Why the Miyoo Mini Plus is My Favorite Linux-Powered Handheld for Emulation

In a market saturated with retro emulation handhelds, finding one that stands out can feel like trying to spot a pixel-perfect sprite in a CRT snowstorm. But the Miyoo Mini Plus doesn’t just stand out—it defines what a compact, Linux-based handheld should be. Sleek, powerful, and endlessly customizable, the Miyoo Mini Plus is the retro emulation community’s little giant, and it’s powered by the heart of open-source: Linux.

Emulation Done Right—With Style and Substance

Despite its small footprint, the Miyoo Mini Plus is capable of emulating systems up through the PS1 era with surprising stability. Whether you’re revisiting SNES classics, exploring forgotten Game Boy Color gems, or diving into 32-bit nostalgia, this handheld delivers near-perfect performance thanks to its optimized Linux-based software environment.

It also has great support for PICO-8, the fantasy console loved by indie devs and retro tinkerers alike. Thanks to the community, running PICO-8 games is quick and easy through OnionOS—giving you access to a vibrant library of bite-sized, creative games that feel right at home on this pixel-perfect screen.

But it’s not just about what the device can emulate—it's how smoothly it does it. Unlike some bulkier alternatives that drain battery and bloat with unnecessary features, the Miyoo Mini Plus balances simplicity, performance, and portability. It’s a minimalist's dream—and that’s where OnionOS comes in.

OnionOS: The Custom Firmware That Transforms Everything

While the stock firmware on the Miyoo Mini Plus is serviceable, it’s OnionOS that truly unlocks the device’s potential. Developed by a passionate community of Linux and emulation enthusiasts, OnionOS is custom firmware tailored to deliver speed, stability, and a polished user experience.

With OnionOS, you get:

• A cleaner, more responsive UI

• Better emulator configurations right out of the box

• Support for save states, rewinds, shaders, and overlays

• A suite of handy utilities like file browsers, theme changers, and tools for organizing ROMs

• Regular updates and fixes, driven by community feedback

Installing OnionOS is straightforward and well-documented. It respects the spirit of Linux: giving users full control over their devices with none of the unnecessary bloat.

Hibernation Mode: The Killer Feature

One of the most underrated and revolutionary features of the Miyoo Mini Plus is its hibernation mode—especially under OnionOS.

Imagine this: you're halfway through a boss fight in Castlevania: Symphony of the Night and need to step away. No need to scramble for a save point. Just flip the power switch. The system instantly suspends and enters a low-power state. When you return—even hours or days later—you can resume right where you left off. No boot sequence, no menu navigation, no waiting.

This functionality rivals what you'd expect from a modern console. For retro gaming on-the-go, it’s an absolute game-changer. In a world of fussy suspend modes and sluggish startup times on many emulation devices, the Miyoo Mini Plus with OnionOS nails it with elegance.

What About the Miyoo Mini v4?

As someone who owns both the Miyoo Mini v4 and the Miyoo Mini Plus, I’ve had the chance to directly compare the two. The v4 is a fantastic handheld in its own right—it shares the same Linux core, runs OnionOS beautifully, and offers nearly identical emulation performance.

But I find myself reaching for the Mini Plus more often, and here’s why:

• Larger form factor: Just enough extra size to make it more comfortable for longer sessions, especially for adult hands.

• Bigger screen: The 3.5" display on the Mini Plus offers a noticeable improvement for gameplay and readability.

• Wi-Fi support: This opens up new possibilities like wireless file transfers, game scraping, and eventually even multiplayer features or cloud sync.

The Mini v4 is still a great option, especially for those who prioritize portability to the extreme. But for my daily driver, the Mini Plus strikes the perfect balance of size, power, and functionality.

A Linux Device That Feels Just Right

For Linux lovers, the Miyoo Mini Plus feels like home. Its open ecosystem encourages tinkering, modding, and experimentation—hallmarks of any good Linux project. Whether you're customizing boot screens, optimizing emulators, or running your own scripts, the Mini Plus gives you a comfortable playground.

Conclusion: Small Size, Big Heart

The Miyoo Mini Plus is a device that proves bigger isn't always better—but a little bigger might be just right. Its compact form hides a powerful, Linux-based system that’s easy to customize and delightful to use. With the help of OnionOS and standout features like hibernation, it’s become the gold standard for retro handhelds.

If you’re looking for a handheld that respects your time, gives you full control, and runs smoother than most of its competitors, the Miyoo Mini Plus should be at the top of your list.