Miyoo Still Making Mini Horizontal Handheld Version Software Update

Miyoo continues to innovate in the retro handheld market, particularly with their horizontal handheld versions, which have garnered significant attention for their comfort and functionality. Here’s a detailed look at the software updates and features of the latest Miyoo handhelds.

Device Overview and Hardware

The Miyoo Mini and its newer variants, such as the Miyoo A30, are designed to offer a compact yet powerful retro gaming experience. The Miyoo Mini features a 2.8-inch LCD screen and weighs about 107g with the battery, making it a highly portable option. The newer Miyoo A30, on the other hand, adopts a horizontal layout, which is expected to enhance comfort during extended play sessions.

Software and Firmware

Stock Firmware

The Miyoo Mini uses a custom proprietary Linux-based firmware, which is stored on the device's internal flash storage. This firmware is designed to take advantage of the device's higher resolution screen and includes features like support for scraped game box art and reliance on RetroArch for emulation. For the Miyoo A30, the stock firmware has seen updates to address initial issues such as screen brightness and emulator configurations.

Updating Firmware

Updating the firmware on these devices requires careful steps to avoid bricking the device. For the Miyoo Mini, you need to download the latest firmware image, copy it to the root of the SD card, remove the battery, and boot the device into a dedicated update mode using USB power. For the Miyoo A30, updates involve downloading the latest firmware and SD card configurations from official sources and following a similar process.

Custom Firmware Options

Better Than Nothing (BTN) Firmware

The Miyoo A30 has a custom firmware option known as Better Than Nothing (BTN), which aims to optimize the device's performance by pre-configuring RetroArch settings and optimizing CPU clock speeds for better battery life. This firmware retains the stock menu and adds more emulators via RetroArch cores.

MinUI Firmware

MinUI is another popular custom firmware available for the Miyoo A30, known for its streamlined interface and minimal settings. It offers quick boot times, auto-resume functionality, and a simple menu system. However, it lacks support for N64, Dreamcast, and PSP emulation.

OnionOS and Future Developments

OnionOS, a highly regarded firmware in the retro handheld community, is not yet available for the Miyoo A30 but is anticipated. Developers have expressed interest in porting OnionOS to the device, which would bring significant improvements in user experience and emulation capabilities.

User Experience and Features

Emulation and Performance

Both the Miyoo Mini and A30 rely heavily on RetroArch for emulation, providing support for a wide range of retro gaming systems. The devices are capable of running various games smoothly, although some systems like N64 and Dreamcast may not be fully supported on all firmware options.

The stock firmware of the Miyoo Mini features an icon-and-list approach to navigation, which includes modern niceties like support for scraped game box art. The custom firmware options, such as MinUI, offer more streamlined interfaces designed for ease of use.

Quality of Life Features

The Miyoo A30's custom firmware options, particularly MinUI, include quality of life features such as quick save and load state options, auto-resume functionality, and a power-off feature that creates a save state automatically.

Community Support and Development

The community around Miyoo handhelds is active and supportive, with developers continually working on improving the firmware and adding new features. This community support is crucial for the longevity and performance of these devices, ensuring that users have access to the latest updates and optimizations.

Practical Tips for Users

Firmware Updates: Always follow the official instructions for updating firmware to avoid bricking the device.
Custom Firmware: Explore different custom firmware options to find the one that best suits your needs.
Emulator Settings: Optimize emulator settings through RetroArch to achieve the best performance for your games.
Community Resources: Engage with the community for tips, updates, and troubleshooting advice.

By understanding these aspects of the Miyoo Mini and A30, users can maximize their retro gaming experience and stay updated with the latest software developments.