Miyoo Mini Flip: Anbernic RG35XX SP rival and Game Boy Advance SP lookalike spotted before release

Miyoo has found space for a pair of joysticks in its clamshell gaming handheld, unlike Anbernic. (Image source: Miyoo via Retro Handhelds)

Anbernic's RG35XX SP has proven a success among gaming handheld enthusiasts thanks to its clamshell design. Miyoo still has an alternative in the works though, which is set to launch as the Mini Flip with key differences from Anbernic's popular option.

Alex Alderson (traduzione a cura di Ninh Duy), Published 09/23/2024 🇺🇸 🇫🇷 ...

Anbernic is set to refresh the RG35XX SP soon with a new set of translucent colour options. In the meantime, the device has become the go-to for retro gamers looking for a clamshell form factor. However, it seems a true rival from Miyoo remains in the works.

For context, pictures of the Miyoo Mini Flip emerged shortly before the RG35XX SP (curr. $89.99 on Amazon) was publicly known. However, Miyoo went on to release the Mini A30 instead, which features a 2.8-inch display has rivals in Anbernic's RG28XX and MagicX XU Mini M. The Mini Flip is said to still be in development though, which recent leaks underline.

The Miyoo Mini Flip and Game Boy Advance SP from left to right. (Image source: NITTRX)

For instance, Retro Handhelds claimed as much last month. Unfortunately, no hints about the device's availability were offered at the time. Instead, the website shared a hands-on image of a Mini Flip in a yellow finish, which has reappeared in a new leak shared by NITTRX. Ultimately, Miyoo has kept close to the design aesthetics of the Game Boy SP, just like the RG35XX SP.

With that being said, Miyoo has chosen a more conventional hinge mechanism than Anbernic, although its range of motion remains to be seen at this stage. More importantly, the Mini Flip features a pair of joysticks, which the RG35XX SP lacks altogether. Theoretically, this would make the Mini Flip more versatile when emulating games designed around joysticks like many Dreamcast, Nintendo 64 and PlayStation titles. Comfort and ergonomics could be an issue though, particularly given how low down Miyoo has positioned them, though.