Exclusively on the Retro Handhelds Discord, @magicxsean has shared a video of a prototype of an upcoming handheld that seems to be form fit for DS emulation.

The video shows a device with a similar form factor as the shortlived Nintendo 2DS  The 2DS is still regarded as one of the most satisfying handhelds to use today due to its wedge-style design leading to a more comfortable hand feel for many gamers. The other devices in the Nintendo 3DS family all featured a clamshell design, but the 2DS completely eradicated it.

What We Know So Far

The device will be called the MagicX Touch Zero40. Over the past few days, multiple leaks have sprouted up showing gameplay on what looks like a near-final build of the device.

Outside of this new Zero40, the only other device that directly supported dual screens in a style similar to the Nintendo DS was the AYANEO Flip — which cost nearly $900.

MagicX has made itself well known over the past few months for its commitment to the budget handheld line of devices. Their most recent handheld the XU Mini M, has become a standout amongst its peers for its small size, quick usability, and dual analog sticks despite its small form

MagicX Takes on DS Form Factor

With a new device on the horizon that seems to be perfectly suited for DS emulation, it follows a seemingly new trend of devices being formed out of the design of retro handhelds. The RG35XX SP was released with a design that looked almost exactly like the Game Boy Advance SP. Anbernic’s most recent release, the RG34XX is noted for being nearly 1:1 to the original Game Boy Advance

MagicX with the same ideals for their handheld would not only follow the lead seemingly started by Anbernic earlier this year but answer a call many retro gamers have been making for years. A DS-styled handheld would finally introduce some competition for the original hardware when it comes to finding the best way to play these games in 2024.

With the DS featuring two screens, one being a touchscreen, and then both working in tandem with each other, made the DS a difficult device to emulate. It had too many niche gimmicks for any handheld to suit them all easily, but now that’s changing.

Hopefully, MagicX is able to dial in on the Nintendo DS and its charm and bring its design to this new handheld in a way that can evoke the same nostalgia found in the original hardware.

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