I own a lot of these consoles... the A30 is my current favorite. Small enough to be easily pocketable, nice and light, and the screen is gorgeous. Battery life is a non issue (who is playing these micro consoles that long?). Great review!
I like Russ for his thoroughness but he has had some takes I've disagreed with - which don't get me wrong, is fine, because I still get the info I need. But I find that happening less with Vlad and with Dweeb. And a little less with Joey too even though he tends not to be as enthusiastic about small linux handhelds, he has some good thoughts about ergonomics.
@@leethomas7659 I'm also a Russ fan who's been watching him for years. I love the guy but when he says the word "good" it feels like a tongue going in my ear.😔
I bought RG28xx just to play Undertale on it and its been amazing. It is tiny and my hands get cramped but small dpad isn't that much of a problem for me.
Great video. I got an A30 for 30$. It came with all the trimmings but the (less than ideal) SD card which is fine because I had a spare from my console modding hobbies. I'm waiting for Onion to come out for it. From what I can tell that is in the works. If it doesn't happen? Well, I'm sure other options will mature over time. I'd love to see more videos on this one from you though if and when it's custom firmware options change. Your outro got my subscribe. I agree. Life's too short not to enjoy it with other weird nerds who share the same weird nerd hobbies. Everyone I know thinks I'm a weirdo for collecting so much hardware and modding it all.
Another Vlad classic. I love the overall size of the A30 better but wish they didn’t include an analog stick because it’s honestly pointless for a device of this size. Also the hardware is dated and runs hot (I own two of them to gift after modding).
Personally, I don't understand all the hate for the stick. Some people are removing them, which is crazy to me. Who removes functionality!? I get there isn't much to use it for, but you can play some N64, and it's much more enjoyable playing Super Mario 64 with the stick. Also, arcade games are better with the stick too. Just my 2 cents!
Just got an a30. I installed minui on it after the stock operating system was incapable of scanning the new games I put on the system (the ones it came with were titled in Chinese). As a secondary portable handheld, I think it was just what i was looking for, and minui is great for such a small display.
I own a A30 and it’s true in that it may play fewer games/consoles compared to the 28XX, but the buttons and the experience continues to be a factor for why I keep picking it up and playing games. 2.8 inch screens are fine, they are bigger than your standard Gameboy DMG screen. Overall, my personal favorite that could be a middle ground but not exactly a micro handheld is the 35XXH. It has the thumb sticks, WiFi, BT, H700 chip and a 3.5 inch screen and just as pocketable as the micro handhelds.
Another thing that made me sad about Miyoo, was the fact that they tried to take down Joey's video from Joey's Retro Handhelds entitled "Fixing the Miyoo A30 with Spruce OS!" which he shows the face plate came off and broken, crumpled. That's really bad practices in the eyes of consumers. I think the only one worth getting is the Miyoo Mini Plus, since the original is too small and fragile (besides expensive), and the A30 ended up being an unfinished product, with a short battery life, obsolete CPU, high temperatures and a terrible stock firmware that thanks to the community, was drastically improved with Spruce among other mods.
Look Vlad, I'm suspicious of talking about Miyoo because I like their products (but I'm not stupid). But Joey's video is called " The Miyoo A30 Re-Review (& A Rant.. It’s Complicated)": ruclips.net/video/GapX5hOifuo/видео.html&t - In the video he vents about what they did, Miyoo tried to remove the video I mentioned before because they didn't like the criticism regarding the A30. Little by little I'm reducing my Miyoo collection to just my Plus ones. I'm waiting for the Flip however, I think this one will be worth it. Hugs from Brazil
@@soulchaser7 the video they tried to remove was his original “review” which was in all honesty, a bad video on his part. It was Joey style to max, just bashing the company and product. I didn’t care for the video, but I also don’t think company’s should try to censor reviewers.
@@Tetrastructural I partially agree with you. I know he made harsh criticisms of the console, but from what I understand the carrier didn't take good care of the A30 and delivered it damaged. In this, Joey was wrong not to make that observation. So he attributed this fact to the construction of the console. Just as I think Miyoo is wrong with this attitude of removing the video for not accepting criticism of their product.
you so funny you make me smile... i totally agree with your feeling about miyoo a30... i had both 28xx & a30... i know 28xx is much faster, looks sleek.. but my deep inside feel choose a30 😊 and so funny . i subscribed with smile your so charming guy! sorry for lack eng skill see you again
@@VladNerd I’m sure there are limitations from the size. Both just focus on diff things. I’d think having it all would either be pricy or might need to make the handheld bigger.
