Just when you think you’ve seen every possible iteration of the budget Android handheld, a device like the GameMT EX5 appears to challenge your expectations. At first glance, it’s a dead ringer for the Sony PlayStation Vita, but a closer look reveals one of the oddest design choices we’ve seen in years: a physical performance dial where the right thumbstick should be.
A hardware solution to a software problem?
Historically, GameMT has lived in the “ultra-budget” tier, often delivering hardware that feels a bit like a power bank with a screen attached. However, the EX5 seems to be an attempt to move upmarket. By borrowing the Vita’s iconic silhouette and adding a 1080p display, they are clearly targeting the aesthetic-conscious retro gamer.
The standout feature, however, is that rotating dial. It allows you to toggle between Performance, Balance, and Power-Save modes on the fly—a tactile throwback to the “Turbo” buttons of 90s PCs.
Technical breakdown: Under the hood
| Feature | Specification |
| Processor | MediaTek Helio G81 (12nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MP2 |
| RAM/Storage | 4GB RAM / 64GB Internal + MicroSD slot |
| Display | 5-inch IPS, 1920 x 1080 (1080p) |
| Battery | 6000mAh (with 18W Fast Charging) |
| OS | Android (supports ES-DE / Pegasus frontends) |
The Analysis: Flags and friction
A couple of positives jump out immediately from the revealed specs:
- Green Flag: The 6000mAh battery is massive for a 5-inch device. Combined with the Helio G81, this could be an endurance king for 16-bit and 32-bit emulation.
- Green Flag: A 1080p screen at this size is rare for budget units. It should make shaders and CRT filters look incredibly crisp.
Unfortunately, the unusual dial poses problems:
- Red Flag: The single analog stick. By omitting the right stick, GameMT has effectively locked this device out of the modern Android gaming library and PSP titles that require camera control (like Monster Hunter).
- Red Flag: Helio G81 vs. 1080p. Pushing a 1080p resolution on a Helio G81 might result in some performance overhead that negates the benefit of that “Performance Dial.”
So, what is the GameMT EX5 for?
The GameMT EX5 is clearly not trying to be an “Odin killer.” Instead, it’s a specialist device for people who primarily play SNES, GBA, and PS1 and want a premium-looking shell with high-end battery life. This puts it closer to the Retroid Pocket 3+ than anything truly top-end.
For this to be a recommendation, we need to see if that physical dial actually integrates with the Android kernel to adjust clock speeds, or if it’s just a glorified shortcut for a software toggle.
Pricing and Availability: Currently listed as “Coming Soon,” with expectations that it will land in the $80–$110 range, the GameMT EX5 is expected to be listed on royibeila.com in the next few weeks.
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Christian Cawley is the founder and editor of GamingRetro.co.uk, a website dedicated to classic and retro gaming. With over 20 years of experience writing for technology and gaming publications, he brings considerable expertise and a lifelong passion for interactive entertainment, particularly games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
Christian has written for leading outlets including TechRadar, Computer Weekly, Linux Format, and MakeUseOf, where he also served as Deputy Editor.
When he’s not exploring vintage consoles or retro PCs, Christian enjoys building with LEGO, playing cigar box guitar, and experimenting in the kitchen.
