Ayn Loki Max/Thor

The Verdict

This is the nuclear option. Full Windows PC in a handheld form factor with enough power to run Switch games at 1080p, Xbox 360 flawlessly, PS3 with broad compatibility, and even modern PC games at low-medium settings. It's expensive, it's heavy, it's loud — and it's the most powerful emulation handheld you can buy without going full Steam Deck. If you want one device for everything (including PC gaming), this is it.

First Thing to Do

1. **Windows updates** — Get all your drivers and Windows updates out of the way first

2. **Install Steam** — Use Big Picture Mode as your main interface

3. **Download EmuDeck** — Automates emulator setup for RetroArch, Dolphin, PCSX2, Eden, RPCS3, etc.

4. **Set up TDP controls** — Handheld Companion or Ryzen Controller for battery life tuning

5. **Install your emulators manually if EmuDeck isn't your thing** — PCSX2, Dolphin, RPCS3, Eden/Citron, Xenia

The Loadout

→**Switch:** Eden or Citron (1080p, 60fps for most games)

→**PS3:** RPCS3 (many games run at native or higher)

→**Xbox 360:** Xenia Canary (nearly full compatibility)

→**Wii U:** Cemu (1080p+ with graphical enhancements)

→**PS2:** PCSX2 (high resolution, upscaled textures)

→**GameCube/Wii:** Dolphin (4K if you want it)

→**3DS:** Azahar (high resolution, perfect)

→**Dreamcast:** Flycast or Redream (both perfect)

→**Everything else:** RetroArch

What It Crushes

→**Switch emulation** — Mario Odyssey, Metroid Dread, Xenoblade 2 all 60fps at 1080p

→**Xbox 360** — Full library runs beautifully (Halo 3, Gears, RDR1)

→**Wii U** — BOTW at 1080p 60fps with graphical mods

→**PS3** — Persona 5, Demon's Souls, MGS4 all playable

→**PS2 at ridiculous resolutions** — 4x native, no sweat

→**PC games (2015-2020)** — Witcher 3, Elden Ring (low), older AAA games at 720p-1080p

What It Struggles With

→**Battery life** — 2-3 hours max on demanding games

→**Latest AAA PC games** — Cyberpunk, Starfield, UE5 games will chug

→**PS3 demanding titles** — The Last of Us, Uncharted 3 still have issues

Skip These

→**Modern AAA PC games at high settings** — This isn't a gaming laptop

→**PS4/Xbox One** — Emulation isn't there yet

Pro Tips

1. **TDP tuning is essential** — Lower TDP for retro games = 4-5 hours battery. Max TDP for Switch/PC games = 1.5-2 hours.

2. **Dual-boot SteamOS if you want console-like UX** — Windows is finicky, SteamOS is smoother for emulation

3. **Use an external battery bank** — Anker 20,000mAh + USB-C PD keeps you going for long flights

4. **Fan noise is real** — Get good headphones or embrace it

5. **This is the ONLY handheld tier that does PS3, Xbox 360, and Wii U** — Android devices can't touch these

Worth It?

Only if you want the absolute best emulation device money can buy AND you're okay with Windows handheld quirks. At $500-900, this competes with the Steam Deck, which has better software polish. But if you want Xbox 360, PS3, and cutting-edge Switch emulation in one device, this is unmatched. Not for everyone, but for power users, it's perfect.