Although Miyoo rarely publishes detailed corporate history, the company emerged during the rapid growth of the Chinese retro handheld market. Originally one of several Shenzhen manufacturers producing Linux-based handheld gaming devices, Miyoo gradually distinguished itself through better industrial design, high-quality displays, and compact form factors.

The brand became internationally recognized after releasing the Miyoo Mini in 2022. The device unexpectedly became one of the most popular retro handhelds ever produced due to its:

• Extremely compact size

• Excellent IPS display

• Comfortable controls

• Strong open-source community support

• Affordable price

Demand quickly exceeded production, causing worldwide shortages for several months. [4]

According to Miyoo, the company’s goal is to make handheld gaming:

• Simple

• Portable

• Reliable

• Easy to enjoy anywhere

Rather than competing with powerful gaming PCs or Android handhelds, Miyoo focuses on lightweight devices dedicated to classic gaming experiences. [5]

Miyoo Mini

Released in 2022, the Miyoo Mini became the company’s breakthrough product.

Highlights

• 2.8-inch laminated IPS display

• Linux operating system

• Pocket-sized vertical design

• Excellent D-pad

• Community firmware support

The laminated display significantly improved image clarity compared with many competing handhelds. [6]

Miyoo Mini Plus

The Mini Plus is a larger version of the original Mini.

Improvements include:

• 3.5-inch IPS screen

• Larger battery

• Better ergonomics

• Wi-Fi connectivity

• Improved durability

It remains one of the most recommended entry-level retro handhelds. [7]

Miyoo A30

Released as Miyoo’s first horizontal handheld.

Features include:

• Horizontal layout

• Analog stick

• Better comfort for long play sessions

• Compact dimensions

The A30 targets users who prefer a landscape design over the Game Boy-inspired vertical form factor. [8]

Miyoo Flip

The Miyoo Flip introduces a clamshell design inspired by handheld consoles such as the Game Boy Advance SP.

Key features include:

• Folding design

• Larger screen

• Dual microSD support

• More powerful hardware than earlier Miyoo devices

It is intended to combine portability with improved durability by protecting the screen when closed. [9]

Miyoo OS

Miyoo ships its devices with Miyoo OS, a proprietary Linux-based operating system designed for quick startup and simple navigation.

Features include:

• Fast boot time

• Emulator management

• Save states

• Game library browsing

• Basic settings interface

Unlike some competitors, Miyoo’s stock operating system is closed-source. [10]

Community Software

A major reason for Miyoo’s popularity is its active developer community.

Popular community firmware includes:

• OnionOS (for the Miyoo Mini and Mini Plus)

• Allium

• MiniUI

These projects add features such as:

• Improved menus

• Better emulator performance

• Themes

• Enhanced file management

• Network features

• Automatic game scraping

• Achievement support

• Expanded customization

Many users consider OnionOS the preferred software experience for supported Miyoo devices. [11]

Miyoo devices are known for:

• Compact size

• High-quality IPS screens

• Good directional pads

• Responsive face buttons

• Lightweight construction

• Long battery life relative to their size

The company typically prioritizes portability over maximum processing power.

Depending on the model and emulator software, Miyoo handhelds can emulate many classic systems, including:

• NES

• SNES

• Game Boy

• Game Boy Color

• Game Boy Advance

• Sega Master System

• Sega Genesis / Mega Drive

• Game Gear

• Neo Geo

• Neo Geo Pocket

• PC Engine / TurboGrafx-16

• PlayStation (PS1)

• Arcade systems (various)

Performance varies by device and emulator.

Miyoo has developed one of the largest communities in the retro handheld space.

Users contribute:

• Custom firmware

• Themes

• Performance optimizations

• Homebrew software

• Emulator improvements

• Game artwork collections

• Setup guides

This community support has significantly extended the lifespan and appeal of Miyoo devices beyond their original software.

Miyoo products are generally praised for:

Strengths

• Excellent value for money

• Premium-feeling displays

• Compact design

• Strong custom firmware ecosystem

• Comfortable controls

• Easy portability

Common criticisms

• Limited processing power compared to newer handhelds

• Stock firmware is less feature-rich than community alternatives

• Occasional supply shortages for popular models

• Build quality can vary slightly between production batches

Miyoo competes with several other manufacturers in the retro handheld market, including:

• Anbernic

• Retroid

• Powkiddy

• TrimUI

• AYN

The Miyoo Mini is widely regarded as one of the most influential retro handheld consoles of the early 2020s. Its combination of portability, affordability, and extensive community software support helped popularize the modern pocket-sized emulation handheld category and inspired numerous competing devices. [12]

1. Handheld Brands — HandheldWiki

2. MIYOO Trademark Application of Shenzhen LeMiyoo Technology Co., Ltd. – Serial Number 97937693 :: Justia Trademarks

3. MIYOO Trademark Application of Shenzhen Lemiyou Technology Co., LTD – Serial Number 99736329 :: Justia Trademarks

4. Retro Handheld Gaming Console For Sale – MiyooDIY

5. Who ACTUALLY makes the handhelds for companies like Ayaneo, AYN, Retroid, etc?

6. Anyone know as to how the Miyoo Mini came about?

7. Miyoo Official Site | Retro Handheld Game Console

8. Miyoo Flip Teardown

9. Is my Miyoo legit?

10. MIYOO – Shenzhen Lemiyou Technology Co., LTD Trademark Registration

11. MIYOO Trademark Application of Shenzhen Lemiyou Technology Co., LTD – Serial Number 99715308 :: Justia Trademarks