Miyoo Flip v2 Review – Is the Clamshell Handheld Making a Comeback?

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When Miyoo announced the Flip, a wave of nostalgia washed over the retro handheld community. Clamshell devices immediately bring back memories of the Game Boy Advance SP and, for some, even the Nintendo DS. But in 2025, can a clamshell handheld still deliver the goods, or is this just another nostalgia trap? Let's break it down, category by category, and see where the Miyoo Flip v2 lands.

Unboxing Experience

Opening the Miyoo Flip v2 feels surprisingly premium for a sub-$100 handheld. The colorful retail-ready box looks sharp and almost store-shelf ready, even though it doesn't include a barcode. Inside, the device is carefully tucked into a semi-transparent protective sleeve with a foam insert to guard against shipping bumps.

But the real standout? Miyoo includes a hard-shell protective case right in the box. That's rare in this price range, and it's not just an afterthought, it's well-made, snug-fitting, and adds serious value since most brands would charge extra for it. Beneath the case, you'll also find the essentials: a USB-C charging cable, an instruction manual, and a preloaded 64GB microSD card.

Nothing flashy here, but the inclusion of that case elevates the whole package. It's practical, thoughtful, and a cut above average.

That easily justifies a score of 61 out of 69 for unboxing.

Internals

Spec-wise, the Miyoo Flip v2 runs on the Rockchip RK3566 Cortex-A55 SoC clocked at 1.8GHz, paired with 1GB of LPDDR4 RAM and dual microSD card slots for expandable storage. The standout is the 3.5-inch IPS screen at 640×480 resolution with OCA lamination, a solid display that punches above its weight class with excellent viewing angles and crisp visuals for retro gaming.

The RK3566 is a capable but modest performer. It handles 8- and 16-bit systems flawlessly, runs PlayStation 1 with ease, and can manage select Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, and PSP titles with proper optimization. However, this isn't a powerhouse for demanding emulation, don't expect smooth GameCube or PS2 performance.

The 3000mAh battery delivers a solid 4 to 5 hours of gameplay depending on the system you're emulating, which is respectable for its class. The internals strike a good balance between cost and capability, though they're clearly designed with retro gaming priorities in mind rather than bleeding-edge performance.

That makes 48 out of 69 feel appropriate for the technical foundation.

First Impressions

The first thing you'll notice about the Miyoo Flip v2 is its undeniable charm. The clamshell design looks sleek and nostalgic, and in hand it feels considerably sturdier than its predecessor thanks to the upgraded metal hinge mechanism. Available in multiple colorways from bold yellow to clean white, plus some eye-catching pastel options, each version has a distinct personality.

Opening it up, the 640×480 display delivers sharp, vibrant visuals that really make retro games pop. The improved hinge feels reliable and reassuring, a major upgrade from the v1's more fragile mechanism. The button layout is thoughtfully designed, though the face buttons lean toward the clicky side. The D-pad is responsive and precise, perfect for 2D gaming.

Ergonomics work well for shorter play sessions, but marathon gaming might lead to some hand fatigue due to the compact form factor. It's not flawless, but it definitely punches above its weight in presentation and that crucial nostalgia factor.

That earns it a solid 56 out of 69 for first impressions.

Ease of Use

This is where the Miyoo Flip v2 truly shines. Boot times are impressively quick, menus are intuitive and responsive, and you can be inside your first game in less than 20 seconds. Miyoo's refined Linux-based OS is polished, snappy, and genuinely friendly for beginners. The inclusion of preloaded games means total newcomers can jump right into the action without any setup hassles.

Navigation feels natural and friction-free: switching between systems, tweaking settings, and jumping in and out of games all happen smoothly. The v2 firmware addresses many of the stability issues that plagued the original, creating a much more reliable user experience. There's a minimal learning curve here, which is exactly what you want from a device targeting both enthusiasts and curious first-timers.

That refined usability earns a strong 64 out of 69.

Customizability

If you're someone who loves to tinker, the Miyoo Flip v2 is absolutely your playground. From comprehensive menu theming to swapping in community-built custom firmware, this device benefits from the same thriving modding ecosystem that made previous Miyoo devices community darlings.

Want to completely reskin your UI? Simple. Need to remap controls for specific games? No problem. Ready to dive deeper with community firmware like OnionOS or other custom solutions? The community support is exceptional. On top of software customization, physical mods are already flourishing from decorative stickers and custom shells to button modifications and aesthetic upgrades flooding Etsy and maker communities.

