As if we didn’t have enough reason to be excited about pocketable horizontal handhelds, it seems there’s another one on the way. This time, MagicX XUmini M plans a global launch in May, yet the exact date remains undisclosed.
It’s been a couple of weeks since the XUmini M first made its way into the RH Discord, but since then, we’ve learned quite a bit. Details continue to creep out, likely in an effort to drum up some excitement ahead of the official release. But here’s what we know so far:
- Display: 2.8-inch IPS Screen (640 x 480)
- Processor: Rockchip RK3562
- RAM: 1GB DDR4
- Dimensions: 129x64x18mm
- Dual Hall Effect Joysticks
- Battery: 2,600mah / Up to 10 hours
- Dual Speakers
- OTG USB port
- ~$50
It’s pretty obvious that the XUmini M will be taking the battle to both the Anbernic RG28XX and Miyoo A30. That gives us yet another gaming handheld with a sub-3-inch screen, a trend that we weren’t expecting to see. However, it seems that there’s definitely a market for such devices, as the RG28XX and A30 are both providing plenty of distraction from the rumored Flip handhelds.
When it comes to performance, there’s not too much known about what the Rockchip RK3562 can offer. However, thanks to some pictures in the RH Discord, the company has been testing PS1 and PSP emulation. We’ll have to reserve any judgment until the XUmini M is released, but things are looking good.
The same goes when looking at the other features of this upcoming handheld. Notably, MagicX is using Dual Hall Effect Joysticks, which comes as a bit of a surprise given the expected price. Speaking of which, we’re expecting the XUmini M to retail for somewhere around $50. This puts it right in line with both the Miyoo A30 and RG28XX, while coming in a bit cheaper than the RG35XX H.
Unfortunately, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows, as there are a few things “missing” from the XUmini M. It should come as much of a surprise, but there won’t be any Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capabilities with this handheld. However, the company is said to be using an OTG USB port, meaning that you can plug in a Wi-Fi adapter if you need to.
We aren’t really sure just how much good that will do you. This is because MagicX is not expected to be releasing the source code for the XUmini M, putting a bit of a damper on the potential custom firmware solutions. But hopefully, that will change shortly after launch.
Chances are that if you were already considering either the Miyoo A30 or Anbernic RG28XX, the lack of Wi-Fi or Bluetooth probable won’t deter you. We’re still keeping our fingers crossed that one of these mini horizontal handhelds will “bring the heat” and include all of the things.
With the calendar getting ready to flip into the month of May, we’re getting ever so close to the launch of a new retro handheld. It just isn’t coming from the company we expected.
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