NES-inspired Acemagic Retro X5 launches with powerful AMD APU and eGPU support

The Acemagic Retro X5 mini PC delivers a compelling fusion of retro aesthetics and modern computing power, targeting enthusiasts who appreciate both nostalgic design and contemporary performance. Currently launching in China at CNY 6,499 (approximately $941), this compact system leverages AMD's latest Strix Point architecture to deliver desktop-class capabilities in a form factor reminiscent of classic gaming consoles.

At its core lies the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, AMD's flagship APU in the Strix Point lineup before the premium Strix Halo series. This 12-core/24-thread chip integrates the Radeon 890M – currently AMD's most powerful integrated graphics solution – capable of handling modern games at 1080p medium settings. Complementing this are support for up to 128GB of DDR5 memory and 4TB of PCIe 4.0 NVMe storage, providing substantial headroom for content creation workloads and multitasking.

Acemagic emphasizes the thermal engineering behind the Retro X5, implementing an advanced cooling solution designed to maintain stable clock speeds during extended gaming sessions or CPU-intensive tasks. This addresses a common limitation in compact systems where thermal throttling often compromises performance.

Connectivity stands out as another strength. The port selection includes:

• 1x USB4 (40Gbps with eGPU support)
• 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C
• 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
• 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
• 1x DisplayPort 2.0
• 2x 2.5G Ethernet ports
• 1x 3.5mm audio jack

Wireless capabilities feature Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, while the USB4 port unlocks external GPU compatibility. Products like the Aoostar AG02 eGPU dock ($219 on Amazon) can significantly augment graphical performance for demanding applications. The system also supports quad-display output and 100W power delivery for charging peripherals.

Compared to predecessors like the Acemagic S1, the Retro X5 represents a substantial generational leap. The Radeon 890M GPU offers nearly double the performance of previous integrated solutions, while DDR5 support and PCIe 4.0 storage accelerate data throughput. Against competitors like Intel NUC systems, the AMD APU provides superior graphics capabilities at this price point.

This mini PC targets multiple user groups: retro gaming enthusiasts drawn to the NES-inspired chassis, content creators needing portable power for video editing, and home theater PC builders seeking a discreet yet capable media center. The eGPU support adds flexibility for gamers who may later upgrade graphical performance without replacing the entire system.

While global availability remains unconfirmed, Acemagic's international blog post suggests an imminent worldwide launch. Given its competitive pricing relative to specifications, the Retro X5 presents a compelling option in the mini PC segment, particularly for users prioritizing both aesthetics and upgradability.