If you have been looking for the ultimate NDS emulation handheld, you are best off finding an NDS on the used market. If you want a DS handheld that also offers a similar experience along with more emulation options, then the MagicX Zero40 is not only affordable but it does a lot right.
To begin with there is a familiar feel to the Zero40 due to Dawn launcher. MagicX obviously took inspiration from the popular Daijishō frontend, available in the play store and used amongst many emulation enthusiasts on Android. This gives the handheld a clean UI that can be used with or without touch. Dawn Launcher last seen on the MagicX Zero28 launched earlier this year and is said to be built from the ground up by MagicX.
Display
The Zero40 combines the NDS style screens into one 480×800 vertical display. This removes the large gap in a handful of games like Sonic that use a single image across both displays on the NDS. Not only does it remove the gap but also allows the image to be projected at a single angle do to the lack of hinge between them.
The display is best for use with DS and vertical arcade games in TATE mode. Everything else you play on it can be awkward as other gaming systems only use a small portion of the screen and the default is to have the games play at the top of it. The Dawn Launcher thankfully has a library folder specifically for TATE games which is nice. The Zero40 is also really fun for pinball.
Even though typing on it can be small at times, I found the display to be easy to use and responsive to touch inputs.
Controls
The controls on the Zero40 are definitely usable. They appear the same as the controls as on the Zero28 released earlier in the year, but they feel different when pressing. The face buttons are a bit stiffer leading me to think they may have updated the membrane used. I never have had a chance to play with the Zero28 v2 to know if that’s one of the changes MagicX made. Being stiffer they are still very playable and quiet during gameplay.
When it comes to the single joystick it is the same great stick that MagicX, Retroid and Ayn have been using the last couple years. This joystick isn’t just HallEffect but it feels good and performs well.
The DPad also appears to be the same as the Zero28. That said there is a better central pivot which is beneficial in fighting games. Overall the DPad is a decent experience on a device like this.
The shoulder and triggers are inline and backed by micro switches. The buttons have a short travel and they are surprisingly quiet for a handheld in this price range. They can be difficult to engage depending on how you hold onto the device however.
Overall the controls perform well on the MagicX Zero40. The only real issue I have is how small they are. Using the controls out of the Zero28 which has a 2.8” display on a 4” display device seems a little out of touch. They work fine and I’m sure it saved this newer manufacturer a ton of money, just would have been nice to see them be bigger.
Build
The MagicX Zero40 is definitely a looker and catches your eye with its awkwardness. It is however comfortable in the hands and somehow fits into your pocket. I’m not sure I would consider it pocketable due to how wide it is, but you can slide it in there. The inset joystick defiantly helps with clearance when sliding it in and out. The Zero40 is kind of like carrying around a Pop-Tart.
MagicX tapered in the sides to make the handheld appear more narrow, this also helps with comfort during long play seasons. They also put the buttons in position to make everything on the face playable, though the shoulders and triggers can be difficult at times.
My device has a seam that doesn’t completely line up along the bottom inside edge. You can’t see the seam without really looking for it, but it’s sharp. The seam can a hinderance depending on how you position your hands, especially when using the triggers.
Overall I do find the handheld to be comfortable and very usable in the scenarios I tested it in.
Power
MagicX went straight to the reliable Allwinner A133P SOC for the Zero40. This is an interesting choice to use an SOC that is predominantly used in Linux Retro Handhelds like the TrimUI Smart Pro, TrimUI Brick, Powkiddy V20, Powkiddy RGB20 Pro and some others. That aside by using 2GB of RAM instead of the 1GB we normally see with this chipset it’s working here. The use of Android does allow for some more powerful emulators which opens some opportunities.
By default Google services aren’t installed on the handheld which prevents them from robbing power from you. I would recommend keeping them off the handheld and side loading through different programs GitHub pages. Registering the Zero40 with Google will likely nerf this device due to the SOC being used.
Pickup or Pass?
Normally when I get to this part of the review it is the easiest thing to go over. I have however been staring at my screen for 2 days now trying to figure out how to word the pickup or pass section of my review.
There are a few things I definitely think could benefit the handheld if updated. There is a lot of room on the front of the Zero 40 that isn’t being use, this space could be used to place some bigger buttons on the handheld in order to add to the gaming experience. Does it need them, no but it would be really nice.
I also wish it was a little easier to hit the shoulder buttons. I have staired at the handheld for hours and can’t figure out how they would do that, but it would be nice if they figured it out. Inline shoulders and triggers are never my favorite. In this instance however there are times where you are really stretching depending on how you position your hands. After the first couple days this mostly stops being an issue however.
The MagicX Zero 40 is such a great handheld for DS and vertical arcade emulation. I do wish that they had taken the software a step further and made playing the other systems better. They did actually optimize the different gaming emulators and they did a pretty good job, I just wish there was a way to get more out of the other systems where we could use more of the display for playing.
All that aside I have to admit that I didn’t think the Zero 40 was going to be a good handheld for me. Then I got it in my hands and fell in love almost immediately after playing the first DS game. I have such a hard time emulating DS because I feel like the screen is either too small or I am constantly bouncing around between screens. Because the screens have completely different information on them I find myself losing interest and often getting confused as to which screen I am supposed to be on rather quickly. For these reason I normally emulate on factory equipment.
These problems are solved here and I get the best handheld pinball experience I have ever had on any Retro Handheld device. It is absolutely incredible. The kicker here however is not knowing what is important to you. Normally here I give you a rather strong opinion one way or the other. With the complete uniquness of the MagicX Zero 40 I am going to have to leave the ball in your hands this time around.
If you have been looking for an arguably better possibly the best way to play DS outside of the Nintendo factory equipment and don’t really care what else you play then this handheld is defiantly going to work great for you. That said if you are looking for the complete package where every system you are going to play is equally as important as the next… you likely wont care for the Zero 40 much. There is probably a lot you will like about it especially when it comes to DS and vertical arcade play if you are into those systems. You likely wont like playing on a fairly small screen when trying to emulate PlayStation, Sega, PSP or the like.
I would love to know your thoughts on why you do or don’t want to get this handheld? I for one am surprised to have found myself liking it as much as I do… or at all really. I am going to spend a bunch more time with the Zero 40 and if there is anything that changes I will be here to update you.
If you want to pickup the MagicX Zero 40 do me a favor and click the button below. Also use code RetroSpecd16 at checkout and save yourself 16% on your order. Its a good way to help support us and save yourself some money.
What is the first game you are going to play on the MagicX Zero 40 or what DS game should I check out in my never ending quest of looking for things to play?
Until Next Time
GameOn
CellPhish
