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🎮 MagicX Zero 40 Review – A Vertical Android Handheld That’s Perfect for DS and Retro Fans

Hey fam! 👋


Today, I’ve got something a little different for anyone into portrait-style handhelds or who grew up loving the Nintendo DS. The MagicX Zero 40 is a compact vertical Android device designed to resemble a retro game console, yet with a modern Android flair underneath.


It’s super portable, super focused on 2D systems, and surprisingly good for its price. So let me break it down for you!

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📦 First Impressions & What’s in the Box

The box is basic, with no fancy unboxing experience, but inside, you'll find the device, a charging cable, and a simple user guide. The device itself is small, clean-looking, and easy to hold with one hand. It has a matte black finish that makes it feel low-key but kinda cool at the same time.

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Right away, I could tell it was designed with purpose, especially for portrait-style gaming.


🧩 Specs Made Simple

Here’s what you’re getting, in plain language:

  • Display: 4.0" IPS, 480 × 800 resolution, 3:5 aspect ratio → Great for vertical DS layouts or classic arcade shooters

  • Chipset: AllWinner A133P with PowerVR GE8300 GPU → Not super powerful, but works fine for 2D consoles, DS, and some lighter Android games

  • RAM: 2GB LPDDR4 → Enough for Android 10 and light emulation, but don’t expect multitasking or heavy games

  • Storage: No built-in internal storage → You’ll need a good microSD card (it even runs Android off the card)

  • Operating System: Android 10 with Dawn Launcher → Simple UI with a retro feel. You can flash other launchers or frontends later

  • Connectivity: WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2 → Not the latest, but good enough for syncing controllers or transferring files

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🎮 Controls & Build Layout

This is where the Zero 40 really shines for me:

  • D-pad: Great 4-way, ideal for Game Boy, GBA, NES, SNES

  • Face Buttons (BAYX): Responsive and spaced well, though slightly clicky

  • Left Stick Only: No right analog stick, which is totally fine for the retro systems this targets

  • L1/L2 + R1/R2: L1/R1 are on the corners, L2/R2 are inboard, and it feels logical once you try it

  • Volume & Start/Select: Nicely placed and out of the way

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It’s a very “just enough” layout, and that’s a good thing.


🖼 Display & Vertical Fun

The 3:5 screen makes this device perfect for Nintendo DS when stacked vertically. It also fits a lot of vertical arcade games better than widescreen handhelds. It’s bright enough, the colors are good, and for 480 × 800, it’s surprisingly pleasant to look at.

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Just keep in mind that this screen is not made for widescreen Android gaming. It’s really built for portrait and retro emulation.


🧰 Customizability & Android Launcher

It runs Dawn Launcher, which is a clean, stripped-down frontend designed for emulation and ease of access. Not flashy, but functional.


You can always sideload other launchers or frontends like Daijisho or ES-DE. And since it’s Android, you can install RetroArch, tweak shaders, add CRT filters, or run standalone emulators.


Just remember that you’ll need to set everything up yourself. This device isn’t plug-and-play like some Linux-based handhelds.


🕹 What Can It Actually Play?

Here’s what I tested or confirmed from early users:

✅ Great performance:

  • NES, SNES, GB, GBC, GBA

  • PS1

  • Nintendo DS (especially in dual-screen vertical mode)

  • Pico-8

  • Indie Android games like Stardew Valley or Dead Cells (on low settings)

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🚫 Not great for:

  • PSP beyond simple games

  • N64, Dreamcast

  • GameCube, Wii, or heavy Android apps


In short, stick to 2D or PS1-era stuff and you’ll be happy.

✨ Pleasant Surprises

  • Super compact and pocket-friendly

  • Controls feel solid

  • Screen works beautifully with DS games in stacked mode

  • Cheap price — under $80 USD at most stores


😅 What to Watch Out For

  • No internal storage, so a fast, high-quality microSD card is a must

  • Not for heavy emulation — don’t expect God of War PSP or Dolphin

  • You’ll need to configure everything — it’s not like an Anbernic with ready-to-play presets


🎯 Who’s It For?

This handheld is great for you if:

  • You mostly play Game Boy, GBA, SNES, DS, and PS1

  • You want a vertical screen for DS or arcade games

  • You’re okay with tinkering and setting things up

  • You’re on a tight budget but still want something fun


It’s not for you if:

  • You want plug-and-play performance

  • You need to play GameCube, PSP, or modern Android 3D games

  • You don’t like vertical layouts


🎥 Prefer to Watch?

If you’d rather check out the video version of this review, I’ve also done a full walkthrough on my YouTube channel. It’s a great companion if you want to see the handheld in action, though this written review dives into even more detail.

💰 Where to Buy

Here are a few solid links (affiliate and non-affiliate options included):

  • MagicX official store

  • AliExpress (non-affiliate)

  • AliExpress (affiliate link)


🗨️ Join the Conversation

Let me know what you think! Would you grab a vertical handheld like this, or is it too niche for your setup? Leave a comment below or join the chat over in our community forum, สุ่มศูนย์ของ Handheld Hodgepodge. I’d love to hear your take.


👋 Final Thoughts

The MagicX Zero 40 won’t blow anyone away with power, but that’s not the point. For retro lovers and DS fans, it’s a focused, fun little handheld that’s comfortable, affordable, and surprisingly capable for vertical-style gaming. It knows exactly what it wants to be and doesn’t try to do more than that.


I hope this breakdown helps you decide whether it’s the right fit for your handheld collection.


Until next time! 👋


P’Nick ✨

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