Update: I took a look at the Miyoo A30 again this morning, and noticed that Miyoo has the Normal2x filter applied on the default SNES core (without setting bilinear filtering on, which is necessary for that filter to even take effect). I didn't investigate this when making my review because my assumption was that they underclocked the CPU to avoid heat issues, and so in order to normalize performance I increased the CPU clock speed. Removing the Normal2x filter fixes performance on games like Mega Man X with their default CPU clock setting. Either way, this is another indication that the A30 could be greatly improved by more precise configurations from a custom firmware team. The A30's CPU should be about on par with RK3326 devices when properly optimized.

Huge props to Russ. For me he's basically been the face of this hobby. These companies owe a lot to him for putting the spotlight on their products in such a professional and accessible way.

This video came out 4 minutes ago and theres an article quoting Russ already.

I feel like the RG35XX-H should be compared to this, as you can RIGHT NOW get the RG35XX-H for less money, and it's better is EVERY SINGLE WAY, except size, but I would argue the 35-H size is better for most adult hands. And if you are REALLY set on getting a MICRO device, therefore the RG35-H would NOT work... the TrimUI and GKD Pixel are more the move. I don't think this thing deserves anyone's time... But incredible video as per normal Russ! Thank you.

I'm waiting for the flip, personally. I was hoping this would be a good device, though. I'm rooting for Miyoo. Unfortunately, it sounds like it has a number of issues.

Been hitting refresh on KZfaq all day waiting on this! I already ordered the RG28XX, glad to hear you like it better.

Can't say that I'm impressed with the RG28xx or Miyoo A30. Both look like a lackluster experience.

I can’t quantify how disappointed I am to hear about the lackluster performance of this device. I was so excited for this one. But I do appreciate your integrity to bring us the truth. Thank you.

Shame about the mediocre dpad. The miyoo mini models had the dpad for any sub 100 device, so this is a big step back for them that I hope they correct.

I want one but I’ll wait for the flip tbh.

It's not incapable of charging from a USB-C charging brick, but you've clearly demonstrated that it's incompatible with USB-PD voltage negotiation, which those low output chargers are unlikely to have (they might support a higher voltage like 9V or even 12V but likely won't be PD chargers). This is a serious and baffling oversight as all it takes to fix this for Miyoo is to add two tiny 5.1k resistors on the PCB pulling pins CC1 and CC2 to ground - if those resistors are present, any PD charger will output 5V (up to 3A). If they aren't, and the PD handshake isn't completed, a PD charger will output no voltage at all. This would cost them less than a cent in BOM cost and would require a few square millimetres of board space. In 2024, this is an unforgivable oversight. As for using the Genki BT adapter, that works as a USB headphone, which requires interfacing with the OS (which the Switch supports for it and other USB headphones). Most likely this port either lacks OTG functionality entirely, or the OS just doesn't enable it without some sort of mod (or, at best, a setting). If it had support but the OS lacked generic USB headphone drivers or similar, it would still power up. Most likely the adapter they're bundling is a passive adapter that simply passes an analog audio signal generated internally through to the 3.5mm plug using some of the USB-C connector's pins - as some early USB-C smartphones did. And, to be clear, this is also an incredibly shitty solution to a solved problem, and speaks to lazy software/OS design at the very least. Edit after finishing the video: tbh, this feels like a strangely dated design. The ancient SoC is kind of acceptable at a very low price point (though you can get far better performance at just a few tens of dollars more), the lack of USB headphone support (and seemingly any and all OTG support), the low quality screen, the lack of PD charging support ... it all has a mid-2010s feeling to me, tbh. No, there weren't many handhelds like this around at that time, but this is still the level of quality I'd expect back then, not now. Far, far, far too many flaws - some of them unfixable without serious hardware revisions - to be acceptable launching in 2024.

If it does not pass the Contra test, it is a deal breaker 🙂

So disappointed that they messed up the d-pad...it was the one thing I didn't think we'd have to worry about. It really feels like they would have been better off using the Mini/Mini+ chip in this. Hopefully Onion or someone can save this device.

