The Miyoo Flip has been one of the most talked-about retro handhelds in recent years, and after what felt like forever, it’s finally here. For anyone who’s been following the retro gaming scene you’ll know that clamshell designs like this one have a special place in our hearts. They’re nostalgic, portable, and just plain cool.
This little device has been teased for over a year, and now that it’s in our hands, it’s time to see if it’s worth the wait. With its compact design, dual analog sticks, and support for systems like N64, PSP, and Dreamcast, the Miyoo Flip is aiming to be the ultimate retro gaming companion. But as with any new gadget, there are always questions. How does it feel to hold? Can it really handle those more demanding systems? And most importantly, is it worth your money?
Design and Build Quality
First off, the Miyoo Flip is a clamshell device, and it’s clear that Miyoo took inspiration from the classic Game Boy Advance SP. It’s compact, portable, and feels solid in your hands. The device comes in a few color options—white, gray, black, and yellow—and each one has a slightly different texture. The white and black models have a slick, almost glossy finish, while the gray and yellow versions have a more matte, powdery feel. Personally, I prefer the matte finish because it’s less prone to fingerprints and feels grippier, but it’s really a matter of personal preference.
The hinge is one of the most important parts of any clamshell device, and here, the Miyoo Flip does a decent job. It’s not perfect, but it’s functional. The hinge allows the screen to open at three different angles, which is great for finding the perfect viewing position. However, it does feel a bit stiff at times, and there’s a slight wobble when the screen is fully open. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re picky about build quality. On the plus side, the hinge feels durable enough to withstand regular use, and the screen snaps shut with a satisfying click, thanks to some rubber bumpers that keep everything in place.
Now, let’s talk about the buttons. The Miyoo Flip has a standard layout with a D-pad, face buttons (A, B, X, Y), two analog sticks, and shoulder/trigger buttons. The D-pad and face buttons are clicky and responsive, with a light touch that makes them easy to press. They remind me of the buttons on the Game Boy Advance SP, which is a good thing. The analog sticks, on the other hand, are small and sit low in their sockets, which might feel a bit awkward at first. They’re not the most ergonomic sticks out there, but they get the job done for games that require analog input, like N64 or PSP titles. Plus, they have L3 and R3 buttons, which is a nice touch.
The shoulder and trigger buttons are a bit of a mixed bag. They’re soft and quiet, which is great for late-night gaming sessions, but they’re also a little too easy to press. I found myself accidentally hitting them while adjusting my grip, which could be annoying during gameplay. The power button, located on the side, is also a bit too sensitive. It’s easy to accidentally turn the device on or off, especially if you’re carrying it in a bag or pocket.
On the back of the device, you’ll find some ribbed texture that adds a nice grip and gives it a classic Game Boy vibe. There are also some small ventilation holes, which help with heat dissipation. Speaking of heat, the device does get a little warm after extended play sessions, especially when running more demanding systems like N64 or PSP, but it’s nothing too concerning.
One thing I really appreciate about the Miyoo Flip is its size. It’s smaller and lighter than some of its competitors, like the RG35XXSP, making it super portable. The 3.5-inch screen is the same size as many other retro handhelds, but the clamshell design means the device itself is more compact when closed. It’s the kind of device you can easily slip into your pocket or bag without worrying about scratching the screen.
Ports
The Miyoo Flip features a USB-C port located on the bottom of the device. This port is used for charging and data transfer. However, there’s a catch: the Miyoo Flip is a bit picky about the chargers and cables it works with. You’ll need to use a 5V/1.5A charger for reliable charging. If you try to use a fast charger or a higher-wattage USB-C cable, the device might not charge at all.
The USB-C port also supports data transfer, which is great for adding your own ROMs or updating the firmware. The device comes with a USB-C to USB-A adapter, so you can easily connect it to your computer to transfer files.
