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- ❝ Enjoy your favorite games anytime, anywhere! HawkStorm MX with a touch of miniature and fantastic graphics!❞
- ―Box art description for the HawkStorm MX
A HawkStorm MX
The HawkStorm MX (commonly abbreviated as HS-MX) is a handheld game console developed and marketed by the HawkStorm Company. It was released in Japan on September 14, 2018, followed by a worldwide release in North America, Europe, and other international territories on March 12, 2019.
The console is the first hardware entry produced by HawkStorm, positioning the company as a competitor in the eighth generation of video game consoles. While primarily a handheld device, the MX draws design inspiration from the PlayStation Vita, Nintendo Switch, and Samsung Galaxy series of smartphones. It is notable for its high-resolution display and its modular controller system, known as the HawkTab.
History[]
Development[]
Rumors of HawkStorm Company entering the hardware market began circulating in early 2017. Previously known for software development and mobile peripherals, the company sought to bridge the gap between high-end mobile gaming and dedicated handheld consoles. The project, codenamed "Project Falcon," focused on delivering high-fidelity visuals akin to premium smartphones while retaining the tactile control of traditional gaming devices.
Announcement and Release[]
The HawkStorm MX was officially announced during a press conference in Tokyo on May 15, 2018. The reveal highlighted the device's 4K capabilities—a feature marketed as an industry first for a dedicated handheld.
The console launched in Japan in September 2018 to moderate supply shortages due to unexpected demand. The international launch in March 2019 was supported by a robust marketing campaign emphasizing the device's "hybrid lifestyle" appeal.
Appearance and Design[]
The HawkStorm MX features a "slate-like" form factor similar to contemporary smartphones but is distinguished by its dedicated gaming controls. The chassis is constructed from a matte-finish polycarbonate, designed to resist fingerprints and reduce slippage.
The HawkTab System[]
Central to the console's design is the HawkTab, a detachable, modular controller system. Unlike competing devices that use rail-based sliding mechanisms, the HawkTab utilizes a magnetic locking pin system for attachment.
- Attached Mode: When connected, the HawkTabs integrate into the console’s sides, creating a unified handheld form factor. The ergonomic design includes smooth contours and textured rubber grips on the rear. The launch model featured a two-tone color scheme with vibrant blue and red accents on a white base.
- Detached Mode: The HawkTabs can be removed to function as standalone wireless gamepads. They connect via Bluetooth 5.0, allowing for tabletop gameplay.
- Power: Each HawkTab contains an internal rechargeable battery rated for up to 12 hours of playtime. They recharge automatically when attached to the main unit or via a dedicated USB-C port on the bottom of each controller.
Screen and Form Factor[]
The front of the device is dominated by a 6.2-inch screen with slim bezels, reminiscent of the "Infinity Display" found on Samsung Galaxy phones. The screen boasts a 4K resolution (3840 × 2160 pixels), utilizing advanced post-processing to sharpen lower-resolution textures. The device remains lightweight and compact, designed to fit into standard pockets or small travel bags.
Hardware[]
Technical Specifications[]
The HawkStorm MX is powered by a custom system-on-chip (SoC) developed in partnership with leading semiconductor manufacturers.
- CPU: Octa-core "HawkCore" processor (4x high-performance cores, 4x efficiency cores).
- GPU: The HS-G1 graphics unit, capable of 4K video playback and 1080p gaming upscaled to the native 4K display.
- Memory: 6 GB LPDDR4 RAM.
- Storage: The console launched with two variants: 64 GB and 128 GB of internal eMMC storage, expandable via a proprietary memory card slot.
Battery and Connectivity[]
To support the high-resolution display, the main unit houses a 4500 mAh lithium-ion battery. Battery life varies significantly based on usage, ranging from 3 to 6 hours for intensive 3D gaming. The device supports USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) via a USB-C 3.1 port for rapid charging and video output to external displays.
Software[]
The console runs on HawkOS, a proprietary operating system built on a modified Linux kernel. The user interface (UI) utilizes a "card-based" layout, allowing users to swipe between games, media apps, and system settings.
Game Library[]
The HawkStorm MX utilizes proprietary flash cartridges for physical game releases, though the company emphasized its digital storefront, the HawkShop. Launch titles included:
- Skyline Racers: Redline (a futuristic racing game showcasing the screen's refresh rate).
- Chronicles of Aethelgard (an RPG focused on touch-screen integration).
- Select ports of popular indie titles and Android-based games optimized for physical controls.
Marketing[]
HawkStorm's marketing strategy targeted two distinct demographics: tech enthusiasts interested in high-spec mobile hardware and casual gamers seeking portability. The slogan "Your World, Your Game" was used in North American and European territories.
Commercials frequently featured the device being used in transit (trains, planes) and in social settings, highlighting the detachable HawkTabs as a way to share gameplay with friends. The company also partnered with popular technology influencers to demonstrate the visual disparity between the MX's 4K screen and standard 720p handhelds of the time.
Reception[]
Upon release, the HawkStorm MX received generally positive reviews, though critics noted distinct trade-offs in its design. Tech outlets universally praised the display, with Digital Foundry calling it "arguably the best screen ever fitted to a handheld gaming device." The ergonomics of the HawkTab controllers were also lauded for being more substantial and comfortable than those of the Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons.
The battery life was a primary point of contention. Reviewers noted that running games at high brightness often drained the battery in under three hours. Additionally, the launch price ($399 USD) was considered steep compared to established competitors. The console sold 2 million units in its first six months. While not overtaking major competitors, it carved out a profitable niche among high-end handheld enthusiasts.
Successor[]
Main article: HawkStorm WG
The successor to the MX, the HawkStorm WG, was formally revealed on November 18, 2024. It was released in Japan on April 28, 2025, followed by a global launch in North America, Europe, and other territories on October 19, 2025. The WG (Wireless Generation) built upon the modular nature of the MX but introduced cloud-gaming integration and 5G connectivity. Hands-on events for the new console were held globally in late October 2025.
List of HawkStorm MX video games[]
- Chronicles of Aethelgard (October 28, 2018)
- Downtown Warriors Beta*Burst (July 8, 2018)
- Fist of the Century game series (September 19, 2018 - September 25, 2024)
- Goddess of Cake: Share the Bite With Your Heart (all-age version)
- Horror Album of Wonders (April 24, 2024)
- Idol Zodiac -Stardom Live Duel- Melodic Reformer (January 14, 2023) (ported, all-age version)
- The Last Stone of Silver Eye (May 26, 2023)
- Skyline Racers: Redline (September 16, 2018)
- Sunflower Sunshine (March 13, 2023) (ported)
- Tomb Raider Reinforced: Golden Wings (June 19, 2023)
- Your Happy Birthday (February 1, 2024)