Miyoo A30 Review | An Underrated Gem!

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Today we're reviewing an underrated gem: the long-awaited Miyoo A30!
0:00 Intro
0:31 Carrying case
0:47 Design
1:27 Size vs. Miyoo Mini
1:56 Hardware overview
3:08 OS Menu
4:22 Settings
5:03 Search and game list
5:40 In-game menus
6:16 Software issues
6:15 Hotkeys
7:18 Custom firmware
7:44 D-Pad
8:45 Face buttons & shoulders
9:12 Analog stick
10:17 Performance
11:11 Dreamcast, N64, PSP
11:57 Why the new chip?
13:10 Dim screen issue
14:30 Screen overview
15:27 Speaker
16:00 Likes
16:24 Dislikes
17:01 Miyoo A30: Far too complicated
17:53 The bottom line
18:25 Vs. RG28XX
19:18 Why the A30 wins for me
20:00 In summary
#miyooa30 #a30 #miyoominiplus #miyoomini #Miyoo #retrogaming #retrogames #retrohandhelds #Onion #OnionOS #rg28xx #anbernic
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[@cedric15773]

Miyoo definitely underestimated how much of the Mini/+’s success was due to the community software work with OnionOS, rather than their own work on the hardware of those devices

[@bballbg6]

The community just launched a new os for this

[@Worldwave]

I hope the Onion devs decide to work on this device. The hardware is charming. Onion is just such a great system and medium

[@akagihideo547]

@@bballbg6is it spruce?

[@bballbg6]

@@akagihideo547yes

[@dr_ubo]

@@akagihideo547yeah Spruce, which is based on RA30, which was developed by one of the devs of the original Onion OS.

[@BoKnowsGaming]

You are so right about start and select. Having select on top just feels completely unnatural. Why is that? Great vid.

[@RetroBreezeYT]

No idea, it kills me honestly lol

[@DanTheMan12121212]

This is one of if not the best RH review I’ve seen for any device. You point out the A30’s flaws without resorting to attention-grabby hyperbole, focus a lot on the strengths of the device, contextualize its release and reception based on the company’s history, and really go into why someone might want this or want its direct competition. Well done, this was a pleasure to watch 👍

[@lurkerphoenix]

Excellent video as always, thank you!

[@SWPLGAMING]

Great video bud👍🏾 I believe that released this a little too late. I do like the controls and the case. But to me, it does feel as if they developed this device on the cheap.

[@kantackistan]

If they ever revisited this design and addressed the issues, I'd be stoked to own one. The fact that the brightness issue got resolved maybe gets my hopes up

[@OgbWinter]

Solid video! Thanks

[@RetroBreezeYT]

Thanks for watching!

[@Autotrope]

The reason usb storage mode is failing for you will be that youre not safely ejecting it on the PC side before leaving that mode. It acts like a usb storage device in that mode meaning filesystem corruption if you don't cleanly unmount, and the most common manifestation of that will be that the files you most recently copied to it won't appear, but at worst, new files will become corrupted too. If you've become used to the way current smartphones mount by usb (which uses MTP instead) you could forget that the old USB mass storage mode used to do that.

[@Autotrope]

This will also explain the corruption you're experiencing in retroarch! Including the issues when saving configs and corrupted text! You need to reformat or at least chkdsk that card. It's been uncleanly unmounted.

[@Sadtiric]

I'm grateful that you mentioned the buzzing. I'm assuming it's like the MM+ where if you turn the brightness all the way up the PWM buzz stops, eh?

[@grizztbbs2163]

Hey man I really enjoy your content especially about the gaming console you were making, are you planning on continuing the project? Or did you just give up?

[@RetroBreezeYT]

Hi there! Actually I did kind of give up on it for a while, but I've improved my 3D CAD skills and have made a lot of good progress on it recently and will definitely finish it really soon and make a video! Actually I have three DIY gaming projects right now: the RB-2H handheld from before, an 8-inch tablet-based handheld, AND a 5" all-in-one desktop games console. That last one will have a video releasing this week!

[@RetroBreezeYT]

Here's the most recent design update: x.com/RetroBreezeYT/status/1800429466210218153?t=esxCvos1VrYi9eTARTgQNQ&s=19

[@crystal_is_cozy]

Shem. The box art bit was so relatable.

