Looking for a portable console that transports you back to the golden age of video games? The R36S has captured the attention of retro enthusiasts with its affordable price ($30–$90) and ability to emulate thousands of classic games, from Super Mario Bros. (NES) to God of War: Chains of Olympus (PSP). Featuring a 3.5-inch IPS display, long-lasting battery, and support for over 20 systems like SNES, PlayStation, Neo Geo, and Capcom CPS, this console promises nostalgia in your pocket. But does it live up to the hype? In this article, we explore R36S reviews, its strengths, limitations, and whether it’s truly worth it for casual gamers, collectors, and newcomers. Join us on this retro journey!
What Do R36S Reviews Say?
The R36S has created a buzz in the retro community, with opinions ranging from excitement over its value to critiques of technical details. Based on user reviews from sites like consolar36s.net, Reddit, and retrohandhelds.gg, here’s the big picture:
Common Praise:
- Unbeatable Value for Money: For $30–$50 on platforms like AliExpress, the R36S offers 10,000–20,000 pre-installed games, covering systems like Game Boy Advance (Pokémon Emerald), Sega Mega Drive (Sonic the Hedgehog), and PS1 (Final Fantasy VII). Users on X call it “the best $40 deal.”
- Portability and Design: Its lightweight design (~140 g) and 640×480 IPS screen earn praise for making games like Metal Slug (Neo Geo) or Street Fighter II (Capcom CPS1) look vibrant. Reviews on consolar36s.net highlight its “solid build” and “instant nostalgia.”
- Emulation Versatility: It supports systems from NES to PSP, including rarities like PC Engine (R-Type) and Capcom CPS3 (Street Fighter III). Reddit fans appreciate the ability to customize it with legal ROMs via microSD.
- Decent Battery: With 6–8 hours of playtime, it’s ideal for marathons of Zelda (Game Boy Color) or Mario Kart DS (Nintendo DS), according to Trustpilot users.
Common Criticisms:
- Generic microSD Card: Many, like on retrohandhelds.gg, suggest replacing the included card with a SanDisk to avoid failures, especially for systems like Dreamcast (Crazy Taxi).
- Improvable Buttons: Some Reddit users find the ABXY buttons stiff after long sessions of Super Mario 64 (N64), though it doesn’t ruin the experience.
- Performance on Advanced Systems: N64 (GoldenEye 007) and PSP (Crisis Core) games may lag without tweaks, per bubbleretro.com.
- Slow Shipping: Trustpilot reviews mention waits of up to two weeks from Chinese factories, though the final product makes up for it.
Overall, the R36S shines as a budget-friendly option for those wanting to play Chrono Trigger (SNES) or Metal Gear Solid (PS1) hassle-free, but it requires some patience for shipping and tweaks for demanding systems.
R36S Reviews: Is It Worth It?
Sonya Martin
Norcross, GA
A gem! ArkOS came perfectly preconfigured. I loved finding so many games in Spanish, especially SNES and PS1 classics. The battery lasts about 6 hours of continuous play. The only minor issue is that some Dreamcast games run a little slowly, but the rest is perfect.
Catherine Lopez
Southfield, MI
Excellent handheld console. The ArkOS installation is perfect, and all emulators work wonderfully. The Spanish-language games are a plus, although some have jumbled text. The screen is clear, and the controls respond very well. I only noticed that the right speaker is a bit quieter than the left.
Johnny Schade
Martinsburg, WV
The number of games it comes pre-installed is incredible, many of them in Spanish. ArkOS runs smoothly and the interface is very intuitive. The battery life is spectacular, lasting more than 5 hours of playing PSP games. The only drawback is that the charging cable could be longer.
Sergio Vázquez
Norcross, GA
The best retro console I’ve ever owned. ArkOS comes ready to use, and the games are perfectly organized by console. A great collection in Spanish, especially classic RPGs. The battery lasts all day with moderate use. The fan is a bit noisy, but only during heavy games.
