M17 Review: Surprisingly Good $55 Retro Handheld
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- čas přidán 28. 05. 2024
- The M17 is a new budget handheld with some excellent components and user interface, and a lot of potential for customization. Let's check it out and see if it's a good fit for you.
Buy one here: www.keepretro.com/products/m1...
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This was a review unit sent to me by KeepRetro. All opinions are my own, they did not see this review ahead of time, and no money was exchanged in any way.
Timestamps:
00:00 introduction
01:12 price and specs
02:09 unboxing and impressions
05:29 software experience
10:51 microSD card contents
13:55 emulation testing
20:08 report card & themes
21:05 summary (likes and dislikes)
23:15 conclusion
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This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only.
#M17 #retrohandheld #emulation - Hry
Note that there is a custom firmware already in the works, but it is considered a "proof of concept" and according to the dev it is not a serious project at this time. All the same, it has shown to improve N64 performance, and only requires flashing to an SD card (so no messing with the internal firmware). It boots directly into RetroArch, removing the user-friendliness which I think is one of the biggest strengths of the handheld right now. This is a more advanced-user solution at this time, but still shows a lot of promise for this handheld! github.com/octathorp/m17_tools/blob/master/docs/sd_cfw_install_instructions.md
Do you mentioned it would take some time to find the game that you’re looking for is there a search bar? Is there a way to add games to favorites? Is there some kind of Way by hitting select? You can jump through the letter of the game you’re looking for?
You can press the X button on any game to add it to the FAVOURITES
Will you "re-review" the unit when the new CFW releases? Thank you for your hard work.
please do revisit with CFW Russ if it's available now thx@@CLONE_IX
Do you have any idea how to fix the controls? Since the joystick is also bound to the dpad it keeps trying to use the dpad at the same time as im walking in the game. But with untold legends it makes my quick menu for skills flash all over the screen while im walking. Is there a simple way to make it so the joystick isnt controlling the dpad at the same time? Because untold legends brotherhood of the blade is otherwise pretty playable. It does play as is..... Its just annoying with the quickmenu taking up a third of my screen and making beeping noises literally constantly lol.
That emulation report card is a good table to quickly summarize the capabilities of the devices you review. It’s a good idea to include that in your review videos from now on.
I agree
Yeah big fan of that, especially since we're getting better and better CPUs as time goes on so at this point there's not much point in covering some of the easier to emulate systems.
Yeah, he used to do it a lot. Glad to see it back.
Totally
What is the manufacturer of this device? If anybody could answer me that would be great.
I usually buy direct from the manufacturer of devices bc it supports them better for those of you who were wondering why I asked.
I'm a father too, so it's nice to hear you talk about introducing your kids to games. Would you be interested in doing a full video on what it's like being a gamer dad?
Would love to watch that
That would be so wholesome!
@@surfboardjoker6299it doesn't *have* to be wholesome.
Russ could start with MK11 and Splatterhouse 😮👹☠️💥💀
Love the emulation report card. A great way to bring everything together for the handheld. Hope to see more of these in the future
It has already been extensively said but that emulation repord card is awesome man ! Thank you for providing such qualitative content and helping the whole emulation community by doing so !
RUSS 😢 so sorry to hear about chicken’s passing, pets are family, remain strong and busy…time heals all as does family.
I hand one of these to my child and he asked “dad would I be able to play Last Of Us in this thing?” Of course son!
Since then he still asks to when am I gonna buy the game cartridge.
He also continuously asks to why the all the games have exciting tittles but they all look like crap.
He still carries the console around to see if one day I’ll be able to buy that promised game.
Little that he knows, I’m not his real dad.
I love the emulation report card!! I'd love to see a huge spreadsheet with this and all the emulation devices. Great work Russ! 👏
It felt so wholesome when you asked your kid to play with it, truly a great father right there
The startup stopwatch inclusion was magnificent.
There's already a CFW called Ruka out for the M17. It's basically Retroarch but works smoothly
Nope i didnt see this!!! I dont need this!!!! FFS!!!! im also keeping an eye out on S1eepy!!!!!! FFS!!!!!
@@antwangohe posted it lol
I’m waiting for mine so I can make a 3d printed bezel replacement for it.
