everything just feels great. The buttons are relatively quiet, with microswitch-style shoulder buttons and analog triggers. The grips around the back and generously rounded edges make it easy and pleasant to hold. It’s a little too big to be pocketable, but it’s super light, so with a case, it’s easy to slip into

Mangmi X Review: The $89 Android Handheld That Undercuts the Competition

The Mangmi X is the newest Android handheld to enter the increasingly crowded market, and it’s doing so with a very aggressive price tag: $89. This immediately puts it in competition with other budget-amiable options like the Retroid Pocket Classic and the AYANEO Pocket AIR Mini.But how does it stack up in terms of performance and overall value?

When it comes to the Snapdragon 662 found on this device, it’s at the absolute lowest end of any android handheld I’ve tested. It’s well below the Snapdragon G1 Gen 2 on the Retroid Pocket Classic, and lower than the Helio G90T on the AYANEO Pocket AIR Mini. All three handhelds are roughly in the $100 range, with the Pocket Classic costing the most at $130-150.

[Image of Geekbench 6 CPU comparison between AYANEO Pocket Air Mini, Mangmi X, and Retroid Classic]

MANGMI X AIR review: The budget retro handheld to beat

the handheld gaming PC market is booming, but many devices come with a hefty price tag. Thankfully, there are plenty of budget options available, like the MANGMI X AIR. but how does it stack up against the competition? we put it to the test against the AYANEO Pocket AIR Mini and the Retroid Pocket Classic to find out.

performance: More than just benchmarks

Interestingly, the G1 Gen 2 smashes the competition when it comes to CPU performance, and the G90T comes out well ahead when it comes to GPU performance. The Snapdragon 662 fares the worst out of the three budget chipsets.

But the benchmarks don’t really tell the full story here. Not only are the Pocket Classic and Pocket AIR Mini more expensive than the MANGMI X AIR, but they’re also not really in another tier of power. Simply put, they can’t perfectly emulate more systems.

“The AIR X has just the right amount of power for upscaled PSP emulation.”

All three can emulate everything below the GameCube and PS2 very well, but above that, things fall apart. retroid and AYANEO’s offerings can play some games from that generation, sure, but they often require workarounds and performance isn’t exactly what I would call smooth.

Display and aspect ratio: A key differentiator

As for which games play best on which handheld, for me it largely comes down to the aspect ratio. The MANGMI AIR X is the only one with a 16:9 display, so PSP games end up looking much better.On the square-ish Pocket Classic and the 4:3 pocket AIR mini, games look squished and text is challenging to read. The tradeoff, of course, is that the AIR X features pillarboxing (black bars on the sides) for all retro systems.

While the MANGMI AIR X is now my dedicated PSP emulation handheld, whether or not it’s right for you will depend on where you are in your gaming handheld journey. If you already have a gaming handheld, Linux or not, it’s probably not going to be a meaningful upgrade.

If your shopping for your first handheld, looking to give a gift, or want a killer PSP replacement, it’s a“`html

Portable DVD Players: Keep Entertainment Moving

Road trips, long flights, or even just keeping the kids occupied on a rainy day – portable DVD players remain a surprisingly relevant entertainment solution. While streaming services dominate,a portable DVD player offers a reliable,self-contained option,especially where Wi-Fi is spotty or unavailable. Here’s what you need to know before you buy.

Why Choose a Portable DVD Player?

Despite the rise of tablets and streaming, portable DVD players have distinct advantages:

• No internet Required: This is the biggest benefit. You’re not reliant on a data connection or potentially expensive in-flight Wi-Fi.
• Cost-Effective: DVDs are often cheaper than renting or purchasing digital content, especially for kids’ movies.
• Simplicity: They’re easy to use, even for those less tech-savvy. No complicated logins or app navigation.
• Battery Life: Many models offer several hours of playback on a single charge.

Key Features to Consider

Not all portable DVD players are created equal. Here’s a breakdown of the crucial features:

• Screen Size: Most players range from 7 to 15 inches.A 9-10 inch screen is a good balance between portability and viewing comfort. Larger screens (12-15 inches) are great for multiple viewers but are less convenient to carry.
• Resolution: Look for a resolution of at least 800×480. Higher resolutions (like 1080p) are available on some models, offering a sharper picture.
• Battery Life: Aim for at least 2-3 hours of battery life. Consider models with extended battery options if you anticipate long trips.
• Connectivity:
  • USB Port: Allows you to play media from USB drives.
  • SD Card Slot: another option for playing media files.
  • Headphone Jack: Essential for quiet enjoyment.
  • AV Output: Lets you connect the player to a larger TV screen.
• Region Code: Ensure the player supports the region code of your DVDs.
• Anti-Skip Technology: Crucial for minimizing interruptions during travel.

Top Picks & Price Ranges (as of late 2023/early 2024)

Here’s a swift overview of what you can expect at different price points:

• Under $100: Basic models with 7-9 inch screens. Expect standard definition and limited features.
• $100 – $150: