AYANEO FLIP DS Review: Two Screens Are Better Than One

The AYANEO FLIP DS, provided by AYANEO for review, is a handheld PC that breaks the mold with its innovative design. Drawing inspiration from the Nintendo DS, the FLIP DS features a clamshell design and a smaller second screen in the gamepad. In this review, we’ll explore its specs, design, performance, and unique features.

Specs and Pricing

The FLIP DS boasts impressive specifications:

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7840U or 8840U APU (8 cores, 16 threads)
• GPU: 780M iGPU Graphics (12 cores of RDNA 3)
• RAM: 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB LPDDR5X
• Screen: 7-inch IPS display (1920×1080 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, 368 PPI, 100% sRGB coverage)
• Storage: 512GB or 2TB M.2 2230 PCIe 4.0 SSD
• Battery: 45Wh
• Size: 180 x 102 x 29.8mm
• Weight: 650g

The FLIP DS comes in two color options: Milky White and Shadow Black. It features hall effect joysticks, triggers, Master Controller support, and an Optical Finger Mouse. Ports include USB4 Type C, USB 3.2 Type C, Oculink, MicroSD Card Slot, and a 3.5mm Audio Jack.

Pricing varies based on configurations, with options for both keyboard and dual-screen variations.

Design and Size

The clamshell design feels familiar to Nintendo DS users. The FLIP DS is comfortable to hold, despite lacking prominent handles. Shoulder buttons, triggers, and an Oculink port enhance the gaming experience. However, the sunken buttons and joystick position may be a concern for some users. Color options include Milky White (minimal fingerprints) and Shadow Black.

General Use and Navigation

The FLIP DS shines in desktop mode. The optical mouse eliminates the need to touch the screen for navigation. Joysticks and ABXY buttons provide additional control. The 7-inch top screen offers adjustable angles (120, 150, and 180 degrees). The second screen serves as a versatile tool for multitasking, watching videos, and more.

AYASpace Integration

AYASpace, the FLIP DS’s Quick Access Management (QAM) software, streamlines settings, performance adjustments, and game organization. The secondary screen within AYASpace provides quick access to essential stats and shortcuts.

Gaming Performance and Battery Life

Gaming performance varies across titles. HELLDIVERS 2, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, Persona 3 Reload, Ultros, and Stardew Valley all run well. Emulation of 3DS and Wii U games is a highlight. Battery life estimates range from 1 to 3 hours, depending on usage.

Secondary Screen Use-Cases for Gaming

The second screen enhances gameplay by displaying guides, videos, or articles. Emulating Wii U and 3DS games benefits from the dual-screen setup. While original DS games lack native support, an application called OnTopReplica allows creative uses.

Heat Dissipation

The FLIP DS maintains reasonable temperatures during gameplay. Some heat is noticeable around the left side of the gamepad and the mini screen, but it doesn’t hinder usability.

Conclusion

The AYANEO FLIP DS is a unique handheld with strengths and compromises. Its dual-screen design, power, and versatility make it stand out. If you can overlook the lower battery life and minor flaws, the FLIP DS is worth considering.