"You should probably grab a snack and drink for this one" **checks playtime** oh ok, brb Russ

I never clicked faster

Thank you for another great review, it really makes me happy every time a new video is posted and also thank you for your honesty in every video, it really makes the difference.

Finally! Been waiting all day! The community really appreciates your work!

My Miyoo Mini White battery lasts between 6 to 7 hours sometimes even more... Mixing from GB/GBC/GBA to Neo Geo and PS1. 2600MAh with 2.8" inch screen won't be doing miracles.

I was so excited for the A30. To hear that its not the evolutionary next step from the mini or plus. Really took the wind out of my sails.

I like your in depth reviews of pretty much every device that hits the market. Thanks for making these

Thanks for the review. I love my Miyoo Mini Plus and I’m definitely going to hold off on this one. Maybe they’ll fix the problems!

Mono sound on the headphones is crazy. Wonder if a new OS can change that.

Great review! This is exactly what I wanted to know! Appreciate you!

Bro you put out such good detailed content.

Let's go🔥Man you got that quick👌🏾 I am really unsure about the A30 to be honest, unless we are happy playing the more light weight systems on it. But let's not forget the price point so we can't be too upset with it. Fantastic video as always 🔥🔥👌🏾

Was wondering how I'd waste time till my next meeting, and boom. New video for a device I don't need but will read about anyways, lol. Love the videos.

Hey Russ, Great video, as always. Love your MM+ stuff. Most minor comment but you said audibly the battery is 2500mAh but the overlay says 2600.

Youve convinced me to buy... The RG28XX!! Thanks for another indepth review Russ.

it really nails the look of a Nintendo Game&Watch from the 80s

Thanks for the video Russ, extremely good review as always. I was really hyped for the A30 for a while but the performance looks really dissapointing right now. I have a 35XX H and planning to change it to a more pocketable handheld to replace my Trimui Smart, thanks to your videos I decided to go for the 28XX instead

Props to you Russ, you really showed to be unbiased when its comes to your reviews/impressions.

Already ordered from your post! Thanks

Amazing and very informative video as always, Russ! Thanks so much for creating it! ♥️

The video I've been waiting for! You're the only source I trust!

Keep making these awesome reviews. They make a world of a difference compared to other KZfaqrs. 👍🏻

Huge props on the Dismemberment Plan shirt, awesome band from an awesome era.

So close to my dream handheld. Will continue to be patient and wait for someone to finally nail it. I basically want the GKD Pixel but with the horizontal layout >,>

Thanks for bringing out the Original PocketGo for size comparison!

If the makers of Miyoo mini continue like this, they will be the top handheld brand. I have tested a bunch of handhelds and my original V2 myioo mini is just AMAZING. Never had an issue with it.

The battery from my RG353V is starting to deteriorate, so I am kinda itching to get a new handheld. When I saw the announcement of this device I was like "Yeap, I wanna do it". But after watching the review, I'm gonna hold back for a moment. Looking forward to maybe seeing OnionOS coming to this device, or maybe a firmware update that would fix the few shortcomings that it has due to optimizations... All in all, thank you so much Russ for making my experience in retro gaming a fun and wonderful one...the nostalgia is priceless! All in all, thanks for making my experience

Thanks for the honesty I’m still gonna pick up the mini + retro game boy and the bigger screen overall I don’t wanna buy a retro handheld because of the hype so I’m gonna wait and see where I go from there

It seems like every small handheld that comes out always has a compromise. Great Video. 👍🏽

Oh man, I should’ve waited for the review, I just assumed this was going to be the miyoo mini but horizontal 😱

Thank you very much for your professional review, i think i will go for anbernic this round. P.s. if you are thinking to go with wireless audio, maybe try 3.5mm audio to fm radio adaptor, sound quality is not the best, but still very good.

I just got the RG35XXH in the mail. so definitely won't get this, but also these reviews are top-notch, so of course I'm still going to watch the heck out of this. Also, where did you get that what appears to be an ROG Ally pillow? That looks awesome.

