Introduction to the Millennium M808
When I first unboxed the Millennium M808 ChessChampion 2.0, I wasn’t sure what to expect from such a compact device. After spending several weeks testing it thoroughly—playing countless games, exploring every feature, and pushing it to its limits—I’m ready to share my complete experience with you.
The ChessChampion 2.0 positions itself as more than just a chess computer; Millennium markets it as a personal chess coach designed to help players improve their game. Priced at $89.95 USD, it sits in an interesting spot in the market—more affordable than premium boards like the DGT Centaur, yet more feature-rich than basic electronic sets.
What struck me most about this device is how well it balances portability with functionality. It’s genuinely designed for both children learning the game and adults who want screen-free chess practice wherever they go.
First Impressions and Build Quality of the Millennium M808
Opening the box, I found the unit to be attractively designed and well-constructed for its price point. The German engineering is evident in the thoughtful design choices throughout. The pieces have a nicely designed look, though I’ll admit that playing on such a small board takes some getting used to—it can feel a bit fiddly at first.
The Millennium M808 measures approximately 8.5 x 6.5 x 1 inches (216 x 165 x 25mm) with a playing field of just 6 x 6 inches. At only 12.3 ounces, it’s remarkably lightweight—perfect for tossing in a bag for travel. The unit runs on 3 AA batteries (not included), which I appreciate for the flexibility it provides.
The color LCD display immediately caught my attention. It’s illuminated and clearly shows all moves, recommendations, and messages. While the screen is relatively small, it’s perfectly adequate for the information it needs to convey. The clarity of the display makes following the computer’s suggestions and game notation straightforward.
One important note: there have been slight modifications between product versions. You can identify your version by checking for a power button at the bottom left next to the display. This doesn’t affect quality—both versions function identically—but the startup procedures differ slightly.
The Playing Experience
Sensor Technology and Move Input on the Millennium M808
The Millennium M808 ChessChampion 2.0 uses Millennium’s HighSensity pressure sensor technology, and I have to say—it works remarkably well. Move input is simple: just press down on the starting square, then press on the destination square. The board recognizes moves precisely, and I rarely encountered misreads during my testing.
One observation worth noting: if you press too hard on edge squares (particularly A1-A8 and H1-H8), the board can tilt slightly due to the design of the underside. It’s a minor annoyance rather than a deal-breaker, but worth being aware of. The solution is simply to use a lighter touch.
Compared to other chess computers I’ve tested, the move input on the Millennium M808 is actually quite good. It’s more responsive than many budget options and doesn’t require the frustrating repeated presses that plague some competitors.
Playing Strength and Levels
Let’s talk about what everyone wants to know: how strong is this thing? Millennium advertises the ChessChampion 2.0 at approximately 1600-1700 Elo at its highest levels. Based on my extensive testing and conversations with other collectors who own 70+ chess computers, the realistic playing strength at comfortable time controls (around 30 seconds per move) is closer to 1100-1300 Elo.
Now, before you consider that a negative, let me explain why this is actually appropriate for its target audience. This device is specifically designed for beginners and intermediate players, children, and hobby enthusiasts. At these levels, it provides genuine challenge and learning opportunities without being discouraging.
The adaptive difficulty system is one of the Millennium M808’s strongest features. The computer automatically adjusts to your playing strength without requiring complicated settings. When you start, the system sets you at Auto Level 2 (of 10), and this adjusts based on your performance across games. I found this remarkably effective—it kept games competitive and engaging rather than one-sided.
The device offers multiple level types: Fun levels that make intentional mistakes, Easy levels with progressively increasing difficulty, and Timed Move levels where the computer takes a specific average time per move. This variety ensures you can always find an appropriate challenge.
Training and Learning Features
This is where the Millennium M808 ChessChampion 2.0 truly shines and justifies its positioning as a “chess coach” rather than just a chess computer.
Move Assistance and Warnings
The interactive coaching system actively helps improve your play. When you’re about to make a bad move, the computer warns you and suggests alternatives. It shows legal moves for any piece you select, which is invaluable for beginners still learning piece movement patterns.
The hint function is particularly useful—press the appropriate button and the computer suggests a move for you. You can accept it by making that move or play something different. This creates a nice learning loop where you can compare your instincts against the computer’s suggestions.
100 Exercise Positions
The built-in 100 tactical exercises are excellent for training pattern recognition. These range from simple to complex, covering various tactical themes. While I wished there were more (the Karpov version included a nice booklet explaining these puzzles that’s been omitted here), the existing collection provides solid training material.
Mini-Games with Reduced Material
The mini-games feature is perfect for absolute beginners. By practicing with fewer pieces, new players can learn fundamental concepts without being overwhelmed. I used these with a young nephew who was learning chess, and the simplified scenarios helped him grasp piece coordination and basic tactics much faster than full games would have.
Rating System
One feature I particularly appreciate is the built-in rating system. In rated games, after each of your moves, the screen displays a score from 0-6. Once both sides have made 10 or more moves, the computer provides an estimated Elo rating. While not FIDE-accurate, it gives you a useful benchmark for tracking improvement over time.
Practical Features and Usability
Game Storage
The Millennium M808 can save up to 3 games at any time for later retrieval. This is useful if you need to interrupt a game or want to analyze a position later. Simply access the Load/Save function from the menu, and you can store or recall your games. Speaking of which, here are a couple of games from my encounter with the Millennium M808.
