The handheld gaming scene moves at a breakneck pace, and manufacturers are constantly iterating to deliver the perfect pocket-sized powerhouse. Fresh off the global release of the Brick Hammer—a sleek, visual refresh of the original TrimUI Brick—the company appears to be setting its sights back on its more powerful line. New information has surfaced, revealing that TrimUI is gearing up to launch a significant upgrade to one of its most popular devices: the TrimUI Smart Pro S.
This news comes as a welcome surprise to fans who have been enjoying the capabilities of the original Smart Pro but have been hoping for a bit more muscle under the hood.
A Quick Refresher: What Was the Original TrimUI Smart Pro?
To understand the excitement around the "S" model, it helps to look back at the foundation it's building upon. Launched in late 2023, the TrimUI Smart Pro quickly carved out a niche for itself. It was built around the Allwinner A133P system-on-a-chip, a processor also found in many devices from the sister brand, MagicX.
Its standout features included a vibrant 4.96-inch IPS display running at a sharp 720p resolution, all powered by a substantial 5,000 mAh battery—a combination that promised and delivered solid portable play sessions. It was a competent device for a range of retro emulation, but like all hardware, it had its limits.
The Smart Pro S Emerges: What’s New?
According to a report from the trusted emulation outlet Retro Dodo, their team has received information from the well-known distributor Mech DIY that TrimUI is on the verge of launching the "Smart Pro S." This new model is positioned not as a minor tweak, but as a meaningful upgrade to the formula.
So, what can enthusiasts expect? The Smart Pro S is tipped to address several key areas:
- A More Powerful Chipset: This is the headline upgrade. While the exact new processor hasn't been named, it is confirmed to be faster than the Allwinner A133P in the current model. This single change has the most significant implications for performance.
- A Built-in Cooling Fan: With greater power often comes greater heat. To ensure the new chipset can maintain peak performance without throttling, TrimUI has reportedly integrated an active cooling system. This should allow for longer, sustained gaming sessions during demanding tasks.
- A Refined Design: The original Smart Pro had a distinct, angular look. The "S" variant is expected to iterate on this design language, potentially making it more ergonomic or refining the button layout and feel. It appears this is the final commercial name for the "Smart Pro Mini" that was rumored over the summer.
For more details on the original report and to follow this story as it develops, you can read the full article on Retro Dodo's website.
What Does This Mean for Gamers?
The practical benefits of these upgrades are immediately clear for anyone who pushes their handheld beyond 16-bit consoles. The original Smart Pro could handle PlayStation 1 (PS1) and Dreamcast games, but performance could be hit-or-miss with more demanding titles. Nintendo DS and especially PlayStation Portable (PSP) emulation were also a challenge.
The TrimUI Smart Pro S, with its faster chipset and active cooling, is being positioned to offer significantly smoother performance across these more demanding systems. Gamers can look forward to a more consistent and enjoyable experience when revisiting classics from the Dreamcast, PSP, and PS1 libraries.
While specific pricing and a firm release date are still under wraps, the launch is tentatively scheduled for November. For those looking to get their hands on one, keeping an eye on official distributors like Mech DIY will be crucial when pre-orders inevitably open.
In the meantime, if the original TrimUI Smart Pro still catches your eye, you can often find it available on major retailers like Amazon, though its price may fluctuate as the new model's launch approaches.
The announcement of the TrimUI Smart Pro S signals that the company is listening to its community and is committed to competing in the ever-crowded mid-range handheld market. By focusing on raw performance and thermal management, they may have a winning upgrade on their hands this holiday season.
Post a Comment