Yes, but I also noted that the dev wrote that it's only a proof-of-concept and that it shouldn't be treated as a serious project. It's very cool that someone is working on it, and hopefully it's an indication of more things to come!
@@RetroGameCorps I'm hoping they continue developing for it & bring Batocera to it eventually.
I actually really appreciate the older style of screen this has, despite glare issues. I play Tetris on my OG Gameboy regularly, so I’m accustomed to it. As nice as the OLED, IPS and other modern screens are, they feel very fragile sometimes.
Great review! Thanks for the video! Now since some time has passed and there have been a couple hardware revisions and a few os options released, I would love to see an update video on this device. Full disclosure, The M17 is my new obsession after discovering how well minui works on this thing, especially coraks custom minui, which add amore emulator cores like DS, themes, box art and other neat features.
Wish there were more handhelds in this form factor, size, and price point without analogue sticks
These were selling at 35 bucks.
I'd definitely get one at that price.
Still around $40 right now.
@KesSharann where at?
You should review r35s it’s 50$ device with better specs
where? show me
It's hilarious how they used a Assassins creed art for the box lmao
why? it advertises “psp” for it, and the psp has an ac game. it’s funny they used it but it’s technically accurate.
and runs at 2 fps@@joogled1839
I like it, I would love if you revisit this one sometime with some of the stuff people are mentioning in the comments. This feels like it might be a decent option, also, for something you can bring on a road trip, etc, where you might be worried about risking a more expensive option getting damaged, lost, or stolen. Not that 55 bucks means it is outright disposable, but it would be significantly less heartbreaking versus something in a higher range.
I scrolled down about a dozen comments before coming to yours. What are people mentioning that would be worth a revisit? From what I've seen, I would happily pick a Miyoo Mini +, Anbernic RG35xx, or Powkiddy RK2023 over this. I got a white RK2023 at the end of spring for $57, though I wish I bought the wifi version that had just come out (because the $10 difference would have been worth it for the built-in bluetooth, I didn't know it had that), still it compares favorably against this M17 in every way I can see. What am I not seeing?
I feel like this is a big OS update/fan patch away from being really good. "cant keep aspect ratio" is really going into the realm of "doesnt work."
It’s already out there
I got an RK2023 for $57. It already has JelOS and the option of ArkOS. Why would this be good enough to choose instead of that more powerful, already CFW-ready handheld? Legit I keep wondering when people express enthusiasm if I'm missing something (I won't make fun of you, I just genuinely don't understand).
@@evshrug the rk2023 might go down to $57 but this goes down to like $30-35
I think im gonna get one of these and configure it up for my nephew. hell have a blast with this.
el5379
vor 1 Sekunde
Spend 10 dollars more and configure a Powkiddy x55 for him. Bigger better screen and by far more computing power, which would enable him to experience a whole console generation more. Just sayijng...
@@clausjahnel5379 oh for sure. but with possible community support in the future if may be more fun to tinker around with.
@@clausjahnel5379I worry about x55's build quality and dpad , I like the screen though and power too
Hey Rus, another great video. Your commitment and hard work is appreciated in the community😊 👌🏿 This looks like a solid handheld for the kids, as you say. Also, have you seen the Trimui Smart Pro, would love a review if you can get yoir hands one one!
Yes, I have a TrimUI Smart Pro coming in the mail
@@RetroGameCorps awesome! Looking forward to it. Subscribing from England!
That report card at the end of the video is a genius idea
I wish you did a teardown to see if the battery can be upgraded to a bigger one. It would also show if it's repairable in case the analog sticks start to drift.
First handheld that let's me change the Bcaklight! Very cool!
Finally!! A retro handheld that has a BCAKLIGHT SETTING. It's long overdue.
The menu simplicity reminds me of the RG35XX. Thanks for the video 👍
A couple hours ago I caught the last half hour of Stubbs and Joey's livestream where they tested this. They came to the same conclusions you did; it's fundamentally decent and good for a kid, but, not so good for adults because the value for money just isn't there. I enjoy watching e-waste and bargain bin content though; so, I'm happy you and Stubbs bought one. Maybe when it stops being PSP at the pawn shop priced and gets down to $25-$30 it'll be worth it.
