What the Next AYN Thor and Odin 3 Price Increase Means
The coming AYN Thor price increase and Odin 3 price increase describe a confirmed jump in official pricing for these handheld gaming devices once the current pre-order inventory sells out, forcing buyers to choose between ordering now or paying more later for the same hardware. AYN has announced on its official Discord that both the AYN Thor and Odin 3 will see higher prices later this month, with the new pricing taking effect immediately after the existing allocation is sold through. SteamDeckHQ notes that the AYN Thor remains one of the best Android handhelds for Steam Deck owners, especially thanks to its dual-screen design and strong emulation performance. Retro Handhelds adds that this is another in a series of price jumps for devices that have been on the market for months, underlining how recurring price changes are becoming the new normal.
Current Prices and Why Inventory Matters
Right now, buyers are in a limited window where the AYN Thor and Odin 3 still sell at their current prices, which will hold only until this pre-order batch’s inventory runs out. For Thor, SteamDeckHQ lists configurations including Lite at USD 249 (approx. RM1,170), Base at USD 319 (approx. RM1,500), Pro at USD 399 (approx. RM1,880), and Max at USD 469 (approx. RM2,210). Odin 3 options include a Base at USD 339 (approx. RM1,590), Pro at USD 439 (approx. RM2,070), and Max at USD 489 (approx. RM2,310). According to Retro Handhelds, “the new pricing will take effect once the current inventory allocation is sold through.” That means handheld gaming device deals on these models are effectively tied to how quickly this batch sells, not to a fixed calendar date you can safely wait for.
Why Prices Keep Climbing on Premium Handhelds
AYN has pointed to rising component costs as a key reason for the next AYN Thor price increase, with SteamDeckHQ citing “skyrocketing” RAM and SSD prices as the driving factor. At the same time, Retro Handhelds notes that future Thor and Odin 3 batches will still use UFS 3.1 storage, even after the price jump, which means you will not be paying more for a clear storage upgrade this time. Together, these details show a broader trend: premium Android handhelds are no longer immune to repeated price corrections as the parts market tightens. For buyers, that means waiting in hopes of a cheaper Odin 3 handheld gaming device is becoming unrealistic. Instead, the pattern points toward incremental hikes, especially on models that have already proven popular with Steam Deck owners and emulation-focused players.
AYN Thor vs Odin 3: Which Should You Buy Before the Price Hike?
Deciding whether to buy before the price hike starts with choosing the right device for how you play. SteamDeckHQ highlights the AYN Thor as a standout Android handheld for Steam Deck owners thanks to its dual-screen setup, which makes it a natural fit for DS and 3DS emulation and a unique companion device. It also notes that even the cheapest Thor model handled its needs well and could run some PC games through apps like GameNative. Odin 3, on the other hand, is more powerful but uses a single screen and offers an experience closer to the Steam Deck, which may appeal if you want a familiar layout in a smaller form. If you plan to lean on emulation and want something that complements a larger handheld, Thor is the safer buy-before-price-hike choice.
Timing Your Purchase and Final Buying Advice
From a timing standpoint, both sources agree that this is a narrow opportunity to buy before the price hike while handheld gaming device deals still exist on current batches. Retro Handhelds points out that the seventh Thor and eighth Odin 3 pre-order batches are live and that orders from this run are expected to ship in August, giving you a clear delivery horizon. Meanwhile, SteamDeckHQ still recommends the Thor despite the known price changes, calling it “the best companion to the Steam Deck” for many users. If you have already decided on AYN Thor or Odin 3, waiting carries almost no benefit: you are likely to face higher prices with similar hardware later. Ordering now locks in current pricing and ensures your place in the upcoming August shipping wave.
