M21 retro gaming handheld now official with rip-off design but affordable pricing and HDMI out

The SJGAM M21 is now available worldwide, less than a month after RetroHandhelds noticed pre-release evidence. To recap, SJGAM has positioned the M21 as a Game Console R36S alternative. However, it also leans heavily on the design of the Powkiddy RGB20S (curr. $79.95 on Amazon) that debuted over two years ago.

As we discussed previously, SJGAM has equipped the M21 with the 'N909', a relatively unknown chipset that HyperPlay RPG has shown is capable of emulating PlayStation 1 games. For reference, the device does so using EmuELEC 4.3, which lacks many of the customisation options of other more modern retro gaming handheld operating systems. On top of that, HyperPlay RPG noticed that the M21 only supports one save state with its default firmware, which also appears to contain some bugs at launch.

Nonetheless, a mini HDMI port is unusual for a 3.5-inch gaming handheld. Please note that while SJGAM implies that the M21 is compatible with Bluetooth controllers, this only appears to be true for those that it sells separately. At any rate, the device also finds itself with a USB Type-C port, a MicroSD card reader, a 3,000 mAh battery and the usual set of controller buttons. As it stands, the SJGAM M21 can be purchased from resellers that we have linked below for approximately $30 in a variety of colour options.