One of the standout features of the Miyoo Flip is its mini HDMI port, located on the top of the device. This allows you to connect the Miyoo Flip to a TV or monitor, turning it into a mini retro gaming console. The HDMI output supports 720p resolution, which is more than enough for retro games. However, keep in mind that the Miyoo Flip doesn’t have Bluetooth, so you’ll need to use a wired controller if you want to play on a bigger screen.
The Miyoo Flip includes a 3.5mm headphone jack on the bottom of the device, which is a nice touch for anyone who prefers wired headphones or earbuds. The audio quality is solid, with no noticeable lag or distortion, and the volume can be adjusted using the dedicated volume buttons on the side of the device.
The Miyoo Flip has two micro SD card slots, which is a big plus for anyone who wants to expand their game library. The first slot is used for the operating system and pre-loaded games, while the second slot is for additional storage. This means you can easily add your own ROMs or ports without worrying about running out of space.
The device comes with a 64GB micro SD card pre-loaded with games, but if you want to add more, you can use the second slot or replace the included card with a larger one.
Connectivity
The Miyoo Flip supports Wi-Fi (both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), which is a great feature for anyone who wants to take advantage of online features like Retro Achievements or box art scraping. Retro Achievements allow you to earn achievements for retro games, adding a modern twist to classic gaming. Box art scraping automatically downloads cover art for your games, making your library look more polished and organized.
One of the biggest drawbacks of the Miyoo Flip is the lack of Bluetooth. This means you can’t connect wireless controllers or headphones, which is a bit of a letdown for a device with HDMI output. If you want to play on a TV, you’ll need to use a wired controller, which can be a bit cumbersome.
The absence of Bluetooth is a missed opportunity, especially considering how popular wireless accessories are these days. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s definitely something to keep in mind if you’re planning to use the Miyoo Flip with external peripherals.
Display Quality
The Miyoo Flip features a 3.5-inch IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 640×480 pixels. This gives it a 4:3 aspect ratio, which is perfect for retro gaming since most classic consoles were designed with this aspect ratio in mind. The screen is the same size as many other retro handhelds, like the Anbernic RG35XX and the Miyoo Mini Plus, so it’s familiar territory for retro gaming enthusiasts.
One of the first things you’ll notice about the Miyoo Flip’s screen is its vibrant colors. The IPS panel does a great job of reproducing rich, accurate colors, which makes games look lively and engaging. The screen also gets plenty bright, which is great for gaming in well-lit environments. The display is easily visible at maximum brightness even in direct sunlight, though you’ll probably want to dial it down a bit for indoor use to save battery life. On the flip side, the screen doesn’t get super dim, which might be a drawback if you’re gaming in a dark room. Even at the lowest brightness setting, it’s still a bit too bright for pitch-black conditions.
Thanks to its IPS panel, the Miyoo Flip has excellent viewing angles. You can tilt the screen quite a bit without losing color accuracy or brightness, which is great for sharing the screen with a friend or adjusting the angle for comfort. This is a big improvement over older handhelds with TN panels, where the screen would wash out if you looked at it from the wrong angle.
With a resolution of 640×480 on a 3.5-inch screen, the Miyoo Flip has a pixel density of around 229 pixels per inch (PPI). This is more than enough for retro games, which were originally designed for much lower resolutions. Games from systems like the NES, SNES, and Game Boy look crisp and sharp, with no visible pixelation or blurriness.
The screen also handles scaling well. Since most retro games have resolutions that don’t match the Miyoo Flip’s native resolution, the device uses integer scaling to ensure that pixels are displayed cleanly and evenly. This means you won’t see any weird stretching or distortion, which is a common issue on devices with widescreen displays.
One issue that some users might notice is PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) flickering. This is a technique used to control screen brightness, and it can cause eye strain or headaches for sensitive individuals. The Miyoo Flip’s screen does exhibit some PWM flickering, especially at lower brightness levels. If you’re someone who’s sensitive to this kind of thing, it’s something to keep in mind.
