Remember the thrill of playing Pokemon on your Game Boy under the covers? Or sneaking in a few rounds of Street Fighter on your friend’s SNES? The R36S handheld console promises to bring all those memories back—and thousands of games from your childhood—in one pocket-sized device.

But can a $40 Chinese handheld really deliver on that promise? After weeks of testing, playing through dozens of classic games, and pushing this little device to its limits, here’s everything you need to know about the R36S retro gaming console.

R36S Quick Overview

Price: $35-$50 (depending on storage size and seller)
Category: Budget retro handheld gaming console
Best For: Casual retro gaming, nostalgia trips, travel entertainment
Not For: Modern gaming, online multiplayer, cutting-edge graphics

Quick Verdict: An incredible value that delivers exactly what it promises—thousands of classic games in a surprisingly capable handheld. Perfect for killing time during commutes, travel, or just scratching that retro gaming itch without spending hundreds on original hardware.

What You Get: Unboxing the R36S

In the Box

  • R36S handheld console
  • USB-C charging cable (no wall adapter included)
  • MicroSD card pre-installed (64GB, 128GB, or 256GB depending on version)
  • User manual (basic, sometimes poorly translated)
  • Screen protector (pre-installed on some units)

Note: No carrying case included, but they’re available separately for $5-10 and highly recommended.

Technical Specifications

Hardware

Display:

  • 3.5-inch IPS screen
  • 640×480 resolution
  • 4:3 aspect ratio (perfect for retro games)
  • Good viewing angles
  • Decent brightness (usable outdoors in shade)

Processor & Performance:

  • ARM Cortex-A7 quad-core CPU
  • 256MB RAM
  • Handles 8-bit and 16-bit systems perfectly
  • Struggles with some PS1 and N64 games

Storage:

  • 64GB / 128GB / 256GB options
  • MicroSD card (easily replaceable/upgradable)
  • Pre-loaded with games (legality questionable)
  • Supports adding your own ROMs

Battery:

  • 3,000mAh battery
  • 4-6 hours gaming (depending on system emulated)
  • USB-C charging (modern convenience!)
  • 2-3 hours to full charge
  • No fast charging support

Controls:

  • D-pad (excellent feel, responsive)
  • 4 face buttons (A, B, X, Y)
  • 2 shoulder buttons (L, R)
  • Start and Select buttons
  • Volume controls
  • Power button with sleep mode

Audio:

  • Built-in mono speaker (adequate but tinny)
  • 3.5mm headphone jack (essential for best experience)
  • Volume is loud enough for personal use
  • Audio quality improves significantly with headphones

Connectivity:

  • USB-C charging port
  • MicroSD card slot
  • 3.5mm audio jack
  • AV-out port (yes, you can connect to a TV!)
  • No WiFi or Bluetooth

Physical Specs:

  • Dimensions: 14cm × 6cm × 1.5cm (roughly Game Boy Advance size)
  • Weight: ~150g (light enough for extended play)
  • Build: Plastic shell, feels surprisingly solid
  • Available colors: Black, white, purple, transparent options

Operating System: Linux-Based Simplicity

The Interface

The R36S runs a custom Linux-based operating system that’s designed for simplicity and speed.

Main menu features:

  • Game library organized by system
  • Recent games list
  • Favorites section
  • Settings menu
  • File browser

Navigation:

  • Intuitive D-pad navigation
  • Quick access with shortcut buttons
  • Fast loading times (2-3 seconds to launch games)
  • Instant sleep/wake functionality

Customization options:

  • Brightness adjustment
  • Volume control
  • Screen filter options (scanlines, LCD effects)
  • Button mapping
  • Save state management

Custom Firmware Options

The R36S community has developed custom firmware options that enhance functionality:

Popular options:

  • GarlicOS (most popular)
  • MinUI (minimalist interface)
  • Stock firmware with tweaks

Benefits of custom firmware:

  • Better organization
  • Improved emulation performance
  • More customization options
  • Better save state management
  • WiFi support on some versions (with USB adapter)

Our take: Stock firmware works fine, but GarlicOS is worth installing if you want the best experience and don’t mind a 30-minute setup process.