Another thing about the RG28xx's supposed superiority with Dreamcast, N64 and PSP is that those systems had an analog stick. I have more fun playing 40% of N64 games with a stick than 80% of N64 games with no analog stick, personally. Ok I'll stop commenting now, good vid again.
I'm too old for a 2.8 screen ... 3.5 is the minimum, and the trimui screen is like the sweet spot. I wish the RP4pro had the same screensize. I always found it's screen to be 2 small for what it can play.
What about the heat Miyoo A30 produces? This thing gets too hot. Performance is also very poor even with some older platforms. Battery sucks and leasts only 3 hours
I already own two Anbernics, the RG35XXH and RG40XXH. Believe it or not, I was considering getting the RG28XXH. But now I think I'll get a Miyoo A30. Thanks @vladnerd for the advice! But in case you're wondering, the 35xxh is all I'll ever need. I just have the sickness ;)
Btw, you'll live in my head rent-free probably for the rest of my life. This is the 2nd superthanks that I received ever since starting the channel. 😄 ... Just wanted you to know this. ❤️
I agree about the buttons for sure. I like that they sell replacement parts for their handhelds. Some other companies won’t even talk to you at all. (I’m talking to you, TrimUI)
I have 2 Miyoo A30. The Grey and the White/Black. The grey mind you, is starting to worn out the buttons print on the face plate. The letter B is almost gone and Select is vanishing too. I don't know why this is happening, my white/black unit has no such issue (until now I guess). This brought me quite the frustration because I received both units new. I have 2 MM+ as well and of course this won't happen due to excelent build quality (also both with silicon covers). I really started to love it since Spruce breathed so much life into it and now it's already looking an old device (Retro irony?). Not to mention the high temperature on the back of the device, even with CPU underclock.
Hi I have a Miyoo a30 and I seem to have done something and I now don’t have my d pad or stick working on Mario 64 and Mario cart 64 but it does work on ridge racer what have I done?? Help would be very much appreciated tia
I'm team vertical so neither of these units are really moving the needle for me. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and opinions Vlad. Brilliant. When I was learning how to play guitar, my music teacher told me I wasn't a musician until another musician told me I was. The other creators respect you because you ARE a creator. Well done.
Go game geek has nice prices but they ship many devices with paid titles preloaded inside of portmaster. Not real cool but ah well. Great reviews per usual!
I agree both are not perfect. rg28xx could have won if anbernic spend more time designing the looks and feel. Also I wish there was bluetooth and wifi on rg28xx, there is no point with the hdmi out without bluetooth / wifi...😢
@@PaulMadddox very nice catch, thanks so much! I have no idea what caused it currently, but this is totally worth checking out. Thanks again for bringing this to me! ❤️
Yup, I can agree here. I love micro handhelds for their pocketability. But using a 4 inch display is a whole other experience compared to these little guys.
Tech Dweb pointed out that the 28xx has the same size buttons as the original Gameboy Advanced SP…. The only people who play an original SP are adults so….. dunno why people complain about it so much…
Vlad I like your videos but had to turn this one off after five minutes, there's something really strange going on with the audio, it's like some filter is being applied every few seconds, like sometimes you sound normal and then it sounds like you're being muffled, or you're underwater, and then it's back to normal for a few seconds, then back to being muffled, etc...
In my opinion the 28XX has the edge in software and performance while the A30 is better in terms of hardware and ergonomics. If only we could somehow merge them into one device and get the best of both worlds.
@@feahnorl thanks for the feedback, my guy. I'll definitely check it out. I currently have no idea what's causing this. I'll need to do some trial-and-error when I get home. I'm thinking either a video rendering problem or something with my mic connection. I have a rabbit hole to dig in regardless. Thanks again. ❤️
Help me grow VladNerd by checking the description. Also, *cool nerds help other nerds out by liking and subscribing.* ❤
Everytime I watch a video on these 2 handhelds I flip between which one I want to buy. They are both so flawed yet so attractive to me
im just obsessed with the 28xx at this point and deciding whether the purple or the dmg is the one
The 28XX is better!
I own a lot of these consoles... the A30 is my current favorite. Small enough to be easily pocketable, nice and light, and the screen is gorgeous. Battery life is a non issue (who is playing these micro consoles that long?).
Great review!
We all love Russ, but Vlad is easily becoming my number 2 reviewer in this community. Everyone else takes it all too damn seriously!
