The Miyoo Mini Plus, launched in 2023, remains one of the most beloved retro handheld consoles in 2025, and it’s easy to see why. With its compact design, solid performance, and a perfect blend of nostalgia and practicality, it’s earned a spot in the pockets (literally) and hearts of classic gaming fans. In this review, we’ll dive into whether the Mini Plus still holds up against newer competitors and if it’s worth every penny.
Design and Build: Compact and Comfortable
The Miyoo Mini Plus takes clear inspiration from Nintendo’s iconic Game Boy but adds modern touches that set it apart from bulkier rivals. Measuring about 108mm tall, 78mm wide, and 22mm thick, and weighing just 162 grams, this console is a dream for portability. It slips easily into your pocket for commutes or daily carry.
Its high-quality ABS plastic shell comes in colors like white, black, gray, and transparent, giving it a sleek, collectible vibe. The rounded edges and matte texture prevent slips, making it comfy for long gaming sessions. In the world of 2025 retro handhelds, its simple yet durable design earns it the title of the “Tiny Titan”
Buttons: Perfect for 16-Bit Classics
Modeled after the classic Game Boy layout, the Miyoo Mini Plus features controls tailored for emulating 8-bit and 16-bit consoles like NES, Game Boy, Super Nintendo, and Sega Genesis. Its directional D-pad delivers accurate input without the need for analog sticks, saving space to enhance portability. The ABXY buttons, along with Start, Select, and Menu, are thoughtfully placed on the front, providing responsive, tactile feedback for smooth navigation and retro gameplay.
On the back, shoulder buttons L1, L2, R1, and R2 support more intricate titles, such as those from PlayStation 1. This setup ensures broad system compatibility and a well-rounded experience for games requiring extra inputs.
Connectivity: A Key Advantage
The Miyoo Mini Plus shines with its connectivity options. It includes a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, making it easy to manage games and update the system, plus a 3.5mm stereo audio jack for headphones.
The real game-changer is its built-in Wi-Fi, which unlocks a range of modern features: multiplayer via NetPlay, RetroAchievements, cloud saves, automatic game cover downloads, and even wireless game transfers via FTP. No cables or computer needed.
Display: 3.5-Inch IPS Perfection
The 3.5-inch IPS screen is one of the Mini Plus’s biggest strengths. With a 640x480 resolution, it delivers sharp, vibrant visuals that bring 8- and 16-bit classics to life with stunning clarity. Colors pop, contrast is well-balanced, and wide viewing angles let you play comfortably from any position without distortion.
The adjustable brightness, peaking at 300 nits, ensures decent visibility even in brighter settings. While not the brightest in its class, it’s more than enough for casual, on-the-go gaming. The combination of size, resolution, and image quality makes this display a winner for anyone who values a great visual experience in a compact package.
Battery Life: Solid Runtime for Extended Play
The 3000mAh battery in the Miyoo Mini Plus marks a notable improvement over the original's 1900mAh, delivering 4 to 7 hours of continuous play based on the emulator and screen settings. Lighter emulations like GBA or SNES can stretch to 7 hours, whereas demanding PS1 games drop to 4-5 hours.
Recharging via USB-C takes about 2 hours, and the removable cover simplifies swapping in a spare battery.
Performance and Storage: Impressive for a Compact Device
Powered by a 1.2GHz dual-core ARM Cortex-A7 processor and 128MB of RAM, the Miyoo Mini Plus punches above its weight, handling emulation up to PS1 with ease. Games like the Resident Evil trilogy or Final Fantasy VII run smoothly, and it nails emulation for NES, SNES, GBA, Sega Genesis, Game Boy Color, Neo Geo, and classic arcade titles. Multitasking, like savestates and game switching, is seamless.
With 64GB of base storage (expandable to over 256GB), you can store tens of thousands of games, turning the Miyoo Mini Plus into a portable gaming library. Ongoing system updates in 2025 keep improving compatibility, adding support for ports like Diablo and Super Mario 64, making it more than just an emulation machine.
Emulation and OS: Versatile and User-Friendly
Running on a Linux-based system called OnionOS, the Miyoo Mini Plus keeps things user-friendly. The interface organizes games by platform, so picking your favorite console is a breeze. Turn it on, browse, and play—no fuss. Even emulation newbies will find it intuitive. It’s retro gaming done right.
Systems that run flawlessly:
- 8- and 16-bit consoles: NES, Master System, SNES, Sega Genesis
- Handhelds: Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance
- And more
Systems with partial support:
- PlayStation 1 (PS1)
- Nintendo 64 (N64)
Pricing: Affordable and Readily Available
Easily found on AliExpress, the Miyoo Mini Plus ranges from U$40 to U$50, depending on whether you opt for 64GB or 128GB storage. This budget-friendly pricing positions it as a smart pick for quality portable gaming without breaking the bank.
Is the Miyoo Mini Plus Worth It in 2025? Final Thoughts and Alternatives
In 2025, the Miyoo Mini Plus remains a top pick for anyone after a compact, affordable, and capable retro handheld. Its built-in Wi-Fi is a major advantage over competitors like the R36S, enabling modern features like RetroAchievements, cloud saves, and wireless file transfers. With its portable design, intuitive interface, and wide compatibility with classic consoles, the Mini Plus is a retro gaming gem. It’s perfect for revisiting old favorites or discovering hidden classics, offering unbeatable value for the price.
For those wanting a bit more power and okay with skipping Wi-Fi, the R36S is a solid alternative in the same price range, with good emulator support and a comfy grip. If you’re willing to spend more, the Batle XP G350 offers a premium experience with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and extra features for a more modern, versatile setup.
