RG477M vs RG557 vs Odin 2: PS2 & Switch Emulation Performance Comparison

Anbernic RG477M

Anbernic RG477M (bronze model) – a 4.7-inch Android handheld with a metal shell. The RG477M is Anbernic’s latest premium metal handheld (launched August 2025) built for high-end emulation. It features a 4.7-inch LTPS touchscreen (1280×960 resolution, 4:3 aspect, 120 Hz)retrohandhelds.gg. Under the hood it uses the MediaTek Dimensity 8300 processor (octa-core 4 nm SoC) with a Mali-G615 MC6 GPUretrohandhelds.gg. This chipset is offered with 8 GB or 12 GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 128 GB or 256 GB of internal storageretrohandhelds.gg, running Android 14 out of the boxretrohandhelds.gg. In terms of raw power, the Dimensity 8300 is a huge leap over Anbernic’s previous T820-based devices – roughly 50–80% faster by Geekbench scoresretrohandhelds.gg. Essentially, the RG477M shares the same high-end internals as the larger RG557notebookcheck.net, but in a more pocket-friendly form factor (4.7″ screen and ~354 g metal body).

PS2 Emulation: Thanks to its powerful SoC, the RG477M can handle PlayStation 2 emulation quite well. In fact, the Dimensity 8300 has enough CPU/GPU muscle to run most PS2 titles at full speed on the 4.7″ 960p display. User tests on the identical RG557 (same chip) show many games reaching full framerates: for example, Need for Speed: Most Wanted ran at a stable 60 FPS on 2× resolutionretrohandhelds.gg. That said, some heavier PS2 titles still push the device – Gran Turismo 4 saw sub-20 FPS slowdowns at 2× resolutionretrohandhelds.gg, and Jak II exhibited missing textures and dips into the 40s FPSretrohandhelds.gg. These issues suggest that while the raw performance is ample, emulator optimization and drivers matter. Notably, early firmware on the RG557/RG477M seemed to throttle performance; one review found the RG557 “should be performing way better” – even a Snapdragon 865 device was outperforming it until software updates fix the throttlingretrohandhelds.gg. With proper configuration (using AetherSX2 emulator) and potential firmware patches, the RG477M should comfortably play the majority of PS2 classics at native or enhanced resolution. Active cooling (fan + heatpipe) in the device further helps sustain high performance during long PS2 sessionsretrohandhelds.gg.

Switch Emulation: Running Nintendo Switch games on the RG477M is possible but more limited. The device’s Mali GPU and Mediatek drivers are less optimized for Switch emulators compared to Qualcomm’s GPUs. Community feedback notes that “all the high-end emulators (GC/PS2 and newer) have well-documented issues on Mediatek chips”, including games failing to run or crashing due to lack of proper GPU driver supportreddit.com. In practice, some lighter Switch titles can run on the Dimensity 8300 – for instance, one user reported Fire Emblem Engage ran pretty well on a Mali-based handheldreddit.com. In a surprising case, the Dimensity 8300 was even shown booting Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (which a Snapdragon 865 couldn’t)reddit.com, hinting at the chip’s raw capability. However, expectations should be tempered: many Switch games may suffer from graphical glitches, instability, or low performance on RG477M. Unlike PS2/GC emulation (which the RG477M handles largely through brute force), Switch emulation is “hit or miss” on Android – even more so on Mali GPUs. There are no custom drivers like the Turnip (Adreno) drivers for Mali, so compatibility is the main bottleneckreddit.com. In short, the RG477M can emulate some Switch games as a novelty, but it’s not a reliable Switch game machine. Users wouldn’t buy this specifically for Switch – there’s “no guarantee the games you wanna play will work”, as one Odin 2 owner similarly noted about Android Switch emulationreddit.com.

Anbernic RG557

Anbernic RG557 in White and Transparent Purple – a 5.5-inch AMOLED Android handheld (Dimensity 8300-powered). The RG557 is a larger sibling to the 477M, sharing the same Dimensity 8300 SoC and Mali-G615 GPU, but with a bigger 5.48-inch 1080p AMOLED display (1920×1080, 16:9)retrohandhelds.gg. It comes with 12 GB RAM and 256 GB UFS 4.0 storage standardretrohandhelds.gg. The RG557 runs Android 14 and was Anbernic’s most powerful handheld upon its mid-2025 releaseretrohandhelds.gg. It adds some ergonomic refinements – Hall-effect analog sticks and Hall-effect analog triggers for precise control, a more “bubbly” hand-friendly shape, and active cooling to sustain performanceretrohandhelds.ggretrohandhelds.gg. In essence, the RG557 and RG477M are nearly identical in performance capabilities; the main differences are the screen (5.5″ 1080p vs 4.7″ 960p) and form factor. The larger 1080p display offers sharper visuals, though it also means the GPU has to drive ~60% more pixels than on the 477M – a consideration for high-resolution emulation.