Pablo Jiménez
Southfield, MI
Everything was perfect with the console. ArkOS is very stable, and the emulation is excellent. I was pleasantly surprised to find so many games in Spanish, even some that were never officially translated. The IPS display is spectacular. I only had minor issues with a few PSP games that required additional configuration.
Diego Martín
Martinsburg, WV
ArkOS works wonderfully, very intuitive and easy to use. The game library is extensive and well-organized, with many titles in Spanish. The battery life is impressive, lasting over 6 hours of GBA play. The only drawback is that some PS1 games take a while to load, but they work perfectly.
Key R36S Features
Para entender si la R36S vale la pena, veamos qué ofrece:
To gauge if the R36S is worth it, let’s look at what it offers:
- 3.5-Inch IPS Display: With 640×480 resolution, it’s perfect for the pixels of Pokémon Yellow (Game Boy) or early 3D graphics of Resident Evil (PS1). Users on techtactician.com praise its clarity compared to consoles like the Miyoo Mini Plus.
- Multi-Platform Emulation: Runs over 20 systems, including:
- 8-bit: NES (Super Mario Bros.), Game Boy (Tetris).
- 16-bit: SNES (Super Metroid), Sega Mega Drive (Streets of Rage), PC Engine (Bonk’s Adventure).
- Arcade: Capcom CPS1 (Final Fight), CPS2 (Marvel vs. Capcom), CPS3 (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure), Neo Geo (King of Fighters), MAME (Pac-Man).
- 32-bit and beyond: PS1 (Crash Bandicoot), Dreamcast (Sonic Adventure), PSP (God of War), Nintendo DS (Pokémon Black).
- 3500mAh Battery: Up to 8 hours of play, ideal for Link’s Awakening (Game Boy Color) on long trips.
- Linux System (ArkOS): Allows customization of emulators like mGBA (Game Boy Advance) or PPSSPP (PSP). Reddit reviews praise its flexibility for adding ROMs like Sonic Chaos (Game Gear).
- Full Controls: Dual joysticks, D-pad, and L/R buttons for games like GoldenEye 007 (N64). While some note stiffness, most find it functional.
Technical Note: Its RK3326 processor and Mali-G31MP2 GPU handle up to PS1 well, but systems like N64 or PSP may need specific configurations, per pocketgameconsole.com.
User Experience: What’s It Like to Play on the R36S?
Turning on the R36S feels like opening a treasure chest of memories. The ArkOS menu displays systems from NES to PSP, and within seconds, you can be playing Super Mario World (SNES) or Metal Slug (MAME). The screen makes Pokémon Crystal (Game Boy Color) colors pop, while controls are intuitive for Street Fighter III (Capcom CPS3). Reviews on consolar36s.net highlight the thrill of rediscovering Final Fantasy VII (PS1) on such a compact device.
For beginners, it’s plug-and-play: pick Sonic the Hedgehog (Mega Drive) and go. For enthusiasts, customization is a plus—add ROMs for R-Type (PC Engine) or tweak emulators like Flycast for Shenmue (Dreamcast). X users report setting up to 50,000 games, though this takes time and a good microSD. The battery lasts through long Mario Kart DS (Nintendo DS) sessions, but PSP games like GTA: Vice City Stories may drain it faster.
Parents share on Trustpilot that their kids enjoy Tetris (Game Boy) without fuss, while adult gamers value reliving King of Fighters ‘98 (Neo Geo). However, some Reddit users warn that buttons can tire hands in intense games like Super Mario 64 (N64), and advanced systems like PSP require tweaks for optimal performance.
