Is the R36S worth it for a first retro handheld?

Yes, if you want a cheap way to play classic games on the go. Expect to replace the SD card and possibly the firmware.

How does it compare with the Anbernic RG35XX?

The R36S adds a second joystick for 3D games, while the RG35XX has better build quality and software support. Choose the R36S for sticks, the RG35XX for polish.

What consoles can it emulate?

It handles 8- and 16-bit systems well and most PlayStation and PSP titles, with some heavier games dropping frames.

Does it come with games preloaded?

Yes, it ships with a large library across many platforms. Many titles are duplicates, and you can add your own ROMs.

How is the battery life?

Owners report roughly 4 to 6 hours of play depending on the system and brightness. It charges over USB-C.

Can I add my own games?

Yes. You copy ROMs onto the SD card, and custom firmware makes managing them easier.

Where is the R36S Retro Video Game Console cheapest?

At Ownnit Store, for $122.00, as of our latest check.

What do buyers say about the R36S Retro Video Game Console?

Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 463 ratings.

R36S Retro Video Game Console

Best price now

$122.00at Ownnit StoreChecked Nov 12

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Ownnit Store

R36S Retro Video Game Console

Best price now

$122.00at Ownnit StoreChecked Nov 12

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Ownnit Store

Ask our agent about this product

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Price facts

Last seen at $122.00 at Ownnit Store on Nov 12.

Our take on the R36S Retro Video Game Console

The R36S is a budget handheld emulator that plays classic PlayStation, PSP, Nintendo and Sega titles on a 3.5-inch 640x480 screen. It stands out with dual joysticks, a compact shell and a large preloaded library, which is rare at its level. It suits casual retro fans and tinkerers more than collectors who want perfect emulation. Against rivals like the Anbernic RG35XX, it adds a second stick but has weaker build quality and a louder speaker.

Best forCasual retro gamers on a budgetPlayers who want a second joystick for 3D-era gamesCommuters and travelers wanting a pocket handheldTinkerers willing to swap firmware and SD cards

Pros

Dual joysticks suit PlayStation and PSP-era games
Sharp 640x480 screen for the class
Compact and light enough for a pocket
Large preloaded game library out of the box
Multilingual menus

Cons

Bundled SD card is unreliable and can fail
Stock firmware is basic and needs replacing
Speaker is tinny and loud at low volume
Build feels plasticky next to premium handhelds
Many preloaded ROMs are duplicates or filler

R36S Retro Video Game Console prices at every store

Ownnit StoreNew
In stockShips from the UK · duties may applyReturn policy
$122.00Checked Nov 12
Visit Ownnit Store

What reviewers say

4.9 / 5463 ratings

Owners rate it highly as a cheap entry into handheld emulation, praising the screen and dual sticks. Complaints center on the bundled SD card, the stock software and the speaker.

What people mention

ScreenPraisedOwners call the 640x480 display sharp and bright for a handheld this small.
ControlsPraisedThe dual joysticks are seen as a real advantage for PlayStation and PSP games.
SD cardCriticisedMany report the included card corrupts, and recommend replacing it with a branded one.
FirmwareMixedStock software works but is basic; users often flash custom firmware for better performance.
SoundCriticisedThe speaker is described as tinny and harsh, with headphone use preferred.
BuildMixedIt feels light and pocketable, but the plastic shell is called cheap compared with pricier handhelds.

About the R36S Retro Video Game Console

The R36S is a handheld retro game console that comes preloaded with over 15,000 games from classic platforms, including PlayStation, PSP, Nintendo and Sega.

It has a color screen with a resolution of 640x480 pixels. Dual joysticks give more precise control in games that need it. The compact, lightweight body is designed for comfortable handheld use, with controls that are easy to reach.

The console supports multiple languages. It is built from durable materials for regular use.

Preloaded games: Over 15,000
Game platforms: PlayStation, PSP, Nintendo, Sega and more
Screen resolution: 640x480 pixels
Controls: Dual joysticks
Languages: Multiple languages supported

Questions and answers

Is the R36S worth it for a first retro handheld?: Yes, if you want a cheap way to play classic games on the go. Expect to replace the SD card and possibly the firmware.
How does it compare with the Anbernic RG35XX?: The R36S adds a second joystick for 3D games, while the RG35XX has better build quality and software support. Choose the R36S for sticks, the RG35XX for polish.
What consoles can it emulate?: It handles 8- and 16-bit systems well and most PlayStation and PSP titles, with some heavier games dropping frames.
Does it come with games preloaded?: Yes, it ships with a large library across many platforms. Many titles are duplicates, and you can add your own ROMs.
How is the battery life?: Owners report roughly 4 to 6 hours of play depending on the system and brightness. It charges over USB-C.
Can I add my own games?: Yes. You copy ROMs onto the SD card, and custom firmware makes managing them easier.
Where is the R36S Retro Video Game Console cheapest?: At Ownnit Store, for $122.00, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the R36S Retro Video Game Console?: Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 463 ratings.