TrimUI Smart Pro S Review: The Same (But Better)

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TrimUI Smart Pro S Review: The Same (But Better)

https://retrohandhelds.gg/trimui-smart-pro-s-review/

Let’s be real: if you bought the original TrimUI Smart Pro and thought, “This is cute… but I need more oomf,” — congratulations. 2026 heard you.

The Smart Pro S keeps the same chunky, Vita-esque design (good grip? nope), 720p screen (still perfect for PSP), and clicky buttons you either love or flinch at. But under the hood? Big upgrade: an Allwinner A523 chip, 1GB RAM, and TMR analog sticks that won’t die after three hours of Sonic Advance 3.

PSP games? Smooth. N64? Barely playable, but possible. Dreamcast? Don’t push it. The stock OS is… fine. Like a plain toast with jam — gets the job done, but you’re craving something better.

Enter: the hackers. CFW from Spruce, Knulli, and NextUI is already in the wild, turning this into a real Linux powerhouse. Think of it as a blank canvas — ugly out of the box, but with mods? Chef’s kiss.

Alternatives? Mangmi Air X (Android) or RGB10 Max 3. But if you want Linux, under $100, and don’t mind squishing your hands like a stress ball? This is the handheld.

It’s not perfect. But it’s the underdog with a plan — and community love on its side. Just don’t blame us when you’re up at 2 a.m. playing Buster Brothers like it’s 2004 again.