The Miyoo Mini Plus is still one of the easiest retro handhelds to recommend in 2026 because it knows exactly what it is: a tiny, inexpensive, vertical Linux handheld for 8-bit, 16-bit, arcade, and PlayStation 1 gaming.
Miyoo's official store currently lists the Mini Plus at $56.99 for 64GB color variants during its May 1-5 holiday sale window, with a regular price of $79.99 (according to Miyoo's product page). That puts it directly against the Anbernic RG35XX Plus and TrimUI Brick.
Price and Availability
| Store Position | Current Detail |
|---|---|
| Official sale price | $56.99 for 64GB variants |
| Regular price | $79.99 |
| Colors | Purple, black, white, gray |
| Warranty | 1 year listed by Miyoo |
| Dispatch note | May 1-5 support and dispatch pause |
At this price, the Mini Plus is less about horsepower and more about daily carry. It is the handheld you put in a jacket pocket, keep by the couch, or hand to someone who wants simple retro gaming without Android setup friction.
Core Specs
| Spec | Miyoo Mini Plus |
|---|---|
| Display | 3.5-inch IPS, 640x480 |
| CPU | SigmaStar SSD202D / Cortex-A7 dual-core 1.2GHz |
| OS | Linux; commonly upgraded with Onion OS |
| Battery | 3,000mAh Li-Po |
| Storage | microSD |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi |
Miyoo describes the Mini Plus as a compact Linux handheld with a 3.5-inch 640x480 IPS screen, Wi-Fi connectivity, microSD expansion, and a 3,000mAh battery (according to Miyoo).
Why Onion OS Still Matters
The stock experience is usable, but Onion OS is the reason the Miyoo Mini Plus has stayed popular. Onion adds a cleaner launcher, better game switching, save-state convenience, scraper support, package management, and community documentation that makes the device feel less like a cheap emulator box and more like a focused retro console.
The practical setup path is simple:
- Buy the Mini Plus without overpaying for a preloaded card.
- Use a reliable microSD card from Samsung, SanDisk, or Lexar.
- Install Onion OS from the official Onion documentation.
- Add your own legally dumped games and BIOS files.
- Use favorites and recent-game views instead of browsing giant ROM lists.
Performance: What It Plays Well
The Mini Plus is excellent for low-power retro systems and increasingly shaky once you leave that lane.
| System | Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Game Boy / GBC / NES / Master System | Excellent | Perfect use case |
| SNES / Genesis / PC Engine | Excellent | Most games run well |
| GBA | Excellent | Screen size and controls fit nicely |
| Arcade | Good | Depends on core and game |
| PS1 | Good | Many games playable; heavy 3D can need tweaks |
| N64 / Dreamcast / PSP | Skip | Buy stronger hardware |
That limitation is not a flaw if you buy it for the right library. The Mini Plus is for Chrono Trigger, Pokemon, Castlevania, Final Fantasy VII, Metal Slug, and quick pick-up sessions, not GameCube or PS2.
Miyoo Mini Plus vs Anbernic RG35XX Plus
The RG35XX Plus has more power and HDMI output. The Miyoo Mini Plus has the cleaner community software story and a friendlier pocket shape. In 2026, the right answer depends on whether you want tinkering headroom or the most charming tiny device.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Custom firmware feel | Miyoo Mini Plus |
| Raw performance | Anbernic RG35XX Plus |
| Pocketability | Miyoo Mini Plus |
| HDMI / TV play | Anbernic RG35XX Plus |
| First retro handheld | Tie |
Buy or Skip?
Buy the Miyoo Mini Plus if you want a cheap, pocketable, community-supported retro handheld for PS1 and below. Skip it if you want analog sticks, HDMI, PSP, Dreamcast, N64, Saturn, GameCube, or Android.
In 2026, it is no longer the strongest budget handheld. It is still one of the nicest small ones.
Compare alternatives on the <a href="/handhelds/miyoo-mini-plus">Miyoo Mini Plus device page</a>, <a href="/handhelds/anbernic-rg35xx-plus">Anbernic RG35XX Plus</a>, and <a href="/handhelds/trimui-brick">TrimUI Brick</a>, or use the <a href="/picker">Handheld Picker Quiz</a>.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Miyoo Mini Plus still worth buying in 2026?
Yes, the Miyoo Mini Plus is still worth buying in 2026 if you want a pocketable handheld for Game Boy, GBA, SNES, Genesis, arcade, and PS1. It is not worth buying for N64, PSP, Dreamcast, GameCube, or PS2 because the hardware is too limited.
Should I install Onion OS on the Miyoo Mini Plus?
Yes. Onion OS is the best reason to choose the Miyoo Mini Plus over many cheap clones. It improves navigation, game switching, save-state workflows, package management, and the overall console feel. Use a fresh name-brand microSD card instead of relying on a bundled card.
Can the Miyoo Mini Plus play PS1 games?
Yes, the Miyoo Mini Plus plays many PlayStation 1 games well, especially RPGs, 2D games, and less demanding 3D titles. Some heavier games may need frameskip, BIOS files, or per-game settings. It does not have analog sticks, so games designed around dual analog controls are awkward.
Is the Miyoo Mini Plus better than the RG35XX Plus?
The Miyoo Mini Plus is better for pocketability and Onion OS polish. The RG35XX Plus is better for raw power, HDMI output, and systems just above PS1. Choose Miyoo for a tiny daily-carry retro device; choose Anbernic if you want more hardware headroom.
Sources
- Miyoo - Mini Plus official product page
- Onion - official documentation
- Retro Game Corps - Miyoo Mini Plus starter guide
- <a href="/blog/best-budget-handhelds-2026">Handheld Picker - Best Budget Handhelds 2026</a>
*Featured image: Miyoo official product imagery. Product images used under fair use for editorial purposes.*
