TrimUI Model S Review: A Tiny Throwback That Packs Big Personality

Hey fam! 👋

Is the TrimUI Model S the ultimate “everyday carry” handheld for quick gaming sessions, or is it just a cute novelty that belongs on your desk more than in your pocket? From the moment I picked this thing up, I had questions, and not just because it looks like it time-traveled straight out of the late ‘90s. In a market stuffed with beefy, full-featured retro handhelds, the Model S is… different. It’s unapologetically small, charmingly minimal, and has a personality that’s hard to ignore. But does it deliver enough in performance, comfort, and usability to make it worth your time (and shelf space)?

Let’s find out.

Unboxing Experience — 40/69

When you first crack open the TrimUI Model S, you’re not exactly greeted with a luxurious unboxing experience, but you are greeted with one that’s a little better than average for its class. The box itself is made of glossy cardstock rather than sturdy cardboard, so it’s not going to survive many shipping battles, but it’s colorful and features nice printed graphics.

Inside, things are pretty straightforward. You get:

• The handheld itself is nestled in a plastic tray.

• A USB-A to USB-C cable for charging and file transfers.

• A colorful printed manual (already a win in my book, since so many other budget handhelds toss in a black-and-white leaflet).

No extra goodies like a case, screen protector, or cleaning cloth, but at least the presentation feels a notch above the “generic brown box” experience common in this price range. It’s the small details, like a manual that doesn’t look like it was printed on an office copier, that make it feel like the manufacturer at least cares about the first impression.

Under the Hood — 29/69

Specs time. Let’s break it down and see what’s really powering this little guy:

• CPU: Allwinner F1C100S (marketed under the TrimUI branding) – A lightweight chip that’s enough for 8- and 16-bit systems, but struggles with Game Boy Advance and anything more demanding.

• RAM: 32MB – Bare-bones but sufficient for the systems it’s designed to handle.

• Storage: 32GB microSD card included – Enough for most retro libraries in the intended range, though swapping it for a larger one is an easy upgrade.

• Display: 2.0″ 320×240 IPS – Crisp and colorful for the size, with great viewing angles, but obviously tiny. Best suited for sprite-based games where text isn’t microscopic.

• Battery: 600mAh – Good for around 3–4 hours of play. Not marathon-tier, but in line with its “short session” mission.

• Dimensions: Smaller, thinner, and lighter than an original NES controller, making it pocket-friendly but also limiting control space.

• Weight: Practically featherlight – you’ll forget it’s in your pocket.

Performance-wise, this is very much a “16-bit and below” handheld. It handles NES, SNES, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and similar consoles well enough to provide a smooth experience. But when you push it to GBA or above, you’ll start noticing hiccups and slowdowns. That’s not a flaw so much as a reality of its size and specs, it’s simply not built to be a powerhouse.

First Impressions — 40/69

I’ll be honest — this is my first micro handheld, and something about it just makes me smile. There’s a childlike joy in seeing a functional gaming device that’s smaller than most smartphones’ notification bars.

The design language feels like a playful fusion of an NES controller and a Game Boy Micro. The buttons are clicky, with a tactile micro switch feel. There’s only one shoulder button per side, much like an SNES controller, though far smaller. This immediately signals that the Model S is best suited for 16-bit era games, where two shoulders are enough.

The 2-inch screen is downright adorable, and yes, a little gimmicky. You probably haven’t used a display this small since flip phone days. It’s a conversation starter. Audio is unremarkable but surprisingly clear for the device’s paper-thin profile.

Overall, first impressions are overwhelmingly positive if you approach the Model S for what it is: a fun, almost novelty-sized retro player that actually works.

Ease of Use — 35/69

This is where things get a little… quirky. Instead of a power button, you get a power switch, charming but unexpected. There’s no hardware volume control at all, meaning you have to adjust audio levels through software menus.

The OS layout is functional but not flawless. The main menu has a “Games” section and a “Retro Games” section, with all the retro titles you’d expect buried in the latter. It’s not a huge deal once you know where things are, but the logic behind the labeling is questionable.

