TRIMUI's latest vertical handheld keeps the same processor but adds a larger display, Hall effect thumbsticks and a refined design.

The TRIMUI Brick Pro is one of the most interesting retro handhelds to come out lately. Typically these companies beef up the processors and specs for a ‘sequel’, but TRIMUI kept the same insides and just built a bigger body with thumbsticks.

They’ve got this one I reviewed, the TRIMUI Brick Pro, but they also have a far more powerful (and far more expensive) Android model made from metal coming out soon also. Anyway, this is the Linux/plastic version I’ve reviewed.

I just reviewed whether the unchanged Allwinner A133P holds it back, how the larger display and Hall effect thumbsticks change the experience, and whether this could ever become a compelling Linux handheld to buy for custom firmware fans.

I also spoke with my friend Frysee from NextUI and long-time TRIMUI community member Kyle to get perspectives from both the developers building for the platform and the fans who love it, just for something different in this review.

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Is refinement enough? Or do you think “Pro” should more power?

As ever, if you don’t want to read through a far-too-long review, you can just ask me whatever you’d like here and I’ll be happy to answer. Though it is nighttime here and I’m about to go to bed, so if I don’t reply for 7 or 8 hours, it is because I’m asleep!

  • PerfectDarkOPEnglish
    2·
    4 days ago

    “Excellent write-up! SBCGaming is one of the communities I miss most and I love your breakdown.”

    Thank you! Sorry you’ve had to give up some communities, but it is nice that you’ve stayed strong and landed here in stead. I do share each retro handheld review I do on here, so you’ll see them over time as a (terrible) consolation prize! I have the TRIMUI Brick Hammer Pro U, the Retroid Pocket Nova, Anbernic’s RG 55G1 and…one more I forget still coming to review, too :)

    “Should ‘Pro’ denote an upgrade? Probably; but things are really hinky in the electronic parts department, and a more comfortable playing experience is likely worth it to some.”

    I think that is the finnicky part. No one really finds this a ‘Pro’ upgrade, but for what it does (especially PSX on this for me), it is a beautiful and fun time :)

    Thanks for reading through and enjoying it. I appreciate it!