🎮 MagicX Zero 40 – A New Budget-Friendly Portrait Pocket Console

P'Nick
Jun 17
3 min read

Hey fam! 👋

Today, I want to introduce a fun and compact little handheld that just popped up recently: the MagicX Zero 40. If you’re wondering what “MagicX” is, it’s actually a brand sold on Powkiddy's website, and this is one of their very first Android-based models.

Even though I haven’t been able to try it hands-on yet, I’ve gathered all the info currently available and want to break it down for you in a simple, easy-to-understand way. Whether you’re new to handhelds or just curious about something different, this one might catch your eye.

🧊 Portrait Screen Makes This Great for DS Fans

Right away, the most unique feature is the screen.The MagicX Zero 40 uses a 4.0-inch IPS screen in portrait orientation, which is quite rare in Android handhelds. It reminds me a lot of mobile phone screens or, more importantly, the layout of the Nintendo DS, which had a vertical dual-screen setup.

So if we imagine using this device for DS emulation, here’s a hypothetical:

50/50 screen split: Each DS screen would be around 2.0 inches tall
75/25 screen split: Main screen would be around 3.0 inches, and the sub-screen about 1.0 inch

Obviously, you’ll need to test out your emulator settings, but this form factor could make the Zero 40 a surprisingly comfortable pick for DS lovers.

🎮 Layout and Controls

Here’s what we can see from current images:

Left side: Traditional 4-way D-pad and a single thumbstick, vertically aligned
Right side: BAYX buttons (Switch layout) with Start and Select
Top corners: L1 and R1 shoulder buttons
Toward the center: L2 and R2
Left edge: Volume rocker

No word yet on other buttons or port placements, and since no promo video or multi-angle views are available, this is all based on previews so far. Still, the symmetrical and compact layout looks good for quick pick-up-and-play sessions.

🧠 Specs Made Simple

Let’s break down the specs without all the jargon:

Spec	What It Means
CPU	AllWinner Cortex-A53 A133P, quad-core, 1.8GHz — handles retro games well
GPU	PowerVR GE8300, which is enough for SNES, GBA, PS1, and NDS
RAM	2GB DDR4 — solid for lightweight Android emulation
Battery	4300mAh, which should give around 5 to 7 hours of playtime
Storage	TF card slot, supports up to 512GB (microSD)
Wi-Fi	2.4GHz only — fine for downloading games and updates
Bluetooth	Version 4.2 — good for wireless controllers and headphones
Touchscreen	Yes, multi-touch — helpful for DS emulation and Android games
Speakers	Stereo — better audio separation than mono speakers
OS	Android (64-bit) with something called the Dawn Launcher on top

This won’t run GameCube or PS2, but it should handle anything from NES up through PSP pretty well.

🕹 What Can It Emulate?

According to the specs, it supports:

Classic Nintendo systems like NES, SNES, GBA, GB, GBC, NDS, and N64
Sony consoles like PS1 and PSP
Sega systems like Genesis, Saturn, Dreamcast, Game Gear, SG-1000, and Master System
Arcade platforms like CPS1, CPS2, CPS3, MAME, Neo Geo, and Naomi
Other retro systems like Atari 7800, Intellivision, Amstrad CPC, and PC Engine

And since it's Android, you can install emulators for anything you want.

📏 Size, Weight and Portability

Size: 136 × 105 × 17 mm
Weight: Around 182 grams (about 6.4 ounces)

It’s definitely small enough to throw into a bag and bring anywhere. That makes it a great travel buddy or a backup console you can always keep with you.

🔊 Nice Touches

The screen is OCA laminated, so it looks clear and reduces reflections.
It has a vibration motor for a bit of feedback in supported games.
And of course, it’s Android, so you can use it for media, apps, or touchscreen games.

🧃 Final Thoughts (Preview)

The MagicX Zero 40 may not be the most powerful handheld out there, but it looks like a smart, fun pick for retro fans who want something different. The portrait screen makes it perfect for DS or vertical arcade games, and with a touchscreen and Android OS, it offers flexibility out of the box.

It could be one of those budget-friendly gems, especially if the price stays low.