The AYN Odin2 Mini is quickly turning into my favourite device to play video games on.
Hi, hello and welcome to a new edition of the overkill digest newsletter. Since we gained new subscribers these past few days, here is the explanation in case you forgot what this newsletter is about:
And with that, let's get to it.
My new number one
On Wednesday, I released the video and written review for the AYN Odin2 Mini.
Kevin Wammer
It is a small Android-based handheld with a Snapdragon 8Gen2, a MiniLED screen, up to 12 gigabytes of memory, and 256 gigabytes of storage. It is also an obvious copy of one of my favourite handhelds, the PS Vita.
I don't want to spoil my review too much, but I am entirely convinced that the Odin2 Mini might be one of my favourite handhelds for a long time. While I hated setting it up and still believe Android to be a pain — after spending about a day configuring it, it is now one of the best gaming experiences of all the devices I own.
Most of this is due to EmulationStation-DE (which you can now set as the default launcher on Android) and how I configured my different emulators. It's a proper grab-and-play experience that reminds me of the ease of use of the Steam Deck or the Nintendo Switch (though since it runs Android, it can play fewer games than a Steam Deck). Despite its size, the Mini is also plenty powerful to emulate some of the more heavy hitters from platforms like PlayStation 2 or Nintendo Switch.
It is definitely a device I enjoy, so if you're interested in the form factor, I recommend reading (or watching) my review.
In other news
- The Steam Next Fest is still taking place today, so here are 10 demos Chris recommends you play. However, Chris is especially excited about the Metal Slug Tactics demo.
- A massive Epic Games database leak earlier this week revealed codenames for upcoming games. Naturally, Reddit got on the case and tried to match the codenames to actual game titles. Some notable theories involve BioShock 4, an Uncharted title, Red Dead Redemption 1 (yes, again), and more.
- Here is Timo's technical review (and settings recommendation) for Ghost of Tsushima on the Steam Deck.
- While Phil Spencer won't outright admit it, it gets more evident by the day that Microsoft is working on their handheld device.
- Nintendo hates modding and decided to issue multiple DMCAs on GameBanana, a modding-dedicated website.
- Bethesda, however, likes modding and finally released the Creation Kit for Starfield. Maybe the game can finally become good? There is also a new trailer for the upcoming DLC.
- Here is everything that was announced during the Xbox showcase (which took place after I wrote last week's newsletter). And it was a great one: new Doom, new Gears of War, new Dragon Age, and more.
- And here is everything announced during Ubisoft Forward 2024. My highlight is the Anno 117: Pax Romana reveal. The number of times I thought about the Roman Empire today: 1.
Ok, that's it. Also, we'll be at gamescom in August, so if you're on the show floor and want us to check out your game, hardware or product, hit me up.
With that, see you next week!
Kevin