What the New AYN Thor and Odin 3 Price Hike Means
The AYN Thor price increase and the upcoming rise for Odin 3 handheld gaming models mark another jump in handheld gaming device prices, signaling shrinking value for shoppers and a short window to grab these Android handhelds before costs climb again later this month. AYN has confirmed on its Discord that the latest pre-order batches for the Thor and Odin 3 are live, with current pricing held only until the existing inventory allocation sells out. After that, a new, higher pricing structure will apply to both devices. While exact new figures are not disclosed, the message is clear: if you have been comparing the Thor’s dual-screen Android design or Odin 3 handheld gaming power against alternatives, waiting much longer will likely cost more money for the same hardware and UFS 3.1 storage.
Current AYN Thor and Odin 3 Pricing: Why Inventory Matters
Right now, AYN is still honoring the existing price sheet for its Thor and Odin 3 handheld gaming lines, but only until this batch runs out. For the AYN Thor, the lineup includes Lite at USD 249 (approx. RM1,150), Base at USD 319 (approx. RM1,470), Pro at USD 399 (approx. RM1,840), and two Max tiers at USD 469 (approx. RM2,160) and USD 549 (approx. RM2,530). The Odin 3 handheld gaming range sits at Base for USD 339 (approx. RM1,560), Pro for USD 439 (approx. RM2,020), and Max for USD 489 (approx. RM2,250). According to AYN’s Discord announcement, “The new pricing will take effect once the current inventory allocation is sold through,” turning remaining stock into a time-limited deal rather than a stable price point.
Why Prices Keep Climbing for Handheld Gaming Devices
Multiple increases for AYN Thor and Odin 3 handhelds are part of a wider trend of rising handheld gaming device prices. AYN cites soaring RAM and SSD costs as a key driver, and this matches what is happening across the market. One handheld PC reviewer notes that “the global RAM shortage is driving the cost of component pricing upwards, and those price hikes eventually hit consumers.” Devices like the Lenovo Legion Go 2 have seen dramatic jumps on higher configurations, while the Steam Deck line has also become more expensive compared to earlier launches. Even more frustrating for buyers, the upcoming Thor and Odin 3 batches will keep using UFS 3.1 storage instead of the UFS 4.0 that earlier runs had, so you are paying more while the storage standard steps down.
Refurbished Steam Deck Deals as a Budget-Friendly Alternative
If the looming AYN Thor price increase and Odin 3 changes push them beyond your budget, refurbished Steam Deck deals are a strong alternative. Certified refurbished Steam Deck LCD units can start at USD 279 (approx. RM1,290) for the 64GB model, while 256GB and 512GB configurations are listed at USD 319 (approx. RM1,470) and USD 359 (approx. RM1,650). These prices undercut many new Android handhelds, especially as OLED Steam Deck models now reach USD 789 (approx. RM3,640) for 512GB and USD 949 (approx. RM4,370) for 1TB. Refurbished units are appealing if you are comfortable expanding storage via microSD cards or replacing the internal SSD yourself. For players who mostly care about access to SteamOS and PC libraries, this route offers full handheld PC power without paying the higher premiums of brand-new hardware.
Buy Now or Wait? How to Decide Before Prices Rise Again
Deciding whether to buy an AYN Thor or Odin 3 now comes down to how much you value Android gaming and emulation compared to PC-focused options like the Steam Deck. The Thor’s dual-screen layout makes it a standout for DS and 3DS emulation, and owners still praise it as a companion device alongside the Deck. But the confirmed AYN Thor price increase, the parallel rise for Odin 3 handheld gaming models, and continued reliance on UFS 3.1 storage make the current batch a clear cutoff point. If you want one at today’s pricing, you should act before inventory sells through. If price is your priority, consider certified refurbished Steam Deck deals instead, where lower upfront cost plus user-upgraded storage can still deliver a full-featured handheld gaming experience.
