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GameMT EX8 Review: A $140 Budget Sleeper With a 3:2 Screen
2026-05-31 · 4.0 / 5 · $140 / $165
Affiliate disclosure: This review contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and Anbernic affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Every year a budget handheld shows up that does more than its price suggests. In 2026, the GameMT EX8 is that device. GameMT is a smaller brand, and expectations were modest. Then the EX8 landed with a MediaTek Helio G99, 6 GB of RAM, active cooling, and a really nice 4.88 inch 3:2 screen, all for around $140. It surprised a lot of people.
This is not a flagship. It will not replace a Retroid Pocket 6. What it does is cover the most popular budget use case, which is everything from 8 bit systems through Dreamcast and PSP, and it does that very well for the money. For more options at this price, see our best handhelds under $150 guide.
Specs
| Screen | 4.88 inch, 1620x1080, 3:2 aspect ratio |
| Processor | MediaTek Helio G99 |
| GPU | Mali G57 MC2 |
| RAM | 6 GB |
| Storage | 128 GB internal, microSD expansion |
| Battery | 5000 mAh, USB C 4.0 charging |
| Cooling | Active fan, shark fin design |
| OS | Android |
| Design | Blocky, Game Boy Advance inspired |
The 3:2 Screen Is a Highlight
The EX8 uses a 4.88 inch 3:2 panel at 1620x1080. The 3:2 shape sits between the square 4:3 of old consoles and the 16:9 of modern screens. For a budget device it is a smart choice. Most retro systems fill the screen with smaller bars than they would on a 16:9 panel, and PSP content still looks good.
The resolution is sharp for the size. It is an LCD rather than OLED, so contrast is not in AMOLED flagship territory. At this price that is expected, and the panel looks bright and clean in daily use.
Build and Design
The EX8 takes a blocky, squared off shape that recalls the Game Boy Advance. It is comfortable to hold and easy to pocket. GameMT used better plastic here than on its earlier devices, with a glass front and controls that feel decent in hand.
There is one caveat worth flagging. Some reviews noted d pad input quirks on the EX8. If precise d pad input matters to you, such as for fighting games and platformers, check recent owner reports before buying.
The active cooling fan is a nice touch at this price. It keeps the Helio G99 steady during longer sessions, so performance does not sag as the chip warms up.
Emulation Performance
The Helio G99 is a proven budget chip. It shows up in many well regarded handhelds, so its real world limits are well understood.
- NES, SNES, Genesis, Game Boy through GBA. Full speed across the board.
- PS1. Full library, full speed.
- Nintendo 64. Strong, the bulk of the library runs well with the right core.
- Dreamcast. Good, most titles play at full speed via Flycast. See the Flycast Dreamcast setup guide.
- PSP. Good, many titles run full speed with the heaviest games needing tuning.
- PS2 and GameCube. This is the ceiling. Lighter titles are playable with patience and per game settings. Do not buy the EX8 as a PS2 or GameCube machine.
If you need consistent PS2 and GameCube, step up to a Snapdragon device. For pure budget retro through PSP, the EX8 delivers.
Software
The EX8 runs full Android with the Play Store. Install a front end like Daijisho or ES DE for Android, then dial in cores with our RetroArch setup guide. The one click EmuDeck for Android installer is another easy way to get set up fast.
Battery and Charging
The 5000 mAh battery gives a solid run of retro play, with lighter systems stretching longer and PSP or Dreamcast pulling it down. USB C 4.0 handles charging.
Who Should Buy the GameMT EX8
Buy the EX8 if you want strong retro value around $140; you mostly play 8 bit through PSP and Dreamcast; you like the 3:2 screen and the Game Boy Advance style design; you want active cooling at a budget price.
Skip the EX8 if you need precise d pad input and cannot risk the reported quirk; you want reliable PS2 and GameCube (look at the Retroid Pocket 6); you prefer a more established brand with a longer support history (the Miyoo Mini Plus and Anbernic RG40XXV are safe picks).
The GameMT EX8 is one of the better budget surprises of 2026. For the right buyer it is a lot of handheld for the money.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the GameMT EX8 cost?
Around $140 for the base model. A $150 tier adds a 64 GB microSD card and a $165 tier adds a 128 GB card. All tiers share the same 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage.
What can the GameMT EX8 emulate?
Everything from 8 bit and 16 bit systems through PS1, N64, Dreamcast, and most of PSP. PS2 and GameCube are the ceiling, with only lighter titles playable.
Does the EX8 have a d pad problem?
Some reviews reported d pad input quirks on the EX8. Check recent owner reports if precise d pad input is important to you.
Does the EX8 run Android?
Yes. It ships with full Android and the Play Store, so any Android emulator or front end works.
Is the GameMT EX8 good value?
Yes. For around $140 you get a Helio G99, 6 GB of RAM, active cooling, and a nice 3:2 screen. It is one of the stronger budget picks of 2026 for retro through PSP.
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