Is R36S Worth It? Honest Review & Buyer Guide
Thinking about buying an R36S? Here's everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
Quick Verdict
Yes, the R36S is absolutely worth it for retro gaming enthusiasts on a budget. At around $40-60, it offers incredible value for playing games from PS1, N64, SNES, and earlier systems.
What You Get
Hardware Specs
- Screen: 3.5" IPS display (640x480)
- CPU: RK3326 quad-core
- RAM: 1GB DDR3
- Battery: 3200mAh
- Storage: Dual SD card slots
Pre-loaded Games
Most R36S units come with 15,000+ pre-loaded games spanning multiple systems.
Pros ✅
Incredible Value
For the price, you get a device that can play thousands of games. No other handheld offers this price-to-performance ratio.
Excellent Screen
The IPS display is sharp and vibrant - much better than cheap handhelds with TN panels.
Dual SD Card Slots
Separate cards for system and games means easy game management and safer OS updates.
Long Battery Life
5-8 hours of gameplay is great for a device at this price.
Great Emulation
Smooth performance for:
- 8-bit systems (NES, Master System)
- 16-bit systems (SNES, Genesis)
- 32-bit systems (PS1, Saturn)
- Handhelds (GBA, PSP)
- N64 (most games)
Cons ❌
Stock SD Cards
The included SD cards are low quality. Replace them immediately.
No WiFi
Can't download games or updates wirelessly.
GameCube/Wii Not Supported
The hardware can't handle newer systems.
Build Quality Varies
Quality control isn't perfect; some units have issues.
Who Should Buy R36S?
Perfect For:
- Retro gaming enthusiasts on a budget
- Nostalgic gamers wanting to replay classics
- Gift for gamers
- Travel gaming companion
- First-time handheld emulator users
Not Ideal For:
- Those wanting GameCube/Wii/PS2 games
- People who need WiFi connectivity
- Those unwilling to replace SD cards
- Premium build quality seekers
Alternatives to Consider
| Device | Price | Better At |
|---|---|---|
| R36H | $50-70 | Horizontal form factor |
| Anbernic RG35XX | $60-80 | Build quality |
| Miyoo Mini Plus | $60-70 | Portability |
| Retroid Pocket 3 | $100+ | Android games, streaming |
Final Verdict
Score: 8.5/10
The R36S is the best budget retro gaming handheld available. Replace the SD cards, and you'll have a reliable device for thousands of hours of gaming.
Recommended for: Anyone wanting affordable portable retro gaming.
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