PS2 Emulation: The RG557’s power is sufficient to emulate PlayStation 2 and comparable “6th-gen” consoles (GameCube, etc.) quite impressively. Anbernic advertises the RG557 as capable of PS2, PSP, GameCube, and even select Wii U titlesgeeky-gadgets.com, making it their first device to comfortably tackle that generation. Real-world tests confirm strong performance but also revealed some software issues at launch. Lighter and well-optimized PS2 games run smoothly – e.g. Need for Speed: Most Wanted hit a solid 60 FPS at 2× upscale on RG557retrohandhelds.gg. On the other hand, very demanding games or poor Mediatek GPU drivers caused problems: as mentioned, Gran Turismo 4 on PCSX2 struggled on RG557 (sub-20 FPS) and Jak II showed missing graphics and frame dropsretrohandhelds.ggretrohandhelds.gg. These issues suggest the RG557’s hardware should handle those games, but the current emulator or firmware wasn’t fully optimized – indeed, reviewers suspect the Android build was throttling performance or not utilizing the chip fullyretrohandhelds.gg. A subsequent firmware update (v1.24) was released to improve performance and even enable dual-screen mode for DS/3DSanbernic.comanbernic.com, indicating Anbernic’s active effort to fix early issues. With updates and using the optimal emulator settings (e.g. AetherSX2’s “Fast” preset, 1× or 2× resolution for heavy games), the RG557 can deliver excellent PS2 gameplay. It easily outclasses older Snapdragon 845/865-based handhelds in raw benchmarks – the Dimensity 8300 has ~25% higher single-core and ~31% higher multi-core than a Snapdragon 865 (Retroid Pocket 5)retrohandhelds.gg – so once software catches up, it should “easily beat the RP5 in many PS2 games”reddit.com on sheer power. Battery life is also decent during emulation thanks to the efficient 4 nm chip (5,500 mAh battery for ~7–8 hours gaming)retrohandhelds.gg.

Switch Emulation: When it comes to Nintendo Switch emulation, the RG557 faces the same challenges as the RG477M – only magnified slightly by the higher resolution screen and early firmware limits. On paper, the Dimensity 8300’s CPU is powerful enough for Switch emulators, but the Mali GPU drivers lack the custom optimizations that Snapdragon’s Adreno GPUs enjoy. This means many Switch games either won’t run or will have glitches. As one community member put it, the RG557 will “likely struggle with Switch emulation not for lack of raw power, but for lack of proper driver support”reddit.com. In practice, some less demanding Switch titles are playable. For example, users have reported that games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Kirby, and indie titles run well on Android (Yuzu emulator) with Snapdragon 8 Gen2 devicesreddit.com – the RG557’s hardware is somewhat weaker, but in the same ballpark as a Snapdragon 865/870, so it could handle older or 2D Switch games. However, more demanding 3D titles will be hit-or-miss. It’s telling that on the Snapdragon-based Odin, one owner rated Android Switch emulation “7/10” – acknowledging that some games run perfectly, but others have “bearable slowdowns” or “major graphical issues,” and frequent crashes are possiblereddit.com. On the RG557 (Mali GPU), those emulator issues are even more pronounced. You may get certain games running – one comment noted Tears of the Kingdom did boot on the RG557’s chipreddit.com – but overall compatibility is lower than on Odin 2. Without Adreno’s custom Turnip drivers, Mali GPUs can’t easily fix rendering bugs or boost performance in Yuzu. Thus, Switch emulation on RG557 is more of a technical curiosity. It’s capable of running some Switch games in a pinch, but you should expect low success rates and sub-native performance in many cases. In summary, the RG557 is best viewed as a powerhouse for retro (up to PS2/Wii era) and Android gaming – not a reliable Switch emulator device.

