In an ever-growing market of retro gaming handhelds, the TrimUI Smart Pro has quickly become a standout in the budget-friendly segment, offering a feature-packed device at an incredibly low price of just $99.99. With its striking performance capabilities, the Smart Pro is much more than a simple retro gaming console; it offers a quality experience that rivals devices well above its price range. A significant factor in this is the inclusion of its optional CrossMix OS, a unique interface that extends on the stock OS elevating the device beyond what users typically expect from an entry-level handheld.
Hardware Design & Build Quality: Retro Aesthetics
This TrimUI Retro Handheld adopts a horizontal form factor that immediately brings to mind popular devices like the PlayStation Vita and Nintendo Switch Lite. This ergonomic design fits comfortably in the hands, with a lightweight build that encourages long gaming sessions without strain. The device is sleek, with a glossy black finish that feels relatively premium, especially given its price point.
One of the first things users will notice is the 5-inch IPS screen. The display quality is sharp, vibrant, and offers wide viewing angles, making it ideal for gaming on the go. Whether you’re playing classic 8-bit games or more graphically intensive titles, the visuals pop with excellent clarity. The screen also maintains consistent performance under various lighting conditions, though it does have a glossy finish that can lead to glare in brightly lit environments.
The control layout of the TrimUI Smart Pro is well-designed, with dual analog sticks that are ringed in RGB lighting, a unique aesthetic choice that enhances the device’s retro flair. The face buttons styled in classic Game Boy colors are functional and visually appealing. The D-pad is compact, offering solid feedback during gameplay, but it’s worth noting that while it serves its purpose, the buttons and control pads aren’t on the level of more expensive handheld devices.
The ABXY buttons, in particular, are low-profile and lack the tactile feedback some might expect. Some players have also reported that the shoulder buttons, positioned toward the top of the device, can feel awkward, requiring a slightly unnatural finger placement for optimal use. Additionally, the trigger buttons don’t offer much range of motion, which might feel restrictive to those accustomed to premium controllers.
Despite these minor control drawbacks, the overall build quality is commendable. While not perfect, the device is robust enough for most users, and the portability of the Smart Pro makes it an excellent choice for anyone who values convenience and accessibility over ultra-premium components.
CrossMix OS: A Powerful Software Experience
The standout feature of the TrimUI Smart Pro is undoubtedly its CrossMix OS. Unlike many budget handheld consoles that opt for a stock interface or make drastic changes with custom firmware, CrossMix OS offers a perfect balance. It enhances the default TrimUI system without fully replacing it, resulting in a user-friendly yet powerful interface.
One of the most notable features of CrossMix OS is its highly intuitive and customizable menu system. The operating system allows users to create custom collections and categories, making it easy to organize games based on preference, genre, or personal criteria. The interface is simple yet effective, with an emphasis on ease of use, so even those new to retro gaming emulation can quickly navigate through the system.
Several advanced features elevate the CrossMix OS experience:
- OpenGL support for improved emulation performance across multiple systems.
- Automatic ROM scraping, which fetches game artwork and metadata for a polished and professional look in your game library.
- A ROM refresh feature that automatically updates the system whenever new games are added.
- Full support for external storage, including microSD cards and USB-C connections for easy PC transfers.
- Comprehensive cheat options, including frame rate fixes and other tweaks, to enhance the gaming experience and smooth out performance in demanding titles.
In terms of functionality, CrossMix OS brings a lot to the table. It’s a solid interface that performs well on lower-end hardware, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious retro gamers who still want a responsive and customizable user experience.
Emulation Performance: An Impressive Powerhouse
When it comes to emulation, the TrimUI Smart Pro punches well above its weight. The device is preloaded with a 128GB SanDisk microSD card, which contains thousands of games spanning a wide range of classic consoles, from the NES and SNES to the PlayStation and PSP. This preloaded collection is a big selling point for casual gamers, as it offers instant access to a massive library of titles without the need for complicated setup or configuration.
In terms of emulation performance, the Smart Pro impresses in several areas. While it’s expected that budget devices might struggle with more demanding systems, the Smart Pro excels—particularly with PSP emulation. Games like Ghost of Sparta, Death Jam, Crisis Core, and Ridge Racer run smoothly with little to no tweaking required. Even some more complex PSP titles, such as Army of 2, perform reasonably well, though players may notice minor audio stuttering in wide open areas.
The Smart Pro doesn’t just excel at PSP games it also handles a variety of other classic consoles with ease. Titles from the Nintendo 64, Neo Geo, PlayStation, and Sega Master System/Genesis run impressively well, and the system supports both ISO and CSO file formats for PSP games, giving users flexibility in how they store and manage their ROM files.
Given the high demand for performance in retro gaming devices, the TrimUI Smart Pro demonstrates how even budget-friendly handhelds can provide an excellent emulation experience when paired with the right software. From basic 2D platformers to more demanding 3D titles, the Smart Pro holds its ground, making it an attractive option for a variety of retro gaming enthusiasts.
Display & Audio: Enhancing the Retro Experience
The 5-inch IPS screen on the Smart Pro is one of its standout features, delivering clear, sharp visuals that make the gaming experience more immersive. While the glossy finish of the screen can lead to some glare when used outdoors or under bright lighting, the vibrant colors and crisp image quality make it a joy to play on, especially for a device in this price range.
For audio, the stereo speakers provide an unexpectedly good sound experience. Many budget handheld consoles skimp on audio quality, but the Smart Pro’s front-facing speakers are loud, clear, and relatively distortion-free, making them more than sufficient for casual gaming. While headphones are still an option for those who prefer a more private experience, the built-in speakers are perfectly fine for most users.
Storage & System Management: Flexibility and Convenience
Another strength of the TrimUI Smart Pro is its flexibility when it comes to storage and system management. With support for external ROM loading via removable microSD cards, users can expand their game library with ease. The device also supports USB-C connections, allowing for quick file transfers between the handheld and a PC. This seamless file management experience ensures that users can easily keep their game library organized and up-to-date without much hassle.
Additionally, the ROM refresh functionality makes it easy to keep your collection current, and the system organizes games by title, artwork, and metadata, giving users a professional, polished interface for their library.
Value Proposition: A Compelling Budget Option
At $99.99, the TrimUI Smart Pro offers an exceptional value for anyone interested in retro gaming. Despite its affordable price, the device delivers a surprisingly strong emulation experience, a clean and customizable interface through CrossMix OS, and a robust storage management system. While the hardware is not flawless—especially the controls, which may not appeal to those who prioritize premium feel—the device still offers a fantastic gaming experience for those who value versatility and ease of use.
For casual retro gaming enthusiasts, the Smart Pro is a standout option. It offers access to a wide variety of games, strong emulation performance, and a user-friendly interface at a price that’s hard to beat. However, for gamers who are more particular about control feel and button responsiveness, alternatives like the Anbernic handhelds may offer better build quality, though at a higher price.
The Smart Pro’s Lasting Appeal
The TrimUI Smart Pro is a solid, affordable choice for retro gaming fans who want a device that balances performance and ease of use. With its impressive emulation capabilities, versatile CrossMix OS interface, and strong value proposition, it’s clear that this handheld has been carefully crafted to cater to both casual and dedicated retro gamers. If you’re willing to overlook the minor control limitations, the Smart Pro offers an outstanding experience that rivals handhelds in much higher price brackets, making it a must-consider option for those on a budget or looking for a quality retro gaming gift.
Read More From Techbullion
