The MagicX Zero40 is officially available for purchase, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most thoughtfully designed handhelds for Nintendo DS emulation to date. As confirmed in a product announcement shared via MagicX’s Discord server, the Zero40 is now live on the company’s official storefront and will begin shipping in batches starting June 30.
Unlike most retro handhelds that struggle with the DS’s unique dual-screen format, the Zero40 features a longer-than-usual display specifically selected to display both DS screens simultaneously in a clean, stacked layout. This design choice makes it one of the few handhelds that can handle DS emulation gracefully — no awkward aspect ratios, squished screens, or constant toggling between views. For DS fans, it’s an instant standout.
Zero40 On Sale Now
The announcement confirms that orders placed before 11:00 AM China Time on June 28 will ship by June 30, while later orders will still ship promptly, no later than July 5. Pricing remains consistent throughout the window, and this early ordering phase is not a limited-time discount — it simply dictates how quickly your unit ships.
Early buyers will also receive either a 64GB or 128GB SanDisk-branded microSD card. Future batches may shift to Kioxia-branded cards, but no other changes are expected in the base offering. Pricing for the handheld will also remain the same regardless of when the device is purchased.
The Zero40 is the latest addition to MagicX’s growing handheld ecosystem, joining the compact Zero28 and the oft-forgotten MagicX XU Mini M before it. While previous models catered to more general retro gaming needs, the Zero40 takes a more targeted approach, positioning itself as the go-to handheld for fans of DS titles.
A Handheld Meant for DS
Beyond its DS-focused advantages, the Zero40 is still a capable all-around emulation device. Its Android foundation allows users to install a wide range of emulators, frontends like Daijisho or Pegasus, and even streaming apps or touchscreen-compatible games. But it’s the intentional screen choice — long enough to vertically fit the DS’s dual displays without compromise — that sets the Zero40 apart in a sea of generalized retro handhelds.
With its wide screen, familiar control layout, and Android-based software environment, the Zero40 offers plug-and-play support for emulators and frontends that can fully take advantage of its unique form factor.
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.
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