MANGMI’s Pocket Max: My New Go-To Handheld for PS2 Gaming

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Exciting news in the handheld gaming world: the MANGMI Pocket Max has just launched, and I’ve got my hands on it! This 7-inch Android device is available now for an early bird price of $199. While it’s marketed as “designed for streaming,” I have a feeling it’ll be my go-to for playing my PS2 collection when I’m not glued to CRT screens.

The Pocket Max is officially available for $199.99, making it the “first Android handheld with magnetic modules” at a $30 discount from its expected retail price. I suspect that’s the price it will settle at once it hits larger retailers, where you can currently find the brand’s earlier model, the AIR X, priced at $159.

I’m not exaggerating when I say the MANGMI Pocket Max has just arrived, so I’ll need to put it through its paces before deciding if it deserves a spot among the best retro handhelds. However, I’m already impressed by the responsiveness of the Snapdragon 865 setup, and the 7-inch 1080p 144Hz AMOLED display is putting my $1,000 ROG Ally X to shame while I replay Fallout: New Vegas.

Sure, it’s a bit unfair to compare a flagship handheld gaming PC to an Android device. But MANGMI is stepping up its game with the Pocket Max, especially for those focused on emulation. This device is well-equipped to deliver vibrant visuals that can rival even the Steam Deck OLED, along with solid performance that can handle most retro consoles, including the PS2.

Price: From $199 (approximately £150)
Display: 7-inch AMOLED touchscreen
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Refresh rate: 144Hz
CPU: Snapdragon 865
RAM: Up to 8GB LPDDR4X
Storage: 128GB UFS + Up to 512GB microSD
Connectivity: USB-C, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 7
Audio: 3.5mm headphone jack, stereo speakers, Bluetooth
Weight: 450g

The Pocket Max also features modular face buttons and a d-pad, adding an extra layer of customization. The package I received includes replacement microswitched options that look just like the originals but offer that satisfying click some gamers prefer over membrane buttons. In theory, the magnetic modules should detach easily, but I found myself needing a plastic prying tool to get them off after struggling with my fingers.

While the strength of the magnets isn’t a downside, I do wish MANGMI had included a tool for easier removal. I’m also a bit disappointed that it didn’t come with more experimental modules; it would have been great to test different d-pads for fighting games or alternative face button designs. I suspect more options will be available in the future, but a taste would have been nice for my initial review.

Beyond the modular features, the Pocket Max impresses with its build quality. It feels premium, comparable to devices like the Ayaneo 2S. The beige and burgundy “retro” color scheme may not be groundbreaking, but it stands out against the usual black and white handhelds.

You’re also getting some premium features with the Pocket Max that justify its $200 price tag. While many Android handhelds come with hall-effect modules, MANGMI has upped the ante by including TMR thumbsticks (Tunneling Magnetoresistance) that promise better sensitivity, power efficiency, and durability. Combined with hall triggers and a robust 8,000mAh battery, this portable outperforms competitors in its price range, like the Retroid Pocket 5 and the slightly cheaper Anbernic RG Cube.

I’ll be diving into comprehensive testing of the MANGMI Pocket Max this week, so stay tuned for insights on its emulation capabilities and how it feels after extended play sessions. I’m hopeful it will be a fantastic option for revisiting PS2 and GameCube titles on a larger AMOLED screen, and I’m curious to see if it can tempt me into streaming games from my main PC instead of running them natively.