Mangmi’s first handheld arrives with a modest yet compelling mission: to deliver a sub-$100 Android device that truly does justice to PSP games in both aesthetics and controls.
After extensive testing, the Air X hits the mark perfectly by pairing a 5.5-inch 16:9 display with controls and performance that are finely tuned for upscaled PSP emulation—without the setup headaches often found in cheaper handhelds.
Why the Air X Captures the PSP Experience So Well
PSP games were designed for a 16:9 aspect ratio, and the Air X honors that design perfectly. Its 5.5-inch full HD IPS screen renders classic titles crisply at a clean 1080p resolution with 3x scaling, eliminating the letterboxing or squished UI that accompanies 4:3 or square-ish displays. Compared to Sony’s original PSP, the Air X’s screen is brighter and sharper, significantly enhancing text clarity in RPGs and strategy games.
The controls demonstrate equal thoughtfulness. A symmetrical D-pad offers precise ergonomics, complemented by dual clickable analog sticks, shoulder buttons, and triggers. The device’s ergonomic shape, solid grip, and comfortable, rounded edges all contribute to comfortable handling over lengthy gaming sessions. While not pocket-small, the chassis feels sturdy and well-built—impressive for a device under $100.
Performance Tailored for PSP Emulation
The heart of the Air X is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 662 with an Adreno 610 GPU, an 11nm system-on-chip found in modern budget devices. Although benchmarks place it below MediaTek’s Helio G90T and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon G1 Gen 2 in raw power, real-world emulation is more nuanced. For systems up to the GameCube and PS2 era, including PSP, the Snapdragon 662 delivers an excellent balance of performance and efficiency.
Most PSP titles run smoothly at 3x scaling. More demanding games from newer generations remain hit-or-miss even on pricier handhelds. For PSP enthusiasts and those interested in earlier systems, the Air X offers exceptional value without significant compromises.
Emulation and Streaming Capabilities
Testing with popular emulators from RetroArch and standalone apps confirms that the Air X performs solidly within the PSP’s sweet spot. Racing and character-action games upscale well with minimal texture shimmering, and layered UIs remain crisp. 8-bit and 16-bit games are less demanding but display with pillarboxing on the 16:9 screen—a reasonable tradeoff for excellent PSP compatibility.
The wide screen also makes the Air X a capable companion for game streaming. While it lacks the very latest Wi-Fi standards, local streaming via Steam Link or Moonlight works smoothly. The 5.5-inch screen size is modest for text-heavy PC titles but latency remains acceptable for 2D platformers, indie games, and turn-based strategies.
Software That Respects Your Setup
The Air X comes with preinstalled, preconfigured emulators—making it accessible for newcomers who want to play rather than tinker. Mangmi’s optional Game Launcher offers a functional, if basic, list layout without automatic art scraping or elaborate theming. For better library presentation, community-favorite frontends like Beacon or Daijishou provide richer browsing experiences with artwork and sorting tailored to the device’s aspect ratio.
With Android at its core, the Air X benefits from cloud saves, Bluetooth peripheral compatibility, and access to mobile games that support controllers. While it struggles with demanding open-world RPGs, it handles retro, indie, and 2D Android games beautifully.
Battery Life, Charging, and Storage Tips
The 5,000mAh battery supports about six hours of PSP gaming and more than eight hours with 16-bit titles. A 15W charger fills the battery in roughly two hours, with minimal standby drain thanks to Android’s power management. For long-term battery health, experts recommend storing lithium-ion devices at around 40–60% charge.
Pricing and Competitors
At a competitive MSRP of $89.99, the Air X undercuts many entry-level Android handhelds and even used PSP-3000s on resale sites. It costs less than typical mobile controller add-ons, yet offers a better built-in screen and standalone functionality.
Alternatives exist: the Retroid Pocket Classic offers more CPU power but a less optimal aspect ratio for PSP, while the AYANEO Pocket Air Mini delivers a premium build and interesting power-price balance. Linux-based devices like the TrimUI Smart Pro appeal to purists seeking lightweight OS builds. However, none match the Air X’s dedicated 16:9 PSP focus at this price.
Final Verdict: A Focused, Affordable PSP Handheld
Mangmi’s Air X checks every box that PSP fans care about: a true 16:9 display, responsive and comfortable controls, plug-and-play convenience, and robust 3x upscaling—all for under $100. It may not be a generational leap over more powerful handhelds, but as an affordable first purchase, gift, or dedicated PSP replacement, it sets a new entry-level standard.
