MustardOS has just released a major update to their firmware for retro gaming handhelds: muOS Andromeda. The update has expanded support for devices and introduced some major new features. This is important for both new and old handheld owners, since it provides much-desired online functionality and new UI changes. Online gameplay and achievements are now available for some devices.
Major firmware update adds network play and new features to 18 devices
The new firmware supports 18 specific devices, including some new ones such as Anbernic RG SP and Anbernic BattleXP G350. It also brings support for the GKD Pixel 2 and three versions of TrimUI: Brick, Brick Pro and Smart Pro. This makes sure that not just new hardware, but old hardware still works.
- Supported Devices: 18 devices including Anbernic RG SP, Anbernic BattleXP G350, GKD Pixel 2, TrimUI Brick, TrimUI Brick Pro, TrimUI Smart Pro
- Changes Count: 1229 changes
- Backup Format: .muxbak files saved in the ARCHIVE folder
According to developers, this is one of the largest releases to date for muOS. It reportedly consists of roughly 1,250 changes. These include new features like additions to Libretro players for Network Play and RetroAchievements. They also include a new media player called Wasabi, new themes, fonts, screensavers for better UI experience.
The backup feature has been altered to allow for better file management. The backups are now stored in the form of .muxbak files located in the ARCHIVE folder, as opposed to the old .muxzip format. These changes allow for easier management of your game saves and settings.
muOS Andromeda is now available for download. It introduces a huge number of new features and greater device compatibility for the retro handheld community.
Source: RetroHandhelds
The backup format shift to .muxbak in the ARCHIVE folder is a structural change not just a UI tweak. It requires a different extraction routine than the old .muxzip files.
finally the online stuff we needed
Does the Network Play in Libretro actually support cross-platform play between the different supported devices or is it device locked. The article mentions 18 devices but does not specify the protocol compatibility.
It relies on the standard Libretro core networking which usually requires identical core versions on both ends. You will likely need to ensure the specific core is updated to the latest commit on all devices before attempting a session.
wasabi media player is a nice touch but i bet the codecs are still limited to what the hardware can handle natively tbh
I am planning to install this on my TrimUI Smart Pro. Will the new themes impact battery life significantly compared to the default muOS interface. I want to keep my gaming sessions long.
Adding 18 devices is great but the regional availability for the GKD Pixel 2 is still unclear. I am waiting for a clear statement on whether the firmware supports the specific region locked variants sold in Europe.
1229 changes is a massive update for a community project. The shift to .muxbak backups actually makes archiving saves much easier since they are just standard files now rather than zipped containers.
RetroAchievements support was the main reason I waited for this release. It brings the modern achievement tracking to hardware that usually relies on local saves only.