A £80 M8 retro HDMI console based on RetroArch comes with two wireless pads, a USB power cable, an HDMI extender, and a 64 GB SD card preloaded with games.
Inside, the console uses a Rockchip RK3036S dual-core ARM Cortex-A7, while the pads use 2.4GHz wireless communication instead of Bluetooth.
The unit is identified as M8-V7.3 with firmware V1.0.0 2024-09-26/20:10, and the included card size limit is 128 GB.
Games and save states work, Windows recognizes the pads as two USB controllers, but the battery-powered pads are clunky and noisy, and SNES can occasionally frame.
Generated by the language model.
I'd like to invite you to a short presentation of a video game console bought for £80. The device shown here is based on the RetroArch system and allows you to run games from platforms such as Atari, Nintendo, PlayStation, GameBoy, Sega, etc. The product has around 20,000 games preloaded, and there is also the option to upload your own ROMs. The console is in HDMI plug-in form and the pads communicate with it wirelessly.
Model: N00031125K50, Flash size - 128 MB, RAM - DDR3 256 MB
The whole thing came to me from China, the package got a bit battered on the way, but you can't see the damage on the product itself. The pads were protected by bubble wrap. Also included is a USB cable (for power) and an optional short HDMI extender, this is in case you are short on space behind your TV.
A 64 GB SD card is included:
Battery not included:
English language manual:
According to the manual, the device also supports wired pads, although I did not test this. The card size limit is 128 GB.
First startup Connect the device to the TV, plug in its power supply (USB cable included) and the receiver from the pads. Switch on the pads. The pads establish a connection.
A simple menu with a myriad of games greets us:
When you can search by name or group by platform (MAME, FC, GB, GBA, GBC, MD, SFC, PS1, ATARI...). We have an overview of the history of the games we run. Of course, settings, language change, controller configuration, as well as system information and factory reset are also available.
Device type: M8-V7.3, firmware V1.0.0 2024-09-26/20:10
The games work fine. In the pause menu we have emulator save and read options for each game, additionally the emulator version is given there.
The only thing that puzzled me was this persistent "insert coins" message, could it be that some of the games are designed for slot machines?
I have no other complaints about the games, it's time to look inside.
Interior of the pad The pad is constructed from two larger plates. It reminds me of a PS2 pad in appearance, but feels lower in quality. It does not use Bluetooth communication, but rather 2.4GHz.
Joystick board designation: SEGAM-W3-B-V01
There are two unmarked circuits on the PCB, perhaps a microprocessor and a transmitter.
Interior consoles The console is realised on a Rockchip RK3036S. PCB designation: 066T-V04 2025-05-12, a fairly fresh product. On board you can see memory bones, inverters, and an empty space for what looks like an RF transceiver with an antenna on the board. I'm also puzzled by the three pads, is this some kind of programming connector? UART RX/TX and ground?
On the other hand there is almost nothing, only that chip slot in the BGA is interesting - a version under an alternative CPU?
The RK3036S is a dual-core ARM Cortex-A7 MPCore processor
Windows pad test Out of curiosity, I checked the Windows pads. I switched their receiver to the computer. The USB device is correctly seen and supported, we essentially have here two functional wireless pads that can be used independently of the console.
I verified their operation in the system tool joy.cpl:
Summary The kit looks pretty good for its price. You could probably get it cheaper too. There are a lot of games, the whole thing works with the TV via HDMI, and the set comes with a cable to be able to connect the console comfortably even if the distance to the wall is small.
I have no complaints about the emulation, but I have encountered the opinion that the SNES can occasionally frame here.
The only major drawback I see here are the pads, which require batteries to work. I'd prefer USB-charged ones. Additionally, the buttons are quite clunky and noisy, but this can be survived.
Interestingly, the pads work normally with a PC - so perhaps it would be possible to go the other way and connect your own, better pads to this console, but I haven't tested that.
And what consoles do you guys recommend, was it a good buy at this price, or would it be better to go for something else?
About Author
p.kaczmarek2 wrote 14241 posts with
rating 12148 , helped 647 times.
Been with us since 2014 year.
Could you take a look at some ps1 games to see how they work? nesa was emulated 20 years ago by phones [Read more]
@GUTEK@
13 Feb 2026 21:07
Those pads on the other side are probably the space for the eMMC memory. Some retro consoles have it soldered in and that's where the system sits.
Have you checked what's on the memory card? If it's a... [Read more]
kjoxa
14 Feb 2026 11:13
And a question, does this console have the typical Mario, IceClimber and Tank-i classics (Battle City)? [Read more]
arjunmehta
16 Feb 2026 11:26
Testing and presenting on a retro gaming setup: using a Retro M8 console or emulator with two controllers, developers can run Minitests and showcase gameplay via RetroArch, enabling cross-platform retro... [Read more]
ChatGPT
17 Feb 2026 08:11
I have this gamestock but do not recommend it. There are lags and delays when playing Contra. Instead, I recommend the slightly more expensive Y6 hdmi game stick. You can change the OS to EMUelec and do... [Read more]
atek0001
17 Feb 2026 12:09
I also have this "console". I recommend that you immediately do a dump of the SD card or replace it with some better one because it died quickly for me. You can find the batches on the net but it can be... [Read more]
Andrzej Ch.
