The portable gaming scene is heating up, and it’s not just the big players like Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch dominating the conversation. In the bustling world of budget-friendly retro and indie gaming handhelds, a new trend has emerged: the clamshell. Capitalizing on this surge in popularity, MagicX has just pulled back the curtain on its latest device, the One Flip 50, a bold and affordable entry that looks set to challenge the recently announced Retroid Pocket Flip 2.
This announcement comes hot on the heels of a busy period for MagicX. The company only just launched its One 35 handheld and recently refreshed the popular Zero 40 with a new translucent green colorway. Now, with the One Flip 50, MagicX is demonstrating its ambition to be a major force in the affordable handheld space, releasing its second new device in as many weeks.
A Familiar Powerhouse in a New Shell
At its heart, the One Flip 50 is powered by the MediaTek Helio G85 chipset. This is the same reliable processor found in the MagicX One 35 and the recently detailed One Retro 45. For those unfamiliar, the Helio G85 is a proven workhorse for budget emulation, featuring two powerful ARM Cortex-A75 CPU cores, six efficient Cortex-A55 cores, and a Mali-G52 MP2 GPU.
This hardware will be paired with 4 GB of RAM, which should provide a smooth experience for a wide range of Android games and emulators. The device will sport a 5-inch display with a 1080p resolution in a 16:9 aspect ratio—a solid spec sheet for crisp, clear gaming on the go.
One potential area where budget-conscious buyers might take note is the internal storage. MagicX has confirmed the One Flip 50 will come with 64 GB of built-in storage. While sufficient for a modest library, avid gamers will be pleased to know that the company's official mock-ups, shared on its Discord community channel, show a clearly visible microSD card slot for expandable storage.
You can check out the official design mock-ups and join the conversation on the MagicX Discord server right here.
Design and Controls: A Mixed Bag?
The clamshell design is the star of the show, offering inherent protection for the screen and controls when closed, making it an ideal companion for tossing in a bag. From the provided images, the One Flip 50 features in-line shoulder buttons (L1/R1, L2/R2) along the top hinge.
The face buttons are described as silicone for the ABXY keys and the d-pad. This is an interesting choice; while silicone can offer a soft, quiet press, some hardcore gamers prefer the tactile, clicky feedback of conductive rubber or membrane switches found in other devices. This will likely come down to personal preference, but it’s a detail that sets it apart from the competition.
The Bottom Line: A Direct Challenge to the Market
While a firm release date remains under wraps, the most explosive piece of information is the target price point. MagicX states it hopes to bring the One Flip 50 to market for around $95.
This aggressive pricing is a clear shot across the bow of Retroid and its upcoming Pocket Flip 2. By positioning the One Flip 50 significantly under the $100 psychological barrier, MagicX is making a compelling argument for budget-minded gamers who crave the nostalgia and practicality of a clamshell design without breaking the bank.
Looking for another great budget option available right now? Check out the translucent green MagicX Zero 40 on Amazon.
The battle for the budget clamshell crown is officially on. With its competitive specs and wallet-friendly price, the MagicX One Flip 50 has firmly planted its flag in the ground, promising a portable, protected, and powerful gaming experience for less than a single Benjamin. The portable gaming community will be watching closely for a release date, as this could be the next must-have device for emulation enthusiasts.
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