Introduction
This is the first public beta release for Miyoo CFW 2.0 which is aimed to experienced users or those who want to test the software before we make the final/stable release.
Due this is a Pre-Release you should keep in mind that there are things that are not finished or things that are still missing, roughly speaking we are only including for the moment the core firmware files, RetroArch and some standard apps and emulators with test roms.
We have to thank all the people and developers who have supported us, specially to who have made this possible to: @tiopex, @Apaczer, @nfriedly, @Rezzy-dev, @szymor, @gameblabla and everyone from the special thanks section.
Major Updates
There have been quite a few changes, updates and fixes, but in general terms they can be summarized as follows:
New TV-Out feature:
Connect to any TV via headphone jack using an A/V cable (usually included in the console).
New USB driver features:
Connect to PC easily via USB to transfer files, use it as external controller and access to terminal console.
New GMenu2X integration:
Reworked and updated main menu system and its features.
Safer File System:
Introduced a new file system BTRFS that allows unsafe shutdown to prevent data corruption.
Built-in RetroArch:
The popular multi-emulator is now included on the CFW with the latest mainline updates.
One for All:
One single CFW image/install file for all the supported consoles.
Fully working Source Code:
This means more frequently updates and patches.
Full Changelog
The next list is all the changes, updates and fixes registered on the custom firmware at this point.
- One single CFW image / install file for all the supported consoles.
- Fully working and clean source code (this means more frecuently updates)
- Added TV out video support
- Added console support XYC Q8 / SUP M3
- Added support for L2 and R2 buttons on Powkiddy V90
- Added support for secondary button (plus sign) on Powkiddy Q20 and Q90
- Added new first initial boot setup
- Added console variant auto-detection on first boot setup
- Added auto-expand storage for main partition on first boot setup
- Added USB data transfer support from PC via MTD protocol
- Added USB serial console support
- Added SD card custom icons for PC drives
- Added current CFW build version on boot screen
- Added option to disable battery warning
- Added support for 1bit consoles from software (no hardware mods required)
- Added option to configure internal clock (useful for time-based games)
- Added option to configure tearing effect fix
- Added support for IPK packages via OPKG library
- Added screen recording in background via ffmpeg (WIP)
- Added audio recording in background via arecord (silent mode)
- Added auto-start feature on main menu system GMenu2X
- Added per-app input mapping customization on main menu system GMenu2X
- Added new file system BTRFS that allows unsafe shutdown to prevent data corruption
- Added Joy-Map app to emulate connected gamepad inputs to keyboard mapping
- Added USB-Host script to connect external devices (e.g joystick)
- Added USB-MTD script to activate mass-storage (transfer files via USB OTG)
- Added USB-Serial Console script to communicate with you device via serial TTY
- Added USB-HID app to transform your handheld into external gamepad for connected PC
- Added experimental musl build CFW version
- Updated kernel to version 5.15 with BTRFS and USB support
- Updated u-boot to version 2020.07 with USB support
- Updated buildroot to version 2022.02.9 with GCC 9.x
- Updated main configuration files options (CFG files)
- Updated custom bash scripts methods to launch custom stuff
- Updated video backend engine to display splash screen or console logs from uboot
- Updated the entire GMenu2X menu front-end (previously GMenuNX)
- Updated customizable boot splash screen (BMP format)
- Increased DRAM clock speed to 174Mhz
- Fixed screen-tearing issue, enabled through TE-fix setting in GMenu2X (only for ST7789S displays)
- Fixed text overflow on GMenu2X file explorer when screenshot preview is enabled
- Fixed many other small bugs thanks to the core updates (kernel, u-boot, buildroot, etc...)
Setup & Install
Requirements:
- Handheld console
- BittBoy v1, v2, v2.5, v3, v3.5
- Pocket Go
- PowKiddy Q90, V90 or Q20 Mini
- Sup M3 v1, v2 (With F1C100S or F1C500S CPU)
- XYC Q8
- SD card (2GB minimum)
- PC (Windows, Linux or MacOS)
First setup on PC:
- Download one of the CFW builds from this release
- uClibc build is the current standard at the moment, it has more compatibility with most apps and stuff from CFW 1.3.3 version
- musl build is an updated but experimental version which aims to improve performance and some other related correctness
- Download a flash tool to write/install the CFW image into your SD card
- Popular apps such as BalenaEtcher or USBimager serves for this purpose
- Prepare your SD card
- Initially you need to format your SD card (ideally to FAT32 with default allocation)
- All partitions must be removed when formatting, you can use apps like SD Card Formatter
- Is highly recommended to not use unbranded SD cards due it can be corrupted easily
- Flash/Write the CFW image (.img format) into your SD card using the downloaded flash tool
Setup and configuration on console:
- Insert your already prepared SD card into your console and turn it ON
- Is recommended to have your console fully charged
- Once the first setup begins you will see the next steps (Press start to confirm your options)
- Auto detect showing the detected hardware
- Screen test
- Device selection
- Confirm device
- License agreement
- Auto-expand main partition (Optional)
- When you confirm the console will reboot and the gameboy-like boot animation appears, it means you are done!
Important Notes
For regular users:
- This release may be updated by time to time with newer revisions of this beta
- Check the version you are using at the bottom of boot screen with the format
v2.0.0 CFW=XXXXXX (type) BETA - To test all your console buttons using the IOTester app from here
- You have to manually install the apps you want, for the moment just RetroArch and other few apps were added
- For recommended RetroArch setup please read the guide on our wiki
- We highly recommend to get the latest versions of apps from resources
- To connect your console to a PC you need to have the console turned ON and an USB charge & data cable
- Once is connected a new drive named "Miyoo Handheld" will appear, it includes boot, main and rootfs partitions
- If the console drive doesn't appear in your PC launch the USB MTD icon on main menu
- If for some reason you aren't able to connect through USB read the notes "For other developers" below
- For unsafe shutdowns, it is required to wait at least 5 seconds after saving the in-game state until you turn off the console, otherwise the saved state will be lost. (Is still recommended to use the in-game power off option)
For other developers:
Whats needed for the 2.0 public final release?
- Fully CFW testing and its main components on all consoles
- Main menu GMenu2X testing and all of its features
- Testing and update all apps, tools, emus and games
- Update Wiki guides (and website) for 2.0 version and beyond
- Collaboration and support of everyone interested
- Not ask for ETA or release date to any developer