AYN Odin 2

AYN Odin 2 (Base/Pro model in white) – a 6-inch Android handheld featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. The Odin 2 is a flagship-class Android handheld from AYN, and it decisively outguns both Anbernic devices in power and compatibility. Every Odin 2 model is built around the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC (a 64-bit octa-core Kryo CPU plus Adreno 740 GPU)techradar.com – essentially the same top-tier chip found in phones like the Galaxy S23. It comes with 8 GB (Base), 12 GB (Pro), or 16 GB (Max) of LPDDR5X RAM and fast UFS 4.0 storage (128 GB up to 512 GB)techradar.comtechradar.com. The standard Odin 2 has a 6-inch IPS touchscreen at 1920×1080, while the higher-end Odin 2 “Portal” variant ups that to a 7-inch 1080p OLED at 120 Hzretrohandhelds.gg. All models feature hall-effect analog sticks, analog triggers, dual stereo speakers, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and an 8000 mAh battery with 27–65 W fast chargingretrohandhelds.ggretrohandhelds.gg. In short, the Odin 2 is an absolute powerhouse for a portable – effectively “an Android phone wrapped in a gaming controller,” as TechRadar quipstechradar.com. It is widely considered “the new king of Android handhelds”, given that it was designed to push the boundaries of emulation.

PS2 Emulation: The Odin 2’s Snapdragon 8 Gen2 makes PlayStation 2 emulation trivial. In fact, it can not only run PS2 games at full speed, but often at enhanced resolutions and frame rates. TechRadar notes that with Odin 2, you can play anything “up through and beyond” the PS2/GameCube era, even upscale those games to 4K on an external display if desired – and it’s “almost flawless,” far better than what the original Odin could dotechradar.com. In testing, even the most demanding PS2 titles can be handled. For example, RetroResolve reported that The Simpsons: Hit & Run (a known heavy PS2 game) runs on Odin 2 in 1080p at a solid 60 FPS without needing to enable high-performance mode – the device’s fan stayed nearly silent, underscoring how advanced the hardware isretroresolve.comretroresolve.com. This means God of War, GTA San Andreas, Gran Turismo 4, and other iconic PS2 games can all be played at full speed, often with 2×–3× resolution scaling, on the Odin 2. The Adreno 740 GPU has excellent driver support (including the open-source Turnip drivers), so graphical glitches are rare compared to Mali-based devices. Essentially, Odin 2 can brute-force PS2 emulation and even improve it: players can enjoy higher resolutions, texture filtering, and consistent 60 FPS in games that originally struggled on real PS2 hardware. The experience is so good that one reviewer stated “if it runs on Android, it runs on the Odin 2” – you can throw any console up to 6th-gen at it and expect full-speed resultstechradar.com. Battery life holds up decently under PS2 load as well; the 8000 mAh pack gives around 6–7 hours of intensive 3D emulation, or much longer for lighter retro gamestechradar.com.

Switch Emulation: This is where the Odin 2 truly distances itself from the Anbernics. Thanks to the Adreno GPU and Snapdragon’s driver advantage, the Odin 2 can run a surprisingly large portion of Nintendo Switch titles at playable performance. Early on, many doubted an Android handheld could emulate Switch (even Valve’s x86 Steam Deck struggles with some Switch games)retroresolve.com. But the Odin 2 defied expectations – testers were “surprised by how well Switch games run” on itretroresolve.com. Lighter titles like Cuphead, New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe, or Super Mario Bros. Wonder run flawlessly on Odin 2retroresolve.com. More impressively, the Odin 2 can tackle big 3D games: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild runs at roughly its native Switch performance (~30 FPS with occasional dips) on Odin 2retroresolve.com. Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, an even more demanding title, is playable as well – slightly less stable than BotW, but the fact it runs at all on Android is astonishingretroresolve.com. Likewise, Super Mario Odyssey and Pokémon Legends: Arceus, which often break on weaker devices, ran completely playable on the Odin 2 after installing the latest Turnip GPU drivers (which fixed remaining artifact and texture issues)retroresolve.com. In one 13-game test suite of Switch titles, 12 out of 13 games ran well on Odin 2 – the only failure was a game not yet compatible with Yuzu’s Android build (an emulator limitation, not a hardware fault)retroresolve.com. These results speak volumes: the Odin 2 is currently the best Android handheld for Switch emulation. It benefits greatly from the active development of Yuzu and Skyline emulators and the community-shared Adreno driver improvementsretroresolve.comretroresolve.com. That said, Switch emulation on Odin 2 isn’t perfect or turnkey. Some games still require tweaks (custom mods, 30→60 FPS patches, etc., which not every user will manage)retroresolve.com, and occasional crashes or non-working games exist because the emulator is “bleeding-edge” techretroresolve.comretroresolve.com. Even so, Odin 2 owners report high satisfaction – what was “almost brand new” technology became a bonus feature that significantly extends the device’s libraryreddit.com. You wouldn’t buy a weaker handheld for Switch emulation, but with Odin 2 you practically get a portable Switch in addition to a top-tier retro emulator. As one reviewer summarized: the Odin 2 puts “almost any game you can think of at your disposal,” from retro classics up to modern titles, all in one devicetechradar.com.