[@frankysour]

Great video,thanks! I'm saying nothing new here but I really wish it was possible to smash the a30 and rg28xx together and get aesthetics and controls from the a30, internals from the rg28xx, keeping the HDMI from one side, the wifi from the other, and adding Bluetooth... Well... Theta how these people get us buying multiple devices in most cases, or none as for me in this specific case

[@SonicLoveEmulation]

Awesome video as always man, but not a fan of the A30 sadly

[@Two49]

does this device get hot when playing modest games like GBC and GBA?

[@alpmaster0076]

Did you know how to refresh your roms you press home on game menu to find all new games?

[@CellPhish]

Great review. The USB C is also for Audio with the Adapter… that nobody will ever use. Yes charging only

[@XINN1X]

on the trimui smart pro you have to restart the device after copying files over in usb mode so its probably the same with the a30

[@Renegaiden_]

I believe the new improved chip was used on this model so they can put it out there with the horizontal form factor and the analog stick as a test run to gain feedback on it and use it to see how they can improve the issues for the upcoming Miyoo Flip GBA SP clone model with dual analog sticks they have yet to announce. Seeing how Anbernic beat them to the punch and made a product that's hard to compete with at their level, Miyoo has to punch well above their weight to meet that standard to make a strong first impression and meet consumer's needs. So this is how I think they were trying to go about it.

[@RetroBreezeYT]

That's a massive, massive financial risk (or just burn) to take. Besides, the flip is supposed to ship with an RK3566!

[@Renegaiden_]

@@RetroBreezeYT I'm not all that savy on how that works, so may I get an explanation?

[@pawelk.8325]

Miyoo A30 for USD 30, what does it compete with? Because probably not with RG28XX for USD 50?

[@pawelk.8325]

To sum up. A great device with "alpha" software which, after being repaired by the community, will be as iconic as the Miyoo mini. I didn't expect anything else. Spruce is the answer to most software flaws

[@eswaran6453]

But the screen itself is the major flaw , it's very dim

[@pawelk.8325]

@@eswaran6453 from what I remember, the screen was a software issue and it has been fixed

[@thomaschipman]

real shame that they didn't match the buttons to the darker red shade of the case

[@RetroBreezeYT]

Oh yeah, I didn't notice that!

[@retrogamingnmore2513]

Knulli is in development for the A30

[@tappersreviews4677]

Great review. Had this simply contained the same chip as the MM+ and run OnionOS I would've bought one for sure. Now I'm not interested. Same probably for the Flip if they ever actually release it, which is a shame.

[@RetroBreezeYT]

The flip I think will be a totally different beast for sure.

[@tappersreviews4677]

@@RetroBreezeYT LOL, I bought an A30 after all. 😛Arriving later today. Plan to install Spruce.

[@Garret_DMG]

Another thing that pissed me off was no Ds emulation ??? Come on

[@calculateddeclination5534]

It's the plastic version of the rg280m we never got from anbernic. I like.

[@cym0npeter]

Honestly, I Iike the A30 in spite of not having Onion. The quick menu, the membrane controls, the dpad pivot. It’s a snack sized comfortable handheld. And my screen is plenty bright. It does get warm, retroarch needs tweaking, and Onion would truly level this up.

[@MajlisIlmuTamanSyurga]

I'll stick to Anbernic Arc because of fighting games 😊

[@RetroBreezeYT]

That's a pretty good plan!

[@strikelight]

The arc is amaaaaazing, but sadly not pocketable. Can't just throw it in your pocket as you're heading out the door.

[@MajlisIlmuTamanSyurga]

@@strikelight Yes i agree on that

[@toycoma98]

I love my MM+, but I pass on this device. Starting to think Miyoo is a one hit wonder. I wont be surprised if the flip is garbage like this one

[@RetroBreezeYT]

2 hits if the original mini counts!

[@ondrej1893]

All it takes for this to be a "GBA Micro" legend is the community software...

[@chifurbr]

their biggest mistake was competing directly against the 28xx, have they launched this at a lower price so people wouldn't have compared it, for the full price is not great, but if you think of it as a horizontal micro r36s is actually not bad

[@RetroBreezeYT]

I think the a30 was in development for way longer than the 28XX. Unfortunate timing for Miyoo for sure.

