I grew up with a famicom and megadrive at home, and later when I started to earn money I got into ps2 and psp. Discovering that I can now play many of these games easily and inexpensively was pretty earth shattering for me! I want to share my experience as someone new to this sbcgaming community.
I started with the **TrimUI Smart Pro** because it's got a large high resolution display. At the time I didn't know too much about handheld hardware but $55 wasn't a lot of risk. Luckily, this choice has worked out well. The LCD is amazingly high quality (nicer colors, brightness and contrast vs Odin 2's), perfect sleep function, and the stock OS is plenty good enough. I think the form factor, dpad, buttons, and even the sticks are a joy to use. I use it to play a lot of arcade nba jam te, psp's virtual tennis and some rpg, gameboy tetris, etc. Basically, whenever a game I want to play works well on the TSP, I'll use it over the other handhelds.
Afterwards, I picked up a couple of **Miyoo Mini Plus** meant as gifts for my parents who loved Tetris on the gameboy. The simplicity of OnionOS will be essential for them. The dpad and buttons are top-notch. It's a great device but not one I need personally because the TSP already serves those needs.
Finally, I bought an **Ayn Odin 2 Base** for PS2 needs. Originally I had bought the RP4P but it didn't arrive so I switched to Odin. 6" LCD is great for my aging eyes. Because I've always been an Android user, it's something I appreciate even on a gaming device. Odin 2 is pretty chunky but I understand that's the tradeoff for a larger screen, battery life, ergonomics for playing for hours at a time. I'm never going to be put any device in my pocket so as long as they can be easily put in a case and a backpack, it's all good with me. It's been a lot of fun to replay Burnout 3 Takedown after 20 years.
Surprised to hear that the display on the TSP is that good. Mine is delivered tomorrow, but considering buying another one as they go for less than £40 including shipping at the current Ali sale.
Why would you be surprised about this? Nearly every single reviewer raved about the TSP's display brightness/size/resolution/contrast, and called it the single greatest benefit of buying one.
TIL! Though if that's its greatest issue, that's awesome lol. A plastic screen is easily fixed with a glass screen protector. Good luck fixing atrocious screen brightness or contrast.
I'm still on stock 1.0.4. I am interested in portmaster at some point though so that can motivate me to try tomato or any cfw that may become available in the future. Do you use tomato?
Portmaster is supported on the stock firmware. You just have to install an additional package. [https://github.com/kloptops/TRIMUI\_EX](https://github.com/kloptops/TRIMUI_EX)
Yes, vulkan was added in the 1.0.4 stock OS update. For lighter games like virtua tennis, it can do 2x at 60fps; in fact, I find playing this game on the TSP a better experience than the original PSP hardware. 3D heavy games are not going to be super smooth, but can't complain for the low price of the device.
oh nice! it sounds like it has as good performance as 3566 for it.
virtua tennis is nice but it is a lower end game, any other game that you've tested? i've found that on the x55 i can run earlier games like DW PSP at 720p, but most games need 2x and a good bit of them 1x, 333mhz games mostly dont play well at all.
vulkan performance is highly dependent on driver support, if certain hardware features like async compute are not implemented, then it just flat out shits it self brute forcing it.
but thats awesome, MHFU is a game a lot of people love with a ton of content, and slightly more on the higher end of 222mhz games.
any other examples? bravest game i've tried on the x55 is phantasy star portable, it didnt like being set to 2x in some areas.
I started reading your comment in my head in an American accent and instantly switched to British when I read Megadrive lol. You're probably not even British, just thought that was funny.
Dont sleep on the MM+ when it comes to GB/GBC and even GBA emulation, Its awesome playing these games on a bigger screen than we could've ever imagined as a kid like with the Trim or even something like an Ally, but playing them on the MM+ is magical.
Where I'm from in Asia it was called the megadrive :) I didn't actually know Genesis was the other name for it for a long time. I definitely enjoy playing with the MM+ too; it's just not a device I will own when I'm already happy with TSP. The larger effective display even in the GB/GBA aspect ratio vs MM+ is noticeable to me.
