Looking for an affordable way to dive into handheld gaming without breaking the bank? Meet the MANGMI AIR X, a $79 Android handheld that’s turning heads in the budget gaming scene. While it’s not a direct competitor to high-end devices like the ROG Ally X (you could buy 12 AIR X units for the price of one Ally X!), it’s carving out its own niche for casual gamers and emulator enthusiasts. But here’s where it gets interesting: can a sub-$100 device really deliver a satisfying gaming experience? Let’s dive in.
MANGMI has officially launched its first Android gaming handheld, the AIR X, targeting budget-conscious players who want a portable device for light gaming and retro emulation. Priced at just $79.99, the AIR X is already a steal, but early birds can snag it for even less—$74.99—by joining MANGMI’s mailing list between October 15 and 21. And yes, that includes a free carrying case. Available in Retro GB, White, and Black, it’s designed to appeal to both nostalgia seekers and modern gamers alike.
Under the hood, the AIR X packs a Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 processor, paired with an Adreno 610 GPU, 4GB of LPDDR4X RAM, and 64GB of eMMC storage. Running Android 14, it’s optimized for light gaming and popular emulators like NES, SNES, and PlayStation 1. But here’s the controversial part: while it’s not built for AAA titles, it’s a powerhouse for retro gaming—a point that’s dividing opinions in the gaming community. Is it a niche device, or the ultimate budget emulator? We’ll let you decide.
The device features a 5.5-inch IPS touchscreen with a crisp 1920×1080 resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio, and 400-nit brightness (though some sources cite 450 nits—a minor discrepancy worth noting). It also boasts RGB Hall-effect analog sticks, linear triggers, and a six-axis gyroscope for precise control. Cooling is handled by a single-fan system, and the 5000 mAh battery supports 15W charging, ensuring you can game on the go without constant recharging.
Connectivity-wise, the AIR X covers the basics with Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, and a TF card slot for expandable storage. And this is the part most people miss: despite its low price, it doesn’t skimp on features like RGB lighting and Hall-effect joysticks, which are typically found in pricier devices.
Here’s a quick rundown of the specs:
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (4xA73 @ 2.1GHz + 4xA53 @ 2.0GHz)
- GPU: Adreno 610 @ 1050MHz
- RAM: 4GB LPDDR4X
- Storage: 64GB eMMC
- Cooling: Single-fan active cooling
- Display: 5.5″ IPS, 1920×1080, 400/450 nits
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, 3.5mm jack, TF card slot
- OS: Android 14
- Battery: 5000mAh, 15W charging
- Extras: 6-axis gyroscope, RGB Hall joysticks, Hall triggers
- Dimensions: 203.47 × 87.39 × 16.80 mm
- Weight: 286g
So, is the MANGMI AIR X worth your $79? If you’re a retro gaming enthusiast or looking for a portable emulator on a budget, it’s a no-brainer. But if you’re expecting high-end performance, you might want to look elsewhere. What do you think? Is the AIR X a game-changer for budget gamers, or just another niche device? Let us know in the comments!
