Testing the Huupe Mini 2 Indoor Smart Basketball Hoop

What Happened

The Huupe Mini 2 is a new indoor smart basketball hoop that clips over a door and combines a 19-inch LCD screen with a mini basketball goal. The device retails at $429, down from a list price of $799, and comes with a 5-inch inflatable rubber basketball, a small hand pump, a remote control, and a USB-C charger. Unlike larger versions made by the company, the Mini 2 is entirely self-contained and web-based without a dedicated mobile app, requiring users to connect directly to Wi-Fi using the remote control.

Features And Gameplay

Once connected to the internet, the backboard displays a home screen with traditional tiles for various games and entertainment apps. Basic modes like Just Huupe track shots and shooting percentages in untimed sessions, while Huupe Live and the Daily Prize Challenge let users compete globally for nominal prizes like 10 dollars or a monthly sweatsuit. The system also includes streaming apps such as YouTube, HBO Max, ESPN, Disney+, Prime Video, Hulu, and Spotify, though Netflix is notably missing. A built-in camera and sensor track shots and distance to award points, registering successful baskets accurately during weeks of testing.

Performance Flaws

Despite its interesting feature set, the device suffers from several functional issues and design quirks. The camera-based gesture game Huupe Flyers failed its calibration process during testing, and the distance calculation for points proved inconsistent, often mixing up close and distant shots. The rubber ball bounces wildly off the springy backboard and makes a loud noise on impact, leading to complaints from household members and prompting the use of a quieter foam ball alternative. Furthermore, the battery drains even in standby mode, and the power button on the remote control does not work, forcing users to rely on a physical button on the bottom of the backboard.

Context

Smart home fitness equipment and connected indoor gaming gadgets have grown increasingly popular as companies try to merge physical sports with digital screens and online leaderboards. However, fitting complex electronics, cameras, and streaming software into a compact wall- or door-mounted unit often introduces hardware and software challenges like the ones found in this review. Devices at this price point generally target dedicated hobbyists who want indoor entertainment without needing a full-sized outdoor court setup.