If you’ve picked up a Miyoo Mini Plus, you’ve probably heard about OnionOS. It’s a popular custom firmware built by the community to enhance the functionality and experience of this retro handheld. If you’re still running the stock OS or you’re new to the scene, here’s why you should seriously consider switching to OnionOS. Read on for the benefits of using OnionOS and for a guide on how to install it on your Miyoo Mini Plus.
1. Better Performance
One of the first things you’ll notice with OnionOS is how much smoother everything feels. The firmware is designed to reduce lag and improve emulator performance across the board. Whether you're playing NES, SNES, Game Boy Advance, or even PlayStation 1 titles, OnionOS tends to deliver better frame rates and more consistent gameplay.
This is especially noticeable on more demanding emulators. The tweaks made under the hood help the Miyoo Mini Plus run these systems more efficiently, translating into less stuttering and fewer crashes. If you've ever had a game freeze or run poorly on the stock OS, OnionOS could be the fix you're looking for.
2. Organized and Clean UI
The user interface on the stock OS can be confusing, especially if you're managing a large game library. OnionOS streamlines the experience with folders sorted by console, customizable themes, and a more intuitive menu layout. You can easily browse your collection, search for titles, or resume your most recently played games without digging through clunky menus.
There’s also a built-in favorites feature that lets you tag your top games for quick access. It’s little touches like this that make the whole interface feel more modern and user-friendly.
3. Customization Options
If you enjoy personalizing your devices, OnionOS is a dream. You can choose from a growing library of themes, boot screens, and system sounds created by the community. Whether you want a sleek minimalist look or something vibrant and nostalgic, there’s a theme for you.
The customization goes beyond visuals. You can also set hotkeys, adjust emulator-specific settings, and modify how your game lists appear. It’s your handheld—why not make it feel like it?
4. Save States and Game Management
OnionOS offers robust save state functionality that far surpasses what the stock OS provides. You can create multiple save states per game, use auto-save on exit, and even enable features like rewind in supported emulators. These features give you more flexibility in how you play, whether you’re grinding through a tough boss or just want to pick up right where you left off.
Another standout feature is Onion’s support for scraping game artwork and metadata. Your game library becomes a visual experience with box art, console logos, and game details displayed alongside each title. It makes browsing your collection feel like flipping through a digital shelf.
5. Active Community Support
OnionOS is open-source and developed by a passionate community of users and programmers. This means frequent updates, bug fixes, and new features are constantly being added. The developers are responsive to feedback, and the community provides extensive documentation, support, and even modding tools.
There are also active Discord and Reddit communities where you can get help, share your setup, or discover new enhancements. Being part of that ecosystem means you’re never stuck troubleshooting alone.
6. Easy to Install
Getting started with OnionOS is easier than you might think. The installation process involves downloading a set of files, copying them to a microSD card, and letting the Miyoo Mini Plus do the rest. It doesn’t modify the internal firmware of your device, so it's completely reversible and safe.
Even better, OnionOS is modular. You can install the base system and then choose only the additional features or emulators you want. This keeps the system lean and tailored to your specific gaming habits.
How to Install OnionOS on the Miyoo Mini Plus
Installing OnionOS is easier than it sounds, and the best part is—it doesn’t overwrite your device’s internal software. If you ever want to go back to the stock OS, you can just swap the SD card. Here's how to get started:
What You'll Need:
- A Miyoo Mini Plus
- A microSD card (at least 16GB, 32GB+ recommended)
- A computer with a microSD card reader
- A stable internet connection to download files
Step-by-Step Instructions:
-
Back Up Your Files
If you’ve already been using your Miyoo Mini Plus, back up any save files or games you don’t want to lose. Installing OnionOS will require formatting your SD card. -
Download OnionOS
Head over to the official OnionOS GitHub page or website. Make sure to download the version specifically made for the Miyoo Mini Plus (not the original Miyoo Mini). -
Format Your microSD Card
Use a tool like SD Card Formatter to format the card as FAT32. This ensures compatibility and avoids file system issues later. -
Extract and Copy Files
Extract the OnionOS zip file and copy all the contents directly to the root of your SD card. Don’t put them in a folder—just drag and drop everything into the base directory. -
Safely Eject and Insert the Card
Once the files are copied, safely eject the SD card from your computer and insert it into your Miyoo Mini Plus. -
Boot Up the Device
Turn on your Miyoo Mini Plus. The device will automatically detect the OnionOS files and begin the initial setup. This may take a few minutes. After that, it should boot into OnionOS. -
Follow the On-Screen Prompts
OnionOS might ask you to set up a few basic options like language, theme, or button mappings. Follow the prompts to finish setup. -
Add Your ROMs
After installation, connect the SD card to your computer again and add your ROMs to the appropriate folders (e.g.,Roms/GB,Roms/SNES, etc.). OnionOS will automatically sort and recognize them the next time you boot up.
And that's it! You’re ready to enjoy a faster, cleaner, and more customizable experience on your Miyoo Mini Plus. If you run into issues, the OnionOS community is very active and helpful, so don’t hesitate to search forums or ask for advice.
Bottom line: If you want to get the most out of your Miyoo Mini Plus, OnionOS is a no-brainer. It enhances performance, adds modern features, and gives you full control over your retro gaming experience. Whether you're a casual player or a retro gaming enthusiast, OnionOS turns a great handheld into an incredible one.