If you’ve spent even a minute in the retro gaming community lately, you’ve probably heard the buzz around the Miyoo Flip.
It’s everywhere, from Reddit threads to YouTube unboxings. Why? Because it taps right into our collective nostalgia with a design that screams GBA SP—and let’s be honest, many of us still have a soft spot for that iconic clamshell.
But beyond the childhood throwbacks and clever design, is the Miyoo Flip actually worth buying in 2025?
Let’s take a real-world look with Okayreview and see whether it lives up to the hype or just rides on retro looks.
Table of Contents
Design & Build Quality: A Love Letter to the GBA SP?
Right out of the box, the Miyoo Flip feels like a familiar friend. That GBA SP-inspired clamshell design isn’t just for show—it’s compact, satisfying to snap shut, and seriously pocket-friendly.
Compared to competitors like the Anbernic RG35XXSP, the Flip stands out with its clean lines and subtle, premium feel. The hinge is firm (a little too firm for some), and the plastic doesn’t feel cheap—it feels intentional.
The downsides? The hinge can be a bit stiff, especially at first. And while it has a top-mounted vent to keep things cool, the placement can be awkward during longer play sessions. Still, as a whole, the Flip nails the aesthetic and nostalgic factor.
Controls and Ergonomics: Slick Buttons vs. Cramped Sticks
Let’s talk feel.
The D-pad and face buttons are pleasant, clicky, and responsive. Those who grew up with handhelds will recognize them immediately.
However, the two analog sticks are a little small. Although they function, their positioning gives the impression that they are an afterthought rather than an essential component of the design.
The shoulder buttons are cleverly stacked but might take some getting used to. And the power button? It’s oddly recessed, which might save you from accidental shutdowns but makes it hard to press on the fly. Overall, the controls are decent but not without quirks.
Display and Audio: Great Screen, Middling Sound
The Miyoo Flip excels in this situation. Bright, clear, and colorful, the 3.5-inch IPS screen is ideal for 16-bit sprites and pixel painting. The resolution feels ideal for older games, and the viewing angles are broad.
However, audio is a mixed bag. The mono speaker gets the job done but lacks punch. Thankfully, there’s a 3.5mm headphone jack, and using decent headphones dramatically improves the experience.
Internal Specs & Performance: Retro Powerhouse or Just OK?
Under the hood, the Miyoo Flip packs an RK3566 chipset and 1GB of RAM—solid specs for retro emulation.
It handles NES, SNES, Game Boy, and even PS1 games with ease. You’ll get smooth performance in most 8- and 16-bit titles.
But once you push into N64, PSP, or Dreamcast territory, it’s hit or miss. Some games play fine, others struggle. Saturn? Mostly a no-go. For casual play and classics, it’s a champ. For more demanding titles, temper your expectations.
Software Experience: Holding Back the Hardware
This is when things become fuzzy. The standard operating system is… rough. It’s functional but flaky, badly translated in some parts, and doesn’t make full use of the hardware.
However, the community is already stepping in. Custom firmware like OnionOS, MinUI, and MuOS are game-changers.
With community firmware, the Flip becomes a much better device—snappier, more stable, and customizable. But out of the box? It feels half-baked.
Connectivity & Expansion: Solid But Missing Bluetooth
Wi-Fi is included, and thankfully, it supports both 2.4 and 5 GHz networks. Charging is via USB-C, but be warned—it can be finicky with cables.
Dual microSD slots give you ample storage options, and there’s a mini HDMI port if you want to play on the big screen.
Still, there’s one major omission: no Bluetooth. That means no wireless controllers or headphones—an odd miss for a modern handheld.
Battery Life and Thermal Performance
Battery life is decent. With its 3000mAh battery, expect around 4 to 6 hours of playtime, depending on the game and settings. That’s enough for a long commute or a lazy afternoon.
Thermal performance is mostly solid, but that top vent we mentioned? It can get warm to the touch after an hour or two. It’s not a dealbreaker, but something to be aware of if you’re gaming for extended periods.
Comparison to Competitors: RG35XXSP, Miyoo Mini Plus & More
In terms of build and nostalgic appeal, the Miyoo Flip outshines many rivals. The clamshell form gives it a unique edge. Compared to the RG35XXSP, the Retroid Pocket 3 Plus feels more polished, though the latter may offer better out-of-box software.
The Miyoo Mini Plus is more pocketable and simpler to use, but the Flip wins on-screen quality and versatility.
If you love tinkering and customizing, the Flip is your playground. If you want something simple and ready to go, you might want to look elsewhere.
Is the Miyoo Flip Worth It Right Now?
There’s a lot to love here: the design is charming, the build is solid, and the emulation power is respectable.
But it’s not without flaws. The stock OS holds it back, the analog stick placement could be better, and the lack of Bluetooth stings in 2025.
If you want to adjust and optimize gadgets, the Miyoo Flip will be a reward for your efforts. However, it might not be the smoothest ride out of the box if all you want to do is get in and play.
Final Thoughts
The Miyoo Flip is a retro gamer’s dream in many ways—but also a bit of a work in progress. With the right community firmware, it transforms into a seriously fun and capable device.
Right now, it’s best suited for enthusiasts and tinkerers who don’t mind getting their hands dirty.
For everyone else? It might be worth waiting a few months—or looking for a more polished alternative. Still, there’s real promise here, and the Miyoo Flip is only going to get better with time.
