Just because the Miyoo Mini can emulate retro games really well doesn’t mean all of these games are playable or offer the best experience on this handheld. We have to take into consideration the 2.8″ display screen, the button layout, and overall ergonomics. With that said, here are my top 10 NES games to play on the Mini.
10. Super Mario Bros. (JP: Sept 1985, US: Oct 1985)
The first on this list is an all-time classic. Super Mario Bros. put Nintendo on the map and gave birth to the Mario franchise that endures to this day.
The Mini’s small screen isn’t much of an issue while playing since you can see where you’re going pretty easily, and the game’s 8 world structure with optional warp zones means you can finish the entire adventure before the Mini’s control layout becomes cramped in your hands. If you’re looking for something you can complete in one sitting, then Super Mario Bros. is the game for you.
**Fun Fact:** The character was originally called “Jumpman” and was renamed Mario after Nintendo of America’s landlord, Mario Segale.
Castlevania (JP: Sept 1986, US: May 1987)
Castlevania is one of the games I got hooked on growing up. It’s a 2D platformer but more action-focused, and it was a really addictive game back in the day. I had to learn about the lore through those old game magazines and my imagination while playing.
With the NES’s 2-button layout, the game is very playable on the Miyoo Mini, and the small screen won’t strain your eyes since there’s not much dialogue text to read. The gothic atmosphere and tight controls translate perfectly to the handheld format.
**Fun Fact:** The original Castlevania was inspired by classic Universal Monster movies from the 1930s and 40s.
Contra (JP: Feb 1987, US: Feb 1988)
Contra admittedly is best played with 2 players, but that doesn’t mean it’s not good playing solo. This game spawned dozens of clones and hacks, but the classic Contra is by far the best in my opinion.
The controls and screen on the Miyoo Mini don’t hamper the game experience even when things get hectic, and it’s a perfect game to play and finish on the portable system.
**Fun Fact:** Contra is home to the legendary Konami Code (Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, Start), which grants you 30 lives instead of the brutal default of 3.
Mega Man 2 (JP: Dec 1988, US: Jul 1989)
With 3 Mega Man games on the NES, my pick is Mega Man 2, and it’s not just because of the gameplay but the incredible sound and vibe of the game. I usually play this for the nostalgia factor, and if we’re talking about NES emulation, then this is by far the best option.
Difficulty-wise, the game is brutal with its precise button inputs for jumping. I don’t know if you can actually finish the game on the Miyoo Mini with its cramped controls, but it’s still a worthwhile experience, especially if you use the Miyoo’s save state feature.
**Fun Fact:** The infamous US box art showed a middle-aged man in yellow armor that looked nothing like Mega Man. This became so legendary that Capcom included him in Street Fighter X Tekken.
Battle City (JP: Sept 1985, US: Not Released)
Another game that’s best played in co-op and spawned multiple hacks even during the NES era. I had a hard time looking for the original NES ROM with all the mods available – from starting with metal walls to having upgraded enemies that can use power-ups.
This recommendation is perfect for short bursts of gameplay throughout the day. I usually play this while commuting to places like the grocery store or appointments. The small screen and button layout is actually an advantage since you’re just using the direction pad and one button for firing.
**Fun Fact:** Battle City was hugely popular in Eastern Europe and Russia, where it’s often considered one of the greatest NES games of all time.
Excitebike (JP: Nov 1984, US: Oct 1985)
Sure, there are racing games that are good on the NES, but my pick is Excitebike. One thing that stands out is the design creator where you can make your own course, and with the Miyoo’s save state feature, you can replay your course without worrying about it being deleted.
Easy controls and very easy to pick up and play – the only skill you need to learn is when to use turbo versus normal speed without your bike overheating. Perfect for the Miyoo Mini.
**Fun Fact:** Excitebike was one of the 18 NES launch titles and featured one of the earliest console track editors, pioneering user-generated content decades before it became mainstream.
Double Dragon 2 (JP: Apr 1989, US: Jan 1990)
Switching up to beat ’em ups, my pick would be Double Dragon 2 (Double Dragon 1 was my first choice, but I got a bad ROM that doesn’t run on my Miyoo). It’s your classic beat ’em up with button inputs depending on where you’re facing – B attacks left, A attacks right, and pressing both makes you jump.
What makes it stand out is the story, which was pretty dark for its time. Billy’s girlfriend was killed by a shadow organization, and now it’s up to the Lee brothers to avenge her. The side-scrolling action works perfectly on the portable format.
**Fun Fact:** Double Dragon 2 controversially removed two-player co-op from the main story, making players fight each other after completing single-player. This was so unpopular that future entries returned to co-op.
Darkwing Duck (JP: Not Released, US: Jun 1992)
Being a fan of the Darkwing Duck cartoons, it’s no secret that I’d choose this NES game. A side-scrolling platformer with a Batman-like hero using gadgets was quite enjoyable back in the day. Playing it on the Miyoo Mini now is more enjoyable than when I first played it as a kid.
I didn’t get to enjoy this game as much as I wanted before since the cartridge conked out on me just a few days after I got it. As soon as I got the Miyoo Mini, I looked for this ROM first. The colorful graphics look great on the small screen.
**Fun Fact:** Darkwing Duck was developed by Capcom using the same engine as the Mega Man series, which explains the tight, polished gameplay.
Pac-Man Championship Edition (ROM Hack)
No top 10 NES game pick would be complete without Pac-Man. For my pick I’m recommending the Pac-Man Championship Edition ROM hack, which tries to emulate the modern version on the NES and is one of the greatest Pac-Man experiences available.
You might think the small screen would be difficult, but based on experience, it’s just the perfect size to see the tight corners and dots you need to grab. The Miyoo’s controls are super responsive with no false inputs whatsoever.
**Fun Fact:** The original Pac-Man Championship Edition was created by series creator Toru Iwatani in 2007, over 25 years after the original game.
Urban Champion (JP: Nov 1984, US: Aug 1986)
Let me just say that this list is in no particular order, and I’m sure others will complain that I didn’t include their favorite games like Ghosts ‘n Goblins, Dragon Warrior, or Final Fantasy. Here’s the thing – those are great games, but I think they’re much better experienced on a bigger screen, so if I offended anyone, sorry, but this is my list.
Last one is another game that works best with 2 players, but as a single player experience this also translates well on the Miyoo Mini. Urban Champion is a fighting game where you and the computer beat each other up in the middle of the street. There are no life bars, just stamina. A round ends if you beat your opponent to their side of the screen.
There are police cruisers passing by from time to time, so you should avoid fighting unless you want a trip to jail. Also avoid neighbors throwing potted plants from windows above. Simple game with no story, but the gameplay is somewhat addictive in my opinion.
**Fun Fact:** Urban Champion was one of Nintendo’s earliest fighting games from 1984, and it’s often considered one of the worst NES games ever made – but that’s exactly what gives it cult appeal.
Conclusion
The Miyoo Mini proves that great gaming experiences don’t always need the biggest screen or the most complex controls. These 10 NES classics showcase how perfectly suited retro games are for portable play, whether you’re looking for quick arcade action or longer adventure sessions with save states to help you through the tough spots.
What makes these picks special isn’t just their quality as games, but how well they adapt to the Mini’s form factor. From the responsive controls of Pac-Man Championship Edition to the simple joy of creating tracks in Excitebike, each game feels like it was meant to be played on a handheld device.
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