As someone who’s a fan of retro gaming, I’ve always kept an eye on handheld consoles that bring my childhood favorites back to life. Lately, the market has been flooded with Chinese portable gaming consoles, and unlike the knock-off versions of the past, these newer models are much better in terms of quality. Some of these devices are now seriously worth considering if you’re into playing classic games from systems like Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo, or even PlayStation 1. In this post, I’m going to review three popular handhelds: the Miyoo Mini, the R36S, and the Anbernic RG35XX Plus, all of which are affordable and capable enough to give you a great retro gaming experience.
Let’s break down each console, go over the good and the not-so-good, and help you decide which one might be best for your needs.
Miyoo Mini – Small but Mighty
Build Quality and Ergonomics
The Miyoo Mini stands out in the handheld world for its compact size and excellent build quality. Priced at around $70, it’s the cheapest of the three consoles we’re comparing today, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s a cheap product. The plastic feels durable, and the buttons are satisfying to press. Holding this little device gives you the sense that it’s well-made despite its tiny size. That’s important, especially when you’re constantly mashing buttons during a heated round of Street Fighter II.
Performance and Features
In terms of performance, the Miyoo Mini handles most retro games quite well. It supports games from systems like the NES, Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo, and even PlayStation 1. For the price, that’s impressive. On top of that, the community around this device is pretty active. You can install custom firmware, such as Onion OS, which makes the whole user experience smoother and adds some additional features. I highly recommend doing this, as it significantly enhances the overall usability.
However, there are some limitations. While it runs PS1 games, it’s at its absolute max capacity in doing so. You won’t be getting fancy graphical upgrades or additional performance. It handles most games at their native resolutions, and that’s about it. But for people who just want a no-nonsense retro handheld, this does the job.
Battery Life
Battery life on the Miyoo Mini is decent, giving you around 4-5 hours of playtime depending on the game and brightness settings. That’s not a lot if you’re looking for a longer portable gaming session, but for a quick hit of nostalgia, it works fine.
Verdict
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option and don’t mind a smaller screen and some limitations with PS1 games, the Miyoo Mini is a solid pick. It’s perfect for those who want to take classic games with them in the most portable form possible.
R36S – Decent but a Step Down in Quality
Build Quality and Ergonomics
The R36S sits at a slightly lower price point, around $60, and the drop in price is noticeable as soon as you pick it up. It feels a bit cheaper in hand. The buttons have more play, and the plastic casing doesn’t have that same solid feel as the Miyoo Mini. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to be aware of if build quality is a priority for you.
Performance and Features
Despite being a bit weaker in terms of build quality, the R36S still holds its own when it comes to gaming performance. It supports the same range of retro systems up to the PS1 and even dabbles in more advanced systems like Dreamcast and Nintendo 64. However, it struggles more with these newer systems, and you’ll notice occasional frame drops and stuttering, especially with graphically demanding games.
On the bright side, the R36S has dual analog sticks, something the Miyoo Mini and Anbernic RG35XX Plus lack. This makes it a bit more versatile when playing games that require analog control, especially for the Dreamcast and N64, but given its performance issues with these systems, this perk may not be as useful as you’d think.
The R36S also comes with dual USB-C ports, though I haven’t found a really solid use for this feature. You’d think you could use it to output to a TV, but unfortunately, it doesn’t support that functionality.
Battery Life
This is where the R36S shines. You’ll get almost 6-7 hours of playtime on a full charge, which is quite impressive, especially considering its price. If you need something that will last through a long flight or road trip, this could be the right console for you.
Verdict
The R36S is a good option if you’re on a tight budget but still want decent performance and battery life. However, the lower build quality and less polished experience compared to the Miyoo Mini make it a less appealing choice, at least for me.
Anbernic RG35XX Plus – The Powerhouse
Build Quality and Ergonomics
Anbernic has built a solid reputation in the retro gaming handheld space, and the RG35XX Plus is another example of why. Priced at $70, it has a more rugged, higher-quality build than the R36S and feels much more premium than the Miyoo Mini, despite being around the same price. The buttons are snappy and responsive, and the overall design makes it comfortable to hold for longer gaming sessions.
Performance and Features
This is where the Anbernic RG35XX Plus really shines. It handles everything up to the PS1 like a champ, and you can even increase the resolution for PS1 games to get a clearer picture, something the Miyoo Mini can’t handle. It can also run Dreamcast and Nintendo 64 games, though the experience is mixed. Some games run perfectly fine, while others lag or have graphical glitches.
What really sets this device apart, though, is its flexibility. The RG35XX Plus supports custom firmware like ArkOS, which lets you customize your gaming experience in a lot of cool ways. You can even set up the system to display box art and videos of your games, which gives it a much more polished, console-like experience.
Battery Life
The battery life is even better than the R36S, coming in at around 7-8 hours. That’s fantastic if you’re planning to use this on the go for extended periods. It also has a mini-HDMI port, allowing you to connect it to a TV and use it like a home console, though I did notice some audio issues when using this feature. Still, it’s a nice touch if you want to play on a bigger screen.
Verdict
The Anbernic RG35XX Plus is the best overall option in terms of performance, build quality, and features. If you’re willing to pay a little extra, this is the one I’d recommend, especially if you want a console that can handle a wider range of systems and games.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?
| Specs | Miyoo Mini | R36S | Anbernic RG35XX Plus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $70 | $60 | $70 |
| Screen Size | Small (2.8″) | Medium (3.5″) | Medium (3.5″) |
| Performance (PS1 games) | Good | Good but laggy | Excellent |
| Battery Life | 4-5 hours | 6-7 hours | 7-8 hours |
| Build Quality | High | Medium | High |
| Custom Firmware | Yes (Onion OS) | Yes (ArkOS) | Yes (ArkOS) |
| Wi-Fi Support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Analog Stick | No | Yes | No |
| HDMI Output | No | No | Yes |
In the end, all three consoles have their strengths and weaknesses, and it really depends on what you’re looking for in a handheld.
- Miyoo Mini ($70): Ideal for those looking for a small, portable, and simple retro console. It does the basics really well and has an active community for customizations.
- R36S ($60): A decent option if you’re on a budget and need something with good battery life, though you’ll have to compromise on build quality and some performance.
- Anbernic RG35XX Plus ($70): The best all-around option if you want high build quality, better performance, and extra features like TV output and longer battery life.
Ultimately, I’d go with the Anbernic RG35XX Plus, but if you prefer something smaller or cheaper, the Miyoo Mini or R36S are also great choices. Happy retro gaming!
