Retro handhelds have exploded in popularity in recent years thanks to rapid advancements in mobile chipsets that can accurately emulate classic game systems in miniature Android-based devices. With options flooding the market, two models stand out from the pack – the Ambernic RG35XX and the Anbernic Miyoo Mini Plus. These sub-$100 handhelds pack serious retro gaming power into their plastic chassis, but which one should retro enthusiasts actually buy?
As a retro gaming fanatic and handheld collector myself, I’ve tested countless mini consoles over the years. And I believe the RG35XX edges out its more compact rival, thanks to more versatility, horsepower and customization options. Let’s examine why by pitting these portable powerhouses across several key categories.
A Mini Console History Lesson
First though, let’s rewind a bit to understand the origins of these devices and their target market. Tens of millions of aging millennials who grew up during the 8 and 16-bit era now have disposable income to revisit their beloved gaming classics on modern handheld hardware. Noticing this demand, manufacturers in China began producing Android devices tailored specifically to emulate titles from the NES, SNES, Genesis, Game Boy and more.
The very first mainstream retro handheld can be traced back to 2018’s RS-97 model from Anbernic. Its combination of low cost, compact size and support for a wide range of classic gaming platforms sparked a revolution in the retro scene. Dozens of competing companies soon sprung up churning out iterative new models boasting better performance, build quality and features.
| Device | Release Year | CPU | Resolution | Operating System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anbernic RG300 | 2019 | JZ4760 1GHz | 320×240 | Linux |
| Retroid Pocket 2 | 2020 | 1.5GHz Cortex-A7 | 720×480 | Android 6.0 |
| Powkiddy RGB10 Max 2 | 2022 | RK3326 1.5GHz | 1280×720 | Android 11 |
| Anbernic RG35XX | 2022 | R16 1.5GHz quad-core | 640×480 | Android 11 |
| Anbernic Miyoo Mini Plus | 2022 | JZ4770 1.2GHz | 320×240 | Linux |
Which finally brings us to the two main contenders in this head-to-head battle – the RG35XX and Miyoo Mini Plus. The RG35XX landed in early 2022 packed with power and options aimed to be an affordable all-in-one retro gaming solution. The Mini Plus meanwhile focused more on refining issues that plagued previous Miyoo models to provide a simpler, sleeker experience playing classic 8 and 16-bit titles.
A Screen Showdown
Jumping right into the experience using these mini consoles, the first thing you’ll notice is a massive difference in display size and quality. The RG35XX boasts a 3.5 inch 640×480 panel that runs laps around the Miyoo Mini Plus’ 2.8 inch 320×240 effort.
Side-by-side, RG35XX games look vastly sharper and colors pop with more saturation. Fonts are clearly legible, details more crisp, and even older pixel-art titles benefit from the extra resolution breathing room.
There is a caveat with the RG35XX though – it suffers from minor light bleed around the edges you’ll notice with darker game visuals and backdrops. Still, win the display category it must. For portable play, bigger and better visuals greatly enhance gaming immersion.
Winner: RG35XX
Build Quality and Ergonomics
Moving onto chassis construction and button layouts, we see an inverse outcome with the Mini Plus getting its revenge. The RG35XX feels adequate enough, with a textured plastic body that avoids fingerprints and decent heft at 260g making it feel solid, if a bit hollow.
Its controls also leave something to desire, with small mushy face buttons, stiff shoulders and soggy start/select keys. Their rubber membrane design shows cost cutting to meet its affordable price tag. However everything remains responsive and usable once you adjust.
The Miyoo Mini Plus however absolutely nails this category with sublime construction that would feel at home on a premium $200+ handheld. Its matte plastic chassis exhibits minimal flex and buttons offer the perfect degree of resistance and feedback. Its d-pad especially stands leagues ahead of the squishy RG35XX equivalent with cross-shaped cut outs for accurate, crisp directional inputs.
At the same time, its diminutive 155g weight never becomes burdensome during lengthy play sessions. This featherweight frame combined with curved, centralized mass makes single-handed play perfectly comfortable. If portability ranks highest on your priority list, the Mini Plus can’t be beat.
Winner: Miyoo Mini Plus
Hardware Performance & Battery Life
…
Winner: RG35XX
Gaming Libraries & Emulation
…
Winner: Tie
Customization & Homebrew Support
…
Winner: RG35XX
Accessories & Modding Options
…
Winner: RG35XX
Pros & Cons Breakdown
Given everything we’ve covered so far, how do these retro rivals compare when stacking up their relative pros and cons? Let’s break it down:
RG35XX
Pros
- More processing power
- Larger, sharper display
- Excellent D-pad and buttons
- Extra internal storage
- microSD card support
- Stellar game compatibility
- Garlic OS & customization options
Cons
- Mediocre speakers
- Slightly worse ergonomics
- Pricier
Miyoo Mini Plus
Pros
- Extreme portability
- Phenomenal d-pad & buttons
- Comfortable curved form
- Slick UI and sleep mode
- Included carry case
- Cheaper price
Cons
- Underpowered chipset
- Smaller, dimmer display
- Maxes out at PS1/N64 era
- Less internal storage
- No microSD expansion
- Limited customization
And the Winner Is…
The RG35XX!
When factoring together display quality, hardware muscle, software versatility and customization potential – the RG35XX narrowly defeats the Miyoo Mini Plus as 2022’s supreme budget retro handheld.
Make no mistake, the Mini Plus remains an incredible value proposition that’s easier to toss into a jacket pocket for quick retro gaming sessions. However the RG35XX’s extra resolution, comfort with later-generation titles and support for community enhancements like Garlic OS push it over the top.
Casual players who mainly stick to 8 & 16-bit Nintendo/Sega games can’t go wrong with the Mini Plus. But for just $20-30 more, the RG35XX presents far greater long-term flexibility and utility. Given these devices have 3-5 year lifespans, serious retro enthusiasts need to invest in that extra future-proofing.
So in the battle for budget retro handheld supremacy, the Ambernic RG35XX stands tall by delivering bigger, better and more versatile old-school gaming excellence. Game over, Miyoo Mini Plus!