TheC64 Mini question

Yes, the mini like the maxi have largely eliminated any lag issues along with other things with firmware updates. If you do a search of the 8 bit guy's channel you'll see at least two videos where he reviewed and tested the mini and lag has been drastically eliminated. And I think there's been one of two or more firmware updates since that last video. Same with his review of the maxi.

Another big factor in lag is your monitor or TV. With lcd or other modern forms that aren't CRT make sure you set the display mode to gaming because it elimstes a lot of display processing lag that can happen with watching TV or movies. Not all monitors or TVs offer this feature though.

I hear some criticize minis when you can already emulate things on a PC, or them not as true as running stuff on original hardware, or they say what's the point of a mini when you can emulate a platform on a Raspberry Pi.

For one, many people don't want to boot up a PC just to do that and it's not something small and easy to use that you can quickly plug into something like a living room TV. Second, these minis make things far less hassle and more seamless and easier to use than other forms of emulation including a raspberry pi because of the front end.

Minis are designed to keep it as hassle free as possible. Part of the reason for that is they aren't being bought by just hardcore computer or console fans of a particular system, but also by the general public at retail outlets.

Plus there are some who collect mini computers and consoles because of not only the easy to use front ends, but also because they want to display them on shelves without taking up a lot of room. Many of these people never even owned the system but are into gaming in general. A lot of them weren't even born when these consoles or computers came out, but they've heard of the legendary libraries and games for them.