In a world of increasingly powerful and expensive retro handhelds, MagicX is making a bold move in the opposite direction. The MagicX Zero 40 is an Android handheld priced at just $75, aiming to be the ideal budget device for DS emulation and shmups. Stubbs recently gave his first impressions of the device, and it might just be the hidden gem of 2025’s handheld scene.

What Is the MagicX Zero 40?

The MagicX Zero 40 is a device heavily inspired by the Nintendo 2DS. The handheld sports a large touchscreen in a Tate-friendly orientation, making it great for Nintendo DS titles and vertical shooters.

The Zero 40 is only available in all-white or all-black (seen above), but there is a rumor of a transparent blue option coming at a later date.

Hardware Impressions

According to Stubbs, the design of the MagicX Zero 40 is surprisingly solid for the price. Here are some key highlights:

• Quiet buttons: The buttons are rather quiet, making it a great handheld to play in bed.
• Compact: It’s smaller than the 3DS XL, fitting easily in a pocket or bag.
• Large IPS touch screen: Great form factor to play DS and shmups.
• Hall joystick: There’s only one stick, but it’s a hall stick, and you won’t need dual sticks for the games you’ll play
• D-pad: D-pad is comparable to the last version 2 of the Zero and is pretty good

Performance & Emulation

Stubbs tested a bunch of different systems on the MagicX Zero 40, but none of them make much sense besides the DS and vertical arcade games. The Android games are doable, but just awkward. You can rotate the device to its side, though, to have them in widescreen.

The device’s hardware isn’t strong enough for 3DS, but maybe in the future we can get a device in the form factor that has the ability. It would also be nice if the device could stretch for arcade games, so you wouldn’t have a chunk of bezel at the bottom of the screen.

Best Use Cases

This is not a jack-of-all-trades device, but that’s by design. Here’s where the MagicX Zero 40 shines:

• Nintendo DS emulation: Thanks to its screen configuration and touch screen.
• Vertical shmups: The form factor makes it ideal for vertical arcade titles.
• On-the-go retro play: It’s portable, easy to pocket, and budget-friendly enough to take anywhere without worry.

Price vs. Value

At $75, the MagicX Zero 40 is far cheaper than other options of a similar form factor. Stubbs states that the Microsoft Duo is another option for DS, but that is expensive, plus you need another controller to use with it. Battery life isn’t great on the Duo either, but it does have OLED.

Verdict: Who Is This For?

The MagicX Zero 40 won’t replace your main Android gaming phone or premium handheld, but it doesn’t have to. This is a device specializing in DS and arcade shmups. It’s a love letter to DS fans and shmup enthusiasts who want an affordable, portable machine dedicated to what they love most; then the MagicX Zero 40 is a must-consider in 2025.

This is an exciting and new device that maybe the community can help make even better. Stubbs mentions how it would be to have a third-party stylus that would work with this, and I agree!

Where to Buy

The MagicX Zero40 is available now directly from MagicX, and for anyone serious about DS emulation on the go, it’s one of the most practical and purpose-built options available today.

Buy the MagicX Zero 40

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