If you’ve been on the Internet at any point over the last few months, there’s a good chance you’ve seen pictures of the AYN Thor floating around. The dual-screen OLED handheld device has been all the rage in the retro gaming and emulation community, particularly as prices for the Nintendo 3DS and DS continue to soar beyond belief.
Starting at just $249 for its base model, the AYN Thor is a pretty loaded device, capable of running several emulators, including those for the Nintendo Switch, as well as PC games on Steam via a few workarounds.
However, all good things must come to an end, and the device is likely set for yet another price increase, thanks to the AI boom that has storage and component prices skyrocketing.
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In an announcement on the product’s official Discord, it was noted that Batch 4 for the device could see a price increase, thanks to the AI-related boom that has component pieces skyrocketing.
“We were informed today by our DRAM and storage supplier that memory prices are expected to continue rising,” the note read. “Unfortunately, the broader storage price surge, largely driven by sustained AI-related demand, is still impacting the entire industry. As a result, we may expect a proceed adjustment for Thor in April. The final increase will depend on how much the component costs rise.
If you’re planning to purchase, you may want to take this into consideration.
As it stands, the product’s Batch 3 wave is still available for order, though not all options are available due to existing demand.
Should that price increase go into effect, it would be the second such price increase for the AYN Thor, following a separate $10 and $20 increase on its Base and Pro/Max models in January.
The Current Memory Situation Is Hitting Handhelds Hard
It’s a tough time to be in the handheld market right now, as the AYN Thor isn’t the only device being hit hard by the current boom. Last week, TheGamer reported how the Steam Deck was out of stock on Valve’s website with a new disclaimer informing consumers about what’s going on.
“Note: Steam Deck OLED may be out-of-stock intermittently in some regions due to memory and storage shortages. Steam Deck LCD 256GB is no longer in production, and once sold out, will no longer be available.”
Elsewhere, Xbox’s pricey ROG Xbox Ally X handheld made in partnership with ASUS recently received its own price hike in Japan. Meanwhile, Nintendo might have to issue a price hike for its Nintendo Switch 2 console at some point this year, according to recent reporting.
If any of these devices catch your eye, then now is truly the best time to buy them.
- Brand
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Nintendo
- Original Release Date
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March 27, 2011
- Original MSRP (USD)
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$249.99
- Weight
-
3DS: 8.3 oz
3DS XL: 11.9 oz
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