The dual-screen handheld scene just got a little more accessible: the AYN Thor family has grown with the arrival of a Lite version of the clamshell Android gaming handheld, and it’s now open for pre-orders.
Launched in 2025, the AYN Thor has made waves thanks to its dual AMOLED displays, Android 13 ecosystem, and flexible performance for both retro emulation and modern Android gaming. It has a very clear modernised Nintendo DS form factor, but until now, only the Base, Pro, and Max configurations — all powered by Qualcomm’s powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 platform — were available.
Now there’s an entry-level option for those who want the Thor experience without breaking the bank.
What the Lite model offers
The new Thor Lite keeps all of the things that made the original appealing, including:
- A 6-inch primary AMOLED screen (1080p) and a 3.92-inch secondary AMOLED screen
- Dual-screen design ideal for on-screen controls, menus, or mapping
- Android 13 with USB-C DisplayPort output and microSD expansion
- A 6000 mAh battery and Wi-Fi-capable hardware
- Hall-effect stick controls
Where it changes things up is under the hood. The Lite swaps the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 of its siblings for a Snapdragon 865 chipset paired with 8 GB RAM and 128 GB storage. That’s still plenty for retro consoles and many native Android titles, and it comes at a lower price point that makes the Thor family more competitive in the handheld space.
Price, preorder and availability
The Thor Lite is currently available for pre-order, with stock limited and early reservations selling out in some regions. Community chatter indicates it’s often cheaper than the Base model by around the same margin that differentiates the Snapdragon 865 from the Gen 2 variants. This makes the Lite a great pick if you’re targeting 2D and classic 3D Nintendo DS emulation or more casual Android gaming. For heavier emulation, though, the Base or Pro models are more suitable.
Shipping for Thor models began in late 2025, and batches for the Lite are expected to hit customers soon once pre-orders clear. For anyone intrigued by dual-screen handhelds but put off by higher prices, the Thor Lite is worth a close look.
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Christian Cawley is the founder and editor of GamingRetro.co.uk, a website dedicated to classic and retro gaming. With over 20 years of experience writing for technology and gaming publications, he brings considerable expertise and a lifelong passion for interactive entertainment, particularly games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
Christian has written for leading outlets including TechRadar, Computer Weekly, Linux Format, and MakeUseOf, where he also served as Deputy Editor.
When he’s not exploring vintage consoles or retro PCs, Christian enjoys building with LEGO, playing cigar box guitar, and experimenting in the kitchen.
