my money and stick with the Retroid?

[@GameTechTalk]

Hmm if going for the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro, in my opinion the Odin 2 Mini is the better pick yes. The thing is RP4Pro is good now, capped at the upper limit so while you will for the most part find success on most GC/PS2 titles, you may run into occasional hiccups, with also the potential necessity to downconvert your visual experience. Odin 2 Mini is great now and rather than making compromises, you'll get to upconvert the visual experience. It won't be capped for probably another 2 years if not more, and will remain revelant for probably 5ish years from now, with still reasons to exist beyond that. The difference is not a little bit by the way, Odin 2 Mini is for the most part 2x more powerful than the RP4Pro and with much better support and compatibility in terms of software. The difference is substantial. So while there are handhelds where I'd be more inclined to address preferences and needs, I think the RP4Pro doesn't do enough on its own to be justified over the Odin 2 Mini except one very specific thing. Price. If you can't stomach the different for the Odin 2 Mini, than that's different but seeing as you mentioned being on the fence between each one, the Odin 2 Mini is one of those situations where yes, you'll pay a bit more, but you'll also get a truckload more. The trade is in your favor value-wise. Sorry, was a bit of a wall-of-text but I hope this helps illustrate the why! :)

[@coolj192]

@@GameTechTalk no apologies needed, that answer was perfect. Been thinking on it throughout the day and started to lean more towards the Odin and after reading the breakdown you offered I think it helps my decision a lot more, definitely worth waiting the extra week for another paycheck. Thank you man I appreciate it, great video by the way.

[@AdamBond-mj7tg]

Have you found any good comfort grip?

[@GameTechTalk]

I can't say that I have searched for one if being honest but I could definitely see value in having one.

[@PInoyHenyoRito]

preorder retroid pocket mini and 5 looks promising

[@GameTechTalk]

I was soo on the fence, I should've got it back when they had the combo deal but I skipped out. I think Retroid will be good to revisit for me when they have the variants or future models, like the Retroid Pocket 5 Flip, if ever that's a thing. I'd love that!

[@PInoyHenyoRito]

Thank for this i almost bought this i love you men...looking into retroid pocket mini and pocket 5..insert on ratings battery life ❤️

[@GameTechTalk]

Ahh so very glad I could help! Happy gaming!

[@AdamBond-mj7tg]

Is there any handheld that is stronger?

[@GameTechTalk]

Some people would argue that the G3x Gen 2 is potentially stronger but the drivers currently do not showcase that, and possibly never will. However, they are extremely similar.

[@gregorybolivar5712]

I was wondering when your Special Take on the: A-O2 MiNi would drop... Let's go... 😎🙃🧐🤔🤣... Feel better Bro...

[@GameTechTalk]

The last 24 hours have been quite fruitful, little bit of cough is still lingering but I should be back to 100% before I know it. Cheers and thanks for the wishes!

[@gregorybolivar5712]

@@GameTechTalk Indeed...🤓

[@BMakk205]

Thanks i just order one

[@GameTechTalk]

Awesome! I hope you like it, it's a pretty robust handheld!

[@BMakk205]

@GameTechTalk I haved the odin 2 but I wanted something smaller and powerful

[@mattdavis9601]

I think that this review is as good as American teams in the Stanley Cup Finals. I'm of the position, thanks in large part to this very fair and balanced review, that I'd love to win an Odin2 Mini and I'd enjoy playing on it forever. However, I don't think I'd ever actually pay money for it in a world where its big brother exists for similar or less money. It's compelling; but, in all the ways that matter to me the Odin2 is more compelling. The big boy has a bigger screen that's probably more than good enough, better ergo, better battery, better cooling, and arguably better styling. I've flip flopped on this like a fish on the beach because I love the Vita look; but, it doesn't sit right that it's not being made by Sony. It's the same deal with the GPD Win 4 that looks like a PSP. I preferred the Win 3 a bit better because it was more unique. I'm weird, I know, but, I'd preferred if the Odin2 Mini looked like an Odin2 that was left in the dryer a bit too long. And the RG556 exists with the best screen and ergonomics on the market, a much lower price, and better than adequate performance for the things I care about (PS2 and higher end AAA Android ports). The device I currently use for that is an LG V35 with the Snapdragon 845. The big issue with using a six year old flagship as a makeshift handheld is thermal throttling. The T820 is supposed to be on par with the 845 when cool, maybe a bit better (I don't remember), but thanks to the integral fan it won't fall flat on its face after about twenty minutes playing harder PS2 games. I love the looks of the RG556 too. I've always got Game Gear vibes from it, especially in black, but it's not a direct ripoff of anything. I approve. I'm in the market for a high end Android handheld. Maybe not today, but soon-ish. I want to like the Odin2 Mini; but, it places third in a three way race. Granted, we'd all like to go home with the woman who places third in this year's Miss. Universe. But, I don't think I'd pay for the privilege. It's the same deal here.

