Retro gaming has come a long way since the days of setting up Raspberry Pi emulators. While there’s something nostalgic about the DIY setup, today’s portable gaming devices, like the Miyoo Mini v4 and Miyoo Mini Plus, make it easy to dive straight into classic games without the hassle.
If you’ve been wondering whether to go for the Mini v4 or the Mini Plus, you’re not alone.
Both offer impressive specs and solid performance, but each has its own strengths. Let’s break them down.
First Impressions: Compact vs. Comfortable
The Miyoo Mini v4 is ridiculously small about the size of a deck of cards. It’s the perfect device if you’re looking for something ultra-portable that you can easily slip into your pocket and forget about until you need it. The Mini v4 excels in gaming on the go, but for longer sessions, especially with games that rely on shoulder buttons, it can feel a bit fiddly.
The Miyoo Mini Plus, while still portable, is noticeably larger. The extra size comes with benefits: it’s more comfortable to hold for extended play, especially when playing games with more complex button inputs. The improved shoulder buttons and the larger screen offer a more immersive experience.
Wi-Fi & Multiplayer Capability (Netplay)
The Plus’s built-in Wi-Fi is a bigger deal than it might sound. Over-the-air updates and RetroAchievements add a modern layer to retro gaming that’s hard to go back from once you’ve experienced it. The Mini v4, however, skips this entirely.
Another key feature of the Miyoo Mini Plus is that it supports local multiplayer through Wi-Fi. Using RetroArch’s Netplay, two Mini Plus devices can easily sync up for some 2-player action.
Specs Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at what each device offers in terms of hardware:
| Miyoo Mini v4 Display: 2.8” (750×560) Battery: 2000mAh Size: Ultra-portable, pocketable Controls: Volume wheel Connectivity: No built-in Wi-Fi Charging: USB-C 3.5mm Headphone Jack Weight 108g | Miyoo Mini Plus Display: 3.5” (640×480) Battery: 3000mAh Size: Slightly larger, more ergonomic Controls: Volume +/- buttons Connectivity: Wi-Fi (OTA updates + RetroAchievements + Netplay) Charging: USB-C 3.5mm Headphone Jack Weight 170g |
Shared Hardware
- CPU: ARM Cortex-A7 dual-core 1.2GHz
- RAM: 128MB
- Emulation: Capable of running PS1 games, along with a wide range of classic systems
Setup & Customization
One of the first things I did with both devices was install the screen protector and then swap out the included microSD card. The stock cards are fine to get started with, but they’re known to fail quite early. So upgrading to a reliable card is a no-brainer. I’m using a couple of SanDisk 128GB cards.
First, I made a backup of the stock card. Then, with the new card, I installed the improved operating system, Onion OS. This OS transforms the experience, with faster menus, better organization, and a much smoother overall feel.
Once set up, you can plug the SD card into a PC to drag and drop your files, ROMs, BIOS, and media. Its all easily managed.
And that’s it! You’re ready to play your favorite retro games! There’s a huge community of users, and plenty of tutorials, so it’s super easy to set up and customize to your liking. You can even mod the device, change out the buttons for custom colors which looks cool!
Downsides and Issues
After using both device for a while there were no major issues, if anything the Plus seemed a bit more refined.
On the mini V4 I noticed some very minor light leak in a few spots around the screen, and placing the device on a desk it was pressing the raised back shoulder buttons, casing the game menus to scroll in an infinite loop until picked up again. (but this might be an isolated issue with this device)
Some people also noted concern about the top led light being too bright on the transparent models but this didn’t bother me and there are a few fixes other users have completed with black tape mod.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, both devices offer a unique retro gaming experience. The Miyoo Mini v4 wins in terms of portability and efficiency, making it the go to option for quick, on the go gaming. Meanwhile, the Miyoo Mini Plus shines when it comes to comfort, multiplayer capabilities, and longer play sessions.
The Miyoo Mini Plus is the more practical, well-rounded device and it’s the one I use most. If it’s the only handheld you’re buying, go for this one.
I’m still keeping both for now, though, because sometimes you want comfort and a larger screen. And sometimes, you just want a tiny little gaming machine for quick gaming sessions on the go.
Which One Should You Choose?
Go for the Miyoo Mini v4 if:
- You want the smallest, most portable device.
- You plan to play quick short sessions on the go.
- You don’t need Wi-Fi or multiplayer features.
- You value the sharpest screen density in a tiny package.
Go for the Miyoo Mini Plus if:
- You want longer play with a more comfortable grip and better back buttons.
- You like the idea of multiplayer gaming via Wi-Fi (Netplay).
- You prefer a larger screen and better ergonomics for extended play.
- You don’t mind the slightly extra bulk for added features and comfort.
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