The MagicX Zero 40 features a vertical screen for a better experience with DS games.
Affordable DS emulation.
Andrew Liszewski, a journalist specializing in technology and gadgets since 2011, has reported on the growing interest in new gaming devices, especially in light of the shortage of replacement parts for the Nintendo DS. In this context, the MagicX Zero 40 emerges, a portable emulator featuring a unique design with a four-inch vertical touchscreen and a resolution of 800x480, allowing users to enjoy DS titles as if they were on Nintendo consoles.
The Zero 40 is expected to hit the market in April 2025 at an approximate price of $75. While MagicX is not as well-known as other companies in the sector, such as Anbernic, the launch of its first Android gaming device, the Mini Zero 28, received favorable reviews earlier this year.
This new emulator will adopt a similar approach to Nintendo's 2DS, not only omitting 3D functionality but also in its design. Unlike the clamshell devices in the DS lineup, which feature two independent screens, the 2DS utilized a single panel that mimicked two screens thanks to its casing. This design strategy could be the reason why the Zero 40 will be launched at an accessible price point, similar to that of the 2DS.
The device will operate with an Allwinner A133P processor, will have 2GB of RAM, and a 4,300mAh battery, which is estimated to last between five and seven hours of gameplay. Like the Mini Zero 28, the Zero 40 will run on Android, though it’s not anticipated to include the latest version of the operating system, as the company's latest model was launched with Android 10 last month. For DS titles, it will rely on the Drastic emulator, which became free for Android devices last March.
Despite MagicX showcasing a video demonstrating the performance of the Zero 40, independent tests or reviews have not yet been conducted to fully assess its capabilities. The company claims that the device will also be capable of emulating games from the N64, PSP, and Dreamcast, in addition to DS titles. Although it does not compare in power to the clamshell Ayaneo Flip, which has a price close to $1,000, the MagicX Zero 40 could hold a significant place in the portable emulator market at a reasonable price.