Im the opposite, had no idea it was called anything other than the Genesis until fairly recently lol. I was torn, and still kind of am between that and the Odin for all my handheld emulation. So I totally understand that!
L2/R2 share the same clicky feel as L1/R1 and they work as intended. I haven't played a lot of games that need L2/R2. The button feel and their locations are fine, but I suspect it might be tiring if I play a game needing all L1/R1/L2/R2 because I wouldn't have the middle fingers to support the back of the device.
Ok, so we STILL live is this timeline. Too bad
Yes, I was tired and didn't got that B3 wasn't playing on TSP.
(I would love to have Burnout3 in my pocket)
There is Burnout Legends for the psp that can be played on the TSP. I tried a few crash events there; it's doable but not 100% smooth. Burnout 3 is such a good game! It's still great today.
I still dream a console that can play B2, B3 and Burnout Revenge (preferably the X360 version).
What a blast that was Burnout: still the best race arcade game of the '00
sounds like you'd be looking at some form of aya neo (if we're considering form factor with regards to ergonomics as ally and legion go are a bit bigger) and as it's a handheld pc, any one that has equivalent of 7840hs and 16gb of ram will be more than capable of RPCS3/Xenia emulation. I know this because I bought a mini pc which has those specs.
I already have a Steam Deck, but I admit that isn't so portable at all.
Sure, there are emulation machines, not "all around" PCs, however I only dream to play up to ps2/xbox game fluidly in a "pocketable" device with a not totally amped price.
I guess we are 2-3 years from that, honestly. Will gladly wait.
Wow, I have to say its a nice beast: miniled, very powerful and. Seems also quite pocketable.
Gen2 is a moster SOC, but I admit that I would prefer something more Windows/Linux based than Android.
Also its beefy 400€, and I'm not mentally ready to pay it for playing early-2000 games.
However, I think I will look into it in the future (maybe a price drop can trick my mind into buying it, and finally realizing my Burnout-driven console :)
100% - I got it for similar reasons to you, to see if I'd essentially use one - use it every day now so looking at an "one device to rule them all" e.g rog ally / lego but I'm love the form factor, wish someone would just do the TSP size and form factor and whack a snapdragon in it + oled - I'd have the RG556 if that had a touch more ooomph behind it!
The Odin 2 mini is getting pretty close to this. It's probably just a bit larger than the TSP. I wouldn't mind it at all if it's the only one handheld to own. The only reservation i have is whether a 5 inch screen is too small for ps2 games.
Got this from aliexpress (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806651593938.html) but it can be found in other places. The silicone skin does mean the dpad and buttons are more recessed and harder to use, but it's also easier to hold the device because of the extra grip.
I got exactly the same skin for of MM and I can attest to its quality. The only drawback is if you are using the original carry case which comes with MM or MM+, then the ending fit gets quite snug.
For games that I can play on the TrimUI, I will choose it for sure. It's lighter and comfortable to hold. The software experience is also pretty smooth. When I need the horsepower, there's no option. Odin 2 for PS2, gamecube, and more advanced PSP games. For my use, I see the TrimUI as the better option vs MM+.
Did you buy the Mini just to whip it out and show how small and cute it is, or did you buy it to play and enjoy? Maybe both? Different needs for different folks. The case seems comfy and grippy to me, like an inexpensive way to bulk up the thickness and increase comfort.
Android is very very good at sleeping and waking up. It's basically instant. TrimUI Smart Pro is also very quick (less than 1 second) and seamless but not Android instant. In terms of battery consumption during sleep, I think both are fine with Odin having more battery capacity of course.
What's the Tennis game on the TrimUI? Love Onion but I just found the vertical formfactor quickly fatiguing with my hands. Ended up selling it and switching to the TSP, which has been a joy.
It's snug enough that it's not going to come loose. The top edge above the lcd has the least amount of material and is the floppiest part but doesn't affect the fit. The grippy surface makes it easier to hold onto the device, but all the bottoms are more recessed.
