Miyoo Mini Plus Review: A Solid Retro Gaming Companion

After getting my hands on the Miyoo Mini Plus, I was curious to see how it stacks up against other retro handhelds I've tested. I'm a sucker for anything that lets me dive back into old classics from my childhood. The first thing that caught my eye was its compact size and the promise of a wide variety of games. I was keen to see if it could live up to the expectations set by its specs.

Setting it up wasn't much of a hassle. It comes with everything you need to get started, which is a plus. The initial impression was that it's a no-fuss device that aims to deliver straightforward gaming without unnecessary bells and whistles. I appreciated the inclusion of a screen protector and a TF-card reader right in the package.

But, as always, the real test is in the playing. Would the battery hold up for long sessions? How smooth would the gameplay be? These were the questions on my mind as I fired it up for the first time. I was ready to see if this little device could rekindle the joy of classic gaming or if it would fall short.

The purpose here was clear: to find out if the Miyoo Mini Plus is a reliable gaming buddy or just another gadget that looks better on paper than in practice. Let's dive deeper into what it offers.

When considering the Miyoo Mini Plus, the value for money is one of its stronger points. Priced reasonably for what it offers, this handheld console doesn't promise the moon but delivers a solid gaming experience for retro enthusiasts on a budget. It’s a practical choice for those who want to relive classic games without breaking the bank.

In comparison to other retro handhelds I've used, the Miyoo Mini Plus holds its ground well. It's not the cheapest out there, but it avoids being prohibitively expensive. The inclusion of a case, screen protector, and USB-C cable adds to the overall package, making it a good deal for the price. These extras save you from having to buy additional accessories right off the bat.

However, it's important to keep expectations in check. This isn't a premium device with high-end specs or performance. It's a competent, middle-of-the-road option that's ideal for casual play. If you're expecting high-resolution graphics or top-tier sound, this might not be the console for you. But if you're looking for something that simply works and doesn't cost a fortune, it fits the bill.

In the end, the Miyoo Mini Plus provides good value for money. It won't wow you with advanced features, but it offers a convenient way to enjoy retro games without spending too much.

The design of the Miyoo Mini Plus is quite pleasing if you're into retro aesthetics. It's got that classic look with a modern twist, thanks to its white plastic casing. The build feels solid in your hand, which is crucial for a handheld device. At first glance, it's clear that this console is made to be portable and easy to carry around without worrying about it breaking in your bag.

The 3.5-inch IPS screen is compact but manages to display games pretty well. With a resolution of 640*480, it’s not the sharpest screen you’ll find, but it gets the job done for retro games. The buttons are responsive enough, though they might feel a bit small if you have larger hands. After a few hours of play, I got used to the layout, and it didn’t interfere with my gaming experience.

One downside is that the plastic material can feel somewhat cheap. It's not bad, but if you're expecting premium materials, you might be let down. That said, considering the price and the target audience, it’s understandable why they went with this choice. It’s functional and lightweight, which are definite positives for a handheld device.

Overall, the Miyoo Mini Plus offers a design that balances practicality and style. It's not flashy, but it's dependable and easy on the eyes. It’s a decent choice for those who prioritize portability and ease of use over aesthetic luxury.

The Miyoo Mini Plus comes with a 3000mAh battery, which is pretty decent for a handheld console of this size. One of my concerns with portable gaming devices is whether they can hold up for long sessions. With this one, I found that it delivers about 5 to 6 hours of gameplay on a full charge, depending on how demanding the game is. That's adequate for a few commutes or a long flight.

Charging is done via a USB-C cable, which is a nice modern touch. It took around 2.5 hours to fully charge the console from empty, which is reasonable. I appreciated that it comes with a USB-C charging cable in the box, so you don't have to hunt for one yourself.

One thing to note is that the battery indicator isn’t always accurate. I noticed it sometimes jumps from one percentage to another, which can make it hard to gauge how much playtime you have left. This is a minor annoyance, but something to be aware of if you're planning a long gaming session.

Overall, the battery life is quite satisfactory for casual play. It's not the longest-lasting on the market, but it’s enough for what most users will need. For extended gaming marathons, you might want to keep a power bank handy just in case.

When it comes to performance, the Miyoo Mini Plus surprised me with its stability. I was half-expecting some frame drops or lag, which are common with budget retro consoles, but it handled games quite well. The ARM Cortex-A7 CPU does a good job of keeping things running smoothly, and I didn't experience any major hiccups during my play sessions.

A standout feature is its compatibility with a wide range of classic games. This device isn't limited to a single console's library, which means you're not just stuck with one type of game. I tested several titles from different systems, and they all performed pretty well. The Linux optimized game system seems to do a good job managing game emulation.

Another bright spot is the stereo sound effects. They add an extra layer of immersion, especially in games where audio cues are important. It’s not like having a full audio setup, but it definitely enhances the experience. However, the speaker quality is average at best. Using headphones improved the sound quality significantly.

In terms of gaming experience, the Miyoo Mini Plus is practical and fulfills its intended purpose. It's not going to replace your primary console, but for what it is, it offers a satisfying trip down memory lane.