I'm taking YOUR comment seriously, because it just shot its way straight to my heart. 🥹
I like Russ for his thoroughness but he has had some takes I've disagreed with - which don't get me wrong, is fine, because I still get the info I need. But I find that happening less with Vlad and with Dweeb. And a little less with Joey too even though he tends not to be as enthusiastic about small linux handhelds, he has some good thoughts about ergonomics.
Tech dweeb rounds or the trifecta
Russ is providing Grade A tutorials/reviews and I’ve used his stuff for yrs and I know it’s petty but his pronunciation kinda bugs me!
@@leethomas7659 I'm also a Russ fan who's been watching him for years. I love the guy but when he says the word "good" it feels like a tongue going in my ear.😔
I loved that intro/analogy :D
In the course of a few videos you became my favorite reviewer without a doubt vlad❤
This is exactly what I needed, easy sub awesome video
Awesome, thank you!
One thing to consider is the price, in aliexpress the cheapest rg38xx ive seen was 37 usd, and the cheapest a30 was 26 usd. Thats about 30% cheaper.
Oh my friend the XU Mini running PlumOS is so dope
I love your videos so much! You are so entertaining, love how you don't take yourself seriously. :')
I bought RG28xx just to play Undertale on it and its been amazing. It is tiny and my hands get cramped but small dpad isn't that much of a problem for me.
Rg351p is forgotten 😢
Great video. I got an A30 for 30$. It came with all the trimmings but the (less than ideal) SD card which is fine because I had a spare from my console modding hobbies. I'm waiting for Onion to come out for it. From what I can tell that is in the works. If it doesn't happen? Well, I'm sure other options will mature over time. I'd love to see more videos on this one from you though if and when it's custom firmware options change.
Your outro got my subscribe. I agree. Life's too short not to enjoy it with other weird nerds who share the same weird nerd hobbies. Everyone I know thinks I'm a weirdo for collecting so much hardware and modding it all.
“Honey, I’ll be in bed late. Vlad posted a 25 minuter”
Dunno, you are super talented, do you script this or even just invent all that spontaneously?👍👏
No scripts, I just ramble on until I get tired. 😄
@@VladNerd u r a legend!
Good choice on games for the b-roll Vlad! I'm a huge NeoGeo fanboy lad.
Another Vlad classic. I love the overall size of the A30 better but wish they didn’t include an analog stick because it’s honestly pointless for a device of this size. Also the hardware is dated and runs hot (I own two of them to gift after modding).
Personally, I don't understand all the hate for the stick. Some people are removing them, which is crazy to me. Who removes functionality!? I get there isn't much to use it for, but you can play some N64, and it's much more enjoyable playing Super Mario 64 with the stick. Also, arcade games are better with the stick too. Just my 2 cents!
Just got an a30. I installed minui on it after the stock operating system was incapable of scanning the new games I put on the system (the ones it came with were titled in Chinese). As a secondary portable handheld, I think it was just what i was looking for, and minui is great for such a small display.
I own a A30 and it’s true in that it may play fewer games/consoles compared to the 28XX, but the buttons and the experience continues to be a factor for why I keep picking it up and playing games. 2.8 inch screens are fine, they are bigger than your standard Gameboy DMG screen. Overall, my personal favorite that could be a middle ground but not exactly a micro handheld is the 35XXH. It has the thumb sticks, WiFi, BT, H700 chip and a 3.5 inch screen and just as pocketable as the micro handhelds.
I would listen to you talk about retro handhelds instead of Jason mamoa all day. Keep up!
Another thing that made me sad about Miyoo, was the fact that they tried to take down Joey's video from Joey's Retro Handhelds entitled "Fixing the Miyoo A30 with Spruce OS!" which he shows the face plate came off and broken, crumpled. That's really bad practices in the eyes of consumers. I think the only one worth getting is the Miyoo Mini Plus, since the original is too small and fragile (besides expensive), and the A30 ended up being an unfinished product, with a short battery life, obsolete CPU, high temperatures and a terrible stock firmware that thanks to the community, was drastically improved with Spruce among other mods.
Holy... Never knew of this event with Joey and Miyoo. Care to share more details on this?