Speaking of easy to run PSP games; "Military History Commander: Europe at War" seems like it should be super easy to run. It's an old school PC grand strategy game ported to PSP and DS (Europe only) that graphically is even simpler than the puzzle games you showed.
Cant wait for the Android model, the XM7, and then the full x86 handheld to complete the lineup, the XM250.
Maybe they'll even sell ”Fury" replacement parts.
My 9 year old had to take a 4 hour road trip so I got him the sf2000 for $20, He discovered Tetris and Dr. Mario and absolutely loved it. For $20 I wasn't worried if he lost it which he didn't, but our games from the past has great replayability because of the restrictions on storage. I do think these systems are overwhelming on game lists though. And yes my son hates the D-pad so I appreciate the joystick on them.
I love the budget reviews
Lekker bezig kerel .. Leuke review weer ! 🥰
Amazing video. Any news about settings for change video ratio? Still not? Thanks.
I love the look of it. I’m looking for best bet to play GameCube and ps2 on under $200 (if you can play those you can generally play wii too) but I was trying to pick between the 405 and the 505 but the retroid pocket 3plus or 2s are both looking good too. Especially since they will stream Xbox one or ps5 games from a pc or other pc games. If the 405 would stream game pass and such like that I don’t think I’d even have an arguement. I like the joystick layout on this one, the 405m and the powkiddy x55. Up until GameCube and ps2 you really don’t need the better joystick layout but once you get there it’s convenient.
Cheers Russ. For the money it's really not bad at all, definitely a step above e-waste. Hope it gets some solid CFW.
I like your Emulation Report Card.
I would also mention that it's a good entry lvl handheld for everything up to basic PS1 emulaton if you are not too tech savvy. I love my miyoo mini plus but the missing analog sticks (due to size compromise of course) are a little off-putting for my favourite PS1 titles. But I suppose those specific games don't play too well on this, so maybe that's not a concern.
I almost choked on my cereal when you said “bcak light”. Also, these cheaper handheld reviews are much more interesting to me than the top tier ones. Great as always!
Those BCAKLIGHTS totaly caught me offguard xD
I always find it amazing how many people watch my videos while eating cereal :)
Excellent review! What is the battery Life ?
Thanks for posting this. I would definitely consider your input as I am planning to give my son an all around emulator handheld console for the holidays... The device is barebones goods, but with updates, it would be better. I saw that while you were checking the console's files, the backlight is also spelt wrong... Maybe changing it would correct the display? Idk.. anyways thanks again!
You are on a roll Russ
Real PSP 3000 or Go (hacked) are also alternatives 😊 i have both absolutely amazing performance for these easier to run systems, unreal experience, trust me I have all the PC handhelds but what the PSP offers and what it can do is amazing, different experience 😊
I think I'd rather have a Vita, but I get what you're saying for the same reasons. Both of those systems would play PS1 better than this M17, plus their own system libraries, and really that's a LOT of game content to play!
@@evshrug I have 2 Vita's love them but for PS1 games and PSP games I prefer the PSP Go for them 2 systems because they look/scale better on the smaller screen plus the emulators work better and also look better too.
I ordered one for like $35!
11:30 There is already custom firmware available to flash to the internal storage
I like covering these cheap choices much more than the ultra high end stuff that still doesnt compete with the steam deck's price/performance. Thevl low end is really where the exciting stuff is, to me.
I see what you mean but steam deck is a bad option for emulation, the screen is bad so you won’t enjoy increasing the resolution, battery is too low, it’s also too big, if you see something like a Odin 2 for 100 dollars cheaper, it has a great 1080p lccd display and it plays GameCube/ps2 on 4-6x resolution (4k) and battery lasts on those devices for like 10 hours it also runs basically everything the current emulation market does, steam deck is mainly for pc games, not for emulation and there are better more “portable” options because of the screen, 2 hour battery life and also because it’s too big.
@@poffy02I agree, the steam deck is way too bulky. especially when you can find smaller and still affordable options.
