The long-awaited Mangmi Air X is finally stepping outside of China. After months of teasers and delays, Mangmi has confirmed the global release date of its compact retro handheld. Pre-orders open on October 15, and for one week only, early buyers can score a launch discount and a bonus carry case.
Mangmi Air X pre-orders start October 15 with a launch discount
The Air X was originally expected to arrive by mid-September, but Mangmi has now locked in October 15–21 as its promotional window. During that time, the price drops from $89.99 to $79.99, and Mangmi is bundling in a branded carry case. You can also snag a $5 coupon by signing up on the company’s website.
This puts the Air X directly in competition with handhelds like the Anbernic RG476H and the Ayaneo Pocket AIR Mini, both of which come in at higher prices but pack more powerful internals. That said, Mangmi is banking on affordability and portability to make its mark.
Mangmi Air X targets up to PlayStation 2 emulation
Mangmi is marketing the Air X as capable of emulating up to PlayStation 2, with support for other platforms like PSP and Dreamcast. Powered by a Snapdragon 662, the Air X doesn’t top the charts in raw performance, especially compared to the RG476H or Ayaneo’s devices, but Qualcomm’s strong driver support could narrow the real-world gap.
Mangmi Air X specs at a glance:
- Snapdragon 662 chipset
- 5.5-inch 1080p IPS display
- 5,000 mAh battery
- Hall effect analog sticks
- PS2, PSP, Dreamcast emulation support
- Launch price: $79.99 (Oct 15–21 only)
Compact size, solid features, and global reach
What the Air X lacks in top-tier horsepower, it makes up for in size, pricing, and usability. At under $80, it enters the market as a solid entry-level emulation handheld, particularly for those who want something pocketable with modern controls and a clean display.
Mangmi hasn’t confirmed exact shipping dates yet, but with the global rollout now official, fans won’t have to wait much longer. For retro gamers on a budget, the Mangmi Air X might be the most compelling launch this fall.