Peltekis.dev

Exploring the Miyoo Mini Plus A Retro Gaming Dream Come True

January 15, 2025

Miyoo Mini Plus

After much anticipation, my Miyoo Mini Plus has finally arrived, and I couldn’t wait to dive into the retro gaming experience it promises. If you’ve been eyeing this handheld console or are just curious about its capabilities, let me share my journey of setting it up and getting started with OnionOS and a loaded 128GB microSD card packed with classic games.

First Impressions

Right out of the box, the Miyoo Mini Plus feels like a nostalgic trip back to the golden era of gaming. Its compact size and lightweight design make it perfect for gaming on the go. The 3.5-inch IPS display is vibrant and sharp, providing a fantastic window into the pixelated worlds of yesteryear.

The build quality exceeded my expectations. Despite its small size, the buttons feel responsive, the D-pad is precise, and the overall ergonomics make extended play sessions comfortable. The retro-inspired design is a cherry on top, with color options that evoke memories of classic consoles.

Setting It Up: OnionOS and ROMs Galore

One of the first things I did was install OnionOS, a custom firmware that takes the Miyoo Mini Plus to the next level. If you’re new to this, OnionOS is a Linux-based operating system that enhances the device’s functionality and improves the user interface. Installing it was straightforward:

  1. Download OnionOS: I grabbed the latest version of OnionOS from the official GitHub page OnionOS.
  2. Prepare the SD Card: After formatting my 128GB microSD card, I copied the OnionOS files onto it.
  3. Boot and Install: Popping the card into the Miyoo Mini Plus and powering it on, the installation process was seamless. Within minutes, I was greeted with a sleek and user-friendly menu system.

With OnionOS up and running, I loaded up the SD card with a treasure trove of ROMs, covering a wide array of classic systems:

  • NES
  • SNES
  • Game Boy (GB)
  • Game Boy Color (GBC)
  • Game Boy Advance (GBA)
  • Mega Drive (Genesis)
  • PlayStation 1 (PS1)

Having a 128GB card meant I could fit an impressive library of games, ensuring I’ll never run out of titles to play.

Gaming Performance

The Miyoo Mini Plus excels at emulating retro systems. Here’s a quick breakdown of my experience with each:

NES, SNES, GB, GBC, and GBA

These systems run flawlessly. Games load quickly, and the emulation is near-perfect. The controls feel natural, and the crisp screen brings out the charm of these classics. Whether it’s diving into Super Mario World on the SNES or revisiting Pokémon Crystal on the Game Boy Color, the experience is smooth and nostalgic.

Mega Drive (Genesis)

Sega’s 16-bit era shines on the Miyoo Mini Plus. Classics like Sonic the Hedgehog and Streets of Rage 2 play without a hitch. The sound emulation is spot-on, and the vibrant graphics look fantastic on the IPS display.

PS1

The PlayStation library is where the Miyoo Mini Plus truly impresses. Titles like Metal Gear Solid and Final Fantasy VII run smoothly, and the device handles 3D graphics surprisingly well for its size and price. While not every PS1 game might run perfectly, the majority of titles I tested performed admirably.

Why OnionOS is a Game-Changer

OnionOS enhances the Miyoo Mini Plus in several ways:

  1. Custom Themes: The ability to personalize the interface makes the experience feel unique.
  2. Save States: Quickly save and load your progress, perfect for challenging retro games.
  3. Built-in Tools: Features like a file manager and game scraper streamline the process of organizing your library.
  4. Multiplayer Potential: With Wi-Fi capabilities, the Miyoo Mini Plus opens the door for potential multiplayer experiences in the future.

Battery Life

The 3000mAh battery delivers about 5-6 hours of continuous gameplay, which is more than enough for long gaming sessions. Charging via USB-C is convenient, and I’ve found it charges relatively quickly.

The Miyoo Mini Plus, paired with OnionOS and a well-stocked 128GB microSD card, is a retro gamer’s paradise. Its portability, excellent emulation capabilities, and user-friendly interface make it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to relive the classics.

Whether you’re a seasoned retro gaming enthusiast or someone discovering these timeless titles for the first time, the Miyoo Mini Plus delivers an experience that’s hard to beat.