@@bern9642 yeah, steam deck is not for portable emulation, and I stated many reasons, it’s for pc games
@@bern9642 yeah, steam deck is not built for emulation and I’m tired of people who say it does
@@poffy02 shame you think that, for starters I was talking about the $1000+ machines, not the cheaper stuff. Second, I have no idea what you're on about, the deck is bulky but robust as hell for emulation, if you set up with deckUI to have your emulators built into the front end. I have beaten TOTK, a bunch of 3ds games, and windwaker. The screen is perfectly acceptable. 800p looks great, id just prefer the SRGB to be a little better, the battery life at the low TDP required to emulate is totally fine, the only downside is the bulk. I can get 3-4 hours emulating switch before I need to plug in.
I'll admit that there are other devices I'd pick for anything ps2 and below (I love small pocketable devices and have several that I use a ton) and that was my point for why this one was fun to see reviewed.
It's so weird how much people on the internet think their deeply subjective opinion on something is just hard fact. I emulate on my deck all the time and it's a great experience, but that was not even what I was talking about in the first place, you weird, weird little person.
There is finally custom firmware for this thing. Any plans to revisit? Great video!
Been really enjoying your content since I came across your page recently. I am looking to get a handheld for my Kindergartener and am now torn between the M17, Miyoo Mini Plus, or the RG35XX. Which would you recommend as a device you can hand off to a 6 year old? I don't have any of my own ROM files so I am looking for something that would not require me to bring my own games to the table. On the M17, you showed all of the duplicate games in the NES section. Which versions would you recommend deleting?
Hey Russ thanks for all you do for the community! Legend
Do you think you could do a video for the best android boxes to go for, instead of the all in one sticks that are around.
They just do not handle Saturn games very well the sticks 🙃
It has a big screen and a good set of controls. I think it could have some potential for playing quake 1 or 2 if you can get the retroarch cores on there and configured somehow. Seems like a solid device.
It seems like it would struggle to play Quake at full speed, even the Playstation ports. Seems like a weak device and a poor screen that's slightly larger to me...
Can you eat it though ?
😮
If you try hard enough yes
Anything can be a burger if you put enough catsup on it.
Let me put it this way: if Nintendo had released it, they would have slathered it in bittering agent like a Switch cart.
It is so delicious, but the big meanie "N" wants to spoil our fun.
Anything is possible if there is a will and sheer fking commitment 😅
NDS is already available to play on it!!! And MinUI cfw as well!!! 🎉🤩👍
Did you try hooking up a usb keyboard? Whenever I can't access retroarch via hotkeys on these handhelds, I always hook up an external keyboard and can find it that way.
Yes, unfortunately it doesn’t seem to work.
I wish I could get an EmuElec frontend with kid mode on the Powkiddy V90 - my daughter loves hers but navigating is not intuitive, and she occasionally messes up settings. This may be a good option, just wish it came in a pink/purple option - I'll be keeping an eye on this one. Thanks Russ!
Worth buying just for the new one of a kind bckaklight feature.
Hoping you review the trimui smart pro. Looks interesting
I'm looking to get into some retro games, but I'm not very knowledgeable about them. For now, I'm looking at the Miyoo Mini Plus or the Analog RG35XX, but both don't have analog sticks. Are they important for retro games?
I wish that for these dual-analog devices, there was some focus on the usefulness of having both analog sticks. Especially on these lower power emulation systems that can't run later dual-analog home consoles.
Good point. I do think it's a fad, jumping on the bandwagon of the more expensive handhelds. Most of these lower end devices t
will never really utilise the 2nd analog stick at all
I really enjoy your content and one day I’ll grab one of these. But I can’t for the life of me let go of my PSP. It is still really awesome and does what all these do.
The PSP is still more powerful than this thing is.
@@Islamisthecultofsin Just got my wife the Miyoo Mini + and its fantastic, but i'll stick with my PSP lol
getting mainly because of potential , tremendous video
Me and my 6 year old both have RG351p’s and it did take him a little bit to learn how to navigate it
that M17 badge bugs the heck out of me, but otherwise I kind of love how unassuming it looks
The fact that it's just in Arial (or some other Sans-Serif typeface) really bugs me, too.
Seriously. I'd have to go to town on it with a Sharpie, or something.