Screen Filters and Customization
One of the coolest features of the Miyoo Flip’s display is its support for screen filters and shaders. These allow you to tweak the visuals to match your preferences or mimic the look of older screens. For example, you can apply a CRT filter to give your games a retro, scanline-filled look, or use a pixel grid filter to replicate the chunky pixels of an old Game Boy. These filters are a nice touch for nostalgia lovers, and they’re easy to enable through the RetroArch menu.
Software and User Interface
The Miyoo Flip runs on a custom operating system that’s designed to be straightforward and easy to use. When you power on the device, you’re greeted with a clean and simple menu that’s divided into a few main sections: Recent Games, Favorites, Games, RetroArch, Apps, and Settings. It’s not the most flashy UI out there, but it gets the job done without overwhelming you with options.
The Recent Games section is handy for quickly jumping back into whatever you were playing last. The Favorites section lets you bookmark your most-played games for easy access. The Games section is where you’ll find all your emulators and game libraries, organized by system. It’s a straightforward list that makes it easy to browse through your collection, and each system has its own folder with box art for the games, which is a nice touch.
RetroArch Integration
One of the standout features of the Miyoo Flip is its integration with RetroArch, the popular all-in-one emulation frontend. RetroArch gives you access to a ton of customization options, from shaders and overlays to save states and rewind features. If you like to tweak your gaming experience, RetroArch is where you’ll spend a lot of your time.
However, there’s a bit of a learning curve here, especially if you’re new to RetroArch. The menus can feel a bit overwhelming at first, and some of the options are buried deep within submenus. Plus, there’s a quirk with the Miyoo Flip where some RetroArch menus are in Chinese by default. Thankfully, you can change the language to English, but it’s an extra step that might frustrate some users.
Emulation Station
If RetroArch feels too complicated, the Miyoo Flip also offers Emulation Station as an alternative UI. Emulation Station is a more visual and user-friendly interface that’s popular in the retro gaming community. It organizes your games by system and displays box art in a grid layout, making it easy to browse your collection. You can also customize themes and layouts to suit your preferences.
Switching between the stock UI and Emulation Station is easy, and it’s nice to have the option to choose the interface that works best for you. Emulation Station feels more modern and polished, but it’s not as deeply integrated with the system as the stock UI, so you might miss out on some features if you stick with it.
Pre-Loaded Games and Ports
The Miyoo Flip comes with a 64GB microSD card that’s pre-loaded with a ton of games across various systems, from Game Boy and NES to N64 and PSP. There’s also a selection of ports, which are modern games that have been adapted to run on retro handhelds. Titles like Celeste and Stardew Valley are included, and they run surprisingly well on the Miyoo Flip.
That said, not all the pre-loaded games work perfectly out of the box. Some of the ports and more demanding systems (like Saturn) have issues, and you might need to tweak settings or even replace the included SD card with a higher-quality one. It’s a bit of a mixed bag, but the fact that you can add your own ROMs and ports means there’s plenty of room for customization.
Settings and Customization
The Settings menu is where you’ll find options for tweaking the device to your liking. You can adjust screen brightness, change themes, calibrate the analog sticks, and even enable turbo mode for the buttons. There’s also a Wi-Fi option, which is great for things like scraping box art or logging into Retro Achievements.
One of the coolest features in the settings is the ability to remap buttons and set up hotkeys. For example, you can configure the menu button to act as a hotkey, allowing you to quickly save or load states, fast-forward, or rewind gameplay.
Performance and Emulation Capabilities
Before we dive into the games, let’s talk about what’s powering the Miyoo Flip. It’s equipped with a Rockchip RK3566 chipset, which features a quad-core Cortex-A55 CPU clocked at 1.8 GHz and 1GB of RAM. This is the same chipset found in devices like the Anbernic RG353 series, so it’s no slouch when it comes to retro gaming. It’s a step up from the H700 chipset used in devices like the RG35XX, which means it can handle more demanding systems like N64, Dreamcast, and even some PSP games.
