 |
| The Miyoo clamshell handheld has a removable battery cover. |
The retro handheld market is no stranger to leaks and rumors, but a new set of CAD renders has ignited a fascinating debate among enthusiasts. While TrimUI is reportedly working on its own clamshell foldable in the vein of the Retroid Pocket Flip 2, images of another intriguing device have surfaced online. Attributed to Miyoo, this new handheld features a design that pays homage to a classic—but also incorporates elements that look strikingly familiar to followers of the brand's competitor, TrimUI .
A Nod to the GBA SP with Some Modern Twists
The leaked CAD images reveal a device built around the beloved clamshell form factor, immediately drawing comparisons to the iconic Game Boy Advance SP . The core layout is exactly what retro gamers would expect: a standard D-Pad, the ABXY button cluster, and two pill-shaped buttons positioned above the D-Pad that are likely designated for Start and Select.
However, the design deviates from the norm in a few key areas. Most notably, the face of the device houses three circular buttons, flanked on either side by speaker grilles. This specific placement and configuration of buttons is a signature trait of TrimUI’s design language, immediately raising eyebrows in the community.
A Case of Inspiration or Imitation?
The similarities to TrimUI’s hardware are hard to ignore. On TrimUI devices, this trio of round buttons typically serves as Options, Start, and Select. On this alleged Miyoo handheld, however, the buttons are marked with a circle, square, and triangle—leaving their function a mystery for now .
The intrigue deepens with the discovery of a textured toggle switch on the right side of the device, positioned just above the power button. This is a near-perfect match for the switch found on the side of the TrimUI Brick, a popular device currently available on Amazon for $79.99 .
This isn't the only place the Miyoo handheld mirrors its competitor. The images also show two LEDs in the top right corner, a design cue that appears to be borrowed from Miyoo's own Miyoo Mini Flip, a device that was itself a follow-up to the larger Miyoo Flip . The Miyoo Mini Flip, priced around $70, has been praised for its super-sleek, pocket-friendly design and excellent build quality, even if its internal specs are a few years old .
Removable Battery and Other Unique Features
Despite the design echoes, the handheld isn't without its own unique selling points. Perhaps the most user-centric feature revealed in the renders is a removable battery door. In an era where built-in batteries are the norm, the ability to easily swap out a depleted cell would be a significant advantage for power users and travelers .
Other notable features gleaned from the images include:
- In-line shoulder buttons: Standard for a device of this type.
- Dual USB Ports: A surprising but welcome addition for connectivity.
- Dual TF Card Slots: Likely for expandable storage and perhaps for a dedicated OS card.
- An audio jack and USB-C port: Located at the bottom, with two tiny buttons sandwiched between them.
The Big Question: Concept or Reality?
As it stands, there is no official word from Miyoo regarding this device's development. It remains entirely possible that these are simply concept renders or an early design that may never see the light of a production line. The source of the leak, a post on Tieba Baidu and discussions on Reddit’s r/sbcgaming, provides a glimpse of what might be in the pipeline, but without concrete confirmation, the device’s future is uncertain .
For now, Miyoo fans can still enjoy the company's recent efforts, such as the Miyoo Mini Flip. Reviews for that device highlight its ability to run everything from Game Boy to many PlayStation 1 titles smoothly, all wrapped in a compact clamshell body that measures just 66.5 × 67.8 × 24.3 mm . With a 2.8-inch IPS display (750x560 resolution) and a 2500mAh battery, it offers a compelling package for retro gaming on the go, albeit with the limitation of a single USB-C port that requires an adapter for simultaneous charging and headphone use .
Whether this newly leaked clamshell is a direct response to the TrimUI Brick or a standalone project that evolved independently, it's clear that the competition in the compact, foldable handheld space is heating up. If this device does launch, its borrowed design elements will undoubtedly continue to be a major talking point.
 |
| The Miyoo handheld has a textured toggle switch like the TrimUI Brick. |
 |
| The Miyoo clamshell handheld has a TF card slot on each side. |