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The Miyoo Mini V4 is our top pick under $50, and the single question we get about it most is simple. What is actually different about the v4, and is it the version to buy? This guide covers what the revision changed, what the device runs, and how it fits against its bigger sibling, the Miyoo Mini Plus.
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What the V4 Revision Changed
Miyoo has quietly revised the original Mini several times, and the v4 is the one that matters. Earlier revisions had two recurring complaints: weak battery behavior and flaky Wi-Fi. The v4 addressed both, which transformed the device from a charming gamble into an easy recommendation. If you are buying a Miyoo Mini today, confirm the listing is the v4 revision. Older stock still circulates.
Specs and What It Plays
- Screen: 2.8 inch IPS. Small, sharp, and lovely for pixel art.
- Form factor: Tiny vertical shell in the spirit of the original Game Boy. It vanishes into any pocket.
- Battery life: Roughly 12 or more hours of 2D play, among the best in the hobby.
- Emulation ceiling: Game Boy line, NES, SNES, Genesis, and most of PS1 at full speed. No analog sticks, so N64 and PSP are not the target.
That ceiling is the point. The Mini V4 is a pure 2D and PS1 machine, and at ~$35 it does that job about as well as hardware can. If you want the wider field, our best handhelds under $50 guide ranks the competition.
Install Onion OS First
Like every Miyoo, the V4 is fine out of the box and exceptional on community firmware. Onion OS adds box art, instant sleep and resume, save states, and RetroAchievements. The install takes about twenty minutes with a good microSD card, and our Onion OS setup guide walks through every step. Replace the bundled SD card immediately, and see our best microSD cards guide for the reliable picks.
Miyoo Mini V4 vs Miyoo Mini Plus
The Plus is the same idea in a slightly larger shell, with a 3.5 inch screen and a bigger battery, for about $30 more.
- Buy the V4 if maximum pocketability and minimum price win. The 2.8 inch screen is small but genuinely good, and the device disappears in a pocket.
- Buy the Mini Plus if you want the more comfortable screen for longer sessions. It is the easier device to live with as a daily driver.
Either way you get the same Onion OS experience and the same 2D-and-PS1 sweet spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a listing is the v4 revision?
Reputable listings state the revision directly. If a listing does not mention v4, ask the seller or buy elsewhere. The revision matters enough to be worth the check.
Can the Miyoo Mini V4 play N64 or PSP?
No. It has no analog sticks and the chip is not the target for those systems. For N64 and PSP on a budget, step up to something like the Anbernic RG40XXV.
Is the Miyoo Mini V4 good for kids?
Very. It is cheap enough that a drop is not a tragedy, simple enough to hand over, and the library it targets is exactly what younger players reach for. Our best handhelds for kids guide has the full rundown.
Related Guides
- Best Handhelds Under $50 — where the V4 earns its top-pick slot
- Onion OS Setup Guide — the essential first step
- Miyoo Mini Plus Review — the bigger sibling
- Best Micro and Pocket Handhelds — the whole tiny-device field
Related reading
Guide
Comparison
Review