Conclusion: Most Powerful Device for PS2 & Switch Emulation

In this comparison, the AYN Odin 2 clearly stands out as the most powerful and capable handheld for PS2 and Switch emulation. With its Snapdragon 8 Gen2 chipset and Adreno GPU, the Odin 2 not only outperforms the Anbernic RG477M and RG557 in raw speed, but also enjoys far better emulator compatibility (thanks to superior drivers). It can run essentially the entire PS2 library at full speed – often with enhanced resolution – whereas the Dimensity 8300-based RG477M/RG557 sometimes struggle with the heaviest PS2 titles or encounter graphics bugs due to Mali driver limitationsretrohandhelds.ggretrohandhelds.gg. When emulating Nintendo Switch, the gap widens further: Odin 2 is able to play a wide range of Switch games at decent frame rates (including large 3D games like Zelda and Mario)retroresolve.comretroresolve.com, while the RG477M/RG557 can only handle a few lighter Switch games, and even those with more frequent issuesreddit.comreddit.com. In practical terms, if your priority is PlayStation 2 emulation, all three devices can get the job done for most games, but the Odin 2 offers more headroom – you can apply higher upscale factors and expect smoother performance on demanding titles. The RG557/RG477M are still very capable for PS2 (they are among the first Anbernic devices to reach this level), but may require more tweaking and are reliant on Anbernic’s firmware optimizations to reach their full potentialretrohandhelds.gg. For Switch emulation, the Odin 2 is in a different class entirely; it is the only one of the trio that one might reasonably use as a portable Switch substitute, albeit understanding the emulator’s growing pains.

Between the RG477M and RG557, the performance is essentially the same – both use the Dimensity 8300 – so neither has a significant power advantage. The choice there comes down to form factor: the RG557’s 5.5″ 1080p AMOLED screen offers a sharper, widescreen image (better for 16:9 content and Android games), whereas the RG477M’s 4.7″ 960p display is 4:3, which many retro gamers prefer for classic consoles. The RG477M’s slightly lower resolution can actually be beneficial for emulation (since a 2× PS2 or 3× GameCube upscale fits its 960p screen nicely with less GPU load), meaning it may hit full speed in a few scenarios where the RG557 (at higher res) has to drop settings. On the other hand, the RG557’s larger battery (5,500 mAh vs ~5,300 mAh) and bigger chassis could allow a bit more sustained performance if heat is a concern, and its AMOLED panel delivers richer colors. In any case, neither Anbernic device can catch the Odin 2 in pure performance or Switch-playability. The Odin 2 not only has more powerful hardware, but also the advantage of Qualcomm’s ecosystem – something explicitly wished for by Anbernic enthusiasts who lament the Mali driver issuesreddit.comreddit.com.

Verdict: For PS2 emulation, all three handhelds are competent, but the Odin 2 provides a smoother, upscale-enhanced experience with minimal troubleshooting. For Switch emulation, the Odin 2 is by far the most viable choice – it is “powerful and compatible” enough to run many Switch titles, whereas the RG477M and RG557 are limited to a few successes and otherwise strugglereddit.comretroresolve.com. If you want the absolute most powerful retro handheld that can handle everything from NES up through PS2, GameCube, Wii and even a good chunk of Switch, the Odin 2 is the clear winner. The Anbernic RG557 and RG477M are excellent mid-high tier emulation devices (and arguably the best Anbernics to date for power), perfectly fine for PS2 and below – but they fall short of the Odin 2’s “do-it-all” prowess. In summary, Odin 2 is the most capable overall, especially for the demanding task of Switch emulation, while the RG557/RG477M offer strong performance for their price range but can’t quite reach the same heights in the most challenging systems.

Sources: Specifications and details were gathered from official announcements and reviewsretrohandhelds.ggretrohandhelds.ggretrohandhelds.gg. Emulation performance insights are based on hands-on reviews and user reports: e.g. Geeky Gadgets and RetroHandhelds for RG557geeky-gadgets.comretrohandhelds.gg, Reddit community discussions for the Dimensity 8300’s emulator compatibilityreddit.comreddit.com, and TechRadar, RetroResolve, and user feedback for Odin 2’s benchmarkstechradar.comretroresolve.comreddit.com. Each device’s strengths and limitations were considered to provide an accurate comparison in the context of PS2 and Switch emulation.