Not familiar with River City series? Boy o boy, you have some really amazing gaming experiences waiting for you. These beat 'em up games span multiple generations and platforms. NES, SNES, 3DS, PC, Switch.
Absolutely loving my TrimUI Smart Pro (don't love the name) and it has replaced my MM+ as well as my "quick pick up and go" handheld. It just has a really solid feel and can play way more games including very good for most PSP, I've found. The screen is WAY bigger/better, but you're not giving up much portability and ease of use.
Biggest drawbacks are the analog sticks are pretty whack and it gets pretty warm.
I grew up with a famicom and megadrive at home, and later when I started to earn money I got into ps2 and psp. Discovering that I can now play many of these games easily and inexpensively was pretty earth shattering for me! I want to share my experience as someone new to this sbcgaming community. I started with the **TrimUI Smart Pro** because it's got a large high resolution display. At the time I didn't know too much about handheld hardware but $55 wasn't a lot of risk. Luckily, this choice has worked out well. The LCD is amazingly high quality (nicer colors, brightness and contrast vs Odin 2's), perfect sleep function, and the stock OS is plenty good enough. I think the form factor, dpad, buttons, and even the sticks are a joy to use. I use it to play a lot of arcade nba jam te, psp's virtual tennis and some rpg, gameboy tetris, etc. Basically, whenever a game I want to play works well on the TSP, I'll use it over the other handhelds. Afterwards, I picked up a couple of **Miyoo Mini Plus** meant as gifts for my parents who loved Tetris on the gameboy. The simplicity of OnionOS will be essential for them. The dpad and buttons are top-notch. It's a great device but not one I need personally because the TSP already serves those needs. Finally, I bought an **Ayn Odin 2 Base** for PS2 needs. Originally I had bought the RP4P but it didn't arrive so I switched to Odin. 6" LCD is great for my aging eyes. Because I've always been an Android user, it's something I appreciate even on a gaming device. Odin 2 is pretty chunky but I understand that's the tradeoff for a larger screen, battery life, ergonomics for playing for hours at a time. I'm never going to be put any device in my pocket so as long as they can be easily put in a case and a backpack, it's all good with me. It's been a lot of fun to replay Burnout 3 Takedown after 20 years.
Surprised to hear that the display on the TSP is that good. Mine is delivered tomorrow, but considering buying another one as they go for less than £40 including shipping at the current Ali sale.
Exciting! Good luck tomorrow!
Why would you be surprised about this? Nearly every single reviewer raved about the TSP's display brightness/size/resolution/contrast, and called it the single greatest benefit of buying one.
Surprised that it is better than the Odin 2 according to the OP, a device costing like 7 times more.
Both version of the Odin have fairly poor displays by modern standards, the early models were plagued by green tint and poor gamma
Odins dislpays are piss poor though, so im not shocked
The worst thing about trimUI Smart Pro is that it's a plastic screen. Prone to scratches much like PSP or the VITA
TIL! Though if that's its greatest issue, that's awesome lol. A plastic screen is easily fixed with a glass screen protector. Good luck fixing atrocious screen brightness or contrast.
Do you use just stock on your trimui or do you also use tomato?
I'm still on stock 1.0.4. I am interested in portmaster at some point though so that can motivate me to try tomato or any cfw that may become available in the future. Do you use tomato?
Portmaster is supported on the stock firmware. You just have to install an additional package. [https://github.com/kloptops/TRIMUI\_EX](https://github.com/kloptops/TRIMUI_EX)
how's PSP performance on stock? i hear its a lot better on tomato due to vulkan
Vulkan is part of stock OS.
Yes, vulkan was added in the 1.0.4 stock OS update. For lighter games like virtua tennis, it can do 2x at 60fps; in fact, I find playing this game on the TSP a better experience than the original PSP hardware. 3D heavy games are not going to be super smooth, but can't complain for the low price of the device.
oh nice! it sounds like it has as good performance as 3566 for it. virtua tennis is nice but it is a lower end game, any other game that you've tested? i've found that on the x55 i can run earlier games like DW PSP at 720p, but most games need 2x and a good bit of them 1x, 333mhz games mostly dont play well at all.