17 Feb 2026 18:24
"Insert Coin" is about slot machine games and the MAME emulator, which is in an archaic version on this device. [Read more]
Why it matters: This quick FAQ helps retro-gamers and tinkerers decide if the M8-style stick console fits their plug-and-play needs and light modding plans.
What is this M8-style retro console, in plain terms?
It’s an HDMI plug-in console running RetroArch-style emulation with a simple game browser. It comes preloaded with about 20,000 classic titles and supports adding your own ROMs. Two 2.4 GHz pads connect wirelessly to the included USB receiver. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21837437]
How do I set it up on my TV?
Plug the console stick into an HDMI port (use the short extender if space is tight).
Connect USB power and insert the controllers’ 2.4 GHz receiver.
Does it support PS1 games, and how well do they run?
PS1 appears in the platform list, and the author reports that games “work fine” overall on this unit. Use the in-game pause menu for save/load states and to view the specific emulator core version while testing PS1 titles. “The games work fine.” [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21837437]
Why do some games show an “insert coins” message?
Those entries are arcade ROMs (MAME). The original machines required coin credits, so the on-screen prompt is expected behavior in arcade cores. The author noticed this message when trying such titles from the included library. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21837437]
Can I use the included controllers on a Windows PC?
Yes. Plug the USB receiver into your PC. Windows detects them as gamepads, and you can verify inputs in joy.cpl. The pads function independently of the console for PC gaming and testing. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21837437]
Are the controllers Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz?
They use 2.4 GHz via a USB receiver, not Bluetooth. The pads need batteries and feel clunkier and noisier than premium pads, according to the teardown and hands-on notes. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21837437]
Does it work with wired controllers and what’s the SD card limit?
The included manual states wired pad support. The author also notes a microSD card size limit of 128 GB for this model. These allow flexible input and storage within stated limits. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21837437]
What’s inside the stick—CPU and board details?
The board is labeled 066T‑V04 (dated 2025‑05‑12) and uses a Rockchip RK3036S dual‑core Cortex‑A7. The unit shows 256 MB DDR3 RAM and 128 MB flash. Photos reveal unpopulated RF space and test pads. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21837437]
What are the three mystery pads on the PCB for?
One forum member suggests they might be for eMMC in versions where storage is soldered. That would host the system image on-board rather than only on microSD. “Some retro consoles have it soldered in.” [Elektroda, @GUTEK@, post #21838036]
How do save states and emulator info work?
Open the in-game pause menu to save or load states per title. The menu also shows the emulator core version used for that game session. This helps debugging performance or compatibility. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21837437]
Can I add my own ROMs to the library?
Yes. The system supports uploading your own ROMs alongside the preloaded set. Use the included microSD workflow to expand beyond the ~20,000 titles. Keep formats consistent with the shown cores. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21837437]
Any known drawbacks or edge cases I should expect?
The author notes occasional SNES frame drops and that the bundled pads are noisy and battery-powered. The package arrived scuffed, though the unit was fine. Consider upgrading controllers for comfort and responsiveness. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21837437]
What exact firmware and device ID does the sample show?
System menu reports Device type M8‑V7.3 with firmware V1.0.0 dated 2024‑09‑26/20:10. These identifiers help when checking updates or resets. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21837437]
What model number and included media does the kit use?
The label lists Model N00031125K50. The package includes a 64 GB microSD card loaded with content, plus a short HDMI extender. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21837437]
Is updating RetroArch or the game set possible?
A member asks about checking the card’s contents and notes that RetroArch-based setups are updatable. Review the microSD structure before attempting core or content updates. [Elektroda, @GUTEK@, post #21838036]
What’s the overall value at ~£80?
The author’s verdict is positive for the price, given HDMI simplicity, large library, and PC-usable pads. Upgrading controllers could improve the experience. “The kit looks pretty good for its price.” [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21837437]
Comments
Could you take a look at some ps1 games to see how they work? nesa was emulated 20 years ago by phones [Read more]
Those pads on the other side are probably the space for the eMMC memory. Some retro consoles have it soldered in and that's where the system sits. Have you checked what's on the memory card? If it's a... [Read more]
And a question, does this console have the typical Mario, IceClimber and Tank-i classics (Battle City)? [Read more]
Testing and presenting on a retro gaming setup: using a Retro M8 console or emulator with two controllers, developers can run Minitests and showcase gameplay via RetroArch, enabling cross-platform retro... [Read more]
I have this gamestock but do not recommend it. There are lags and delays when playing Contra. Instead, I recommend the slightly more expensive Y6 hdmi game stick. You can change the OS to EMUelec and do... [Read more]
I also have this "console". I recommend that you immediately do a dump of the SD card or replace it with some better one because it died quickly for me. You can find the batches on the net but it can be... [Read more]
"Insert Coin" is about slot machine games and the MAME emulator, which is in an archaic version on this device. [Read more]