Best budget 3d printers!

 

Best 3D Printers for 28mm Warhammer Miniatures (Under $400)

Introduction: Printing Warhammer-scale (28 mm) miniatures demands exceptional detail and smooth surfaces. Resin MSLA printers are ideal for this task – they cure liquid resin with an LCD and UV light to achieve extremely fine resolution (often around 0.035 mm) that FDM printers can’t matchtomshardware.com. For crisp tiny features like armor trim and facial expressions, a high XY resolution (small pixel size) is critical. All the printers below are LCD resin printers (with monochrome screens for faster exposure and longer life) that excel at miniature printing. We focus on models under $400, with a couple of higher-end “stretch” options up to ~$500 for added capability. Key features to look for include high resolution screens (4K, 8K, 9K, etc.), sturdy build quality (to minimize vibrations and layer lines), and beginner-friendly features like auto-leveling or easy-to-use software. Many of these printers come nearly plug-and-play, making resin printing accessible even to newcomers – just remember that resin handling and post-processing (washing, curing) are part of the process. Below is a comparison of the best printers for Warhammer minis, with pros/cons and a summary spec table at the end.

Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra – 9K High-Resolution Miniatures Specialist

Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra is a compact 9K resin printer tailored for high-detail miniatures. The Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra offers an outstanding 9K monochrome LCD that achieves an XY resolution of just 18×18 microns, meaning it can capture extremely fine details and crisp edges on tiny modelstomshardware.com. With a modest build volume of 153 × 77 × 165 mmtomshardware.com, it’s focused on quality over size – perfect for 28 mm infantry or character prints, though larger batches are limited by the smaller plate. Despite its high-tech specs, the Mars 5 Ultra is designed with approachability in mind. It features one-touch auto-leveling and a “tilt release” mechanism that gently peels prints from the FEP after each layer (reducing suction and improving print success)tomshardware.comtomshardware.com. A built-in camera lets you remotely monitor print progress – a rare bonus at this price. In testing, it produced smooth, clean minis with sharply defined detailstomshardware.com. Priced around $338 (often on sale under $300)tomshardware.com, the Mars 5 Ultra delivers superb detail for the cost, making it a top choice for hobbyists who want to reproduce intricate sculpts (think ornate armor or tiny grimdark insignia) with minimal loss of fidelity.

Pros:

• Ultra-high 9K resolution (~18 µm XY) captures super-crisp miniature detailstomshardware.com.

• Smart beginner features: auto-leveling and resin vat tilt-release for easier, more reliable printingtomshardware.comtomshardware.com.

• Built-in camera for remote monitoring of print progresstomshardware.com.

• Proven Elegoo reliability and smooth print quality (test models came out clean and highly detailed)tomshardware.com.

• Affordable price point for the feature set (often <$350)tomshardware.com.

Cons:

• Small build volume – can only print a handful of 28 mm minis at once (better for quality than quantity)3dsourced.com.

• Removing prints can be tricky – the build plate’s strong adhesion caused some difficulty detaching prints in testingtomshardware.comtomshardware.com.

• Lacks the larger screen and batch capacity of mid-size printers (a trade-off for the higher DPI).

• No air filtration built-in (common for this class – use in well-ventilated area).

Anycubic Photon Mono M5s – Leveling-Free Mid-Size Powerhouse

Anycubic’s Photon Mono M5s offers a larger build area and 12K resolution with innovative leveling-free technology. The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s is a mid-size resin printer that combines high-end resolution with user-friendly automation. It sports a 10.1″ 12K LCD (11520 × 5120 pixels) giving about 19–24 µm XY accuracy – on par with the Saturn 4 Ultra’s crisp detail3dsourced.com. Notably, the M5s requires no manual leveling at all – it uses an advanced “floating” build plate and internal sensors to auto-level the bed for youstore.anycubic.comstore.anycubic.com. This greatly simplifies setup and ensures that even beginners get successful first layers. The build volume is a generous 218 × 123 × 200 mm3dsourced.com, enough to print larger models or about 28 minis in one go for army-building3dsourced.com. Despite the large plate, detail remains exceptional – the M5s’s 19 μm precision actually outclasses many older large-panel printers (for example, it beats the Elegoo Saturn 2’s ~29 µm resolution)3dsourced.com. Another highlight is speed: with a optimized light source and support for high-speed resins, the Photon M5s can reach up to 105 mm/hour print speeds3dsourced.com, significantly cutting down print times for big batches. It also includes smart self-diagnostic sensors (checking things like correct vat installation and sufficient resin levels) to reduce print failuresstore.anycubic.comstore.anycubic.com. At around $399, it sits at the upper end of the sub-$400 range3dsourced.com, but you get a lot of value: essentially, a leveling-free, high-resolution workhorse that’s great for printing squads of miniatures with consistent results.