Stickers or washi tape
Retro handheld makers put the dpad up top on devices that can only emulate dpad centric systems challenge: difficulty rating impossible
Arcade games are not dpad centric at all, and I bet this device plays 1000s of them.
@@clausjahnel5379Arcade games don't use an Analog Stick either. The D-Pad is a far superior option for Arcade games.
lol
Got one, love it. Paid 20 bucks for it with some coupons.
To enter the retroarch menu. Power it off, and press the start button just after boot up.
how can you add NDS core to emuelec to play on this? cant seem to find out how anywhere? anyone know?
I think it's got a few other use case scenarios at the moment the weather keeps blowing the door shut 😂
Thank you, I'm glad I didn't do the "Scrooge McDuck" thing and added an extra 12-15 bucks to buy Powkiddy x39 pro, cuz GBA is one of my fav consoles and I was planning to complete "Zelda the minish cap".
this is unrelated to the video (sorry) but can you use your retro handheld clout to get one of these companies to make a 4:3 clamshell device like GBA SP form factor? thanks bro ;)
Don’t ask the community to fix aspect ratios, ask the company! You have a review copy!
I'm not sure anyone even knows what company made this handheld, it's unbranded. My "review unit" came from a third-party reseller.
If you were looking at something more portable at a similarish price point, what would you recommend? Great video btw!
Powkiddy V90 folds like a Gameboy Advance SP, and has about as much processing power as this. Retro Game Corps also mentions the Miyoo Mini + and Anbernic RG35xx in the video; I did a month of research and settled on a Powkiddy RK2023 in June, though I wish I had paid the extra $10 for the WiFi version.
The RK2023 has a more powerful processor... not only can it play all the PS1 games, it can play most N64 and many Dreamcast games well, and some PSP (though the screen is the squarish 4:3 aspect ratio similar to old TVs the home consoles were designed for). It has the D-pad in the top position for comfort... people say the edges of the D-Pad aren't very rounded, but the actual feel of the button mechanism is great, the face buttons are great, the Start/Select buttons are loud but provide a positive click, the shoulder buttons are in-line and rattle a little bit but they work reliably and fit well in the pocket. The IPS screen has far better color accuracy/tint, plus it's laminated, and it has a Mini-HDMI output if you feel like using it as a "console" when visiting a friend. That's where the wifi version comes into it's own too: You could use bluetooth controllers with the wifi version while connected to an external monitor/tv. The battery is bigger, lasting about 8 or so hours with 16-bit retro games or lighter. Two microSD card slots. Stereo speakers, headphone jack. It can lay flat, and fits into my pants pockets (the more square aspect screen helps it be smaller than the M17).
As I said, I bought the RK2023 in June; on AliExpress, it was $57 shipped during a sale, though I didn't know the $10 more WiFi version also included Bluetooth (it doesn't say it on the product page, the reviewers failed to mention it too). For something that could serve both as a portable handheld and a replacement for my Playstation Classic/SNES Classic miniconsoles, with support for wireless controllers, $67 ish bucks would have been a steal!
@@evshrugThis is a great and informative response - thank you for taking the time. When you mentioned a model with WiFi for $10 more, what's the model name for that one? Thanks again.
There is a alpha batocera port, it runs but needs some fixes
The BCAKLIGHT got me good lol
how to save games on it? i also have this and im figuring how to save my pokemon game boy advance games when i save in the game and turn on off the game doesnt save
Thanks, any suggestions for something as easy with a power switch for kids that’s a bit more upscale?
I like the metal Anbernic devices for kids. Something like the RG280M or RG353M. They are super durable and they have dual SD cards so they won't get corrupted if you shut them off.
Can you guys help me to choose between RG35xx or RGB30?? I just want to play pokemon games and something light as my childhood weren’t made with playing this games
This is one that might be worth keeping an eye on, for the price. If devs who know their stuff can get their hands on it and have the patience, they might be able to make the optimizations necessary for this to play a few N64 and PSP games well and maybe even DC. For 55$ this is competing with the RG55XX and Miyoo Mini, who barely or don't touch those consoles at all, even after being optimized.
so that site u buy it from says 256mb sys memory, box says 2gb sys memory which one is correct?
