MANGMI has officially announced its first gaming handhelds for 2026, introducing the new Air Y series. The lineup includes two models, the MANGMI Air Y and the MANGMI Air Y Pro, and marks the company’s first move into the growing vertical handheld gaming market. Until now, MANGMI’s handheld portfolio consisted of horizontal devices, including the Air X and the Pocket Max, both released in 2025. Following those launches, the company focused mainly on software updates before revealing its next generation of portable gaming devices.
The first promotional images show that both handhelds adopt a classic vertical design inspired by retro gaming systems while running Android. MANGMI has also confirmed that both devices will use Qualcomm processors, although the company has not revealed which chipset powers either model.
The standard Air Y comes in a black finish and features a cross-shaped D-pad, Nintendo-style ABXY buttons, and a single analog stick positioned below the D-pad. The joystick is surrounded by an RGB lighting ring, while a front-facing speaker grille is placed beneath the action buttons. The left side of the handheld also includes an orange button that appears to be the power button, a scroll wheel, and another button whose function has yet to be confirmed.
The Air Y Pro shares a similar overall design but introduces several noticeable changes. It comes in white with burgundy buttons, similar to the Retro version of the Air X. The Pro model also adds a second analog stick with RGB lighting, making it more suitable for Android games and emulators that benefit from dual-stick controls. Unlike the standard model, the Pro version does not feature a front-facing speaker grille, although it retains the additional side buttons and scroll wheel.
At this stage, MANGMI has not disclosed several important hardware details. Information regarding the display resolution, refresh rate, RAM, storage capacity, battery size, charging speed, and software features remains unavailable. It is also unclear whether both handhelds use the same display or if the Pro model will include additional hardware improvements beyond the extra analog stick.
According to information shared by Retro Dodo, MANGMI plans to reveal the remaining specifications, pricing, and launch schedule later this month. The report also indicates that pre-orders could begin on July 30, suggesting that the official launch is not far away.
Highlights of the MANGMI Air Y series include:
- Two models: MANGMI Air Y and MANGMI Air Y Pro
- First vertical gaming handhelds released by MANGMI
- Android operating system confirmed
- Qualcomm processors confirmed, although the exact chipset remains unknown
- Air Y features a single RGB analog stick and front speaker grille
- Air Y Pro includes dual RGB analog sticks and burgundy buttons
- Additional side controls include a scroll wheel and two buttons
- Full specifications, pricing, and release date expected later this month
- Pre-orders are reportedly scheduled to begin on July 30
The Air Y series will enter an increasingly competitive market, competing with other compact Android gaming handhelds, including the TrimUI Brick Pro and the upcoming AYANEO Konkr Pocket Block. More details about the hardware and pricing will determine how well MANGMI’s latest handhelds compare with existing options when they officially launch.
