Miyoo Mini vs. PowKiddy RGB20S: Compared

Question of a decade: Which one should you go with between Miyoo Mini vs. PowKiddy RGB20S? We answer!

Two of today’s most popular and most affordable retro handhelds are the Miyoo Mini and the PowKiddy RGB20S.

Both devices are considered decent, entry-level products which makes them an easy choice for those looking to get into retro gaming.

But the million dollar question: which one to pick between the two?

Keep reading as we clear the air about the Miyoo Mini vs. PowKiddy RGB20S battle!

Miyoo Mini vs. PowKiddy RGB20S

Here’s links to product listings if you wish to check them out before we dig in:

Introduction to the Miyoo Mini

The Miyoo Mini was released late last year. It took the retro handheld industry by storm as it surprised many fans with its good build quality, decent emulation capabilities, and really affordable price tag.

Many regard it to be the best beginner retro console!

Since its release, many gamers have come to love this small and portable console creating a thriving community dedicated to the Miyoo Mini. It’s so popular that Anbernic are even attempting a clone of the Miyoo Mini!

To date, the Miyoo Mini has tons of compatible accessories and custom firmware — all thanks to the community’s support. 

Introduction to the PowKiddy RGB20S

On the other hand, the PowKiddy RGB20S comes in as a newer emulation console.

Released earlier this year, PowKiddy’s latest entry into the sub-$100 category is considered by some — myself included — as the dark horse of the segment. You can check out my PowKiddy RGB20S review to know more.

As long as you get past that unorthodox button layout (and by that I mean the smiling function button), you’ll find that it’s actually a decent device. 

But which among the Miyoo Mini and the PowKiddy RGB20S make for a better handheld?

Let’s get to know them better in this article. 

Miyoo Mini vs. PowKiddy RGB20S: Specifications

Alright! Let’s start with the Miyoo Mini.

I’d have to say that one of its strongest suits is its size — truly mini. It measures 9.33 x 6.5 x 1.8cm — basically, as small as a deck of cards!

That said, I find myself taking the Miyoo Mini over the PowKiddy RGB20S whenever I’m heading out. 

Under the hood is a 1.2GHz ARM Cortex-A7 Dual Core CPU paired with a 128MB RAM. It draws power from a 1,900-2,000mAh rechargeable battery (removable if you have the V1) that runs for about three hours on a single charge.

Other standard exterior appointments include a D-pad, four face buttons, a Select and a Start button, a small circular function button, four shoulder buttons, a single forward-facing speaker, and a 2.8-inch screen. 

Let’s take a look at the full Miyoo Mini specifications:

	Miyoo Mini
OS	Linux
CPU	ARM Cortex-A7 Dual Core 1.2GHz
RAM	128MB
Battery	1900-2000mAh
Display Size	2.8-inches
Speaker	1, forward-facing

The PowKiddy RGB20S is obviously larger than the Miyoo Mini. This handheld has a beefier body and measures 12 x 8.3 x 2.08cm.

And while it may not be my first choice for on-the-go gaming, it’s definitely what I use when I play at home. 

PowKiddy gave the RGB20S a more powerful chipset: a combination of a 1.5GHz ARM RK3326 Quad Core CPU mated to a 1GB DDR3L RAM.

It also has a higher capacity battery rated at 3,500mAh.

Outside, the PowKiddy RGB20S sports a D-pad, four face buttons, a Select and a Start button, a crescent-shaped function button, four shoulder buttons, two analog sticks, a single front-facing speaker, and a larger 3.5-inch screen. 

	PowKiddy RGB20S
OS	Linux
CPU	ARM RK3326 Qual Core 1.5GHz
RAM	1GB DDR3L
Battery	3,500mAh
Display Size	3.5-inches
Speaker	1, forward-facing

Miyoo Mini vs. PowKiddy RGB20S: Emulation Support

Given the Miyoo Mini’s less capable chipset, the handheld can easily run games from Family Computer to PlayStation 1. 

Here’s the list of systems the Miyoo Mini can emulate:

• Arcade
• Family Computer
• Game Boy
• Game Boy Advance
• Sega
• PC Engine
• MAME Plus
• Neo Geo
• Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) 
• PlayStation

So far, the Miyoo Mini was able to run all PlayStation 1 titles I threw at it. By the way, if you’re looking to run PSP on Android, you can check our guide out.

We’re talking mostly JRPGs like Final Fantasy VII, Xenogears, and Suikoden II. Surprisingly, it also ran platformers like Crash Bandicoot, Pepsi Man, and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. 

