Your next retro mini PC could look just like a classic PlayStation

Image Credit: Acemagic

Retro-inspired hardware keeps finding new ways to blend nostalgia with modern performance, and Acemagic is the latest brand leaning into that trend. At CES 2026, the company showed off a compact mini PC design that pulls visual inspiration from the original PlayStation and Sega Dreamcast, while still delivering the ports and power you would expect from a modern desktop.

The design feels intentionally familiar. This is not a PC meant to be hidden behind a desk or tucked under a monitor. It looks like it belongs next to old consoles, game controllers, and display shelves filled with retro gear. At the same time, Acemagic has made sure it remains practical for everyday use.

The front panel includes USB Type A, USB Type C, and a 3.5mm audio jack, which makes it far easier to connect accessories without reaching around the back. That kind of layout matters if the system is sitting in a living room or entertainment setup rather than a traditional office desk.

Acemagic has been exploring nostalgic hardware designs for a while, and this was not its only throwback at CES. The company also displayed an NES-inspired mini PC, but the PlayStation and Dreamcast-style model stood out because it is paired with AMD’s newest platform.

A compact design with console cues

The console-inspired system is officially called the Board 3 Dual-C Retro Style. From the top, it features two physical buttons and a circular detail that mimics the look of a top-loading disc drive. There is also a dedicated power button placed on the front, reinforcing the console-like feel.

Despite the retro shell, this is still a modern mini PC at its core. The case measures roughly 140 x 128 x 40.8 mm and comes in at about 0.73 liters in volume. That makes it small enough to fit almost anywhere, while still offering enough internal space for serious hardware.

This kind of design sits at the intersection of form and function. It appeals to users who care about how their hardware looks, but who do not want to give up performance or connectivity just to achieve that aesthetic.

Powered by AMD’s latest platform

Inside the retro shell, Acemagic is using AMD’s Gorgon Point platform. According to details shared by TechPowerUp, the system can be configured with a Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 processor, featuring 12 cores and 24 threads. Graphics are handled by an integrated Radeon 890M GPU with 16 compute units, which should be capable of handling light gaming, emulation, and creative workloads.

Memory support goes up to 64GB of SO-DIMM RAM, depending on configuration. Storage is equally flexible, with support for up to two M.2 PCIe 5.0 NVMe drives, each capable of reaching up to 4TB. That puts the system well into enthusiast territory despite its small footprint.

This combination of specs makes the mini PC suitable for a wide range of use cases, from a compact work machine to a retro gaming and emulation setup. It also positions the system as a potential alternative to larger desktops for users who value space efficiency.

Not ready to buy just yet

If this design already has your attention, there is one catch. Acemagic did not announce pricing or a release date during CES 2026. For now, the system remains a concept paired with an early specification sheet rather than a product you can order today.

The company also showed off systems based on Intel’s upcoming Core Ultra 300 Panther Lake processors, but those machines did not receive the same retro treatment. The PlayStation-inspired chassis is currently reserved for AMD-based configurations.

As more details emerge, including finalized hardware options and pricing, this mini PC will be one to watch for anyone interested in blending nostalgic design with modern computing power.

Acemagic’s approach reflects a growing trend in the PC space, where design matters just as much as performance. With renewed interest in classic consoles like the original PlayStation and the Sega Dreamcast, it makes sense that modern hardware makers are finding ways to reimagine those shapes for today’s users.

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