The dual microSD slot setup also gives you incredible flexibility for organizing massive game libraries. It doesn't quite achieve perfection, but for its size class and price point, the Flip v2 is genuinely a customization champion.

That earns it an impressive 68 out of 69.

Controls

Controls represent the eternal balancing act for clamshell devices, and the Miyoo Flip v2 mostly sticks the landing. The D-pad is precise and satisfying for 2D gaming classics, while the face buttons register cleanly with minimal wobble or mushiness. The shoulder buttons use a stacked design rather than inline placement, a significant improvement over compromised layouts found on devices like the RG Slide.

The dual analog sticks are compact but surprisingly functional, complete with L3/R3 click functionality. They're not as refined as what you'd find on premium handhelds, but for the retro systems this device targets, they absolutely get the job done. The improved build quality in the v2 means better overall tactile feedback compared to the original.

Overall, the control experience is solid and comfortable for the vast majority of retro gaming scenarios.

That makes 60 out of 69 a fair assessment of the input experience.

Value

At approximately $90 to $100, the Miyoo Flip v2 delivers impressive bang for your buck. You're getting a quality laminated display, that irresistible nostalgic clamshell form factor, a robust and user-friendly OS, plus that valuable included protective case. Compared to direct competitors in this price bracket, it edges ahead in screen quality, build refinement, and overall user experience polish.

That said, it's not the absolute cheapest option available, nor does it offer the most raw processing power. Devices like the Anbernic RG35XX series can be found for less money while handling similar emulation workloads. Conversely, stepping up to pricier models with more powerful chipsets will unlock significantly better performance for demanding systems.

The v2 improvements better hinge, refined firmware, enhanced build quality definitely add value over the original. It represents a compelling balance of features, quality, and price, though it's not an unbeatable deal in every scenario.

That nuanced value proposition earns it 61 out of 69.

Putting It All Together

Here's the complete breakdown:

Unboxing: 61/69

Internals: 48/69

First Impressions: 56/69

Ease of Use: 64/69

Customizability: 68/69

Controls: 60/69

Value: 61/69

The Miyoo Flip v2 strikes a compelling balance between nostalgic charm and modern functionality, with particular strengths in customizability and user experience. While the internals are modest, they're perfectly suited for the retro gaming experience this device is designed to deliver.

Overall Average: 60 out of 69

Top Pros ✅

1. Excellent laminated IPS display with great viewing angles

2. Beginner-friendly OS with quick boot and intuitive navigation

3. Highly customizable with exceptional community support

4. Improved build quality and reliable hinge mechanism in v2

Top Cons ❌

1. Modest internals limit higher-end emulation capabilities

2. Compact ergonomics not ideal for extended gaming sessions

3. Buttons can feel overly clicky for some users

4. Strong value but not the absolute best deal at this price point

Who Should Consider the Miyoo Flip v2?

Nostalgia Seekers: If you have fond memories of the GBA SP or original DS, this device captures that exact feeling with modern reliability. The clamshell design isn't just aesthetics, it's pure emotional connection to handheld gaming's golden era.

Beginner Retro Gamers: New to the handheld emulation scene? The Flip v2's streamlined OS, preloaded games, and intuitive interface make it the perfect entry point without overwhelming technical complexity.

Who Should Skip the Miyoo Flip v2?

Power-Hungry Emulation Enthusiasts: If your gaming library includes PS2, GameCube, or demanding newer systems, you'll quickly hit the performance ceiling. This device is built for retro classics, not modern emulation powerhouses.

Marathon Gaming Sessions: The compact form factor that makes it portable also makes it less comfortable for extended play. If you regularly game for hours at a time, larger handhelds will serve you better ergonomically.

Wrapping It Up

So, is the clamshell handheld making a legitimate comeback? With the Miyoo Flip v2, I'd say absolutely, at least for a specific type of gamer. This isn't about raw processing power or future-proofing your setup. It's about reliving that special feeling, enjoying a quality display, and carrying a device that genuinely makes you smile every time you flip it open.

The v2 refinements address most of the original's pain points while preserving everything that made it charming. It's become a more mature, reliable option that still captures that essential nostalgic magic.

What do you think? Does the Miyoo Flip v2 deserve a spot in your collection? Let me know in the comments below, or join the conversation over in the forum สุ่มศูนย์ของ Handheld Hodgepodge.

Until next time! 👋

P'Nick ✨