Retro gaming enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the Analogue Pocket and the Miyoo Mini Plus. Both devices let you relive classic titles on modern hardware, but they differ in technology, design philosophy, and overall user experience. In this guide, we’ll break down every detail so you can decide which handheld best meets your retro gaming needs.
Which Handheld Is Right for You?
Quick Answer to the Comparison
The Analogue Pocket offers a premium, FPGA-based experience that mimics original hardware at the transistor level, making it a top choice for purists and cartridge collectors. The Miyoo Mini Plus, on the other hand, focuses on software emulation, delivering a broad library of games at a more budget-friendly price.
If you crave pristine accuracy, prefer physical cartridges, and admire a sleek, modernized Game Boy aesthetic, the Analogue Pocket is your match. If you want a small, easy-to-carry handheld that can emulate numerous retro systems without juggling cartridges, the Miyoo Mini Plus is hard to beat.
Overview of Analogue Pocket and Miyoo Mini Plus
Analogue Pocket at a Glance
- FPGA Technology: The Pocket uses a Field-Programmable Gate Array chip (Cyclone V) to replicate vintage hardware. It delivers minimal input lag and high-fidelity audio and video.
- Cartridge Compatibility: Right out of the box, it runs Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance cartridges. Official adapters allow compatibility with Game Gear, Atari Lynx, Neo Geo Pocket, and more.
- Premium Build: Boasts a sturdy design, reminiscent of a modern Game Boy, with advanced internals and a crystal-clear display.
- Optional Dock: Connect it to your TV via HDMI and pair controllers wirelessly or via USB.
Miyoo Mini Plus at a Glance
- ARM-Based Emulation: Runs on a standard chipset that leverages various emulators for NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, PlayStation 1, and more.
- ROM-Focused: Instead of cartridges, games are loaded via SD card. Just drag and drop ROM files and enjoy.
- Compact and Lightweight: Smaller than the Analogue Pocket, making it easy to slip in your pocket for on-the-go gaming.
- Wi-Fi Capability: The “Plus” version has Wi-Fi for easy firmware updates, Retro Achievements, and in some cases, online multiplayer or file transfers.
Design, Display, and Build Quality
Dimensions and Weight
- Analogue Pocket: Taller, slightly heavier, and more reminiscent of an original Game Boy’s vertical layout.
- Miyoo Mini Plus: True to its name, quite small and very portable. The slightly larger “Plus” form factor (compared to the original Miyoo Mini) improves ergonomics without losing its pocket-friendly charm.
Screen Quality
- Analogue Pocket:
- 3.5-inch LCD
- Resolution: 1600×1440 (a near-10x scale of the original Game Boy screen)
- Fantastic color accuracy, sharp text, and minimal motion blur
- Miyoo Mini Plus:
- 3.5-inch IPS
- Resolution: 640×480, good brightness and contrast
- Perfectly acceptable for retro gaming but not as crisp as the Pocket’s display
Ergonomics and Controls
- Analogue Pocket: Solid D-pad with responsive buttons reminiscent of first-party Nintendo hardware.
- Miyoo Mini Plus: Simple, comfortable D-pad and face buttons. While the build is generally sturdy, it’s lighter and might feel less “premium” but is still well-made for its price.
Internal Hardware & Performance
FPGA vs. Software Emulation
- Analogue Pocket (FPGA):
- Hardware-level replication offers near-zero latency and highly authentic gameplay.
- Allows for “cores” to be written that function almost identically to the original consoles.
- Miyoo Mini Plus (Software):
- Uses emulators like RetroArch cores to mimic old hardware in software.
- Slightly more overhead than FPGA, but modern ARM chips handle 8- to 16-bit consoles with ease; 32-bit (GBA, PS1) usually runs well too.
Emulation Performance
- Analogue Pocket:
- Officially supports Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance.
- Additional openFPGA cores are continuously being developed by the community for NES, SNES, etc.
- Miyoo Mini Plus:
- Emulates a wide variety of systems out of the box or via custom firmware (Onion OS).
- NES, SNES, Genesis, Game Boy, and PC Engine run smoothly. Many PS1 titles run at full speed, though demanding 3D games may face performance drops.
Specifications Comparison Table
| Feature | Analogue Pocket | Miyoo Mini Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Cyclone V FPGA | ARM-based (e.g., Ingenic X-series) |
| Resolution | 1600×1440 | 640×480 IPS |
| Native Cartridge Support | Yes (GB/GBC/GBA + official adapters) | No (ROM-based only) |
| Emulation Approach | Hardware FPGA + openFPGA community cores | Software Emulation (RetroArch-based) |
| Battery Life | ~5–7 hours (varies by brightness/core) | ~5–7 hours (depends on emulator usage) |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Additional Features | Optional Dock, official & third-party apps | Wi-Fi, custom firmware (Onion OS), achievements |
Game Library and Compatibility
Physical Cartridges vs. ROMs
- Analogue Pocket:
- For retro collectors with physical cartridges, it’s a dream come true.
- Official and third-party adapters expand the library beyond the Game Boy family.
- Miyoo Mini Plus:
- Emphasizes digital ROMs loaded onto an SD card, giving you an entire library at your fingertips.
- Straightforward approach for those without cartridge collections.
Community & Homebrew Support
- Analogue Pocket:
- Growing list of openFPGA cores for consoles like NES, SNES, and more.
- Vibrant community pushing FPGA emulation boundaries.
