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The original was posted on /r/sbcgaming by /u/TheHumanConscience on 2024-08-09 02:48:53+00:00.
Hi all, so my Ampown XU Mini M arrived today and I played on it for an hour or so. Here's my initial impressions. I'll be comparing to other devices as a reference point.
- Considerably bigger than the A30/MM V4. It's thicc but comfortable to hold. Big difference compared to the other 2.8" competitors in feeling both in hand and in the pocket. It's roughly as thick as the Miyo Mini over the battery compartment. The Miyoo Mini is much smaller than the XU Mini M.
- Display is very bright. A30/Miyoo Mini V4 look dark in comparison. The XU Mini at only 25% brightness is roughly max brightness on the A30/Miyoo V4. That being said the A30 has much better color balance/accuracy. The Xu Mini could benefit from some panel tuning.
- The stereo sound on the XU Mini is really good. I noticed a bit of fuzzing noise on SNES Super Mario World but didn't notice it playing Streets of Rage 2, so it may be a software issue but will try additional platforms to be sure.
- OS while very basic is easy enough to navigate. Game selection included Mario games which was refreshing but PS1 games are crap PAL editions or missing CD audio. Need to do more testing here but something is off when playing PS1. Didn't see any way to increase resolution via RH menu so this has to be fixed as PS1 is being held back and looks crappy compared to the A30 not running at 640*480.
- Fired up Wave Race 64 and was blown away by the sticks. Huge improvement over A30/35XX-H and others. No cardinal snapping issues, very easy to walk a balance beam in Mario 64 compared to Anbernic 35XX-H. They are better than expected and probably the standout feature of this device. N64 isn't just "playable", it's actually enjoyable on it.
- PSP worked better than expected. Played Castlevania and while there was some mild stutters akin to shader compilation, it was perfectly playable.
- DPAD is pretty good although I noticed a few false diagonals when playing Kirby Mirror on GBA. More false diagonals than RG28XX but the dpad itself feels good. Larger than 28XX but smaller and less mushy then the A30.
- Face buttons are just OK. Good enough but remind me of mini RGB30 buttons. They do the job and have decent enough resistance and travel but aren't up to Anbernic or Miyoo Mini/A30 standards.
- Triggers are a little too stiff for my liking, but feel good enough to press. Thinking they'll break in nicely but only time will tell. Better placement and feeling over the 28XX, but not quite as nice as the A30.
tldr;
This one is good guys, the software needs some attention as we really need access to RH advanced menu's to upscale screen resolution etc, but nothing is a deal breaker. It's totally playable out the box and wouldn't be a problem as a gift to someone starting out. If you ordered one you won't be disappointed. Overall it bests the 28XX and A30 pretty easily on the hardware side, let's hope they address the software shortcomings.
Nice case and included glass screen protector and lanyard are great to have as extras. Saves having to spend another $7-10 bucks which you have to do with the 28XX.
Let me know if you have any questions.