If it feels like MagicX is on an absolute tear lately, you’re not wrong. The company, which has yet to even ship its promising One Retro 45 (with its ambitious N64 and Sega Saturn emulation), is already capturing headlines again. This time, they're setting their sights on a beloved dual-screen era with a brand new device currently codenamed the Two DS 46.
The retro gaming scene is buzzing, and MagicX is determined to be a major player. Hot on the heels of their clamshell One Flip 50, which aims to rival devices like the Retroid Pocket Flip 2, the company is now teasing a handheld specifically designed to tackle the unique challenges of Nintendo DS and 3DS emulation.
But in a surprising move, MagicX isn't just announcing a single device. They're asking the community to help shape its final form.
A Device by Committee? MagicX Presents Two Competing Designs
In a recent post on the company's official Discord channel, MagicX revealed the first details of the Two DS 46. The post came with a major caveat: the name is not yet final, and crucially, the physical design is still up for debate.
The company has presented two distinct design concepts to its community and is actively running a poll to see which one resonates more with potential buyers.
So, what are the options?
- The Upgraded Zero 40 Design: This concept appears to be an evolution of their existing horizontal handheld form factor. It likely features a single, wide screen that can be partitioned to simulate the DS/3DS's top and bottom displays.
- The Nintendo 2DS Lookalike: This is the far more intriguing option. This design would directly mimic the iconic, wedge-shaped silhouette of the Nintendo 2DS. This could offer a more authentic and comfortable feel for playing DS and 3DS titles, which were designed with a specific physical layout in mind.
At this early stage, reports suggest neither design has a clear lead in the poll, highlighting just how divided and passionate the retro gaming community can be.
The Holy Grail: Targeting 90% 3DS Compatibility
The "Two DS 46" name isn't just for show. The core mission of this device is to convincingly emulate the Nintendo DS and, more impressively, the Nintendo 3DS. While DS emulation has become more common on handhelds, the 3DS has proven to be a tougher nut to crack, requiring more processing power.
MagicX is making a bold claim: they are targeting approximately 90% compatibility with the Nintendo 3DS library. Furthermore, they aim to run these games at a 2x resolution or higher, which would clean up the famously jagged visuals of the original hardware and make games look sharper than ever before.
This ambitious goal immediately sets the Two DS 46 apart from competitors like the upcoming Anbernic RG DS, which seems to be focused primarily on original Nintendo DS games rather than the more demanding 3DS titles.
The Display: One Screen to Rule Them All
A key specification that has been confirmed is the display. The Two DS 46 will feature a single 4.58-inch screen. This single panel will be intelligently partitioned by the software to emulate the 3DS's top (3.42-inch) and bottom (2.93-inch) touchscreen displays.
This approach offers developers a cost-effective and streamlined hardware solution, relying on sophisticated software to manage the dual-screen experience. The success of this device will hinge not just on its raw power, but on the quality of its user interface and how seamlessly it handles screen swapping and touch controls.
The Competitive Landscape and What's Next
The announcement of the Two DS 46 signals a new front in the retro handheld wars. While companies like Retroid and Anbernic have strong offerings,
the Retroid Pocket Flip 2 remains a compelling clamshell alternative available now on Amazon.
MagicX is betting that dedicated 3DS emulation will be a killer feature for a significant portion of the market.
For now, major questions remain. Pricing, full specifications, and a release window are all still under wraps. The final design is, quite literally, in the hands of the fans.
One thing is certain: MagicX is generating hype at a breakneck pace. By engaging its community directly and targeting a highly sought-after emulation goal, the Two DS 46 has already secured a spot as one of the most anticipated retro handhelds on the horizon. We’ll be watching closely for more details.
