GAMEMT debuts square-screen cartridge handheld on September 15, 2026, a retro gaming console for US buyers priced at $149
GAMEMT, a Chinese handheld maker, debuted the MTX, a cartridge-based retro gaming console with a square 720×720 IPS screen, on September 15, 2026, targeting U.S. buyers through online marketplaces. The device focuses on Game Boy Advance cartridges and emulation, according to early reviews and reseller reports.
According to early reviews and reseller reports, this square screen is optimized for Game Boy Advance (GBA) games, as the GBA’s native resolution scales cleanly at a 3× integer scale on the MTX. However, sources including retro-handheld news outlets and YouTube reviewers note that the square aspect ratio results in large black bars when playing games designed for wider screens, such as PlayStation Portable (PSP) titles, which appear visually compromised on the device.
The GAMEMT MTX features a 720×720 IPS square display with a 1:1 aspect ratio, a design choice that sets it apart from typical retro handhelds, which usually have widescreen or near-widescreen formats.
Hardware specifications for the MTX, as detailed by technical previews and reseller information, indicate the device runs on an AllWinner T509 CPU, a low-power ARM processor common in budget retro gaming handhelds. The MTX supports emulation up to the original PlayStation (PS1) level, with some PSP emulators present but limited by the screen’s form factor. The device includes Wi-Fi connectivity and runs a Linux-based operating system, allowing for network features and community-driven firmware updates. Additional hardware features include a 3.5 mm headphone jack and HDMI output for connecting to external displays. While exact RAM and storage capacities have not been officially confirmed, industry observers compare the MTX to other GAMEMT models like the EX8, which offers 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, suggesting the MTX targets mid-range performance suitable for PS1-class emulation.
The MTX’s defining characteristic is its physical cartridge slot for Game Boy Advance games, enabling users to play original GBA cartridges directly. This hybrid approach of combining native cartridge support with broad emulation capabilities up to PS1 is highlighted in community discussions and early device previews. Retro gaming outlets position the MTX within a niche market of collectors and enthusiasts who prioritize physical media compatibility alongside emulation. The square screen is believed to be a deliberate design decision to align with GBA’s resolution, even though it compromises the presentation of other systems.
Regarding availability, reports from September 2026 indicate that the MTX is launching primarily through online marketplaces such as AliExpress and specialized handheld retailers, with reseller channels like Royibella’s YouTube and early reviewers such as NITTRX providing much of the current public information. GAMEMT’s official storefronts list multiple handheld models but do not yet feature a dedicated MTX product page or official U.S. pricing, suggesting the device is in an early or soft-launch phase. Coverage consistently dates the MTX’s debut to mid-September 2026, with early sample units already in circulation.
Pricing details for the MTX remain unconfirmed. While some reports and reseller listings mention a $149 price point for GAMEMT devices in the U.S. market, such as the EX8 and PSK5000 models, no official source or retailer has verified this figure for the MTX. Industry databases and retail listings show prices for GAMEMT’s other handhelds ranging from approximately $55 to $150, depending on features and hardware specifications, making a $149 price for the MTX plausible but currently unverified.
GAMEMT, sometimes referred to as GameMT, is a Chinese manufacturer known for producing low-cost retro gaming handhelds with varying screen formats and hardware configurations. The MTX continues this trend of experimentation with unusual form factors, joining devices like the EX8 with its 3:2 display and the E-series units. Official documentation or press releases from GAMEMT regarding the MTX have not been published as of mid-September 2026, with most available information sourced from third-party retailers, early reviewers, and community previews.
The MTX’s launch reflects GAMEMT’s ongoing strategy to cater to retro gaming enthusiasts seeking physical cartridge compatibility combined with emulation support. The device’s availability through online channels in September 2026 positions it within a growing market segment focused on hybrid retro handhelds, though official specifications, pricing, and broader retail distribution remain to be fully disclosed by the manufacturer.
