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| A render of the Gamemt E3 Vigor retro gaming handheld |
For gamers who cherish the pixelated classics, the hunt for the perfect budget handheld is a constant pursuit. That search just got more interesting. Pre-orders are now live for the Gamemt E3 Vigor, a new device squarely targeting the sweet spot of retro gaming: a sub-$100 price tag.
Initially teased in late 2025, the E3 Vigor has moved from concept to reality. On the Royibeila website, you can now secure the 64GB model for just $45, or step up to the 128GB version for $55 by using the checkout code ROYIBEILA02. The handheld is offered in two colorways: a vibrant Purple/White and a more subdued Classic Black.
A Unique Screen for Classic Games
The most immediate standout feature is the display. The E3 Vigor packs a 3.95-inch IPS screen with a 1:1 aspect ratio and a 720 x 720p resolution. This square-ish format isn't a random choice; it’s designed to perfectly frame older console games from systems like the NES, SNES, Game Boy, and Sega Genesis without unsightly black bars. It also aims to handle PSP and Pico-8 titles well within that same native canvas.
Familiar Design, Practical Tweaks
Aesthetically, the device draws clear inspiration from popular models like the Anbernic RG Cube and ZPG A1 Unicorn. However, Gamemt claims a design tweak for better ergonomics: a flatter back profile intended to improve grip during longer play sessions.
Under the Hood: A Blast from the Past
The heart of the E3 Vigor is what will raise eyebrows among spec-savvy enthusiasts. It’s powered by an eight-core ARM Cortex A7 processor, a chip architecture that dates back to roughly 2013, likely from MediaTek. While ancient by modern smartphone standards, this chipset is seeing a minor resurgence in the budget retro scene. It’s paired with a Mali-450 GPU, 1GB of RAM, and 8GB of eMMC storage (with models getting a boost via included 64GB/128GB cards), all running on a custom Gamemt OS.
The company has released a short hands-on preview, giving us a closer look at the PSP-inspired navigation UI. You can check out that video right here.
Notably, the video stops before showing any actual gameplay, leaving potential performance questions unanswered until the first units land with reviewers.
Practical Specs for Everyday Play
Beyond the core chip, the rest of the spec sheet focuses on practicality. A sizable 5,000 mAh battery promises extended playtime, and connectivity includes Wi-Fi and 2.4 GHz support for future updates. Essentials like a USB-C port for charging, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a microSD card slot for expansion are all present.
If the specs and design have piqued your interest, you can explore the pre-order details directly on the official store page.
Who Is This For?
The promise is clear: if you want a dedicated, ultra-portable device to play 16-bit and earlier classics on a screen built for them, and your budget is tight, the E3 Vigor makes a compelling argument. Shipping is estimated within 10-15 days, placing it in customers' hands relatively soon.
The Budget Competition
Of course, the market moves fast. For users who want a device immediately, alternatives like the R36Max are available on Amazon, currently with a discount code bringing it to around $69.99. The trade-off is a typically weaker quad-core CPU compared to the E3 Vigor's octa-core setup, albeit at a slightly higher price point. You can find that option here.
The Bottom Line
The Gamemt E3 Vigor isn't aiming to be an emulation powerhouse. Instead, it’s positioning itself as a focused, wallet-friendly everyday carry for retro enthusiasts who value form factor and affordability over bleeding-edge performance. If it delivers smooth performance on the systems it targets, it could become a favorite for gamers looking to relive their childhoods without breaking the bank.