A surprising piece of tech debuted at CES, instantly capturing attention with its nostalgic design. The AceMagic Retro X5, a miniature PC boldly mimicking the original Nintendo Entertainment System, is now available for purchase.
Despite its charmingly retro exterior, this isn’t a simple novelty item. The Retro X5 houses a powerful Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU and a generous 32GB of RAM, offering substantial computing capabilities.
The design walks a delicate line, given Nintendo’s reputation for fiercely protecting its intellectual property. However, recent licensing agreements, like those with 8BitDo, suggest a degree of flexibility in the market.
Under the hood, the Retro X5 utilizes a 12-core Ryzen HX 370 processor with a 16-core integrated GPU – a configuration found in other mini PCs like the Minisforum AI X1 Pro and Geekom A9 Max. But while those prioritize practicality, the Retro X5 is all about evoking a specific era.
The attention to detail extends to the packaging, which includes papercraft elements to create a faux “screen” displaying 8-bit artwork. It’s a playful nod to the past, enhancing the overall retro experience.
Don’t let the vintage aesthetic fool you; this machine is surprisingly accessible for upgrades. The case opens to reveal two SODIMM slots for DDR5 RAM and two Gen4 M.2 2280 slots for SSDs, allowing for customization and expansion.
Modern connectivity is also present, with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 integrated within its compact frame. Despite its small size – just 139mm (5.5 inches) at its longest point – the Retro X5 offers a robust selection of ports.
The rear panel features dual Ethernet, USB-C, two USB-A ports, DisplayPort, and HDMI, theoretically supporting triple monitor setups. A second USB-C port and two additional USB-A ports are conveniently located on the front panel, alongside a prominent power button.
A clever addition would have been a functional hinged cartridge cover, reminiscent of retro Raspberry Pi cases. However, AceMagic may be intentionally avoiding direct copyright infringement by omitting such a feature.
The AceMagic Retro X5 is currently priced at $959 USD, with shipping scheduled for March 18th. This price point is considerably higher than the adjusted cost of an original NES in 1985, even accounting for inflation.
A more affordable Retro X3 model, equipped with a Ryzen 7 H 255 processor and non-replaceable LPDDR5 RAM, is slated for release soon. It’s worth noting that AceMagic previously addressed concerns regarding pre-installed spyware on its devices, attributing the issue to missing security certificates and claiming it has been resolved.
