Trimui Smart Pro S Review: The Upgraded Budget Retro Handheld King for Dreamcast and PSP in 2025
Hey retro gaming crew, if you've been holding onto the original Trimui Smart Pro like I have—loving that big screen and comfy Vita-like grip but wishing for smoother Dreamcast and PSP performance—the new Trimui Smart Pro S is exactly what we've been waiting for. Launched late 2025 at around $100, this refreshed portable retro gaming console packs a serious punch with a new chipset, active cooling, and refined controls. I got my hands on a yellow unit and white unit (love the matte finish). Here's my real-world take on this best budget retro handheld contender.
Unboxing and Build: Familiar but Better
The box is simple: the device, USB-C cable, manual, and optional pre-loaded SD card. No frills, but that's fine at this price.
It looks almost identical to the original—same PS Vita-inspired curves, matte plastic that resists fingerprints, and that gorgeous 4.96-inch screen. But upgrades shine: larger shoulder triggers for better ergonomics, TMR (Hall-effect?) analog sticks for precision and no drift, clickable sticks (L3/R3), a new dedicated Home button, and subtle RGB ambient lights for flair. Active cooling (tiny fan) keeps it from throttling during intense sessions. At around 300g with a 5000mAh battery, it's super pocketable and comfy for hours—my go-to for commutes now.
Specs That Deliver the Upgrade
The big news is the Allwinner A523 chipset with Mali-G57 GPU—claimed 2.5x faster graphics than the old A133P. Still 1GB RAM (wish it was more), but better memory management helps.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Screen | 4.96-inch IPS, 1280x720, 16:9, bright and vibrant |
| Processor/GPU | Allwinner A523 @ ~2.0GHz / Mali-G57 MC1 |
| RAM/Storage | 1GB LPDDR4 / 8GB eMMC + microSD (up to 512GB+) |
| Battery | 5000mAh (~5-7 hours depending on emulation) |
| Connectivity | WiFi (improved module), Bluetooth, USB-C, 3.5mm jack |
| Extras | Stereo speakers, active fan cooling, RGB lights, clickable sticks |
This setup crushes up to Dreamcast and lighter PSP titles smoothly—big leap from the original.
Gameplay: Where the "S" Really Shines
Running CrossMix-OS (highly recommend—tons of emulators, easy setup), the performance boost is noticeable right away. PS1 flies at full speed with shaders; N64 is playable on most titles (some tweaks needed); but Dreamcast and PSP are the stars.
Crazy Taxi on Dreamcast? Butter-smooth 60fps, no stutters—ramming cars around San Francisco felt arcade-perfect. The active fan keeps temps down, no thermal throttling after 30 minutes.
Outrun Coast to Coast (PSP): Minimal frame drops, vibrant on the big screen—drifting through stages with analog sticks felt precise thanks to the TMR upgrades. God of War chains held steady too.
Vertical arcade shmups in TATE mode? Full-screen support in RetroArch makes them immersive. Even lighter NDS titles run well via Drastic. Battery lasted 6+ hours on mixed Dreamcast/PSP play—impressive efficiency.
Speakers are loud and clear, controls responsive (D-pad quiet and accurate). It's the ultimate affordable retro handheld for 6th-gen nostalgia.
The Real Talk: Minor Gripes
- Still 1GB RAM limits heavier multitasking or some demanding ports.
- Stock OS is okay, but custom like CrossMix unlocks the full potential.
- Fan is quiet but audible in silent rooms.
- No major design overhaul—if you hated the original shape, this won't convert you.
Verdict: Best Budget Retro Handheld Upgrade for 2025
The TrimUI Smart Pro S takes everything great about the original and fixes the pain points: hotter performance, cooler temps, better controls—all for ~$100. If you're into PS1, Dreamcast, PSP, or classic retro on a big screen, this is the portable emulator handheld to beat in the budget space. Skip if you need PS2/Wii power (look higher), but for pure retro bliss? Absolute winner.
Score: 9/10 – My new favorite daily driver. What's your must-play Dreamcast game? Comment below!