Meanwhile, the PowKiddy RGB20S — thanks to more processing power — runs a larger library of games. Expect it to play games from Family Computer to PlayStation Portable (PSP). 

Here’s the list of systems the PowKiddy RGB20S can emulate:

• Arcade
• Capcom Play System I
• Capcom Play System II
• Capcom Play System III
• Family Computer
• Super Family Computer
• Game Boy
• Game Boy Color
• Game Boy Advance
• Sega
• Sega Dreamcast
• Sega Gamegear
• PC Engine
• MAME 2003 
• Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
• Nintendo DS (NDS)
• Nintendo 64 (N64)
• Neo Geo
• SNES
• PlayStation
• PSP

A word of caution though, N64 and Sega Dreamcast games might not run smoothly. NDS and PSP games, however, work fine. 

Miyoo Mini vs. PowKiddy RGB20S: Hardware

Both the Miyoo Mini and the PowKiddy RGB20S are vertically-oriented handhelds.

For obvious reasons, the latter’s larger build makes more room for more controls — although I think PowKiddy might have overdone it as the layout, at first glance, might be overwhelming. 

Miyoo Mini

The Miyoo Mini’s button placement is simple and clean. And since the button layout is patterned from the OG Game Boy, you simply can’t go wrong with it.

Even the shoulder buttons, despite their small size, look and feel decent. As for the screen, it’s fairly small but can give crisp images. The speaker, because of its placement, can sometimes be covered by the palm of your hands. 

Overall, the Miyoo Mini feels solid and well built. There are no loose parts and is a joy to hold.

PowKiddy RGB20S

The PowKiddy RGB20S does not give off the same premium vibe — at least not at first.

As I’ve mentioned earlier, the button layout (and the inclusive “tiger face” decals) make the PowKiddy RGB20S look more like a toddler’s toy than an actual retro handheld. But when given the chance, this device will definitely prove you wrong.

As soon as you get past the goofy design, you’ll find that the PowKiddy RGB20S has the same durable feel as the Miyoo Mini.

Although I thought the layout would need some getting used to, I was able to play several games with ease. The addition of the analog sticks was actually helpful as they allowed better controls on games that were built with the analog stick in mind.

Titles like Gran Turismo and Gran Turismo 2, the Diablo PlayStation 1 port, Final Fantasy VII and IX, as well as Metal Gear, were just some of the games that were a delight to play using the analog stick.  

My only gripe is that because of the analog sticks poking out, I’m not really comfortable carrying the PowKiddy RGB20S in my pocket.

And unlike the Miyoo Mini which has a slew of available accessories, finding a carrying case for my PowKiddy RGB20S is proving to be a challenge. 

The screen of the PowKiddy RGB20S is great and offers a clear display at various viewing angles. Coming from a screen size as small as the Miyoo Mini, viewing the games from a larger one is a good experience overall.

In addition, the centrally located front-firing speaker has no problem delivering a nostalgic auditory experience.

Miyoo Mini vs. PowKiddy RGB20S: Pricing 

Thanks to low stocks and rumors of the Miyoo Mini being discontinued and eventually being replaced by an upgraded version, prices of the device have been somewhat erratic.

At the time of writing, Miyoo’s official store in AliExpress has sporadic stock availability. At other retailers, the Miyoo Mini is priced from $63.99 to $79.99 plus shipping.

Conversely, the PowKiddy RGB20S appears to have no shortage in stock and is available on the manufacturer’s website for $79.99. With shipping included you’re looking at around $90 to $100. 

We’ve listed some of the best stores you can pick them up right here:

Miyoo Mini vs. PowKiddy RGB20S: Summary

The Miyoo Mini and the PowKiddy RGB20S are equally good devices. However, they have their own sets of advantages and disadvantages. 

As I have briefly covered earlier, I feel like the Miyoo Mini is a better-suited device for when you need a retro console on the go.

Its size and weight allow you to easily fit the Miyoo Mini in your pocket making it a better choice for those who are always out and about.

There are also many accessories that work well with the Miyoo Mini increasing making it a highly customizable retro handheld.

For the PowKiddy RGB20S, I feel like it’s a device that would better serve those who are gaming at home.

Its large size does get in the way of carrying it during out-of-town vacations or even on weekend trips. However, the same chubby size makes it a better device to use for long hours of play. 

So, if you’re gunning for quick gaming, probably while you’re waiting in line at the grocery store or when you’re taking your break at the office, the Miyoo Mini is the ideal device to have.

However, if you are looking to play for long at home, the more ergonomic size and hefty weight of the PowKiddy RGB20S is a no-brainer!