On the plus side, getting in and out of games is simple and intuitive once you’ve played around for a few minutes. Quick save/load functionality is there, but buried behind button combos that take a bit of muscle memory.

This is not a device where you’ll be customizing hotkeys or complex settings, and that’s fine. It’s meant to be pick-up-and-play.

Customizability — 35/69

Out of the box, the TrimUI Model S runs its own firmware, but you can flash a special MinUI build for a cleaner, more customizable interface. That’s the main draw for tinkerers.

Physical customization options are limited, though there are a few Etsy shops selling snap-on protective cases. Unlike some handhelds, you won’t find a buffet of shell colors, button swaps, or aftermarket mods. It’s a “what you see is what you get” type of handheld, though to its credit, the available colors from the factory are fun and varied enough for most people.

Controls — 34/69

The micro switch buttons are polarizing; they’re satisfyingly clicky for some, too loud or stiff for others. I personally prefer membrane buttons for handheld gaming, but I can appreciate the tactile feedback here.

The shoulder buttons are comically small, even by micro handheld standards, and could stand to be more pronounced. The D-pad, however, is responsive and accurate, which is crucial for retro platformers and fighters.

I do wish the Model S had included a volume scroll wheel or a combined power/volume toggle to give users more manual control. Still, given its size and weight, the ergonomics are better than expected. You can comfortably play it for short bursts without finger strain, impressive for something this tiny.

Value — 30/69

Value is where the TrimUI Model S walks a fine line. Depending on where you buy it, prices range from around $20 (single color, base package) to $60 (all colors, upgraded 64GB card).

For $27, which is what I paid for my red unit with a 32GB card, it feels like a reasonable indulgence. You can get more powerful devices for a similar price from Powkiddy or Anbernic, but they won’t have quite the same novelty factor.

The Model S isn’t a primary gaming device, it’s a desk conversation piece, a fun pocket gadget, and a “bathroom break hero” for quick 5–10 minute gaming sessions. If you buy it with that mindset, the value is there. If you expect it to be your main retro machine, you’ll be disappointed.

Category Recap & Final Score

• Unboxing: 40/69 – Colorful but basic, with a nice printed manual.

• Internals: 29/69 – Limited performance, but fine for 16-bit and below.

• First Impressions: 40/69 – A smile-inducing micro handheld.

• Ease of Use: 35/69 – A few quirks, but simple once learned.

• Customizability: 35/69 – Some firmware and case options, but not much else.

• Controls: 34/69 – Clicky and small, yet functional and responsive.

• Value: 30/69 – Fun and affordable, but not a workhorse.

Final Average Score: 35/69

Pros

1. Adorably small and ultra-portable.

2. Crisp, colorful IPS display.

3. Surprisingly good ergonomics for its size and shape.

4. Unique novelty factor that sparks conversation.

Cons

1. Limited performance beyond the 16-bit era.

2. No hardware volume control.

3. Very small shoulder buttons.

4. Limited customization options.

Best For

• Collectors who love unique handheld designs.

• Casual retro gamers looking for quick, short-session fun.

Skip If You’re

• Looking for a primary retro gaming device with broad system compatibility.

• Needing ergonomic controls for extended play sessions.

Review Recap

Well, at the beginning, I pondered whether the TrimUI Model S was an everyday handheld or a specialty device, and after living with it, I can confidently say it’s the latter. This is not the handheld you take on a long trip or use as your primary gaming machine. It’s the one you keep on your desk, toss in your pocket for a quick coffee run, or pull out to make a friend laugh in disbelief that it’s a real gaming device.

It’s fun, it’s weird, and it doesn’t try to be anything it’s not. And sometimes, that’s precisely what makes a gadget worth having.

💬 Let me know what you think in the comments or join the conversation in the ซุ่มศูนย์ของ Handheld Hodgepodge.

Until next time — stay curious and keep gaming! 👋

P’Nick ✨