Russ, I don't know if you would ever consider it, but since you're reviewing the lower tier handheld, mind checking out the D-007? Shot in the dark, but can't hurt to ask.
I'm not very familiar with EmuElec, but do you think it's possible to edit some '.ini" files or something to alter the button layouts, resolution defaults, etc?
Also..I think your video increased the price of this device. hehe
Russ made a review of the M17.
Let's get some popcorn and enjoy !
I received mine and deleted consoles that didn't interest me. I also added a few games in different consoles. All these games play fine but i can't get the artwork to show. I named the boxart the same as the rom and it's in .png format and put it in the appropriate images folder but it doesn't show. I also used the disk control, append image and browsed to the game image and hit the 'a' button to select it but it still doesn't appear. Could you show in a video how to add art please. Thanks.
Ruka M17 Custom firmware just released, have you tried it?
Does the M17 have a real USB C port (eg use external usb devices) or is it just for charging
My M17 console came and there was no sound and most Roms did not work. I just figured out that the console is ok, but it came with corrupted SD card. Can someone please help me and tell me where I can download an ISO to replace the SD card?
I would recommend following this resource: github.com/Takiiiiiiii/M17-Handheld
hey there's any 3ds capable handheld in the $50 price mark? i'm from brazil and we have a 92% tax increase in anything above $50
Mine came today and has no sound! The headphones don’t work either. Any ideas?
Is it possible to add nds games? Thanks
Seen this thing for the past few weeks for £30 bracket..... im also bloody tempted due to the landscape orientation, the stacked triggers and what S1eepy is doing with it.... but the thing stopping me thank god is the massive M17 label.... actually not sure if that will hold me back, i like that it looks alot like a retroid 3+ etc..... i also have the SF2000 frog! and S1eepy is also doing wonders!
But ive recently got a MM+ and thinking about the RG35xx and the RGB30 and X55 and RG353PS FFS!!!!! soooooooo nope!!!!! NOPE!!!!! NU - UH!!! NOT THIS TIME!!!!! STAAAAY STRONG!!!!!! but i will watch video till the end FFS!!!!!!
X55 is a charm to game on. Own mm mm+ rg351p v90 etc.
@@DesertFoxNLAhhh youve also fallen down the collecting hole XDDD more than 1 or 2 devices and you begin curating your devices XDDDD
hi there sorry to be a bother
but were di i bye the rom's
for the M17 control
anyone know??
Is there any one of these handhelds that can play psp/vita and nintendo games?
Does this include Final Burn Alpha?
Bro, the gifts kids gets these days from their parents is insane. I remember a friend of mine got a chinese knockoff system with multiple games on it like space invaders, tanks, pacman, olympics, dirt bike racing or the hunting game where you use a gun to shoot some gooses and a dog brings them.
Ah yes, the fabled Goose Hunt game. Truly a game of all time.
Does the low resolution make a bad image?
It's nice, but there are better consoles near the same price point with a larger screen. I hope you do a 2023 device line up because I'm looking for something for my brothers. :D
Can you save the game and resume the game from where you have saved on this device?
Does anyone know a handheld that can play GameCube and some ps2 that you can also stream game pass or pc games with besides the retroid pocket? I prefer anbernic but would go a different brand if someone could recommend something. I absolutely love the look of the powkiddy x55 but think it would lack in power compared to the 405,505, or retroids
I think 🤔 it has potential if it wasn't for the fact these cheaper consoles seem to be coming out thick and fast these days.
I do like the on/off switch though. It kind of gives it an old toy feel.
ok, just figured out that the console is ok, but it came with corrupted SD card. Can someone please help me and tell me where I can download an ISO to replace the SD card?
Is this offline only? I would love to have a budget friendly moonlight streaming handheld.
Yes, this device does not have WiFi, so not a viable option for streaming.
Can you recommend a good / cheap handheld that will run PSP and N64, I would like to gift some systems for Christmas but would them to be able to run both of those systems also. TIA
Can you do a retroarch for handheld tutorial? I can get the things I change to stick and I wouldn't mind an in depth tutorial so I can understand without having to pull up a video every time
Will you be Reviewing the Trimui Smart Pro?
Yes, it should be in the mail.