Mangmi is widening its push into the vertical handheld segment with two new models that aim directly at Android gaming devices in the same class. The Air Y and Air Y Pro share the same broad mission, but their control layouts point to different kinds of players.
The series arrives after Mangmi’s Air X and Pocket Max releases in 2025, showing that the company is still betting on compact gaming hardware with a portrait-style design. That format is gaining attention because it can feel more natural for Android games and modern emulation use cases.
Two Designs, Two Playing Styles
Air Y is the more restrained version. It comes in black, uses one RGB joystick placed below the D-pad, includes ABXY buttons in a Nintendo-style layout, and keeps a front speaker grille.
Air Y Pro takes a more aggressive approach. Its white and burgundy finish replaces the front speaker grille with two symmetrical RGB joysticks, making it better suited to twin-stick control in more demanding games.
| Model | Color | Main Controls | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Y | Black | 1 RGB joystick, D-pad, Nintendo-style ABXY, front speaker | Simpler layout |
| Air Y Pro | White and burgundy | 2 symmetrical RGB joysticks, D-pad, ABXY | More suitable for twin-stick play |
That difference makes the Pro version the more obvious choice for games that rely on dual-stick movement and camera control. It also gives the model more relevance for emulation scenarios that benefit from a standard twin-stick setup.
What Mangmi Has Not Revealed Yet
Both handhelds run Android and are powered by an unnamed Qualcomm processor. According to www.gizmochina.com, Mangmi is still withholding several core specifications, including display resolution, refresh rate, RAM, storage, and battery capacity.
Only one display detail has been made clear so far: both models reportedly feature very thin bezels. Even so, the exact screen size remains unconfirmed, and it is still unclear whether the Air Y Pro will receive a higher-tier Qualcomm chip than the standard model.
| Factor | Air Y | Air Y Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android | Android |
| Processor | Unannounced Qualcomm chip | Unannounced Qualcomm chip |
| Display | Thin bezels, size unconfirmed | Thin bezels, size unconfirmed |
| RAM, Storage, Battery | Not announced | Not announced |
More Heat in a Crowded Market
The Air Y lineup adds another contender to a vertical handheld market that is becoming increasingly crowded. Mangmi appears to be using the format to show that portrait-oriented devices still have room to grow, especially for Android gamers and emulation fans.
There are still many unanswered questions, but those details should not stay hidden for long. Mangmi plans to reveal full specifications, pricing, and a clearer launch schedule later this month.
Pre-orders for the Air Y and Air Y Pro are scheduled to begin on 30 July. At the same time, Ayaneo has introduced the Pocket Micro 2, a retro handheld with a 3.5-inch LCD and a 3,950mAh battery, underscoring how competitive the compact gaming device space has become.
With different control philosophies and a long list of undisclosed specifications, the Air Y series has already positioned itself as one of the more closely watched Android handheld debuts in the vertical category.