Pros:

• 12K (11520×5120) resolution LCD (~19 µm XY) for extremely fine detail on minis3dsourced.com.

• Leveling-free design – no manual bed leveling needed out of the boxstore.anycubic.com, a huge plus for beginners.

• Large build area (218×123 mm) fits big models or ~2 dozen minis at once3dsourced.com – great for terrain or army batches.

• Fast printing – up to ~105 mm/h with suitable resin, thanks to optimized light and tilt peel system3dsourced.com.

• Smart auto-sensors for reliability (resin level monitoring, hardware self-checks, etc.) minimize failed printsstore.anycubic.comstore.anycubic.com.

Cons:

• In order to hit top speed, it requires fast-curing resin and well-tuned settings3dsourced.com. Standard resins will print at normal (slower) speeds.

• Higher initial cost (~$399) – at the top of the budget range (though it offers corresponding high-end features)3dsourced.com.

• The advanced features (Wi-Fi, Anycubic Cloud integration for remote monitoring) add complexity – users might face a slight learning curve with firmware/apps.

• Larger footprint on your desk due to its mid-size format.

Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra – Feature-Packed Large Volume (12K)

Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra offers a spacious build area and advanced features like a tilting resin vat for easier printing. If you’re after a resin printer that can produce bigger models or lots of minis at once – without sacrificing detail – the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra is a top pick. It features a 10.1″ “12K” LCD panel (11520 × 5120 resolution) with an XY pixel size of about 19 × 24 µmtomshardware.com, meaning it still achieves extremely fine detail across a much larger screen. The build volume is roughly 219 × 123 × 220 mm, rivaling some smaller FDM printers in sizetomshardware.com – perfect for printing an entire squad or a large centerpiece model in one go. Despite this capacity, the Saturn 4 Ultra maintains superb print quality; side-by-side with prints from smaller 8K/12K machines, differences in detail are practically indistinguishable to the naked eyetomshardware.com. Elegoo has also loaded this machine with convenience and reliability features. It has automatic bed leveling, so setup is quicktomshardware.com. Uniquely, the Saturn 4 Ultra’s resin vat can tilt after each layer, gently “peeling” the print off the FEP filmtomshardware.com. This innovative approach greatly reduces suction forces and strain on prints, improving print success rates and even increasing speedtomshardware.com. The printer also includes a camera in the chamber for remote monitoring and timelapse recordingtomshardware.com, plus a flip-up top cover (hood) that tilts back for easy accesstomshardware.com. In short, Elegoo has made the Saturn 4 Ultra about as automatic and user-friendly as resin printing getstomshardware.com. At a price of $399 direct (just sneaking under $400)tomshardware.com, or around $499 at full retail for the 16K version, it’s a fantastic “stretch” option for those who can spend a bit more to get a larger, high-performance machine.

Pros:

• High resolution 12K LCD (≈19 µm pixel) across a large build plate – detailed prints even on big piecestomshardware.comtomshardware.com.

• Large build volume (~218×123×220 mm) accommodates more minis per run and sizable models (tanks, monsters, terrain).

• Auto-leveling build platform – very easy calibration for beginnerstomshardware.com.

• Innovative tilting vat mechanism reduces layer adhesion force, improving print reliability and allowing faster printingtomshardware.com.

• Built-in camera for live monitoring (and cool timelapses)tomshardware.com. Sturdy, well-built design with a tilt-back hood for convenient accesstomshardware.com.

• Uses standard inexpensive FEP films and resins (no proprietary consumables needed)tomshardware.com, keeping ongoing costs low.

Cons:

• Fairly large footprint and height – requires more workspace and clearance than smaller “Mars” class printers.

• The acrylic lid has no handle, making it a bit awkward to lift offtomshardware.com. (A minor gripe, but you’ll likely grab it by the sides.)

• The monitoring camera only works via ChiTuBox software at presenttomshardware.com, limiting its usefulness if you use other slicers (hopefully future updates expand support).

• At full price (~$500) it’s a budget stretch, though the feature set justifies it – and it often retails for lesstomshardware.com.

• As with any larger resin printer, slightly higher resin usage per layer (bigger vat) – consider an air purifier or vent for the larger resin surface area.

Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K – Ultimate Detail, Small Batch Printer

(No image available) The Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K is a specialized resin printer that set a new benchmark for print detail. It was the first consumer printer to offer a 22 µm XY resolution on a 7.1″ 8K LCDfauxhammer.comus.phrozen3d.com. In practice, this means it can resolve extremely fine textures – pores, chainmail links, tiny rivets – with almost no pixelation visible. Prints from the Sonic Mini 8K have such smooth surfaces that layer lines and voxel edges are virtually indiscerniblefauxhammer.com. In fact, when paired with Phrozen’s matching high-resolution resin, testers noted you’d “be hard-pressed to find anything that will print smoother minis” in the consumer spacefauxhammer.com. This level of fidelity produces miniatures so crisp that even professional resin cast kits struggle to match themfauxhammer.com. The Mini 8K’s build volume is 165 × 72 × 180 mmfauxhammer.com – on the smaller side, sufficient for small batches (maybe 4–8 miniatures at once) or highly detailed character models. Its focus is purely on quality: for dedicated miniatures painters or modelers who want the absolute best surface detail, the Sonic Mini 8K delivers in spades. However, with great resolution comes a bit of tinkering: this printer isn’t as plug-and-play as some others. Manual leveling is required, and getting a perfect first layer may take a couple of tries (the platform is laser-etched for adhesion, which helps). There are also fewer “ease of use” extras – no built-in leveling sensors or fancy touchscreens here. Additionally, the ultra-fine details can highlight limitations in resin or slicing profiles (for example, standard 8K resin can be slightly brittle, and some slicers need tweaks to handle the resolution). The Sonic Mini 8K launched around $599, but now can be found near $350–$400. It’s a bit of a premium for the smaller size, but you’re investing in top-tier print quality. For those who prioritize ultimate detail and smoothness over volume, Phrozen’s Mini 8K is a compelling choice – just be ready for a little hands-on tweaking to unlock its full potentialfauxhammer.comfauxhammer.com.

Pros:

• Unmatched 22 µm XY resolution – one of the highest-detail consumer printers available (1152 PPI screen)fauxhammer.comfauxhammer.com. Perfect for painting-focused hobbyists who want every tiny detail visible.

• Produces exceptionally smooth surface finish – significantly reduced visible layer lines (50% less prominent, according to Phrozen)us.phrozen3d.com, leading to less post-process sanding.

• Very solid build quality (Phrozen is known for sturdy, all-metal machines). Durable components built for long-term use.

• Print quality rivals professional casts – it can reproduce fine details that even official Warhammer/Forge World resin kits would struggle withfauxhammer.com.

• Good community and support for mini printing profiles (popular among miniature painters, so plenty of shared settings/tips).

Cons:

• Not the most beginner-friendly – lacks auto-leveling or advanced assistants. Expect to spend time dialing in the first layer and optimal settingsfauxhammer.com.

• Small build volume compared to others – limited to small batches; not ideal if you need to churn out large armies or big terrain pieces in one go.

• Pricey for its size (you pay for the 8K tech); often around ~$400. Other printers in this price range offer larger volumes (albeit at lower resolution).

• High resolution prints can take longer per layer and may require calibrated 8K resins for best results (Phrozen’s Aqua 8K resin is recommended for top performance).

• Only basic odor control – like most compact resin printers, it has a cover but no built-in carbon filter, so you’ll want ventilation when printing.

Anycubic Photon Mono 2 – Best Budget Beginner Option

Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is a beginner-friendly 4K resin printer with a compact footprint. For newcomers to resin printing who want to start with a low-cost yet capable machine, the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is a fantastic entry-level choice. It’s a 6.6″ 4K LCD printer (4096 × 2560 resolution) with an XY pixel size of about 34 µmtomshardware.com. While not as jaw-droppingly fine as the 8K/12K printers above, 34 µm is still sufficient to produce detailed miniatures – far sharper than most FDM printers. In practice, the Mono 2 can resolve things like facial features and armor engravings cleanly, and our cited tests showed small busts and figurines came out with “clear, well-defined details” on this machinetomshardware.com. The build area is 165 × 89 × 143 mm, similar to other small-format resin printerstomshardware.com – enough for a few human-size minis at once or a larger monster in parts. Crucially, the Photon Mono 2 is designed for first-time userstomshardware.com. It arrives mostly assembled and has a fast, hassle-free setup: users report being up and printing within minutes. Bed leveling is simple (just a single screw to loosen/tighten while the head is at zero). Anycubic improved the user experience by adding an extra-large anti-scratch screen protector over the printer’s UV LCDtomshardware.com. This protective film covers the edges of the LCD (where resin might seep) and prevents accidental resin spills from ruining the screen – a very welcome feature for beginners learning the ropes. The Mono 2’s interface is straightforward, with easy-to-navigate menustomshardware.com, and the printer’s lightweight, compact design won’t dominate your workspace. Despite the plastic exterior (which does make it light and a bit “cheap” in feeltomshardware.com), it’s quite stable – and the smaller Z-height means less wobble. Print removal is also easier than average thanks to a nicely textured build plate; testers noted that models popped off with minimal efforttomshardware.com. At a budget price (~$180) on saletomshardware.com, the Photon Mono 2 delivers excellent value. It doesn’t have the absolute best resolution or largest volume, but it nails the sweet spot for beginners: quality 4K results, simple operation, and reliable performance – all for the cost of a handful of new GW minis.