Look Vlad, I'm suspicious of talking about Miyoo because I like their products (but I'm not stupid). But Joey's video is called " The Miyoo A30 Re-Review (& A Rant.. It’s Complicated)": ruclips.net/video/GapX5hOifuo/видео.html&t - In the video he vents about what they did, Miyoo tried to remove the video I mentioned before because they didn't like the criticism regarding the A30. Little by little I'm reducing my Miyoo collection to just my Plus ones. I'm waiting for the Flip however, I think this one will be worth it. Hugs from Brazil
@@soulchaser7 Been meaning to watch Joey's re-review, thanks for the context, my nerd!
@@soulchaser7 the video they tried to remove was his original “review” which was in all honesty, a bad video on his part. It was Joey style to max, just bashing the company and product. I didn’t care for the video, but I also don’t think company’s should try to censor reviewers.
@@Tetrastructural I partially agree with you. I know he made harsh criticisms of the console, but from what I understand the carrier didn't take good care of the A30 and delivered it damaged. In this, Joey was wrong not to make that observation. So he attributed this fact to the construction of the console. Just as I think Miyoo is wrong with this attitude of removing the video for not accepting criticism of their product.
Fifa street for the PSP works great on the A30!
you so funny you make me smile... i totally agree with your feeling about miyoo a30... i had both 28xx & a30... i know 28xx is much faster, looks sleek.. but my deep inside feel choose a30 😊 and so funny . i subscribed with smile your so charming guy! sorry for lack eng skill see you again
Controls are critical in a handheld if they’re not I might as well use my phone which is like 100x more powerful.
So the winner is the Miyoo.
Yeah, I think this is right. I like the look of the 28xx sooooo much more, but the a30 is just better to play on.
if only someone would mixed these two handhelds up, we'd have something really nice going.
@@VladNerd I’m sure there are limitations from the size. Both just focus on diff things. I’d think having it all would either be pricy or might need to make the handheld bigger.
Another thing about the RG28xx's supposed superiority with Dreamcast, N64 and PSP is that those systems had an analog stick. I have more fun playing 40% of N64 games with a stick than 80% of N64 games with no analog stick, personally.
Ok I'll stop commenting now, good vid again.
I'm too old for a 2.8 screen ... 3.5 is the minimum, and the trimui screen is like the sweet spot. I wish the RP4pro had the same screensize. I always found it's screen to be 2 small for what it can play.
Thanks for sharing! ❤️
I just ordered my miyoo a30 I was gonna ask if it has any Lego games in the device?
We all want to see a Miyoo Mini in clamshell
What about the heat Miyoo A30 produces? This thing gets too hot. Performance is also very poor even with some older platforms. Battery sucks and leasts only 3 hours
I wish that the a30 had the guts of the 28xx or the other way around. A perfect micro handheld
Anbernic cares about customers... LOL. Thanks kid. I needed that.
I love Vlad's accent. I wish he'd roll his Rs a bit more though. Is that so much to ask? 😭
I play psp jrpgs on my rg28xx. It is amazing for that.
I already own two Anbernics, the RG35XXH and RG40XXH. Believe it or not, I was considering getting the RG28XXH. But now I think I'll get a Miyoo A30. Thanks @vladnerd for the advice!
But in case you're wondering, the 35xxh is all I'll ever need. I just have the sickness ;)
Battle of the mini's!!
17:32 "THESE STUPID PEOPLE ARE RUNNING IN A FIELD INSTEAD OF PLAYING RETRO HANDHELDS" killed me! How not to love You?! 😘
Love ya right back! Also, thanks a lot! ❤️
Btw, you'll live in my head rent-free probably for the rest of my life. This is the 2nd superthanks that I received ever since starting the channel. 😄
... Just wanted you to know this. ❤️
@@VladNerdThanks for letting me know 👍You deserve a lot more! I hope, no... I know, You will really shine some day! 🤝
I wish more retro handhelds had bigger face buttons.
Ayeneo pocket micro??
Miyoo is the only handheld manufacturer that actually cares about silent buttons. But their customer service sucks
I agree about the buttons for sure. I like that they sell replacement parts for their handhelds. Some other companies won’t even talk to you at all. (I’m talking to you, TrimUI)
I have 2 Miyoo A30. The Grey and the White/Black. The grey mind you, is starting to worn out the buttons print on the face plate. The letter B is almost gone and Select is vanishing too. I don't know why this is happening, my white/black unit has no such issue (until now I guess). This brought me quite the frustration because I received both units new. I have 2 MM+ as well and of course this won't happen due to excelent build quality (also both with silicon covers). I really started to love it since Spruce breathed so much life into it and now it's already looking an old device (Retro irony?). Not to mention the high temperature on the back of the device, even with CPU underclock.