Game Library: What Can You Actually Play?

Pre-Loaded Games

The R36S comes with anywhere from 5,000 to 15,000+ pre-loaded games depending on the storage size you choose.

Important legal note: These pre-loaded ROMs exist in a legal gray area. The console doesn’t come with licenses for these games, which technically makes them pirated software. Many buyers delete the pre-loaded games and add their own legally-obtained ROMs.

Supported Systems & Performance

Runs Perfectly (100% compatibility, smooth gameplay):

✅ NES (Nintendo Entertainment System)

  • All games run flawlessly
  • Save states work perfectly
  • Zero lag or slowdown

✅ SNES (Super Nintendo)

  • Excellent performance
  • Even demanding titles like Star Fox run well
  • No audio glitches

✅ Game Boy / Game Boy Color

  • Perfect emulation
  • Screen size is ideal for GB/GBC games
  • Color reproduction is excellent

✅ Game Boy Advance

  • Runs smoothly
  • Some minor slowdown in very demanding games
  • Overall excellent performance

✅ Sega Genesis / Mega Drive

  • Flawless emulation
  • Sonic runs at full speed
  • Audio is spot-on

✅ Sega Master System / Game Gear

  • Perfect compatibility
  • All tested games ran without issues

✅ Arcade Games (older titles)

  • Neo Geo runs well
  • CPS1 and CPS2 games mostly work
  • Street Fighter II, Metal Slug play perfectly

Runs Well (80-95% compatibility, mostly playable):

⚠️ PlayStation 1

  • Many games run at full speed
  • Some 3D-heavy titles show slowdown
  • 2D games like Castlevania: SOTN run perfectly
  • 3D games like Crash Bandicoot have occasional framerate drops
  • Overall playable but not perfect

⚠️ Nintendo 64

  • Hit or miss performance
  • 2D games and simple 3D titles work
  • Demanding games struggle significantly
  • Mario 64 is playable but not smooth
  • GoldenEye and Perfect Dark are too slow

Doesn’t Run Well (Not recommended):

❌ Dreamcast, PSP, DS

  • Hardware is too weak
  • Most games unplayable
  • Don’t buy this expecting these systems to work

Game Organization

Games are typically organized by system/console with folder structure:

  • Each system has its own folder
  • Games listed alphabetically
  • Box art support (looks great!)
  • Save states stored separately
  • Easy to add/remove games via computer

Gaming Experience: How Does It Actually Feel?

Controls & Ergonomics

D-pad quality:

  • Surprisingly good for the price
  • Responsive and accurate
  • Perfect for 2D platformers and fighters
  • Comfortable for extended play sessions

Button feel:

  • Slightly mushy but functional
  • Good tactile feedback
  • No missed inputs during testing
  • L/R shoulder buttons are clicky and responsive

Ergonomics:

  • Comfortable for 30-60 minute sessions
  • Hands may cramp during marathon gaming
  • Smaller than Switch Lite, bigger than original Game Boy
  • Light weight prevents fatigue

Build quality concerns:

  • Buttons feel slightly cheap
  • D-pad is the standout component
  • Some creaking in the shell if squeezed
  • Overall solid enough for the price

Screen Quality

The 3.5-inch IPS display is better than expected:

Strengths:

  • Vibrant colors
  • Good viewing angles (IPS technology)
  • 4:3 aspect ratio perfect for retro games
  • Bright enough for indoor use
  • Pixel-perfect at native resolutions

Weaknesses:

  • Lower resolution than modern devices (but appropriate for retro games)
  • Not great in direct sunlight
  • Some light bleed around edges
  • Black levels could be deeper

For retro gaming: The screen is actually ideal. Games look crisp, colors pop, and the 4:3 ratio means no black bars on SNES, NES, or Game Boy games.