Comparison: R36S vs. Other Retro Consoles
¿Cómo How does the R36S stack up against competitors? Here’s a table for clarity:
| Feature | R36S | Miyoo Mini Plus | Anbernic RG35XX |
| Price | $30–$90 | $60–$80 | $50–$100 |
| Screen | 3.5″ IPS (640×480) | 3.5″ IPS (640×480) | 3.5″ IPS (640×480) |
| Pre-installed Games | 10,000–20,000 (up to PSP) | 5,000–10,000 (up to PS1) | 5,000–10,000 (up to PS1) |
| Supported Systems | Up to PSP, Dreamcast, N64 | Up to PS1 | Up to PS1 |
| Battery | 6–8 hours (3500mAh) | 5–6 hours | 5–6 hours |
| Weight | ~140 g | ~110 g | ~165 g |
| Customization | High (ArkOS, microSD) | High (OnionOS) | Moderate (GarlicOS) |
Analysis: The R36S leads in price and game count, with support for advanced systems like PSP and Dreamcast, per techtactician.com. The Miyoo Mini Plus is lighter with better initial software (OnionOS) but doesn’t emulate PSP. The Anbernic RG35XX offers sturdier build quality but a smaller library. If you want Metal Slug (MAME) or Pokémon FireRed (GBA) on a budget, the R36S is hard to beat.
Where to Buy the R36S?
The R36S is available from various sites, but choose carefully:
- consolar36s.net: 64GB/128GB models for £65–£67, with reliable shipping. Ideal for Europe.
- AliExpress: Deals from $24–$40, but check reviews to avoid clones. Reddit users recommend sellers like BOYHOM.
- retromini.com: Clear details on emulators like Capcom CPS2 and PSP.
- Amazon: $50–$90, with fast delivery, but higher prices.
- consolar36s.net: Ships in 6–8 days, with storage options.
Warning: Trustpilot reviews flag cheap knockoffs with faulty microSD cards. Buy from verified stores and consider a quality microSD.
Pros and Cons: Is It for You?
Pros:
- Massive library: 10,000–20,000 games, from Tetris (Game Boy) to Crisis Core (PSP).
- Affordable price: $30–$90, great for beginners or collectors.
- Portable and light: Perfect for Super Metroid (SNES) anywhere.
- Customizable: Add ROMs for Sonic Adventure (Dreamcast) or update with AmberElec.
- Vibrant screen: Great quality for Pokémon Crystal (Game Boy Color).
Cons:
- Stiff buttons: May bother in GoldenEye 007 (N64) after hours.
- Weak microSD: Swap for a SanDisk for Street Fighter III (Capcom CPS3).
- Mixed PSP/N64 performance: Games like Crisis Core need tweaks.
- Variable shipping: Up to 2 weeks from China, per Trustpilot.
Verdict: The R36S is ideal if you want a cheap console for Final Fight (Capcom CPS1), Chrono Trigger (SNES), or Pokémon Emerald (GBA) without hassle. If you need flawless PSP emulation or dislike long shipping, consider options like the Retroid Pocket 3+ ($150).
Is the R36S Worth It?
After analyzing reviews and features, the answer depends on your priorities. For $30–$90, the R36S delivers an unmatched retro library, from Pac-Man (MAME) to Resident Evil (PS1), with portability and customization that delight fans. Reddit users love it for carrying “thousands of games in your pocket,” and X posts call it a “nostalgia treasure.” While buttons and the microSD need improvement, its price makes these flaws forgivable.
Who It’s For:
- Casual Gamers: Enjoy Super Mario Bros. (NES) without complex setups.
- Parents: A safe way to share Tetris (Game Boy) with kids.
- Retro Enthusiasts: Customize with ROMs for R-Type (PC Engine) or King of Fighters (Neo Geo).
- Tight Budgets: Cheaper than an AAA game, with Metal Slug (MAME) included.
Who It’s Not For:
- Those wanting perfect PSP/N64 emulation without tweaks.
- Those preferring premium consoles like Anbernic ($100+).
- Those frustrated by long shipping.
Conclusion:
The R36S is a gem for retro lovers who value nostalgia over perfection. Buy from consolar36s.net or AliExpress, replace the microSD, and get ready to relive Super Mario World (SNES) or Metal Gear Solid (PS1). What’s your favorite classic? Tell us and join the retro fever!