8-Bit and 16-Bit Classics
Let’s start with the basics. The Miyoo Flip absolutely crushes it when it comes to 8-bit and 16-bit systems like the NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, and Game Boy. These systems are lightweight by today’s standards, and the Miyoo Flip handles them with ease. Games like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and Sonic the Hedgehog 2 run perfectly, with no slowdowns or glitches. Fast-forwarding works like a charm, which is great for grinding through RPGs or speeding up slow sections of games.
The Game Boy Advance library also runs beautifully. Titles like Metroid Fusion, Pokémon Emerald, and Advance Wars look and play great on the 3.5-inch screen. The Miyoo Flip even includes some nice visual filters to mimic the look of an original GBA screen, which is a nice touch for nostalgia lovers.
PlayStation 1
The Miyoo Flip really shines when it comes to PlayStation 1 emulation. Games like Final Fantasy VII, Metal Gear Solid, and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night run flawlessly, with no noticeable lag or graphical issues. The dual analog sticks come in handy for games that require precise control, like Ape Escape (more on that later). The device also supports save states and memory card emulation, so you can pick up right where you left off.
Nintendo 64
Now, let’s talk about Nintendo 64, one of the more demanding systems the Miyoo Flip can handle. Performance here is a bit of a mixed bag. Games like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time run surprisingly well, with only minor frame rate dips in more graphically intense areas. However, more demanding titles like GoldenEye 007 and Perfect Dark struggle, with noticeable slowdowns and occasional audio glitches.
The good news is that the Miyoo Flip’s dual analog sticks make playing N64 games much more enjoyable than on devices without them. The sticks aren’t the most ergonomic, but they’re serviceable for games that rely on analog input.
Dreamcast
The Miyoo Flip can also handle Sega Dreamcast games, which is impressive for a device in this price range. Titles like Sonic Adventure, Crazy Taxi, and SoulCalibur run fairly well, though you might need to tweak settings like frame skip to get the best performance. More demanding games, like Shenmue, can be hit or miss, with occasional slowdowns and graphical hiccups. Still, the fact that the Miyoo Flip can run Dreamcast games at all is a big win.
PSP
One of the most surprising aspects of the Miyoo Flip is its ability to handle PSP games. While the 3.5-inch screen isn’t ideal for PSP’s widescreen format, the performance is solid for many titles. Games like Lumines, Patapon, and God of War: Chains of Olympus run smoothly, though more demanding titles like GTA: Vice City Stories may require some tweaking to achieve playable frame rates.
The analog sticks are a big help here, especially for games that require dual-stick controls. However, the small screen size means you’ll need to squint a bit to see all the details, which can be a drawback for some players.
Sega Saturn
Unfortunately, Sega Saturn emulation is where the Miyoo Flip struggles the most. Many Saturn games either don’t run at all or suffer from severe slowdowns and graphical glitches. This isn’t entirely surprising—Saturn emulation has always been tricky, even on more powerful devices. If you’re a Saturn fan, you might be better off sticking to a PC or a more powerful handheld.
Ports and Modern Games
In addition to retro emulation, the Miyoo Flip also supports ports of modern indie games. Titles like Celeste, Stardew Valley, and Half-Life have been adapted to run on the device, and they perform surprisingly well. These ports add a lot of value to the Miyoo Flip, giving you access to modern classics alongside your retro favorites.
Custom Firmware Potential
One of the most exciting aspects of the Miyoo Flip is its potential for custom firmware. While the stock software is solid, custom firmware like OnionOS or RockNix could unlock even more performance and features. These community-driven projects often improve emulation accuracy, add new customization options, and fix bugs in the stock software. If you’re comfortable tinkering, the Miyoo Flip could become even more powerful with the right firmware.