Battery Life Reality Check

Real-world testing results:

  • NES/SNES/Genesis: 5-6 hours
  • Game Boy Advance: 4-5 hours
  • PlayStation 1: 3-4 hours
  • N64 (when playable): 2-3 hours
  • Mixed gaming: ~4 hours average

Tips for maximizing battery:

  • Lower screen brightness to 70%
  • Use sleep mode between sessions
  • Stick to less demanding systems
  • Turn off when not in use (standby drains slowly)

Charging: USB-C is convenient—charge with phone chargers, power banks, or laptop USB ports. Full charge takes 2-3 hours.

Audio Experience

Built-in speaker:

  • Adequate for casual play
  • Lacks bass and depth
  • Can get tinny at high volumes
  • Fine for pick-up-and-play sessions

With headphones (recommended):

  • Huge improvement in audio quality
  • No interference or hissing
  • Proper stereo separation
  • Volume gets pleasantly loud
  • 3.5mm jack is standard size (no adapter needed)

Bottom line: Always use headphones for the best experience, especially for games with great soundtracks (Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy, Sonic).

What Games Should You Play First?

Best Games for the R36S

Perfect showcase titles (run flawlessly, look great):

SNES:

  • Super Mario World
  • Chrono Trigger
  • Super Metroid
  • The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
  • Super Mario RPG
  • Street Fighter II Turbo

NES:

  • Super Mario Bros. 3
  • The Legend of Zelda
  • Mega Man 2
  • Castlevania III
  • Kirby’s Adventure

Game Boy Advance:

  • Pokemon FireRed/LeafGreen
  • The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
  • Metroid Fusion
  • Advance Wars
  • Golden Sun

Genesis:

  • Sonic the Hedgehog 1-3
  • Streets of Rage 2
  • Gunstar Heroes
  • Castlevania: Bloodlines

PlayStation 1 (ones that run well):

  • Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
  • Final Fantasy VII, VIII, IX
  • Metal Gear Solid (some slowdown)
  • Crash Bandicoot (playable, minor issues)
  • Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2

Games to Avoid (Poor Performance)

Don’t waste your time with:

  • N64: GoldenEye, Perfect Dark, Conker’s Bad Fur Day
  • PS1: Gran Turismo (too slow), Tekken 3 (sluggish)
  • Dreamcast games (none run well)
  • DS games (mostly unplayable)

Adding Your Own Games

How to Add ROMs

Process is simple:

  1. Remove microSD card from R36S
  2. Insert into computer (card reader needed)
  3. Navigate to appropriate system folder
  4. Copy ROM files
  5. Re-insert card into R36S
  6. Power on—new games appear automatically

Supported ROM formats vary by system:

  • NES: .nes
  • SNES: .smc, .sfc
  • Genesis: .bin, .gen
  • Game Boy: .gb, .gbc
  • GBA: .gba
  • PS1: .bin/.cue, .pbp, .iso

Tips:

  • Organize games in subfolders by genre
  • Add box art for visual appeal (scraper tools available)
  • Remove pre-loaded games you won’t play to save space
  • Keep a backup of your SD card on your computer

Custom Firmware Installation

If you want to install GarlicOS (recommended):

  1. Download GarlicOS from official site
  2. Format a new SD card
  3. Extract GarlicOS files to SD card
  4. Add your ROM files
  5. Insert into R36S and boot

Time required: 30-45 minutes for first-time setup

Benefit: Better UI, improved performance, more features, active community support

Value Proposition: Is It Worth $40?