Thanks for the review. I have the Miyoo Mini Plus and I love it. 😍 Looks like they Miyoo A30 won't be such a hit due to the poor screen quality, low battery endurance and "bad" (out of the box) performance.. I'll pick the Anbernic RG35XXH instead for my next horizontal device. Thanks. 👍

Awesome Review. First really good look i have had at the Famicon style A30. That nostalgic gold plate look look really brings back memories but i have to agree the Rg28xx gets my vote when comparing these 2. I would however agree with some of the commenters and say that i think the Rg35xx H isa better option than either of these if you can get it on sale,

For me the appeal of the miyoo mini was how it looks like a modern gameboy, the screen ia bigger than normal, with small bezels and the design is just beautiful. The a30 just looks like an old handheld, and honestly the thing that looks the most "modern" about it is not having a headphone jack

Good to see Anbernic get a win with their device. I love both companies but competition will only give us better products.

I really like how cozy and gentle your channel is while being informative.

Thanks again for great content ,Russ. Had much expectation for this but I’ll stick to my 35xx plus & H for now.!

Almost waited for this buy found such a good deal on the rg35xx h that I went that way. I don't think I will regret my decision.

Good to see the Pocket-Go appearing on the channel after all these years, mine is still here alive and kicking.

Would love this Device with 3:2 Aspect ratio

Yes!! I’ve been waiting for this one

2-4 hours is pretty bad battery life for a device like this

Was really excited for this unit but there are some downsides that I cant compromise on. Thanks for reviewing it though Russ, your the best.

I love hearing your intro everday!

Thanks for the video. I was wondering if it was similar or it if was just the shape of it.

Keep Retro is no "piece of mind" to me. Had ordered an OG Miyoo Mini from them when it came out, and they totally boned me. Never got my order and all they did was offer a discount on ordering another one.

I don’t even need a new handheld anymore I just enjoy getting a snack and drink and listening to Russ talk so I watch his videos

Thanks for making a video about this as this device has really been interesting me, and I love its aesthetic however I've never really considered horizontal handhelds. I have some requests for games I'd like to see you play if you get the chance, MvC2 on DC, SSB on N64 and DBZ SB2 or DBZTTT. I wanna see if those few games can run as they are ones I'm very interested in playing at an affordable price on the go. I don't care much for the d-pad as I want to use the joystick, but the dim screen and stock OS does seem trash from the jump. I'd still wait for better optimization for emulation to get an A30 but your video has given me hope especially if this can run GTA, Kingdom Hearts and such on PPSSPP, hopefully with an aspect ratio that fits the screen.

Dang that thing looks so good i have a miyoo and ill be adding this to my collection

I'm completely satisfied with my Steam Deck and Retroid Pocket 2, but this A30 might be fine addition to my collection too. Thanks Russ for the video

I hate to comment above @bensnacmachine5037 because I couldn’t have said it better…Russ is THE man...just seems like such a genuinely good dude. On topic…like others, I’ve also been waiting for this review since it was announced for a Thursday release. I also, prefer the horizontal handhelds…ever since my first PSP. I did just get the 35XX H, and as much as I would love to defer to one of these smaller A30/28XX devices for more portability, I feel like my hands don’t mesh well with the smaller handhelds. Probably gonna stick with the 35XX H…and looking forward to the knulli firmware to hopefully evolve the batocera experience (can’t wait for Russ’s guide). Love this channel, it is the one that I look the most forward to for content releases to on the daily. Keep up the great work!!

No headphone jack is a deal breaker. Especially with the mono speaker Another great video, thank you!!

Definitely interested in this... Been watching this one for a while, like the look of the form factor but if I'm to purchase one, I'll need to know: 1. Is it more rugged than the Miyoo Mini? 2. Will MinUI be ported over?

Russ!!! that dang pillow on your couch tho! I need that in my life!!

I really hope this gets some quality of life upgrades in the future. I've actually really been hoping someone would be brave enough to do a single stick handheld at this power level for a while now. N64 and dreamcast just don't play right without analog controls, but the second stick is so unnecessary and usually just a waste of space. Thanks for the impressions Russ!

All they had to do was put the V4 guts in the horizontal body, and it would’ve been great

Just waiting for the flip

Thank you for mentioning the charging intricacies. It's really good to know for the consumer when they need certain wattages for the charging to work and I felt that this was something sorely missing from some previous reviews.

