Miyoo Mini Plus Review: Best Portable Retro Gaming Console

The retro gaming handheld market has exploded over the past few years, but one device consistently rises to the top of recommendations: the Miyoo Mini Plus. After extensively testing this pocket-sized powerhouse, I’m sharing my hands-on experience to help you decide if it’s the right console for your gaming needs.

What Makes the Miyoo Mini Plus Special?

The Miyoo Mini Plus isn’t just another retro handheld—it’s a carefully designed console that prioritizes portability without sacrificing gaming quality. During my two months of daily use, I’ve discovered why this device has developed such a dedicated following among retro gaming enthusiasts.

Technical Specifications at a Glance

• Processor: ARM Cortex-A7 dual-core at 1.2GHz
• Display: 3.5-inch IPS screen with 640×480 resolution
• Battery: 3000mAh (6-8 hours actual gameplay)
• Dimensions: 108mm x 78.5mm x 22.3mm
• Weight: 162g
• Storage: MicroSD expansion (typically 32GB included)
• Operating System: Linux-based custom firmware
• Connectivity: WiFi and RTC support

My Hands-On Experience: The Good and the Limitations

What Impressed Me

Build Quality and Design

The first thing you notice when holding the Miyoo Mini Plus is how premium it feels despite its affordable price. The button layout feels intuitive, and the d-pad—often the make-or-break component of retro handhelds—is excellent. I’ve played through dozens of platformers and fighting games, and the responsiveness rivals controllers twice its price.

Screen Quality

The 3.5-inch IPS display punches above its weight class. Colors are vibrant, viewing angles are solid, and the 4:3 aspect ratio perfectly matches classic games from the NES, SNES, and Game Boy eras. Playing Super Metroid and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night felt authentic without the stretched visuals you get on widescreen handhelds.

Battery Life That Actually Delivers

Manufacturer claims often disappoint, but the 3000mAh battery genuinely provides 6-8 hours of gameplay depending on brightness settings and the emulated system. I tested this extensively during a long flight—the console lasted my entire journey with juice to spare.

True Portability

At just 162g and small enough to slip into a jacket pocket, this is one of the few retro handhelds I actually carry daily. The compact size doesn’t feel like a compromise when you’re gaming; it feels like smart design. If you’re interested in other portable gaming options, check out our Lenovo Legion Go handheld gaming PC guide for a more powerful alternative.

The Honest Limitations

No Analog Sticks

This is the Miyoo Mini Plus’s most significant limitation. Without analog sticks, you’re restricted to older generation consoles. Don’t expect to play N64 or PSP games effectively. However, this wasn’t designed for those systems—it excels at what it was built for: NES, SNES, Genesis, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, and PlayStation 1.

CPU Performance Boundaries

The ARM Cortex-A7 processor handles 8-bit and 16-bit games flawlessly, but struggles with demanding PS1 titles. Simple games like Final Fantasy VII run perfectly, while 3D-heavy titles like Metal Gear Solid can experience frame drops. For the console’s price point and target audience, this is an acceptable trade-off.

Learning Curve for Setup

While the console comes ready to play, getting the most out of it requires some technical knowledge. Setting up optimal emulator settings, scraping game artwork, and customizing the interface takes time. The community provides excellent guides, but expect to spend a few hours initially configuring your ideal setup.

Game Compatibility: What Can You Actually Play?

Based on my testing, here’s what works well:

Excellent Performance:

• NES / Famicom
• SNES / Super Famicom
• Sega Genesis / Mega Drive
• Game Boy / Game Boy Color
• Game Boy Advance
• Sega Game Gear
• Neo Geo Pocket

Good Performance (Most Games):

• PlayStation 1 (2D and simple 3D games)
• PC Engine / TurboGrafx-16

Limited/Not Recommended:

• N64 (requires analog sticks anyway)
• Dreamcast
• PSP

I’ve personally tested over 50 games across different platforms, and the sweet spot is definitely 16-bit era titles and 2D PlayStation games. For those interested in modern Pokemon gaming experiences, our Pokemon Quest recipes guide offers insights into newer gaming options.

Miyoo Mini Plus vs. Competitors: How Does It Stack Up?

Miyoo Mini Plus vs. Anbernic RG35XX

Having owned both devices, the comparison comes down to preference:

Miyoo Mini Plus advantages:

• More compact and pocketable
• Better d-pad for precision gaming
• Cleaner, more premium aesthetic
• More active community support

RG35XX advantages:

• Slightly more powerful CPU
• Better PS1 compatibility
• Lower price point in some regions

For my gaming style—primarily 16-bit platformers and RPGs—the Miyoo Mini Plus wins. If you’re focused on PS1 games, consider the RG35XX.