Whoah, that's crazy. Ironically enough, it'll look even more "retro" now. 😄
Unfortunately, it’s a common issue with the paint rubbing off.
Hi I have a Miyoo a30 and I seem to have done something and I now don’t have my d pad or stick working on Mario 64 and Mario cart 64 but it does work on ridge racer what have I done?? Help would be very much appreciated tia
yeah I'd take the a30 just for the stick
A30 buttons make it a better system . I don’t need the extra battery or power in a micro console. And the analog is also handy.
Can somebody ask Jason Momoa to help us get a new PlayGo/PocketGo V2 with a 3.5 inch screen?
spruce V2.0 on my Miyoo A30 (Red)❤
I'm team vertical so neither of these units are really moving the needle for me. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and opinions Vlad. Brilliant. When I was learning how to play guitar, my music teacher told me I wasn't a musician until another musician told me I was. The other creators respect you because you ARE a creator. Well done.
Thanks so much Hunter. This made me smile so freaking much. ❤️
Go game geek has nice prices but they ship many devices with paid titles preloaded inside of portmaster. Not real cool but ah well. Great reviews per usual!
Thanks a lot, my guy! ❤️
I agree both are not perfect. rg28xx could have won if anbernic spend more time designing the looks and feel. Also I wish there was bluetooth and wifi on rg28xx, there is no point with the hdmi out without bluetooth / wifi...😢
I like listening to the videos in backend , can you please say i like anbernic and not this one
Nice!
The best arrangement of de stockOS is not SpruceOS. It's BTN (better than nothing).
What's with the weird intermittent stereo effect on the audio? Sounds super weird with headphones.
I'll check it out. Can you give me some timestamps where this happens? Thanks!
@@VladNerd First one is 0:07 and continues for several seconds.
@@PaulMadddox very nice catch, thanks so much!
I have no idea what caused it currently, but this is totally worth checking out.
Thanks again for bringing this to me! ❤️
I used to be a brad pitt guy over a jason mamoa guy but now I am not sure anymore
Pls try thre rg351p its old but had such fanbases
Best gba device
I don't have it, unfortunately. Sorry, my guy. :(
My old eyes cannot handle less than 4 inches anymore. (Insert size queen jokes here)
Yup, I can agree here. I love micro handhelds for their pocketability. But using a 4 inch display is a whole other experience compared to these little guys.
Tech Dweb pointed out that the 28xx has the same size buttons as the original Gameboy Advanced SP…. The only people who play an original SP are adults so….. dunno why people complain about it so much…
Pictures or it didn’t happen
@@Tetrastructural it’s in his review video for the 28xx…
ruclips.net/video/WB4kOh5GzVc/видео.htmlsi=WllG0Bvi3sN-gxS3
Around 4:40 or just watch the entire controls section.
Vlad I like your videos but had to turn this one off after five minutes, there's something really strange going on with the audio, it's like some filter is being applied every few seconds, like sometimes you sound normal and then it sounds like you're being muffled, or you're underwater, and then it's back to normal for a few seconds, then back to being muffled, etc...
Yeah, apparently there was a rendering issue with this one. I'm trying to figure out what the culprit might be.
Sorry for this, btw. :(
I swear I only watch Fight Club for the plot. >.>;
In my opinion the 28XX has the edge in software and performance while the A30 is better in terms of hardware and ergonomics. If only we could somehow merge them into one device and get the best of both worlds.
That's exactly my thought! 😄
@VladNerd I've gotten my hands on the XU Mini. It sorta fills this niche, but the face buttons and shell feel cheap to me.
❤
Im already subscribed, I can't subscribe sny futher.
still purple border :(( good video tho lol im just being annoying lmao
Many years ago, I used to watch Scott the Woz pretty religiously. The purple border is an homage to his blue border. 😄
Your audio was all weird on this video.
I'll check it out. Can you give me some timestamps where audio issues take place? Thanks! 🙏
@@VladNerd it's constantly all over the place. The first time is at 0:05 seconds, then at 0:28 seconds, etc.
@@VladNerd it goes into a weird stereo hollow echo-y sound and then it comes back. Try with headphones.
@@feahnorl thanks for the feedback, my guy.
I'll definitely check it out. I currently have no idea what's causing this. I'll need to do some trial-and-error when I get home.
I'm thinking either a video rendering problem or something with my mic connection. I have a rabbit hole to dig in regardless.
Thanks again. ❤️