Super informative as always! Does that Bluetooth audio adapter work with the rg28xx?

Love that pillow that looks like a horisñzontal handheld ❤

Thanks for this video. It's disappointing to see that the A30 has performance issues. If it gets Onion OS in the future, that might be enough to make me look more seriously at it but, as it currently stands, I think it's not the highly pocketable horizontal handheld want.

This is based on the Game And Watch design, that’s why it feels old fashioned. That same design was mirrored by the Gameboy micro anniversary edition. But it goes back to the game and watch, right down to the gold and maroon colors. That aspect makes this a verrrry cool device for retro hardware junkies.

Really great review thanks Russ, I held off ordering until I saw this and will probably hold longer now. One question though please, how does GBA play on this please, that’s the device I play most on my small devices?

I wish the 28xx would have the analog stick and the larger face buttons of the A30, that'd make the decision I'm trying to make right now wayyy easier lol

The RG28XX seems better to me, particularly in aesthetics

Thanks for the charging section

Will wait for the revision to come out.

The d pad makes and breaks these handhelds next its the buttons and screen

Thanks for another great review, Russ! Top notch content as always. Not excited at all. I really love Miyoo (I have 2 MM+), but the A30 really does look cheap. Really cheap plastic. Build quality has droped from original MM and the +. I hope they release a bigger version with 4.0"+ inch screen. It seems that the Dpad sucks as well...

I really like the looks of this, it’s gorgeous. I think they would have had a better edge putting out that clam shell device first.

Great video as always Russ. This is crazy disappointing though. I was a sure fire slam dunk purchase on this just based on looks. To hear so many negatives did the unthinkable and put me in the "wait for a plus version" of this from Miyoo or someone else... still on the fence on the 28XX, wish it had wifi

Hey Russ, great review! Could you see if the A30 could be modded like the RGB30 with a bit of tape to fix the contra test? A pity for the screen, I hope they will do a A35 that is the equivalent of the MM+ with a better screen and cpu.

@24:29 changing the Analog to Digital Type setting to "left stick" is a much easier and more convenient way to make the analog stick work as a Dpad.

I have been waiting for this review cuz I was excited about this. I'm disappointed in the A30. Gonna have to choose another pocket horizontal handheld.

Been waiting all day for this

That red and gold really gives me nostalgia for the Powkiddy Q20 mini

I was considering the A30. Looks like the 28xx is the way to go

Wow, Miyoo really dropped the ball here. This has convinced me to wait and see if they release a new revision in the future to fix the hardware issues. Already ordered and looking forward to the RG28XX, though.

I love the look of this handheld. I think the MagicX XU Mini M will be the best horizontal mini handheld out of the 3 (including the 28xx)

Nice video like allways. I become my 35xx h yesterday. Is there a Chance to make the Look more beauty without New Operating System like batocera? Because I already testet batocera and i perfer the Stock System but like the Look of batocera. Thnx

With all due respect to Miyoo, this console (with these specifications) is not worth $56. Miyoo Mini Plus can now be purchased for $40, and with discounts it’s even cheaper. Well, considering that there is Rg35xx H on the market... I don’t know. I hope they release a big screen version soon. I like my rg35xx H, but the second stick is superfluous.

Why is Russ's voice so soothing? i always get drowsy every time i hear him talk

Ever since you did all those Easter eggs, I look in the background to see if you’re doing it again 😂

anything being stuck in mono is such a deal-breaker for me. it would drive me crazy

One thing that blows me away about the Miyoo Mini is how long it keeps a charge. I haven't used the Mini much over the past year, but I've also not charged it for well over a year too, and it still shows no sign of needing a recharge whenever I pick it up to play a quick game. Literally mind-blowing to me.

I really can't decide, I'm really glad that you lent Crystal of Crystal is Cozy and Stuff an RG28XX, it was cool to see her opinion on that device. Personally I have been considering a horizontal pocketable device and am struggling to decide. The wifi chip stands out as a good feature on this one, especially if it can run Splore with Pico 8. But false diagonals on a Dpad are not fun. I really love how cute both devices are though, especially the RG28XX.