Short answer: both are superb pocket 2D handhelds with no analog sticks. The Miyoo Mini Plus is smaller and runs the beloved Onion OS; the Anbernic RG35XX feels a touch more premium and ships with official firmware. Pick the Miyoo for ultimate portability and the best software, the RG35XX for build polish. If you want analog sticks and a bigger screen for 3D games, neither fits — look at the R36 Max instead.
RG35XX vs Miyoo Mini Plus at a glance
| Spec | Anbernic RG35XX | Miyoo Mini Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 3.5″ IPS 640×480, 4:3 | 3.5″ IPS 640×480, 4:3 |
| Size | Compact vertical | Even smaller, very light |
| Software | Official Anbernic OS | Onion OS (highly polished) |
| Analog sticks | None | None |
| Extras | microSD, official support | Wi-Fi, vibration |
| Best for | Polished 2D, build feel | Pocket 2D, best UI |
Software: Onion OS vs Anbernic OS
The Miyoo Mini Plus’s Onion OS is one of the most loved custom firmwares in the hobby — clean menus, box art and save states with almost no setup. The RG35XX ships with official Anbernic firmware that is solid and updated by the vendor. If a beautiful, no-tinkering interface is your priority, the Miyoo leads; if you prefer official support, Anbernic does.
Size, screen and extras
Both use similar 3.5-inch 640×480 IPS panels. The Miyoo Mini Plus is the smaller and lighter of the two — the more pocketable choice — and adds Wi-Fi and vibration. The RG35XX feels a little more substantial and premium in the hand. Neither has analog sticks, so both are 2D-focused.
The honest limitation of both
Neither device has analog sticks, so both stop being ideal the moment you want 3D PlayStation 1 or Nintendo 64. If your library is all 2D — NES, SNES, GBA, Genesis — either is excellent. If you want the analog-era games too, a horizontal handheld like the R36 Max with dual sticks and a bigger 4-inch screen is the better long-term buy.
The verdict
Pick the Miyoo Mini Plus for the smallest size and the best software. Pick the Anbernic RG35XX for a more premium build and official firmware. Pick the R36 Max if you realise you want analog sticks and a bigger screen for 3D games.
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Compare the analog alternatives in our R36 Max vs Miyoo Mini Plus and R36 Max vs Anbernic RG35XX guides.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Anbernic RG35XX or Miyoo Mini Plus better?
Both are excellent 2D handhelds with no analog sticks. The Miyoo Mini Plus is smaller, lighter and runs the polished Onion OS; the RG35XX feels more premium and ships with official Anbernic firmware. Choose on size-and-software versus build-and-support.
Do either have analog sticks?
No. Neither the standard RG35XX nor the Miyoo Mini Plus has analog sticks — both are D-pad devices best for 2D systems. For 3D PlayStation 1 or N64, a device with analog sticks like the R36 Max is required.
Which has the better software?
The Miyoo Mini Plus runs Onion OS, widely regarded as one of the cleanest and most beginner-friendly firmwares available. The RG35XX uses official Anbernic firmware, which is well supported and regularly updated.
What if I want to play 3D games too?
Neither of these is ideal for 3D games. A horizontal handheld with analog sticks and a bigger screen, such as the R36 Max, is a better choice if you want PlayStation 1 3D titles and light Nintendo 64 alongside your 2D library.
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