This handheld may be our best hope to relive the Nintendo DS glory days

Ayaneo's new dual-screen handheld offers a modern twist on Nintendo DS nostalgia.

: Ayaneo's Pocket DS features a 7-inch and a 5-inch display that allows users to run two apps simultaneously or enjoy Nintendo DS and 3DS games. The device aims to bring back the unique gaming experience of the Nintendo DS but with a focus on being lightweight and affordable. Ayaneo's initiative is part of a broader trend seen among retro gaming enthusiasts who seek innovative ways to revive classic gaming consoles. While challenges in pricing and complexity exist, the Ayaneo Pocket DS signifies a potential turning point in the handheld gaming market.

The Ayaneo Pocket DS is a newly revealed handheld that aims to revive the magic of the Nintendo DS era through a dual-screen clamshell design. Unlike typical Android handhelds, it features two independent touchscreens that can run separate apps simultaneously, much like the top and bottom screens of the original DS. The lower screen can be turned off when not in use to save battery, and both displays support multitasking and gaming flexibility, positioning the Pocket DS as a nostalgic yet modern device.

Gizmodo calls the Ayaneo Pocket DS “our best hope to relive the Nintendo DS glory days,” highlighting how its unique form factor distinguishes it from other portable gaming consoles. Rather than focusing on raw power like Steam Deck or ROG Ally, Ayaneo prioritizes design that enhances gameplay for DS and 3DS emulation. The device is part of a broader trend of retro-inspired handhelds that blend classic ideas with current-gen hardware.

Ayaneo has also introduced the Flip DS and Flip 1S DS, both of which come with powerful AMD Ryzen chips, up to 64GB of RAM, and high-refresh OLED displays. These models are particularly well-suited for emulation, offering strong compatibility with Nintendo DS and 3DS titles. The Flip series even includes a small second screen built into the lower deck, enabling dual-screen play that closely mimics the DS experience while adding Android multitasking.

Still, there are limitations. Battery life is a concern—users can expect around five hours of casual use, but intense gaming may drain the battery in just over an hour. The device’s design, while clever, has received mixed feedback due to recessed thumbsticks and cramped button placement, which may hinder comfort during longer sessions. These compromises suggest the Pocket DS is best suited for niche audiences or collectors rather than mainstream gamers.

In a landscape filled with powerful handheld PCs like the Steam Deck OLED, Lenovo Legion Go, and ASUS ROG Ally, the Ayaneo Pocket DS carves out a nostalgic niche. It’s not the most powerful or longest-lasting device, but its ability to emulate DS titles natively on dual screens makes it unique. For fans who miss the feel of a true DS handheld, this may be the closest modern equivalent available.

Sources: Gizmodo, Android Central, Time Extension, GamesRadar+

gamingHardwareconsoles