Miyoo Mini Plus vs. Miyoo Mini V4

The V4 is the previous generation. The Plus model offers:

• Improved battery life
• Better button quality
• WiFi connectivity
• More refined firmware

Unless you find a V4 at a significant discount, the Plus is worth the extra investment.

Comparison with Other Gaming Handhelds

While the Miyoo Mini Plus excels at retro gaming, gamers seeking modern titles might want to explore our best Nintendo Switch 2 games guide or learn about the Xbox Elite Controller Series 3 for enhanced console gaming experiences.

Real-World Use Cases: Who Should Buy This?

Perfect For:

• Commuters wanting quick gaming sessions
• Retro gaming purists focused on 8-bit and 16-bit eras
• Collectors who appreciate well-designed hardware
• Travelers seeking ultra-portable entertainment
• Parents introducing kids to classic games

Not Ideal For:

• Gamers primarily interested in PS1 or N64
• Those wanting dual analog stick controls
• Users uncomfortable with basic technical setup
• Anyone seeking modern indie game compatibility

Where to Buy and What to Expect

Pricing and Availability

The Miyoo Mini Plus typically retails between $48-70 depending on your region and included accessories. I’ve seen it available through:

• Official retailers (verified sellers on AliExpress)
• Amazon (with faster shipping but higher prices)
• Regional electronics stores (like Daraz in Pakistan)

What’s Included:

• Miyoo Mini Plus console
• USB-C charging cable
• MicroSD card (usually 32GB with some games pre-loaded)
• User manual
• Screen protector (seller dependent)

Important: Buy from verified sellers. I’ve heard reports of counterfeit units with inferior screens and batteries. Check reviews and seller ratings carefully. For collecting gaming merchandise, you might also find our BigBadToyStore review helpful.

Setup Tips from My Experience

After setting up three units (for myself and friends), here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Replace the SD card immediately: The included card often has poor-quality game dumps. Invest in a reputable 64GB or 128GB card and build your own library.
2. Install OnionOS: This custom firmware dramatically improves the user experience with better menus, more emulator options, and quality-of-life features.
3. Adjust PS1 frameskip: For demanding PS1 games, setting frameskip to 1 maintains playability without excessive slowdown.
4. Use WiFi for scraping: The built-in WiFi makes downloading game artwork and metadata surprisingly easy once configured.
5. Invest in a case: The console is durable, but a simple neoprene case protects the screen and buttons during transport.

Popular Games to Play on Miyoo Mini Plus

The console’s library is limited only by the systems it emulates. Here are some standout titles from my personal testing:

Classic Nintendo Games:

• Super Mario World
• The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
• Metroid series

Pokemon Adventures: The Game Boy and Game Boy Advance Pokemon games run flawlessly. For newer Pokemon content, check out our guides on Shiny Charmander, Flutter Mane, Diglett, and all cat Pokemon species.

PlayStation Classics:

• Final Fantasy series (VII, VIII, IX)
• Chrono Cross
• Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

The Bottom Line: My Verdict After 2 Months

The Miyoo Mini Plus succeeds because it doesn’t try to do everything—it focuses on delivering an excellent experience for classic gaming. If you accept its limitations and understand its target era (primarily 8-bit through 16-bit, plus selective PS1), this is arguably the best device in its category.

I recommend it if: You want a truly portable retro gaming device that excels at SNES-era games and earlier, with exceptional build quality and a vibrant community.

Look elsewhere if: You primarily want to play N64, Dreamcast, or demanding PS1 games, or if you’re not comfortable with basic technical setup. For modern gaming alternatives, explore our gaming category for comprehensive guides.

For me, the Miyoo Mini Plus has become my daily carry device. It’s replaced my phone for gaming during commutes, and the pick-up-and-play nature means I actually finish games instead of endlessly scrolling. At its price point, it’s one of the best values in retro gaming hardware today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the battery actually last?

In my real-world testing, expect 6-7 hours playing 16-bit games at medium brightness, or 8+ hours with 8-bit titles at lower brightness.

Can it play Game Boy Advance games well?

Yes, GBA emulation is excellent. I’ve completed multiple games without issues—this is one of the console’s strongest platforms.

Is it better than playing on my phone?

Absolutely. Physical buttons make a massive difference for platformers and action games. Plus, the dedicated device means no notifications interrupting gameplay.

What’s the build quality like?

Surprisingly solid for the price. The plastic feels premium, buttons are responsive, and mine has survived multiple drops without damage.

Should I wait for a newer model?

While Miyoo continues innovating, the Mini Plus remains current and well-supported. Unless you need features like dual analog sticks, this device will serve you well for years.

How does it compare to modern gaming options?

For retro gaming specifically, the Miyoo Mini Plus is unbeatable in its price range. However, if you’re interested in modern titles, check out our PS6 complete guide or Xbox Game Pass guide for contemporary gaming ecosystems.