Position Setup
You can enter custom positions from books or other games to examine them with the computer’s analysis function. This opens up study possibilities beyond just playing games—you can input famous positions, endgame studies, or positions from your own over-the-board games.
Modern AI Functions
The Millennium M808 can accept draw offers and resignation, adding realism to your games. The coordinates printed on each square help you learn algebraic notation—essential for reading chess books and following online content. Sound effects accompany moves and special events like check, adding tactile feedback to the experience.
Portability
The magnetic pieces stay in place during travel, and the included storage pouch keeps everything organized. I’ve used this on airplanes, in cafes, and in hotel rooms without issues. The compact size means it fits easily in a carry-on or even a large jacket pocket. It operates completely offline—no apps, WiFi, or connectivity required—which is refreshing in our over-connected age.
How It Compares to Alternatives
The M808 ChessChampion 2.0 is essentially an upgraded version of the Millennium Karpov Chess School—in fact, it’s an evolution from a rare 1.0 German version. While both claim similar Elo ratings, the ChessChampion offers more modern features and a contemporary design at a slightly higher price point.
Compared to the DGT Centaur (which costs significantly more), you sacrifice some playing strength and the adaptive opponent personality features, but gain portability and a more budget-friendly price. Against cheaper alternatives like vintage Millennium 2000 units or “Talking Professor” style computers available on eBay for £15-25, you’re paying for the modern display, refined sensors, and comprehensive training features.
For players rated around 1400 Elo or below, this device provides everything you need. Stronger players might find it too easy at maximum strength, but it can still serve as a relaxing casual opponent or training tool for specific weaknesses.
The Millennium 808 in action
Below is a 17-minute video of me playing a game against the computer. This gives you have an idea of what it’s like to play against it (please forgive the low-light conditions). Note: The time controls I used were 5-seconds per move. This is only enforced on the computers side of course, I was able to think for longer periods.
Here are the two unannoted games I played against it:
What I Loved
- Excellent adaptive difficulty that keeps games competitive and engaging
- Comprehensive training features including 100 exercises and mini-games
- Interactive coaching with move warnings and suggestions
- Truly portable design—lightweight with magnetic pieces and storage bag
- Clear color display with intuitive operation
- No connectivity required—pure offline chess experience
- Built-in rating system to track improvement
- Responsive HighSensity pressure sensors
- Great alternative to screen time for children
- Multiple language support (English, German, French, Spanish, Polish, Portuguese)
Room for Improvement
- Compact board size can feel fiddly for adult hands
- Claimed Elo rating is optimistic compared to real-world performance
- Edge squares can cause board tilt with heavy pressing
- Only 3 game save slots (competitors offer more)
Who Should Buy This?
The Millennium M808 ChessChampion 2.0 is ideal for several groups:
Children learning chess (ages 6+): The training features, adjustable difficulty, and mini-games make it perfect for young learners. One reviewer mentioned their 8-year-old granddaughter became so engrossed she no longer asked for a mobile phone!
Adult beginners: If you’re learning chess or returning after years away, the coaching features provide genuine improvement opportunities without the frustration of overwhelming difficulty.
Intermediate players (up to ~1400 Elo): You’ll find challenging games at higher levels and can use the exercises to sharpen tactics.
Travelers: The compact size, battery power, and magnetic pieces make this an excellent companion for trips.
Parents wanting screen-free activities: This provides engaging, educational entertainment without adding more screen time to your child’s day.
Technical Specifications
- Model: Millennium M808 ChessChampion 2.0
- Dimensions: 8.5 x 6.5 x 1 inches (216 x 165 x 25 mm)
- Weight: 12.3 oz (350g)
- Playing Field: 6 x 6 inches (15 x 15 cm)
- King Height: Approximately 3.6 cm
- Power: 3 AA batteries (not included)
- Processor: AT32F415CCT7 (ARM 32-bit Cortex-M4 CPU) at 48 MHz
- Display: Illuminated color LCD
- Sensor: Millennium HighSensity pressure sensor
- Playing Strength: Up to ~1600-1700 Elo (advertised); ~1100-1300 Elo at 30 sec/move (practical)
- Languages: English, German, French, Spanish, Polish, Portuguese
- Recommended Age: 6 years and up
- Included: Magnetic chess pieces, 2 extra queens, storage pouch
Final Verdict
After weeks of testing, I can confidently say the Millennium M808 ChessChampion 2.0 is an excellent choice for its intended audience. It strikes a remarkable balance between portability and functionality, offering a surprisingly rich playing and learning experience in a compact package.
Yes, the board is small and the playing strength won’t challenge titled players. But that’s not what this device is trying to be. As a learning tool, a travel companion, and a screen-free chess experience, it excels. The adaptive difficulty keeps games engaging, the training features genuinely help improvement, and the build quality suggests it will last for years.
At $89.95, it represents excellent value for money—an intelligent compromise between portability, functionality, and enjoyment. Whether you’re buying it for yourself, a child learning the game, or as a gift for a chess enthusiast who travels frequently, the ChessChampion 2.0 delivers on its promises.
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Best For: Beginners, children, casual players, and anyone wanting portable screen-free chess.
Skip If: You’re a strong player (1600+ Elo) looking for a challenging opponent, or you prefer full-sized tournament boards.
You can purchase the Millennium 808 chess computer from my friends at the ChessHouse here:
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Have questions about the Millennium M808 or other chess computers reviewed at BetterChess? Drop them in the comments below!