OnionOS review
A feature-rich Miyoo Mini frontend with local library tools and built-in emulation.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
OnionOS is an open-source operating system and emulation frontend for Miyoo Mini and Miyoo Mini+ handhelds. It is designed for owners who want a structured way to manage ROMs, launch games, switch between sessions, and navigate without relying on a desktop interface. The system is installed to an SD card and distributed under the GPL-3.0 license. Its focus is narrow but clear: improving the local emulation experience on supported Miyoo hardware rather than serving as a general-purpose frontend across many devices.
Its strongest area is the combination of library management and emulation access. OnionOS includes a customized RetroArch build, built-in and optional emulators, and standalone PCSX and ScummVM options. ROM library refresh and organization use system folders, while metadata and cover scraping connect with ScreenScraper, RetroArch, and LaunchBox. The Package Manager handles emulator and app installation or removal, and controller-based navigation keeps package selection and library browsing within the handheld experience. GameSwitcher, global search, themes, and activity tracking add useful depth beyond basic game launching.
The trade-off is platform breadth. Published support centers on the Miyoo Mini and Miyoo Mini+, so owners of other handhelds should consider a frontend with wider device coverage instead. The local design also shapes the workflow: saves and preferences are backed up to the SD card, while cloud synchronization is not part of the documented feature set. Choose OnionOS if you own a supported Miyoo handheld and want open-source tools for local ROM organization, emulators, metadata, themes, and session management. Choose an alternative if cross-device deployment or cloud-based continuity matters more than handheld-focused control.
OnionOS pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Built-in and optional emulators, including PCSX and ScummVM
- GameSwitcher resumes games quickly, with search and activity tracking
- Themes, scraping, package management, and controller navigation in one system
- Where it doesn't
- Verified device support is limited to Miyoo Mini and Miyoo Mini+
- Installation runs from an SD card rather than a general desktop platform
- Cloud synchronization is not part of the documented workflow
OnionOS fact sheet, pricing and score →
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