What You’re Getting for Your Money

At $35-50, you receive:

  • Handheld console
  • 3.5″ IPS screen
  • Decent controls
  • 6,000-15,000 pre-loaded games (legal concerns aside)
  • 4-6 hours battery life
  • USB-C charging

Cost comparison:

  • Original Game Boy: $90 at launch (1989), ~$200 adjusted for inflation
  • Nintendo Switch Lite: $200 (2024)
  • Retro gaming collections on Switch: $20-60 per game bundle
  • Original cartridges: $20-200+ per game

The value is undeniable if you:

  • Want to replay childhood classics
  • Don’t want to spend hundreds on original hardware
  • Need portable entertainment for travel/commutes
  • Enjoy retro gaming casually

What It Competes With

Similar budget handhelds:

  • Anbernic RG35XX: $60-70 (better build, similar performance)
  • Miyoo Mini Plus: $50-60 (smaller, slightly better screen)
  • Powkiddy RGB30: $80-100 (better specs, higher price)

The R36S advantage:

  • Cheapest of the bunch
  • Good enough performance for most retro needs
  • Easy to find and purchase
  • Large community support

When to spend more:

  • If you want N64/PS1 games to run perfectly → Get Anbernic RG353 series ($100+)
  • If you want premium build quality → Get Miyoo Mini Plus or Retroid Pocket
  • If you want modern indie games → Get Steam Deck ($400+)

Pros and Cons: The Honest Assessment

What We Love ✅

1. Unbeatable price-to-performance

  • $40 for thousands of games
  • Handles 8-bit and 16-bit perfectly
  • Good enough for PS1 and some N64

2. Perfect for casual retro gaming

  • Plays all the classics you remember
  • No setup required (works out of box)
  • Instant nostalgia hit

3. Portability

  • Fits in jacket pocket
  • Light enough to carry everywhere
  • Great for travel, commutes, waiting rooms

4. Battery life is respectable

  • 4-6 hours for most systems
  • USB-C charging (use phone chargers)
  • Sleep mode saves battery between sessions

5. Good controls for the price

  • Responsive D-pad
  • Functional buttons
  • Comfortable enough for extended play

6. Excellent screen for retro content

  • 4:3 aspect ratio (perfect for old games)
  • IPS technology (good viewing angles)
  • Vibrant colors
  • Appropriate resolution for retro titles

7. Active modding community

  • Custom firmware available
  • Regular updates
  • Helpful forums and guides
  • Easy to customize

8. Modern conveniences

  • Save states (save anywhere in games)
  • Fast forward feature
  • Screen filters (scanlines, etc.)
  • TV output via AV cable

What Could Be Better ❌

1. Build quality is budget-tier

  • Plastic feels cheap
  • Some shell creaking
  • Buttons are mushy
  • Not premium materials

2. Limited power for advanced systems

  • N64 performance is hit-or-miss
  • PS1 has framerate issues in some games
  • Forget about Dreamcast, PSP, DS
  • Not future-proof

3. Pre-loaded games legal issues

  • ROMs are technically pirated
  • No licenses included
  • Some users uncomfortable with this
  • Better to add your own legally-obtained ROMs

4. Speaker quality is poor

  • Tinny and flat
  • Lacks bass
  • Headphones essentially required
  • No stereo separation from speaker

5. No WiFi or Bluetooth

  • Can’t download games wirelessly
  • No online play
  • No wireless controller support
  • No cloud saves

6. Screen brightness limitations

  • Not great in direct sunlight
  • Maximum brightness is moderate
  • Indoor use recommended

7. Manual/documentation is terrible

  • Poorly translated
  • Minimal information
  • Community guides are better
  • Trial-and-error required

8. Quality control varies

  • Some units arrive with issues
  • Dead pixels possible
  • Button quality inconsistent between units
  • Return process can be complicated

Who Should Buy the R36S?