[@GameTechTalk]

Nothing like signing off for the day to a Matt Davis comment. "...I'd preferred if the Odin2 Mini looked like an Odin2 that was left in the dryer a bit too long." 😂 I totally am not about to Google "3rd place Miss Universe" right after I finish typing this. 😅 I often think I would do well to unearth my ROG Phone 2. I have the Kunai 3 and the Twinview Dock, which could make for a fantastic video of a device brought back to "retro" life. I need to write this down somewhere, but back to high-end Android handheld... The thing is, they do have the price structure, but you would indeed be paying the price of today for the needs of tomorrow. Better yet, you may address them before you even reach that point, and with a device that better fits your needs by then. At half the price (and sometimes less, as it can be found on sale), the RG556 is a very appealing proposition. I'll be honest. I wasn't immediately sold on the RG556. It took a bit of time for its quality to really sink in. The thing is, if I indulge in nostalgia-dense retro games, I rather do it on a panel that uplifts the experience. Retro games do so well with AMOLED and OLED screens, that color vibrancy is second to none, all while retaining great fidelity. So yeah, if you know that you'll be seeking out the latest Android game, one of the Odins remain a choice well worth the price of admission but if you're main use-case is retro?... Odins are currently overkill and emulating Switch doesn't sit right with me personally. Not judging those who do but for me, Switch games will be on a Switch device. Especially since the better experience will be there anyway. Now back to Google'ing some stuff... *cough cough*

[@mattdavis9601]

@@GameTechTalk - I think that ROG 2 video would be interesting. I looked it up and it runs the Snapdragon 855 Plus. Outside of the Odin 2, the new AYANEO Pocket that I've forgotten the name of already, and the Razer Edge; a ROG2 + a Kunai makes for a handheld that will lay waste to pretty much every real handheld on the market. And only the Razer, maybe, will have as high quality of a screen. I'm not sure if the ROG Phone 2 has depreciated as heavily as many of the other 855 flagships; but, it'd still be a great representation of what's available on the used market for the more frugal gamer.

[@andreanlukita1951]

Odin 2 mini or Razer Edge ?

[@GameTechTalk]

Odin 2 Mini any day of the week. The Razer Edge's sole benefit is its larger panel but it'll serve zero purpose in emulation since it is 21:9. And even in some Android native games it won't. The Razer Edge is particularly good for Moonlight where you can take advantage of that 21:9 and refresh rate.

[@ashketchup1093]

Which street fighter game was it?

[@GameTechTalk]

Street Fighter 2 Turbo on SNES!

[@christiangreen3612]

What is that anime game you’re playing? Genshin?

[@GameTechTalk]

Nope, it is Wuthering Waves, just came out about 2-3 weeks ago if I recall. Haven't played much still but it's looking interesting, very much Genshin Impact / Tower of Fantasy like.

[@filmjkk]

The Final Fantasy graphics shocked me at first and then I realized it was PsPlay lol

[@GameTechTalk]

Ahahaah! Yeah I realize now I forgot to put a lower title of the games first appearances, my apologies for the scare!

[@gatnex2782]

@@filmjkk on the Odin 2 mini mobox and winlator good work,that means we can run 2018-2019 games with good graphics on it.I play Yakuza kiwami 2 high settings 720p 30 fps.Final fantasy 7 remake 720 p 30 fps too.

[@martincrossing8245]

Will you make a video about the easysmx x05?

[@GameTechTalk]

I will not unfortunately, I have declined the product for review as it seemed a little too close to the GameSir Nova (minus HD rumble) and since I already talked about that, I decided to skip it. I did watch a video or two about it and it looks like a great cost-efficient solution, definitely a good pick for those who don't care for rumble and prefer a "standard" ABXY layout. Cheers!

[@nepaliprayasgurung2594]

I'm going to buy Odin 2 mini for couple of reasons. 1st being small and pocketable and has same specs and same power as Odin 2. 2nd the mini led is the screen i want to see and own one since i never had devices that use mini led. This device looks similar to PS vita which is what this device is inspired by. And honestly i don't think 5,00ah battery is small by and means. It's same size battery as what you'd get on latest iPhone, Samsung S24 Ultra, but i get a t it's not as massive as original Odin 2 8,000mah battery which is unusually large battery made for bigger tablets. Which is what it should have on bigger 7-8inch handheld for longer play and i get that. Other than that my minor complaints with my original odin 2 base is that A button when i press it manu times it burrows in get stuck for few seconds before popping back up. Causing delays in fighting games and when playing fps such as CoD mobile warzone, where u need to mash buttons. And the other small problem is that my odin 2 base couldnt for life map Wii and GCN buttons and analog stick. I have no idea why but I'm planning to buy Odin 2 mini to Play GCN, Wii and PS1 and retro handheld while my Odin 2 base will he used for playing PS2, PSP, and DreamCast games!

