A surprise leak has sent retro gaming enthusiasts into a frenzy after details of the rumored GameMT E5 Ultra handheld surfaced online. Touted as a powerhouse for emulation fans, the device boasts a chunky, squat form factor reminiscent of classic ’90s gadgets, paired with modern hardware that could make it a standout in the crowded retro handheld market.
The leak originated from a since-deleted post on the YouTube channel RetroTechRumors (view the original community post here), which included blurry images of the device alongside claimed specifications. Independent tech blog retrohandhelds.gg later corroborated the details, citing anonymous sources close to GameMT’s manufacturing partners. According to their exclusive report, the E5 Ultra’s design prioritizes ergonomics, with a wider, grippable body that contrasts sharply with the slim profiles of devices like the Anbernic RG35XX or Miyoo Mini.
A Throwback Aesthetic Meets Modern Muscle
The leaked images show a device that’s equal parts nostalgic and unconventional. The E5 Ultra’s squat, almost cube-like shape evokes the Game Boy Advance SP—if it were stretched sideways and given a matte, rubberized finish. Early commentators have compared it to a “gamepad that ate a Game Boy,” though hands-on impressions (still under embargo) suggest the design could be a comfort win for marathon gaming sessions.
Under the hood, the E5 Ultra reportedly packs a MediaTek Dimensity 1200 chipset, a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the E4 Pro. Paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD), this hardware could potentially handle demanding emulation up to PlayStation 2 and GameCube titles—a holy grail for retro handhelds. The device also features a 5-inch IPS display with a 1080p resolution, a rarity in a market dominated by 720p screens.
Community Reactions: Cautious Optimism
While the specs have sparked excitement, some fans remain skeptical. “If this thing actually runs God of War PS2 smoothly, I’ll eat my hat,” wrote Reddit user u/RetroPundit in a thread discussing the leak. Others praised the bold design but questioned its portability. “It looks like a brick—a sexy brick, but still,” joked Twitter user @HandheldHype.
Notably, an Amazon placeholder page for the E5 Ultra (spotted here) briefly went live this week, listing a $249 price tag before being taken down. If accurate, this would position the device as a premium option, competing with devices like the AYN Odin 2.
What’s Next for GameMT?
GameMT has yet to officially acknowledge the leaks, but industry insiders speculate an announcement could arrive as early as late July. For now, retro gamers are advised to keep their eyes on RetroTechRumors’ YouTube channel and retrohandhelds.gg for updates.
Whether the E5 Ultra lives up to the hype or becomes another overpromised emulation box, one thing’s clear: the retro handheld wars just got a lot more interesting.
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