- Miyoo Mini Plus:
- Custom firmware (e.g., Onion OS) offers a refined UI, expanded emulator support, scraping for game box art, and more.
- Retro Achievements integration possible with Wi-Fi connectivity.
Notable Limitations
- Analogue Pocket:
- Adapters can be sold out or require additional cost.
- Without community cores, official support is primarily for Nintendo handheld cartridges.
- Miyoo Mini Plus:
- PS1 and some higher-end systems might struggle with certain titles.
- No native cartridge support for enthusiasts with physical libraries.
Firmware, Updates, and Ease of Use
Installing and Updating Firmware
- Analogue Pocket:
- Simple drag-and-drop updates via SD card.
- Additional steps involved for installing unofficial openFPGA cores.
- Miyoo Mini Plus:
- Official firmware updates are straightforward, especially with Wi-Fi.
- Custom firmware (Onion OS) installation involves copying files to an SD card, then rebooting to flash. Plenty of community guides are available.
Menu Navigation & UI
- Analogue Pocket:
- Clean interface for playing cartridges; advanced UI for openFPGA cores is evolving.
- Miyoo Mini Plus:
- The stock UI is basic but workable.
- Onion OS or similar CFWs provide sleek visuals, game cover art, and quick system switching.
Battery Life and Portability
Real-World Usage
- Both devices hover around 5–7 hours of battery life, influenced by:
- Screen brightness levels
- Type of game/emulator running
- Volume and Wi-Fi usage (for Miyoo Mini Plus)
Travel Friendliness
- Analogue Pocket:
- Thicker and taller; you might need a carrying case.
- Feels substantial but less pocketable.
- Miyoo Mini Plus:
- Compact form factor can actually fit in many pockets.
- Ideal for traveling or daily commutes.
Price, Availability, and Value
Analogue Pocket Pricing
- Base Cost: Around $219 (USD).
- Adapters & Dock: Each adds to the total cost.
- Availability: High demand can mean waiting lists or limited production runs.
Miyoo Mini Plus Pricing
- Base Cost: Usually between $50 and $70.
- Readily Available: Various online retailers sell it, though occasional stock shortages exist.
- Value: Extremely budget-friendly for the number of systems it can emulate.
Overall Value Proposition
- Analogue Pocket:
- Premium hardware, near-lagless performance, and a future-proof FPGA ecosystem.
- Miyoo Mini Plus:
- Affordable, highly versatile, and easy to modify with custom firmware.
Common FAQs
Is the Miyoo Mini Plus better than the Analogue Pocket for beginners?
Answer: The Miyoo Mini Plus is simpler for those who want to load ROMs and quickly start playing. The Analogue Pocket is user-friendly too but may require additional steps for openFPGA cores and cartridges.
Which has the better screen resolution and image quality?
Answer: The Analogue Pocket has a higher resolution (1600×1440) and is widely praised as one of the best retro handheld screens. The Miyoo Mini Plus’s 640×480 IPS is good but less sharp.
Can I use Analogue Pocket without original cartridges?
Answer: Officially, the Pocket is designed for cartridges. However, with community openFPGA cores, you can load certain ROMs (within legal boundaries). This does require additional steps.
How do I add games to the Miyoo Mini Plus?
Answer: Simply copy ROM files to an SD card (organized by console), then insert it into the device. If using custom firmware, you’ll get an improved UI and features like box art scraping.
Does the Miyoo Mini Plus support PS1 games well?
Answer: Most 2D and many 3D PS1 titles run at full speed. Very demanding 3D games may exhibit slowdowns.
What adapters are available for the Analogue Pocket?
Answer: Official adapters for Game Gear, Neo Geo Pocket, and Atari Lynx. Third-party options may expand support further.
Is there an HDMI or TV-out option for the Miyoo Mini Plus?
Answer: Not officially. Unlike the Analogue Pocket, the Miyoo Mini Plus doesn’t have a dedicated dock or HDMI output.
Which device is more future-proof?
Answer: The Analogue Pocket’s FPGA architecture is highly flexible and updatable. Meanwhile, the Miyoo Mini Plus relies on software updates; it’s future-proof insofar as community and developer support continues.
Does Analogue Pocket support SNES, Genesis, or other consoles?
Answer: Out of the box, no. But openFPGA cores can enable SNES, Genesis, and more. Support depends on community progress.
How easy is it to install custom firmware on the Miyoo Mini Plus?
Answer: Straightforward. Download the firmware (Onion OS), copy it to your SD card, and follow on-screen prompts. The device’s Wi-Fi also simplifies updating.
Conclusion – Making the Right Choice
Quick Recap
- Analogue Pocket: FPGA hardware, top-notch screen, cartridge-centric, premium feel, optional TV dock.
- Miyoo Mini Plus: Software emulation, highly affordable, portable, Wi-Fi enabled, vast ROM library support.
Who Should Buy the Analogue Pocket?
Collectors and enthusiasts seeking authentic hardware-level performance will treasure the Analogue Pocket. If you’re nostalgic about sliding your beloved cartridges into a sleek modern device—and willing to invest in premium quality—this is your best bet.
Who Should Buy the Miyoo Mini Plus?
Gamers on a budget or those who prefer a massive library of classic titles at their fingertips should lean toward the Miyoo Mini Plus. Its smaller size, simpler ROM-based approach, and thriving custom firmware community make it an easy pick for casual retro fun.
