The Trimui Brick Hammer arrives in 2025 as an evolution of the popular Trimui Brick, offering a premium feel thanks to its CNC-machined metal body, along with improvements to the speakers and Wi-Fi connectivity. With this set of upgrades, the handheld aims to elevate the retro gaming experience to a new level. The question remains: does the Trimui Brick Hammer truly justify its price? This detailed review provides the answer.
Design: Premium and Compact
The Trimui Brick Hammer stands out with its CNC-machined metal chassis, delivering robustness and a clear sense of superior quality. The metallic finish not only enhances aesthetics but also aids in heat dissipation, ensuring greater stability during extended use. Compared to plastic competitors, this design positions the device as a more sophisticated and durable retro handheld.
Its compact form factor, reminiscent of the classic Game Boy, is paired with modern proportions of 73.2 x 109.9 x 11.8 – 19.9 mm and a weight of 196 g. The added weight from the metal reinforces the premium feel without compromising portability, making it comfortable for long gaming sessions.
Controls: Precision and Customization
The controls are designed for a versatile and personalized experience. The cross-shaped D-pad ensures precise movements, while the ABXY action buttons deliver high quality and consistent response. On the back, the R1, R2, L1, and L2 triggers are interchangeable—the box includes different shapes, allowing each player to adapt the console to their style, enhancing both comfort and customization.
Classic Select and Start buttons remain, accompanied by three extra buttons at the bottom, expanding control options. The absence of analog sticks is intentional, prioritizing portability and a minimalist aesthetic.
Connectivity: Complete and Modern
The Trimui Brick Hammer features 5G Wi-Fi, ensuring faster and more stable connections. This enables system updates, online multiplayer via netplay, RetroAchievements integration, and FTP file transfers for easier management.
Physically, it includes two USB-C ports, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a microSD slot for games and system storage.
Display: IPS High Definition
The 3.2-inch IPS display with 1024x768 resolution offers an impressive 400 ppi density, delivering sharp, detailed visuals.
IPS technology ensures vivid colors, consistent quality, and excellent viewing angles, combining retro fidelity with the modern benefits of a high-definition screen.
Battery: Adequate for Its Category
The Trimui Brick Hammer comes with a 3000mAh battery, providing 3 to 5 hours of autonomy depending on brightness and emulator load.
Charging via USB-C takes about 2 hours, offering convenience and efficiency.
Performance and Storage
Powered by the Allwinner A133P processor, PowerVR GE8300 GPU, and 1GB LPDDR3 RAM, the handheld delivers smooth performance across the system and emulators. It runs everything from Atari to PlayStation 1 and Nintendo 64, along with some lighter PSP titles.
Available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB SD card versions, it provides generous space for a large retro library.
Operating System + Emulation Support
The system is based on custom Linux, optimized for emulation with intuitive menus and support for custom themes. Pre-installed emulators make it ready to use out of the box.
Platforms That Run Perfectly:
- Arcades: CPS, FBA, MAME
- 8 & 16-bit consoles: NES, Master System, SNES, Mega Drive
- 32 & 64-bit consoles: PlayStation 1, Nintendo 64
- Handhelds: Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Neo Geo Pocket, Nintendo DS
- And more
Platforms That Run Some Titles:
- Dreamcast
- PlayStation Portable (PSP)
Price: Premium but Competitive
The Trimui Brick Hammer is available on AliExpress for around US$70 to US$95, offering strong value within the premium category.
Is the Trimui Brick Hammer Worth It in 2025? Final Thoughts and Alternatives
The Trimui Brick Hammer stands out as one of the most appealing choices for those seeking a vertical handheld with premium metal construction, paired with a high-quality display, complete connectivity, and the ability to run thousands of classics. It delivers a blend of nostalgia and modernity in a single device.
Notable Alternatives to the Trimui Brick Hammer:
- Trimui Smart Brick: Compact handheld with partial metal build, quality screen, and portability focus.
- Miyoo Mini Plus: Known for its active community, solid build, sharp display, and full connectivity.
- R36S: Perfect for budget-conscious players, currently one of the best sellers on AliExpress.
- R36 Ultra: Offers the best value among vertical models, with a square screen, complete connectivity, and solid construction.
