Short answer: the Miyoo Mini Plus is the pocket champion for 2D gaming — tiny, light, and running the excellent Onion OS — but it has no analog sticks and stops at PlayStation 1. The R36 Max is bigger, adds dual analog sticks and a larger square screen, and can attempt N64 game by game. Pick the Miyoo for ultimate portability and 8/16-bit games; pick the R36 Max if you want analog control, a bigger display and more headroom.
R36 Max vs Miyoo Mini Plus at a glance
| Spec | R36 Max | Miyoo Mini Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 4.0″ laminated IPS, 4:3 | 3.5″ IPS 640×480, 4:3 |
| Size | Larger, horizontal | Very compact, ~20% smaller |
| Analog sticks | Dual Hall-effect | None (D-pad only) |
| Battery | ~5,000 mAh | ~3,000 mAh |
| Software | Community Linux firmware | Onion OS (highly polished) |
| Best for | PS1 / light N64, analog games | Pocket 8/16-bit + GBA |
Size and portability
The Miyoo Mini Plus is one of the most pocketable retro handhelds ever made — genuinely small and light enough to carry every day and to hand to a child. The R36 Max is noticeably larger, trading pocketability for a bigger 4-inch screen and full-size grips. If “fits in any pocket” is your top priority, the Miyoo wins outright.
Controls and what you can play
This is the real divide. The Miyoo Mini Plus has a D-pad and face buttons only — perfect for NES, SNES, Game Boy Advance and Genesis, but it cannot properly play games that need analog sticks. The R36 Max has two analog sticks, so it covers 3D PlayStation 1 and some Nintendo 64. If your library is all 2D, the Miyoo is all you need; if you want the analog-era games too, the R36 Max is the only real choice here.
Software experience
The Miyoo Mini Plus runs Onion OS, widely regarded as one of the cleanest, most beginner-friendly custom firmwares in the hobby — box art, save states and a tidy menu out of the box. The R36 Max relies on community Linux firmware that is capable but less refined. If a polished, no-tinkering interface matters most, the Miyoo has the edge.
The verdict
Buy the Miyoo Mini Plus for the most pocketable, polished 2D experience — it is the reference budget handheld for retro purists. Buy the R36 Max if you want a bigger screen, dual analog sticks for 3D games, and a larger battery. They serve slightly different buyers, and both are strong value.
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Compare the whole range on our handheld comparison page, or see the R36 Max vs Anbernic RG35XX match-up.
Frequently asked questions
Is the R36 Max better than the Miyoo Mini Plus?
It depends on your priorities. The R36 Max has a bigger square screen, dual analog sticks and a larger battery, and can attempt N64 game by game in addition to PS1. The Miyoo Mini Plus is far more pocketable and runs the polished Onion OS, but has no analog sticks and stops at PlayStation 1.
Does the Miyoo Mini Plus have analog sticks?
No. The Miyoo Mini Plus uses a D-pad and face buttons only. For games that need analog control — 3D PS1, N64 — the R36 Max with its dual analog sticks is the better choice.
Which has better software?
The Miyoo Mini Plus runs Onion OS, one of the most polished and beginner-friendly custom firmwares available, with box art and save states out of the box. The R36 Max uses capable but less refined community Linux firmware.
Which is more portable?
The Miyoo Mini Plus — it is roughly 20% smaller and lighter than the R36 Max, making it the more pocketable option for everyday carry and travel.
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