[@pawelk.8325]

Today A30 - 30USD, RG28XX - 50USD. A30 is very interesting device for 30-35USD not 50USD

[@wrtucey]

Apparently Miyoo has decided that ARCADE is now spelled ADRCAE 3:28.

[@sandplasma]

Love the review! Finally someone who sees the positives. I love the Miyop build quality and this review has finally convinced me to get one.

[@JuanSaucedoJOSEJUANSAUCEDO1802]

RA30 fixes most of the issues and has themes

[@redaben9936]

The miyoo mini plus is way better than this model

[@RetroBreezeYT]

I agree for sure!

[@juanmartin9741]

Looool😂😂😂

[@glittlehoss]

Dude you’re right on. They should have went with the same chip as the mini. Stupid

[@strikelight]

Knulli is also working on a cfw for this device. If that happens, a lot of people will be happy. I also agree about the 28xx completely. I'm reaching for the a30 while my 28xx stays in its case.

[@arthurdurham]

This theoretically is exactly the kind of device I always wanted, something super pocketable that doesn't skimp on controller inputs and at a cheap price. But the performance is shockingly bad, and it seems purely due to software issues. The trimui smart is older, lower specs, and smaller than this and somehow plays better (downsides are no analog or L2R2 buttons and mid U.I). Maybe when the community gets onion OS on it it'll be better; but that'll take forever if it even happens. I have no clue why these companies rely on that kind process constantly as it just decreases sales for a long time.

[@Robodob0]

The A30 is ok. But when you consider all the other options we have now for small retro handhelds, at its current state, i rank it as one of the worst options.

[@TJZTechShow]

People like to hate on this device but after using it for some time, I now carry it everywhere. It’s smaller and more powerful than the Mini and it’s lighter which begs me to take it with me at all times in my pocket

[@pawelk.8325]

This review is very outdated, because suddenly games on the N64 turned out to be playable thanks to the better chip. Just compare Mario Kart 64 on stock firmware and on Spruce. This is simply another device released with alpha software

[@Agumon5]

There really is zero reason to pick this up over the RG35XXH. If you want a horizontal retro emulation handheld for less than $70, th Anbernic is the best choice.

[@RetroBreezeYT]

The H is vastly superior sure, but the difference in screen size is an important factor too!

[@jwill7998]

The RG300X is still my favorite pocketable device.

[@supermodio64]

It’s happening…

[@-Airwalk1616-]

Give it a few months. That metal faceplate will start to peel right off.

[@RetroBreezeYT]

I have yet to see any actual evidence of this happening at all

[@-Airwalk1616-]

@@RetroBreezeYT really...? m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJ3KhWCgermmbK8

[@impheris]

i think this is the my first time on this channel and i have to say, it's a good video but the quality would be way better if you were not so lazy :)

[@RetroBreezeYT]

What do you mean exactly?

[@ryansoucyracing]

Looks like the "analog" stick is an 8-way joystick... kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5TGc2ugnp1mgsU At least in this calibration tool it looks to jump to max levels. Boo. That so disappointed me about the 35xx-H. Why?! WHY?!

[@RetroBreezeYT]

It's definitely not. Its a full analog stick for sure

[@ryansoucyracing]

@@RetroBreezeYT if only it had a 3.5 inch screen...

[@RetroBreezeYT]

@@ryansoucyracing Yeah I wish they would do an A30 Plus!

[@Pepoalbaro]

the device is not great, but is far from being trash like most people said. This "miyoo vs anbernic" thing is becoming so awful as the "apple vs samsung" debate

[@RetroBreezeYT]

100% agree with you on all points!

[@Zedisdeadbaby666]

@Pepoalbaro That kind of stupid behaviour will never end. The best thing is to ignore it as much as possible.

[@AP101083]

Whahaha Anbernic RG28xx is way better... why release this... make no sense.

[@benpregent]

I own both and I would personally disagree. A30 is great for a 2.8inch handheld, super comfortable to use

[@supermodio64]

These are HANDhelds not spec sheets

[@strikelight]

Another owner of both, and for what you are going to play on this size screen, the a30 is definitely more enjoyable to carry around. The rattle of the 28xx that can not be fixed with any amount of dampening mods is a nail in its coffin.

[@japyoo2248]

This thing is trash dont buy