Thermal Performance
While we’re on the topic of power, let’s talk about heat. The Miyoo Flip does get a bit warm after extended play sessions, especially when running more demanding systems like N64 or PSP. However, the heat is mostly concentrated around the back of the device, where the chipset is located, and it’s never uncomfortable to hold. The device also has some small ventilation holes to help with heat dissipation, so overheating isn’t a major concern.
Battery Life and Charging
The Miyoo Flip is powered by a 3000mAh battery, which is pretty standard for a device in this price range. It’s not the biggest battery out there, but it’s enough to provide a decent amount of playtime, especially considering the Miyoo Flip’s compact size and efficient chipset.
In real-world use, the Miyoo Flip delivers 4 to 6 hours of gameplay on a single charge, depending on what you’re playing and how bright you set the screen. For less demanding systems like NES, SNES, and Game Boy, you can expect closer to 6 hours of playtime. However, if you’re playing more demanding systems like N64, PSP, or Dreamcast, the battery life will likely be closer to 4 hours.
Here’s a quick breakdown of battery life by system:
- 8-bit and 16-bit systems (NES, SNES, Genesis, Game Boy): 5-6 hours.
- PlayStation 1: 4-5 hours.
- Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, PSP: 3.5-4.5 hours.
These estimates are based on medium brightness and moderate use of features like save states and fast-forwarding. If you crank up the brightness or use Wi-Fi for things like Retro Achievements, you’ll see a slight dip in battery life. One of the Miyoo Flip’s standout features is its sleep mode. When you close the clamshell or leave the device idle for a few minutes, it automatically goes into sleep mode, which significantly reduces power consumption. In sleep mode, the Miyoo Flip barely sips battery, losing only 1-2% per hour.
The Miyoo Flip charges via a USB-C port located on the bottom of the device. Charging time is fairly standard, taking about 2 to 3 hours to go from empty to full. However, there’s a bit of a catch when it comes to charging: not all USB-C chargers are compatible. The Miyoo Flip is a bit picky about the chargers and cables it works with, so you’ll need to use a 5V/1.5A charger for reliable charging.
If you try to use a fast charger or a higher-wattage USB-C cable, the device might not charge at all. This is a common issue with budget handhelds, and it’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning to use the Miyoo Flip on the go. The included USB-C cable works fine, but if you lose it, you’ll need to make sure you get a compatible replacement.
One minor annoyance with the Miyoo Flip is its battery indicator, which can be a bit inconsistent. Sometimes it’ll show a full charge when the battery is actually lower, or it’ll drop suddenly after prolonged use. This isn’t a huge deal, but it’s something to be aware of if you’re trying to gauge how much playtime you have left. It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the battery level and charge the device before it gets too low.
Miyoo Flip vs. Competitors
To help you decide if the Miyoo Flip is the right retro handheld for you, here’s a detailed comparison with some of its closest competitors: the Anbernic RG35XXSP, Powkiddy V90, and Miyoo Mini Plus. These devices are all popular choices in the retro gaming community, so let’s see how they stack up against the Miyoo Flip.