Perfect For:

Nostalgia seekers:

  • Want to replay childhood favorites
  • Miss classic Nintendo, Sega, PlayStation games
  • Don’t want to spend hundreds on original hardware
  • Enjoy occasional retro gaming sessions

Budget-conscious gamers:

  • Want entertainment without breaking the bank
  • Looking for value over premium features
  • Willing to accept limitations for the price
  • Don’t need latest technology

Travelers and commuters:

  • Need portable entertainment
  • Long flights, train rides, waiting rooms
  • Fits easily in carry-on or jacket pocket
  • Better than draining phone battery on games

Casual gamers:

  • Play 30-60 minutes at a time
  • Don’t need AAA modern titles
  • Enjoy simple, classic gameplay
  • Want instant pick-up-and-play convenience

Gift givers:

  • Perfect for nostalgic 30-40-somethings
  • Great stocking stuffer or budget gift
  • Universally appealing (everyone loves retro games)
  • Impressive value for the price

IPTV users looking for variety:

  • You already enjoy retro content
  • Want something to do during IPTV service downtime
  • Appreciate value-focused entertainment options
  • Like portable, convenient devices

Not Ideal For:

Graphics enthusiasts:

  • Want modern, high-fidelity graphics
  • Expect smooth 3D gaming
  • Need cutting-edge technology
  • Prefer AAA current-gen games

Serious N64/PS1 collectors:

  • Want perfect emulation
  • Need all games to run flawlessly
  • Have specific demanding titles in mind
  • Should invest in more powerful devices ($100-150 range)

Build quality snobs:

  • Need premium materials
  • Want perfect fit and finish
  • Bothered by minor imperfections
  • Should look at Anbernic or Miyoo devices

Online gamers:

  • Want multiplayer features
  • Need WiFi connectivity
  • Expect cloud save syncing
  • Prefer modern gaming ecosystem

Children under 8:

  • Controls might be too small
  • Menu navigation can be confusing
  • Better with devices designed for kids
  • Parental controls limited

Tips for Getting the Most from Your R36S

Setup and Optimization

Day one checklist:

  1. Charge fully before first use
  2. Update firmware if available
  3. Test all buttons and controls
  4. Set brightness to comfortable level (70-80%)
  5. Organize game library (delete unwanted ROMs)
  6. Create favorites list of games you’ll actually play
  7. Test save states functionality

Recommended upgrades:

  1. Screen protector ($3-5): Prevents scratches during portability
  2. Carrying case ($5-10): Essential for travel, protects device
  3. MicroSD card reader ($8-12): Makes adding games easier
  4. USB-C cable backup ($5): Have extras for travel
  5. Headphones ($10-30): Transforms audio experience

Game Management

Optimize your library:

  • Delete pre-loaded games you’ll never play (frees up space)
  • Organize by genre within system folders
  • Create “favorites” collection of go-to games
  • Add box art for visual browsing (download ROM scraper)
  • Keep library under 5,000 games (easier to navigate)

Best practices:

  • Test new ROMs before long gaming sessions
  • Create save states at good stopping points
  • Back up SD card to computer monthly
  • Keep ROM sources documented (in case you need to re-download)

Maintenance

Keep your R36S running smoothly:

  • Clean screen weekly with microfiber cloth
  • Keep away from extreme temperatures
  • Don’t over-tighten screws if you open it
  • Update firmware when stable releases available
  • Check for dead pixels immediately (return window)

Battery care:

  • Don’t let battery fully drain regularly
  • Charge when it hits 20-30%
  • Unplug when fully charged (if possible)
  • Use quality USB-C cables
  • Avoid charging in extreme heat

Custom Firmware Worth Installing

GarlicOS (most recommended):

  • Better UI and game organization
  • Improved emulation performance
  • More customization options
  • Active development and updates
  • Easy installation process

Installation time: 30-45 minutes
Difficulty: Easy (follow step-by-step guide)
Worth it? Absolutely yes for most users

Alternatives Worth Considering

If You Want to Spend a Bit More

Anbernic RG35XX ($60-70):

  • Better build quality
  • Slightly better screen
  • Same performance level
  • More polished experience

Miyoo Mini Plus ($50-60):

  • Smaller form factor (more portable)
  • Better screen quality
  • Premium feel
  • Slightly harder to find

Anbernic RG353M ($100-120):

  • Significantly more powerful
  • Perfect N64 and PS1 emulation
  • Metal build (premium feel)
  • Larger screen
  • Better for demanding games

If You Want Something Cheaper

Honestly, don’t go cheaper. Sub-$30 handhelds exist but quality drops dramatically. The R36S is already the budget sweet spot.

