Odin 2 Stick Upgrade – Are the $5 AliExpress Ones Worth It?
Hey everyone! Just wanted to share a little experience with my AYN Odin 2 Portal.
I've had it for a while now and I absolutely love this thing. I got it during the pre-order and went all in – grabbed the 12GB version, the grip, fabric pouch, hard case, and even a spare screen protector (which I ended up not using because I got a full-screen one instead).
At first, I assumed it would come with extra stick caps or alternate sticks... but nope, it only came with the default ones. While waiting for it to arrive, I kept reading Reddit posts and noticed a lot of people complaining that the sticks were too small. That got me a bit worried.
Anyway, once it arrived and I started using it, I quickly realized that yes, the sticks are pretty small – I’d say even smaller than the Switch’s – but honestly? They didn’t bother me at all. They're responsive, feel good to use, and overall I was fine with them.
The Quest for Better Sticks
That said, I still got curious and went down the rabbit hole of finding slightly larger sticks. I ended up buying this set from AliExpress.
Original Sticks:
</figure>They were around $5, and they actually arrived quicker than I expected.
Comparing the AliExpress Sticks
You can check the pics I’ve attached to see the size difference. I won't lie – the default sticks work just fine, but these replacements feel better. They’ve got a rougher, grippy texture that I personally prefer. It’s not a massive game-changer or anything, but for $5? and you will get 4 units, totally worth it.
New Sticks:
</figure>Installation and Feel
Installing the Sticks: Installing these new sticks is pretty straightforward. You simply pop off the old ones and snap on the new ones. Make sure you align them properly to avoid any unnecessary wear or damage.
The Feel: The new sticks have a textured grip which, if you’re like me and enjoy a bit more control, feels significantly better during gameplay. The slightly larger size also makes them more comfortable for extended gaming sessions.
Are They Worth It?
So if you're on the fence about swapping them out, just know: it's a small upgrade, not a revolution, but it might make your Odin 2 experience just that tiny bit better.
Here's a comparison of the two sticks:
</figure>Where to Get them?
** Yyou can look for them on Aliexpress or even on Etsy, next is the link for the ones i have purchased: https://es.aliexpress.com/item/1005008795718276.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2esp
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the original sticks on the Odin 2 are perfectly serviceable, these $5 AliExpress replacements offer a slight but noticeable improvement in grip and comfort. For those who spend a lot of time on their device, this small investment can enhance your gaming sessions considerably. And if you're looking to dive deep into retro gaming with pre-configured setups, Retrogrados Gaming can provide an extensive library that pairs perfectly with your upgraded Odin 2 setup. Happy gaming!