| Feature/Aspect | Miyoo Flip | Anbernic RG35XXSP | Powkiddy V90 | Miyoo Mini Plus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$80-$90 | ~$70-$80 | ~$30-$40 | ~$60-$70 |
| Design | Clamshell | Clamshell | Clamshell | Vertical, non-clamshell |
| Screen Size | 3.5-inch IPS | 3.5-inch IPS | 3.0-inch IPS | 3.5-inch IPS |
| Resolution | 640×480 (4:3) | 640×480 (4:3) | 320×480 (3:2) | 640×480 (4:3) |
| Processor | Rockchip RK3566 (Cortex-A55) | Unisoc Tiger T310 (Cortex-A75) | Ingenic X1000E (MIPS) | Allwinner A133 (Cortex-A53) |
| RAM | 1GB | 1GB | 128MB | 512MB |
| Battery | 3000mAh | 2600mAh | 2000mAh | 3000mAh |
| Battery Life | 4-6 hours | 4-5 hours | 3-4 hours | 4-6 hours |
| Analog Sticks | Dual analog sticks | No | No | No |
| Wi-Fi | Yes (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) | No | No | Yes (2.4 GHz) |
| Bluetooth | No | No | No | No |
| Ports | USB-C, mini HDMI, headphone jack | USB-C, headphone jack | USB-C, headphone jack | USB-C, headphone jack |
| Supported Systems | NES, SNES, GB, GBA, PS1, N64, PSP, Dreamcast, Saturn (limited) | NES, SNES, GB, GBA, PS1, N64 (limited) | NES, SNES, GB, GBA, PS1 (limited) | NES, SNES, GB, GBA, PS1, N64 (limited) |
| Performance | Great for 8-bit/16-bit, PS1, N64, PSP (some), Dreamcast (some) | Great for 8-bit/16-bit, PS1, N64 (limited) | Good for 8-bit/16-bit, PS1 (limited) | Great for 8-bit/16-bit, PS1, N64 (limited) |
| Custom Firmware | Yes (OnionOS, RockNix potential) | Yes (custom firmware available) | Yes (custom firmware available) | Yes (OnionOS) |
| Ergonomics | Comfortable, but shoulder buttons are too sensitive | Comfortable, but no analog sticks | Comfortable, but small screen | Comfortable, but no analog sticks |
| Portability | Very portable, clamshell design | Very portable, clamshell design | Very portable, clamshell design | Portable, but no clamshell |
| Pre-Loaded Games | Yes (64GB SD card included) | Yes (32GB SD card included) | Yes (16GB SD card included) | Yes (64GB SD card included) |
| Sleep Mode | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price-to-Performance | Excellent | Good | Budget-friendly | Excellent |
Which One Should You Choose
- Choose the Miyoo Flip if you want a clamshell device with dual analog sticks and solid performance for N64, PSP, and Dreamcast. It’s a great all-rounder with a few quirks.
- Choose the Anbernic RG35XXSP if you want a well-built clamshell device for 8-bit/16-bit and PS1 gaming, but don’t need analog sticks or Wi-Fi.
- Choose the Powkiddy V90 if you’re on a tight budget and want a basic clamshell device for retro gaming.
- Choose the Miyoo Mini Plus if you prefer a vertical handheld with Wi-Fi support and don’t mind the lack of a clamshell design.
The Miyoo Flip stands out for its versatility and modern features, but the best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. Happy gaming! 🎮
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- Compact and portable clamshell design.
- Decent performance for N64, Dreamcast, and PSP.
- Quiet, soft buttons.
- Good build quality for the price.
- Cons:
- No Bluetooth support.
- Some systems (e.g., Saturn) have poor performance.
- Chinese menus and localization issues.
- Hinge mechanism feels less refined compared to competitors.
Final Verdict
After spending a significant amount of time with the Miyoo Flip, it’s time to answer the big question: Is this clamshell handheld worth your money? At $77 in AliExpress, The Miyoo Flip is a solid retro handheld that delivers a lot of value for its price. Its clamshell design, vibrant display, and strong performance for most retro systems make it a great option for casual gamers and retro enthusiasts alike. While it’s not without its flaws—battery life could be better, Saturn emulation is lacking, and the charging quirks are annoying—it’s still one of the best clamshell handhelds on the market right now.
If you’ve been waiting for a portable device that can handle everything from NES to PSP, the Miyoo Flip is definitely worth considering. It’s not perfect, but it’s a lot of fun, and with a little tweaking, it can be a fantastic addition to your gaming collection.
The Miyoo Flip isn’t the ultimate retro handheld, but it’s a strong contender in its price range. If you’re looking for a portable, nostalgic gaming experience, the Miyoo Flip is a great choice. Just be prepared to deal with a few quirks along the way. Happy gaming! 🎮
