How to install MinUI on Anbernic RG35XX?

With support from my audience for writing how to install Garlic on RG35XX, I will continue the series with a guide on how to install MinUI on RG35XX. MinUI is a focused custom launcher for the Anbernic RG35XX, which will be perfect for anyone who loves minimalist. The latest version of MinUI features many essential functions, making it a great alternative to the Garlic OS.

I personally prefer MinUI over Garlic, even though I choose the Miyoo Mini Plus in the end as my only vertical retro handheld emulator (which uses Onion, similar to Garlic). I also know that there are many people who choose MinUI over Garlic on Reddit, and because the Anbernic RG35XX could be everyone’s starter retro handheld, you should consider this system for your device.

Many thanks to shauninman for his effort, and if you want this version for the Miyoo Mini Plus, I recommend you to read my article on how to install DotUI on Miyoo Mini Plus. There will be no master guide for the MinUI, because it’s so focused for playing games, unlike the RG35XX Garlic guide.

Finally, make sure to read my ultimate RG35XX custom firmware comparison, in case you want to see how MinUI compares to other RG35XX’s systems like Garlic, MuOS or Koriki.

What you need

• The latest version of MinUI (download both base and extras, then unzip both)

How to install MinUI on Anbernic RG35XX

Make sure to update RG35XX firmware before installing. If you want to use 2 SD cards for your Anbernic RG35XX, you need to format both to FAT32.

Depending on how many SD cards you want to use with the RG35XX, there will be a minor difference between processes. As usual, I always recommend to go the dual-SD-card route, because if you follow my MinUI installation guide properly, you don’t have to take out the SD card in the TF1 slot anymore.

If you want to use only one SD card for both system and ROMs, you need to put it in TF1 slot. You will need an SD card with at least 64 GB in storage for both OS system file and ROMs. The process to install MinUI is super simple if you follow my RG35XX firmware update thoroughly.

• Copy all folder named Roms, Bios, Emus, Saves, and Tools to the root of your SD card
• You can also proceed to add your games and BIOS files into respective folders
• Copy MinUI.zip into the Roms folder. You don’t need to extract the content of this file
• Create a MISC folder at the root of your SD card
• Copy dmenu.bin into the MISC folder

I recommend to use this setup (shauninman also recommended in his guide). I must repeat that you need to follow my RG35XX firmware update, and format both SD cards to be FAT32. There is only some minor differences between these setups:

• Create a MISC folder at the root of your system SD card (goes into TF1 slot)
• Copy dmenu.bin into the MISC folder of the first system SD card (goes into TF1 slot)
• Copy all folder named Roms, Bios, Emus, Saves, and Tools to the root of your second SD card (goes into TF2 slot)
• Copy MinUI.zip into the root of your second SD card (goes into TF2 slot). You don’t need to extract the content of this file

RG35XX’s MinUI features

1. No settings, no application, no box art, theme or any distraction (plus for me).
2. Automatically hides extension and region/version cruft in display names
3. Consistent in-emulator menu with quick access to save states, disc changing, and emulator options
4. Automatically sleeps after 30 seconds or press POWER to sleep (and wake)
5. Automatically powers off while asleep after two minutes or hold POWER for one second
6. Automatically resumes right where you left off if powered off while in-game, manually or while asleep
7. Resume from manually created, last used save state by pressing X in the launcher instead of A
8. Streamlined emulator frontend (minarch + libretro cores)
9. Collection of games into one folder, by making a text file

That’s it, if you have any other questions, please find it in my RG35XX tutorial.