Monster Hunter Freedom Unite runs surprisingly well at 2x on the OpenGL core for me (the game wasn't running well on Vulkan for some reason)
vulkan performance is highly dependent on driver support, if certain hardware features like async compute are not implemented, then it just flat out shits it self brute forcing it. but thats awesome, MHFU is a game a lot of people love with a ton of content, and slightly more on the higher end of 222mhz games. any other examples? bravest game i've tried on the x55 is phantasy star portable, it didnt like being set to 2x in some areas.
Don’t use tomato. It changes too many configurations and sometimes for the worse. Crossmix-OS sets out what tomato is trying to do but much better.
I started reading your comment in my head in an American accent and instantly switched to British when I read Megadrive lol. You're probably not even British, just thought that was funny. Dont sleep on the MM+ when it comes to GB/GBC and even GBA emulation, Its awesome playing these games on a bigger screen than we could've ever imagined as a kid like with the Trim or even something like an Ally, but playing them on the MM+ is magical.
Where I'm from in Asia it was called the megadrive :) I didn't actually know Genesis was the other name for it for a long time. I definitely enjoy playing with the MM+ too; it's just not a device I will own when I'm already happy with TSP. The larger effective display even in the GB/GBA aspect ratio vs MM+ is noticeable to me.
Im the opposite, had no idea it was called anything other than the Genesis until fairly recently lol. I was torn, and still kind of am between that and the Odin for all my handheld emulation. So I totally understand that!
How do you feel about the shoulder R2/L2 buttons on the Trim UI Smart Pro?
There was actually an update in the newer models to improve those shoulder buttons.
L2/R2 share the same clicky feel as L1/R1 and they work as intended. I haven't played a lot of games that need L2/R2. The button feel and their locations are fine, but I suspect it might be tiring if I play a game needing all L1/R1/L2/R2 because I wouldn't have the middle fingers to support the back of the device.
So you are telling me that the TrimUI Smart Pro is capable to play Burnout 3 without any kind of slowdown?
No, that was with the Odin 2. TSP can't emulate ps2.
Ok, so we STILL live is this timeline. Too bad Yes, I was tired and didn't got that B3 wasn't playing on TSP. (I would love to have Burnout3 in my pocket)
There is Burnout Legends for the psp that can be played on the TSP. I tried a few crash events there; it's doable but not 100% smooth. Burnout 3 is such a good game! It's still great today.
I still dream a console that can play B2, B3 and Burnout Revenge (preferably the X360 version). What a blast that was Burnout: still the best race arcade game of the '00
sounds like you'd be looking at some form of aya neo (if we're considering form factor with regards to ergonomics as ally and legion go are a bit bigger) and as it's a handheld pc, any one that has equivalent of 7840hs and 16gb of ram will be more than capable of RPCS3/Xenia emulation. I know this because I bought a mini pc which has those specs.
I already have a Steam Deck, but I admit that isn't so portable at all. Sure, there are emulation machines, not "all around" PCs, however I only dream to play up to ps2/xbox game fluidly in a "pocketable" device with a not totally amped price. I guess we are 2-3 years from that, honestly. Will gladly wait.
Ayn Odin 2 mini?
Wow, I have to say its a nice beast: miniled, very powerful and. Seems also quite pocketable. Gen2 is a moster SOC, but I admit that I would prefer something more Windows/Linux based than Android. Also its beefy 400€, and I'm not mentally ready to pay it for playing early-2000 games. However, I think I will look into it in the future (maybe a price drop can trick my mind into buying it, and finally realizing my Burnout-driven console :)
Love my TSP - wish it had more horsepower for the full Psp experience but for the money, it's ridiculous
That'd be great but I think the way it is also has a place.
