Retroid is set to launch a dual-screen gaming console to compete with AYN Thor in 2026.
Retroid, the gaming console manufacturer, has just revealed plans to develop a new handheld device with dual screens, expected to launch in the second half of 2026, in order to directly compete with its rival, the AYN Thor.
The Android handheld gaming market is more vibrant than ever as Retroid has officially confirmed it is developing a new device. Notably, this product is said to feature a unique dual-screen design, a strategic move to directly compete with the AYN Thor, which has been attracting a lot of attention from the Retro gaming community.
Plans to replace the Pocket Flip line.
Information about the new device emerged shortly after Retroid launched the Pocket Nova in late June. The Pocket Nova is a powerful device with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip (IoT version) and a 120Hz AMOLED display, with a starting price of $229. However, the company didn't stop there and has already begun its roadmap for the next product, expected to launch in 2026.
According to leaked information from Retroid's official account, this device is under active development and aims to be available in the second half of 2026. It is expected to be the perfect successor to the current Pocket Flip 2 (currently priced at around $269 on Amazon). The integration of two screens not only expands the display area but also optimizes the experience for emulator systems requiring a secondary screen, such as the Nintendo DS or 3DS.
Expectations for superior configuration and performance.
Although the official name and detailed specifications have not yet been announced, experts are tentatively calling it the Pocket Flip 3. To compete head-to-head with the AYN Thor, the Retroid will certainly have to boast significantly more powerful specifications than its predecessor.
Currently, the Pocket Flip 2 uses mid-range chips like the Dimensity 1100 or Snapdragon 865. With the 2026 generation, users expect Retroid to upgrade to newer processors capable of handling data processing for both screens simultaneously while maintaining stable battery life. The appearance of this device promises to create a new technological race in the dedicated handheld gaming device segment for Retro Gaming.