Common Issues and Solutions

Problem: Screen is too dim outdoors

Solution: Max out brightness, find shaded area, or wait for indoor use. This is a hardware limitation.

Problem: Game runs slow or laggy

Solution: Check if system is compatible, try different ROM version, close and restart, or switch to custom firmware.

Problem: Save states not working

Solution: Ensure SD card isn’t full, try creating save state in-game vs menu, reformat SD card if persistent.

Problem: No sound or distorted audio

Solution: Check volume settings, clean headphone jack, test different headphones, verify ROM isn’t corrupted.

Problem: Controls feel unresponsive

Solution: Check if protective film is over buttons (remove it), test in settings menu, consider button mapping in custom firmware.

Problem: SD card not recognized

Solution: Reseat card firmly, try different card, format to FAT32, ensure card isn’t fake/defective.

Problem: Battery drains quickly

Solution: Lower brightness, disable screensaver animations, use sleep mode, close demanding emulators when done.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

For $35-50, the R36S is an absolute steal if you understand what you’re getting: a capable retro gaming handheld that handles 8-bit and 16-bit systems perfectly, runs most PS1 games acceptably, and struggles with N64 and beyond.

This is NOT a premium device. The build quality reflects the price, the screen isn’t cutting-edge, and you won’t impress anyone with its specs. But that’s not the point.

The point is this: For the cost of a couple of coffees, you get instant access to thousands of classic games from your childhood, all in a pocketable device that “just works.” You can play Super Mario World on your lunch break, revisit Final Fantasy VII on a flight, or introduce your kids to the games you grew up with.

Is it perfect? No.
Is it worth $40? Absolutely.
Will you have fun? If you have any nostalgia for retro games, definitely yes.

Our Rating: 8/10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆☆

Rating Breakdown:

  • Value for money: 10/10
  • Build quality: 6/10
  • Screen quality: 8/10
  • Controls: 7/10
  • Performance: 8/10 (for compatible systems)
  • Battery life: 7/10
  • Overall experience: 8/10

Bottom Line

The R36S isn’t trying to compete with $500 Steam Decks or $200 Nintendo Switches. It’s a focused, budget device that does one thing well: plays classic retro games at an unbeatable price.

If that’s all you need—and for many of us, it is—the R36S delivers an experience that’s far better than it has any right to be at this price point. It’s not perfect, but it’s perfectly adequate, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

Buy it if: You want a cheap, cheerful way to revisit gaming history
Skip it if: You need perfect emulation or premium build quality
Alternative if budget allows: Anbernic RG35XX ($60) or RG353M ($100)

Where to Buy

The R36S is available from:

  • AliExpress (cheapest, 2-4 week shipping)
  • Amazon (faster shipping, slightly higher prices, better returns)
  • eBay (check seller ratings carefully)
  • Specialized retro handheld sites (sometimes bundle deals)

Buying tips:

  • Read recent reviews (quality control varies)
  • Check seller ratings (95%+ recommended)
  • Verify SD card size in listing
  • Look for seller warranty/return policy
  • Consider buying from Amazon for easier returns
  • Price range: $35-50 is fair; avoid anything over $60

What to look for:

  • “R36S” in the title (not knockoffs)
  • IPS screen specified
  • 128GB or 256GB option
  • Recent positive reviews
  • Photos of actual device (not stock images)

Have you tried the R36S or similar retro handhelds? Share your favorite games and experiences in the comments!

Note: ROM legality varies by region. This review discusses the device’s capabilities but does not endorse piracy. Please obtain games legally through legitimate means.