[@GameTechTalk]

Seems like you are a person with a plan and I can definitely stand by that. You know what you want, you know how it will work ideally for you and so, I salute thee and wish you plenty of fun and happy gaming!

[@sTuPiDiScOoL_]

I've gone full circle odin 2 sent back due to unfortunate unlucky issues Ps vita (wish never sold it) Miyoo mini plus (meh) Steam deck hated it Rg cube (meh) Rog ally hated it even more Odin 2 mini im waiting for now most decent console games on game pass n gfn and also the actually decent some android games if has no jssues like my r2 or not loading some games like odin 2 did originally then be a winner.

[@GameTechTalk]

Here's hoping that one finally hits the right spot for you! Can't imagine how frustrating it must've been so far. But considering you regret selling the Vita, I think you are finally about to be home and stay there for a good while. It's really a great device!

[@sTuPiDiScOoL_]

And for people who like warzone and like to clown on it and then boot lick pc version they are same game hence why it ran bad upon release and needed heavy optimization etc to get to work reasonably on phones.

[@STR82DVD]

It's future proof but like you said it's currently overkill. Gen 7 emulation is still a work in progress and gen 8 emulation is a "forget about it" moment". I'm sticking with my Retroid Pocket 4 Pro for emulation. My opinion on this unit young lad is pretty strong and very, very negative. The build quality is outstanding but hell no on the price! The RG556 and the RP4 Pro have a much better price to performance metric. I'll buy the original Odin 2 when on sale. You're right lad if you're not a collector, don't buy this.

[@GameTechTalk]

AYNTEC are impressively and rapidly becoming a brand one can’t ignore for great reasons. They make great devices. Still, the Odin 2 Mini feels a bit like loyal consumer being milked rather than establishing trust. It’s the type of product that can’t help but make one wonder why didn’t the Odin 2 just have an extra 1-3 months cooking. The kind of move I expect from a brand that starts with AYA and ends with NEO 🤣, I hope not to expect it from AYN too. I hope the Odin 3 will have both SKUs on launch or that the differences in the cycle upgrades are more impactful. With that aside, I hope you’re having a great start of your summer Hunter! I don’t know if you still professionally teach but if you do, it sounds like a chunk of fun weeks coming ahead! Cheers!

[@STR82DVD]

@@GameTechTalk I've 5 weeks off young lad and I'm very much looking forward to my summer reading list. 😉. August 1st seems very far away.

[@STR82DVD]

@@GameTechTalk BTW, I feel the same way about the ROG Ally X except for the emulation component obviously. This is the kind of hardware games that are played when you DON'T have IP like Nintendo or Valve. Every hardware manufacturer is fighting for market share and I'm not sure that the end-user is less with half-baked products that over-promise and under-deliver. The Portal, it's a perfect example. Thank you for mentioning that device lad.

[@STR82DVD]

@@GameTechTalk Do we have a timeline for the Odin 3?

[@GameTechTalk]

@@STR82DVD Not that I know of for Odin 3 but I would think late 2025 if not early 2026. I think we’d be more likely to see an Odin 2 Ultra if they keep that modus operandi. You know, that phat 8” AMOLED Odin 2 with 4 back buttons and HD rumble… Can I be shameless and say I’d totally jump on that! 🤣🤣🤣 As for ROG ALLY X, to let you in on a secret, I don’t know if I want to keep my preorder at this point in time. I’d receive it just before I leave for Iceland so I’d review it on my trip most likely, that’d be fun to take around with me but a part of me feels like I need to stop engaging with certain products and focus on building audience on the ones I already have to build my presence. Up until companies like ASUS see me. Cause right now, either they don’t, either they don’t want to talk. Time will tell.

[@cine-ish]

How did you manage to not include battery performance?

[@GameTechTalk]

Because I talk about it in one of the categories. Cheers!

[@cine-ish]

@@GameTechTalk Barely brushing over it and lacking any true comparisons isn't inclusion...

[@GameTechTalk]

@@cine-ish Fair point, I'll keep it in mind in future content comparing devices. Thanks!

[@emiliev]

Why is your face hidden?

[@GameTechTalk]

I'm like a wild animal, I hide when I'm sick... 🤣

[@KyleRuggles]

@@GameTechTalk I am NOT an animal! I'm a human being! - The Elephant Man

[@GameTechTalk]

Not gonna lie, I had to Google that. Quite a poignant quote, one that seems to have struck a chord in many by the sheer amount of websites covering that quote!