Overview
The video provides a roundup of recent news in the handheld gaming market, covering major announcements for the Xbox Ally X, new dual-screen Android handhelds from AYN and Ino, and updates for the Retroid Pocket dual screen attachment.
Xbox Ally X Announcement
- Xbox Ally X will release on October 16th, announced at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany.
- Features include AutoSR (auto super resolution) upscaling technology and a focus on AI capabilities via the Z2 Extreme chip.
- A new handheld compatibility program, similar to Steam Deck Verified, will indicate if games are handheld-optimized or mostly compatible.
- Shader delivery will be introduced, allowing pre-downloaded and pre-compiled shaders for faster game launches and less GPU load.
- Some features, like AutoSR, are expected to roll out more broadly starting early next year.
Dual-Screen Handheld Market Trends
- There is a surge in dual-screen Android-based handhelds, overcoming past software and emulation challenges.
- Recent examples include the 1X Sugar and Retroid Pocket dual screen attachment, both seen as works in progress.
AYN Thor Details
- Newly announced dual-screen clamshell, Android-based, with Snapdragon 865 (lower) and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (higher) chipset options.
- The top screen: 6" AMOLED, 120 Hz, 1080p; bottom screen: 3.92" AMOLED, 60 Hz.
- Weights and dimensions suggest a compact but heavier device (380g).
- Price estimates: $250–$300 (865), $350–$400 (8 Gen 2), with possible RAM/storage tiers.
- Potential concerns: unknown price, hinge durability, and software handling of mismatched refresh rates.
- Speculation exists about direct competition and possible shared design origins with Retroid.
Ino Pocket DS Overview
- Launched on Indiegogo; starts at $400 (early bird), up to $650 fully specced.
- Top screen: 7" AMOLED, 165 Hz; bottom screen: 5" LCD, 4:3 aspect, 60 Hz.
- Uses Snapdragon G3X Gen 2 chipset, 8,000 mAh battery, and weighs 540g.
- Offers dedicated software features for multitasking on Android.
- Both screens are limited to 60 Hz when used simultaneously.
- A review unit is expected in the coming weeks.
Retroid Pocket Dual Screen Update
- Retroid Pocket dual screen uses a 5.5" AMOLED display and initially suffered from notable input lag between screens.
- Retroid announced a firmware fix to reduce lag to near zero, with updated hardware shipping soon and existing users receiving upgrade kits.
- A comparison video of old vs. new screen is planned.
Decisions
- Accept Retroid’s offer of a new screen for hands-on testing.
- Agree to review the Ino Pocket DS when a unit becomes available.
Action Items
- Within next few weeks – Russ: Review and produce content for the Ino Pocket DS review unit.
- Within next week – Russ: Compare and review the updated Retroid Pocket dual screen after firmware fix.