A Chinese device manufacturer is unveiling a new mini PC in a case that closely resembles the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Acemagic’s blog and social networks share images and some specifications of this machine with an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, called Retro X5.
The manufacturer describes the mini PC as “a complete solution designed to simplify classic gaming,” which begs the question of whether it will come with Batocera Linux, SteamOS, or another non-Windows operating system/graphical interface.
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Hardware Performance
For now, little is known about the Acemagic Retro X5’s hardware. To begin with, the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor is quite competent. It has 4 high-performance Zen 5 cores and 8 Zen 5c efficiency cores, totaling 12 cores and 24 threads, with a frequency of up to 5.1 GHz.
It has 16 Computing Units (CUs) and operates at up to 2.9 GHz and also has an XDNA 2 NPU with 50 TOPS. Another point is that it comes with an integrated Radeon 890M (RDNA 3+) graphics card.
Considering PC gaming, this processor should easily outperform the Steam Deck. However, for higher resolutions, users will need a desktop. Additionally, as a mini PC, the HX 370 should function without the thermal restrictions typically found in portable devices or laptops.
In other words, the Retro X5 can take this processor to the upper part of the 15-54W configurable TDP range.
Connectivity
From the few images of the new mini PC, you can see a USB-C port, two USB-A ports, a 3.5mm audio jack and a power button on the front. And it is also known that the “Retro X5 supports expandable memory and storage, multiple video outputs and high-speed connectivity”, as described in the blog.
This is expected to mean at least: two SODIMM slots, two M.2 SSD slots, HDMI, USB-C monitor connectivity, USB 4.0 or USB 5.0, OCuLink and Ethernet, several extra ports on the back and integrated Wi-Fi/Bluetooth.
Surfing the Retro wave
It looks like Acemagic will try to differentiate its latest mini PC with some kind of launcher, called RetroPlay Box. Unfortunately, this could mean a pre-installed app on Windows 11, which is the least daring option.
There is also the possibility that Acemagic will opt for a Linux-based operating system to host its RetroPlay Box. She can save money on a Windows license by choosing SteamOS or Batocera Linux, for example. However, this has not yet been disclosed.
It seems clear that Acemagic is building on Ayaneo’s (and Nintendo’s) success with its design “inspired by iconic gaming consoles.”
Plus, considering the wave of retro enthusiasm generated by disillusionment with Windows 11, the rise of SteamOS, and yet another cost crunch in AAA PC gaming hardware, the hardware could see significant success.
For now, the information is that the Acemagic Retro X5 will be available “soon” and a price has not been announced.
Obviously the price will contribute to the success of the console. At Kabum, the Steam Deck is available for R$4,500.00 (256 GB), R$5,499.90 (512 GB) and R$6,999.99 (1 TB). The Switch 2 costs R$4,184.07, with some more expensive options with games included in the offer.
Credits: Acemagic.
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Source: https://www.adrenaline.com.br/hardware/mini-pc-estilo-nes-ganha-hardware-moderno-com-ryzen-ai-9-e-radeon-890m/
