đ° New article from Retro Handhelds
MagicX Discontinues Mini Zero 28 and Gauges Interest in the MagicX Mini40
https://retrohandhelds.gg/magicx-discontinues-mini-zero-28-and-gauges-interest-in-the-magicx-mini40/
MagicX has been quieter than a library since 2026 started, and the culprit is a classic tech tragedy: RAM prices. DDR4 memory costs have skyrocketed to six times their original price, making it financially impossible for smaller handheld makers to keep churning out devices. The result? MagicX is officially killing the popular Mini Zero 28. Itâs nearly sold out, and despite how much they loved it, they just canât justify the production costs anymore.
But wait, thereâs a twist. Just hours after the sad news, MagicX âintroducedâ a spiritual successor called the Mini40. Think of it as the budget-friendly entry point for the brand, but with a major shift: itâs moving from Android to Linux. The design keeps the classic Z28 shell vibe but upgrades the controls with larger D-pads, bigger buttons, and dual Hall-effect joysticks. Itâs also DIY-friendly, which is a nice touch for modders.
The real headline, though, is the price tag. If it ever actually launches, MagicX is aiming for a staggering $49. In a market where most new handhelds start at $100+, that would be a steal. However, donât get your wallets out just yet. MagicX is testing the waters with a poll, and while 60% of respondents are curious, development hasnât even started. The ball is firmly in the communityâs court to see if this budget Linux dream can become reality.
