- The MagicX Zero 40 is a new handheld with a tall screen for better Nintendo DS emulation.
- It’s similar to a Nintendo 2DS in design, but the budget chipset won’t run most 3DS games.
- The device is expected to be available in mid-April and retail for $75.
Nintendo DS emulation has been stable for years, but modern devices aren’t equipped to make the most out of the two-screen gameplay. Typically one screen is either smaller or both are displayed side-by-side, with compromises in gameplay for both. The MagicX Zero 40 presents a novel solution to the problem, and it takes major design queues from the Nintendo 2DS.
The new handheld essentially shifts the display 90 degrees to offer a large vertical space. The two screens from the Nintendo DS are then displayed on top of each other. MagicX released a video demonstrating how this works earlier this week, which you can watch above. The taller screen could also be great for vertical shooters, which might explain the inclusion of a single joystick.