As a lifelong gamer with a particular love for classic handheld consoles, I’ve always craved the ability to take my favorite retro games on the go. Whether it’s the GameBoy, N64, or any of the countless other gaming systems from my youth, I’ve spent countless hours lost in those timeless worlds. But as much as I love playing these games, I’ve found that there aren’t many affordable, portable options to relive that magic today. Sure, companies like Nintendo have released portable consoles, but they often come with hefty price tags, bulky designs, and limited battery life that doesn’t exactly scream “portable.” Check them out on Amazon!
Enter the R36S, a budget-friendly handheld console that promises to bring retro gaming to your fingertips for a fraction of the cost of modern devices. With a sleek design, powerful emulation capabilities, and the ability to support over 15,000 games, it sounds like a gamer’s dream. But while its low price point is undeniably appealing, is the R36S too good to be true? Will it be a satisfying replacement for more expensive devices, or does it fall short in some key areas?
In this review, I’ll be diving into the R36S's features, discussing the pros and cons, and ultimately determining whether this little handheld console can truly live up to its potential for retro gamers looking for an affordable solution. Spoiler: it’s not perfect, but it might just be the device we’ve all been waiting for. Let’s dive in!
For years, retro gaming fans have been left with two options: expensive devices from big companies or DIY setups that require lots of time and money. Companies like Nintendo have recently released some portable options, but they come with a hefty price tag, bulky designs, and limited battery life. But the R36S is different. At just around $79 (and even cheaper if you shop around like I did on Aliexpress and got one for $26!), this little handheld console gives you access to over 15,000 games from a wide array of classic systems. What makes it even more exciting is the sheer affordability—this is a console that puts retro gaming in the palm of your hand without the steep price tag of modern handheld systems.
But here’s the catch: while the R36S sounds great on paper, it has its fair share of quirks, fails and limitations. Let’s break it down!
When it comes to emulation, the R36S shines for 2D games. Titles from the Game Boy series, SNES, GBA, and even NEOGEO run smoothly with minimal hiccups. If you’re like me and you want to dive into classic 2D adventures, this console handles them like a champ, delivering smooth frame rates and enjoyable gameplay.
But as we all know, the world of retro gaming isn’t just about 2D—it’s about revisiting your favorite 3D titles too. Unfortunately, the R36S struggles when it comes to emulating more demanding systems like the N64 and PSP. Many N64 titles either don’t run at all or have severe graphical glitches, while PSP games suffer from choppy performance and lag. It’s frustrating for fans of those systems, as it’s clear that the device’s limitations become more apparent with these higher-demand games. If your primary interest lies in 2D gaming, though, you’re going to have a blast. Check them out on Amazon!
The R36S is a compact device, making it easy to slip into a pocket or bag, so it’s perfect for gaming on the go. The 3.5-inch screen is surprisingly vibrant and bright, delivering good contrast and clarity. The curved glass look adds a touch of sophistication, though it’s important to note that the console doesn’t come with a built-in screen protector. For the clumsy among us, that could be a dealbreaker, but it’s a simple fix with an aftermarket protector.
The buttons and d-pad are decent for a handheld at this price point, though I’ve found they can feel a bit stiff, but do break in over time. The good news is that with a little tweaking (a simple mod involving unscrewing the back), you can improve their responsiveness. The R36S also features four extra buttons on the back (L, L2, R, and R2) for added control, which is a nice touch for more complex games. However, these back buttons are extremely clicky, which could be a bit annoying for those who prefer a quieter gaming experience.
Overall, the design is solid for a handheld console, but it could definitely benefit from a few refinements.
The R36S comes with two microSD card slots, one for the operating system and another for your ROMs, but you can use it with just one. However, the included SD card is, unfortunately, one of the lowest-quality cards I’ve encountered. This means you’ll need to replace it almost immediately if you want reliable performance. Don’t be surprised if the low-quality card results in slower loading times or game crashes—an upgrade to a higher-quality card is highly recommended.
If you plan to use the Wi-Fi features, you’ll need to purchase a separate Wi-Fi dongle, which is a bit of a hassle. With Wi-Fi, you can easily scrape artwork for your ROMs and access some online features, but this extra purchase adds to the overall cost of the device. For more info, check out the R36S reddit page and wiki for complete guides. Check them out on Amazon!
Let’s talk about audio. The built-in speaker on the R36S isn’t going to win any awards for sound quality. It’s functional at best. But here’s the thing: it delivers that nostalgic sound we all know and love from the GameBoy and SNES days. It’s not going to blow you away with crisp highs and booming bass, but it definitely hits the right notes when it comes to those old-school tunes. If you’re serious about sound quality, though, you’ll want to plug in some headphones.
The R36S is a dream come true for fans of 2D retro gaming on a budget. For under $80, you’re getting a portable console that can emulate a massive variety of classic systems and comes preloaded with over 15,000 games—an incredible value. The compact design and bright 3.5-inch screen make it a solid choice for gaming on the go, and the customizable operating system gives you flexibility in tweaking the console to your liking.
That said, if you're a fan of N64 or PSP games, you’ll likely be disappointed by the emulation performance—these systems just don’t run well on the R36S. The low-quality SD card and lack of built-in Wi-Fi are also drawbacks, but they’re easily addressed with a little investment and still the cheapest option anywhere.
Ultimately, the R36S is a fantastic option for those looking to relive the glory days of 2D gaming without breaking the bank. If you're fine with a few trade-offs in performance and hardware quality, this handheld console is an excellent choice for on-the-go retro gaming. It’s affordable, fun, and portable—a perfect throwback to the golden era of portable gaming. Check them out on Amazon!
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