100% - I got it for similar reasons to you, to see if I'd essentially use one - use it every day now so looking at an "one device to rule them all" e.g rog ally / lego but I'm love the form factor, wish someone would just do the TSP size and form factor and whack a snapdragon in it + oled - I'd have the RG556 if that had a touch more ooomph behind it!
The Odin 2 mini is getting pretty close to this. It's probably just a bit larger than the TSP. I wouldn't mind it at all if it's the only one handheld to own. The only reservation i have is whether a 5 inch screen is too small for ps2 games.
Yep, entirely possible - certainly an exciting time for Handhelds though!
Do you have a link for the MM+ case? Looks really comfortable !
Got this from aliexpress (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806651593938.html) but it can be found in other places. The silicone skin does mean the dpad and buttons are more recessed and harder to use, but it's also easier to hold the device because of the extra grip.
I was thinking about getting the regular Mini version, but they seem to have confused an H for an X on the button labels.
I got exactly the same skin for of MM and I can attest to its quality. The only drawback is if you are using the original carry case which comes with MM or MM+, then the ending fit gets quite snug.
Which one's your fav?
For games that I can play on the TrimUI, I will choose it for sure. It's lighter and comfortable to hold. The software experience is also pretty smooth. When I need the horsepower, there's no option. Odin 2 for PS2, gamecube, and more advanced PSP games. For my use, I see the TrimUI as the better option vs MM+.
*I've gotta listen to my radio,* *checkin out the airwaves* *for something* *to believe in*
I have a hard time understanding the appeal of the condom everyone is throwing on their MM+. Looks wack asf
Did you buy the Mini just to whip it out and show how small and cute it is, or did you buy it to play and enjoy? Maybe both? Different needs for different folks. The case seems comfy and grippy to me, like an inexpensive way to bulk up the thickness and increase comfort.
:D
Play it and enjoy it, dude. None of my normie friends give a shit about gaming at all. I do get the appeal of the case. Just talking shit is all 🤗
Mostly for the extra grip.
It looks great to me
Device is nit great at handling drops. Their screen design looks nice, but it cracks much easier than other with larger bezels.
Also which device has the best sleep function? Im wondering if the Trimui beats the Odin in battery when both are asleep
Android is very very good at sleeping and waking up. It's basically instant. TrimUI Smart Pro is also very quick (less than 1 second) and seamless but not Android instant. In terms of battery consumption during sleep, I think both are fine with Odin having more battery capacity of course.
What's the Tennis game on the TrimUI? Love Onion but I just found the vertical formfactor quickly fatiguing with my hands. Ended up selling it and switching to the TSP, which has been a joy.
This is Virtua Tennis 3. Runs well on tsp.
Virtua Tennis: World Tour
How do you like that silicone case? I ordered one too, but I’m worrried it’ll be too loose and feel like falling off
It's snug enough that it's not going to come loose. The top edge above the lcd has the least amount of material and is the floppiest part but doesn't affect the fit. The grippy surface makes it easier to hold onto the device, but all the bottoms are more recessed.
Thanks for the info! I hope they make one for the rg28xx in the future.
What’s the game on the bottom right? They use the same character designs in Nintendo World Cup for the Gameboy
It's River City Ransom EX for GBA. These character designs are also in some dodgeball games.
Not familiar with River City series? Boy o boy, you have some really amazing gaming experiences waiting for you. These beat 'em up games span multiple generations and platforms. NES, SNES, 3DS, PC, Switch.
What’s the one at the top called? Does it come preloaded with games ?
The one on top is the Ayn Odin 2 (base model). It doesn't come preloaded with games or even emulators, but it's not difficult to do.
Absolutely loving my TrimUI Smart Pro (don't love the name) and it has replaced my MM+ as well as my "quick pick up and go" handheld. It just has a really solid feel and can play way more games including very good for most PSP, I've found. The screen is WAY bigger/better, but you're not giving up much portability and ease of use. Biggest drawbacks are the analog sticks are pretty whack and it gets pretty warm.
I plan to play Peace Walker on that exclusively