Pros:

• Very affordable – often available around $150–$200tomshardware.com, making resin printing accessible to beginners on a budget.

• Good 4K resolution (≈34 µm) – capable of detailed prints that are more than sufficient for tabletop-quality ministomshardware.com.

• Beginner-friendly design: arrives mostly assembled, quick to level, and includes a protective LCD screen film to guard against resin spillstomshardware.com. Easy-to-use interface and controlstomshardware.com.

• Compact footprint – fits on a small desk; also lightweight, so easy to store or move as needed.

• Easy print removal due to a well-designed build plate and included flex scraper; less struggle getting minis off the platetomshardware.com.

Cons:

• Lower resolution than pricier models – fine details are good, but not as razor-sharp as on 8K/9K printers (you might notice softness on extremely tiny features when side-by-side with a 20 µm print).

• Smaller build volume limits the number of miniatures per batch (sufficient for a warband, but not an entire army in one go).

• Build is lightweight; the plastic base can slide on smooth surfaces (slippery feet reported)tomshardware.com – use a non-slip mat to be safe.

• Lacks fancy extras (no Wi-Fi, no auto-level, no internal camera – all understandable at this price).

• The resin vat is fairly small and must be refilled more frequently on larger projects (not a big issue for occasional printing).

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Summary Table – Key Specs and Features

Printer Model	Type	XY Resolution	Build Volume (mm)	Approx. Price	Beginner-Friendly Features
Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra	MSLA Resin (LCD 9K)	18 µm	153 × 77 × 165	~$338	Auto-leveling; built-in camera; tilt-release peeltomshardware.comtomshardware.com
Anycubic Photon M5s	MSLA Resin (LCD 12K)	~19 µm	218 × 123 × 200	~$399	Leveling-free (self-leveling sensors); auto hardware & resin sensorsstore.anycubic.comstore.anycubic.com
Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra	MSLA Resin (LCD 12K)	~19–24 µm	219 × 123 × 220	~$399–499	Auto-leveling; tilting vat system; built-in cameratomshardware.comtomshardware.com
Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K	MSLA Resin (LCD 8K)	22 µm	165 × 72 × 180	~$399	(Few) Manual leveling required (no auto features)fauxhammer.com
Anycubic Photon Mono 2	MSLA Resin (LCD 4K)	~34 µm	165 × 89 × 143	~$180	Simple setup; easy menus; protective LCD film for cleanupstomshardware.comtomshardware.com

Each of the above printers can produce excellent Warhammer miniatures, but the best choice depends on your priorities. If ultimate detail is your goal and you don’t mind a smaller build area, the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K stands out for its resolution. For a more balanced approach, the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra provides almost as high detail with more ease-of-use, while the Anycubic Photon M5s offers both volume and speed with beginner-friendly automation. The Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra is ideal if you want to print larger models or many minis at once, packing high-end features into a still-affordable unittomshardware.com. And for those just starting, the Photon Mono 2 is an excellent stepping stone into resin printing without breaking the bank. All these machines are capable of the fine detail and smooth surface finish that miniature painters and gamers demand – so you can’t go far wrong, it’s mostly about matching the printer to your budget and scale of projects. Happy printing, and prepare to bring your tabletop armies to life in stunning detail!

Sources: The information and comparisons above are based on specifications and hands-on reviews from Tom’s Hardwaretomshardware.comtomshardware.com, 3DSourced3dsourced.com3dsourced.com, and other reputable 3D printing enthusiasts’ analysesfauxhammer.comtomshardware.com, as cited throughout. These sources were consulted to ensure up-to-date accuracy regarding printer capabilities, pricing, and user experience in the context of miniature printing.