The R36S has established itself as one of the best budget-friendly retro gaming consoles. Its compact size, 3.5-inch 640x480 screen, Linux system with an EmulationStation-like interface, broad emulator compatibility, and dual microSD card slots: everything is designed for playing anywhere, without breaking the bank. This 2025 guide explains the actual specifications, performance by system (from the NES to the PSP), alternative operating systems, battery life, connectivity, best practices for optimization, and answers to frequently asked questions.
What is the R36S and who is it made for?
The R36S is a vertical, emulation-oriented handheld console running Linux with an interface designed for retro libraries. Its price-to-performance ratio makes it ideal for gamers who want a simple and effective experience up to the PlayStation 1 generation, with the possibility of trying out certain N64 and PSP titles depending on the settings. Several reviews rank it as a very compelling budget option for beginners without sacrificing essential features.
detailed technical specifications
Screen
• 3.5 inch, laminated IPS panel, 640 × 480 resolution. This 4:3 resolution is ideal for retro consoles, it avoids excessive upscaling and keeps pixels sharp.
Processor and memory
• Rockchip RK3326 SoC, quad-core ARM Cortex-A35, frequencies up to ~1.5 GHz depending on build.
• 64-bit Linux OS, EmulationStation/ArkOS interface depending on SD cards.
Storage
• Dual microSD slots, frequently supplied with a system card and a "game" card. Recommended expansion up to 256 GB (and more depending on the manufacturer).
Audio
• Built-in speaker and 3.5 mm headphone jack. System audio settings via the OS. (Typical features are documented in the product sheets detailing the speaker, jack, and software mixing.)
Battery and battery life
• Battery around 3200 mAh, advertised as lasting up to 6 hours depending on usage, emulator and brightness. Charges at 5V/2A via USB-C.
connectivity and ergonomics
The R36S features a Game Boy-like design with a D-pad, four face buttons, L1/L2 and R1/R2 triggers, and two clickable analog sticks (depending on the revision). Several reviews highlight its decent ergonomics for its size, with controls that could be improved but are acceptable considering the price.
emulation performance per system
Performance varies depending on the OS, the "cores" chosen, and the optimizations.
• 8-bit and 16-bit (NES, Master System, Game Boy/Color, SNES, Mega Drive)
Smooth emulation across almost the entire catalog. Lightweight shaders and 60Hz sync provide a very clean image on a 480p screen.
• 90's portable consoles (Game Boy Advance, Neo Geo Pocket, WonderSwan)
Overall perfect, including GBA with zero frameskip on most titles.
• PlayStation 1
Key feature of the R36S: PS1 runs very well on the majority of games with 1x or 2x rendering depending on the title.
• Nintendo 64
Results vary. Some games run correctly with precise settings; others require compromises (frameskip/overclock) and remain inconsistent.
• PSP
Emulation is "on a case-by-case basis". Many lightweight 2D or 3D games are playable with adapted PPSSPP settings; more demanding games suffer from framerate drops.
alternative operating systems and firmware
The R36S often comes with ArkOS/EmulationStation pre-configured. Alternative firmwares exist or have existed (JELOS, other RK3326 derivatives), but their support on the R36S has been inconsistent. ArkOS remains a reliable and simple option for most gamers. If you explore JELOS, expect to rely on community guides and accept some compatibility limitations.
dual microSD: how to organize your cards
• Map 1: system (OS, themes, settings).
• Map 2: game and media libraries, to clearly separate the OS from the ROMs and facilitate backups.
This partitioning is popular because it simplifies library reinstallations and migrations.
autonomy and best practices
With a battery of approximately 3200 mAh, expect several hours of continuous gameplay. To optimize performance:
• Slightly reduce the screen brightness,
• Avoid heavy shaders on N64/PSP
• Close background apps,
• Turn off Wi-Fi if not needed.
Official figures say "up to 6 hours", but this depends heavily on the emulated system and the sound volume.
Quick comparison: r36s vs miyoo mini plus
• Power and compatibility: The R36S, based on the RK3326, is known for being more flexible and often performs better on certain systems than the Miyoo Mini Plus, especially thanks to its joysticks and OS options; in contrast, the Miyoo Mini Plus impresses with its compact size, ergonomics, and user-friendly OnionOS. The choice depends on your priorities: performance and versatility on one hand, simplicity and comfort on the other.
user experience and perceived quality
User feedback highlights an excellent budget option: a clear screen, decent sound, a familiar interface, and a pleasant feel for short to medium-length sessions. A few criticisms focus on the button feel and the need for slight software tweaking to get the most out of each system.
ideal configuration for purchase
• Opt for a clean system board with a recent version of ArkOS.
• Prepare a microSD card dedicated to games, categorized by system.
• Enable media scraping (album covers, short videos) for a motivating visual library.
• Test multiple cores/emus per system and save your profiles per console.
These steps reflect what many testers and specialist guides recommend on RK3326 devices.
Legal: What you need to know about games
The R36S can launch save files of your own games. Downloading copyrighted ROMs is illegal in many countries. Keep your personal dumps and originals, and choose royalty-free content whenever possible. (Reminder of common usage in the press and retro gaming communities; adapt according to local laws.)
Frequently asked questions about the R36S
Does the R36S run the PlayStation 1 properly?
Yes, most PS1 games run very well with the appropriate emulator and standard settings.
Can you play N64 and PSP games?
It's possible, but it varies. Expect to adjust settings and accept graphical compromises on some demanding titles.
What is the screen resolution?
3.5 inches in 640 × 480 on laminated IPS panel.
What is the actual range?
Up to approximately 6 hours depending on usage, with a ~3200 mAh battery and 5 V / 2 A charging.
ArkOS, JELOS… which OS to choose?
For simplicity and stability, ArkOS is often recommended. JELOS and other firmwares exist but require more technical support and are not always officially supported depending on the R36S version.
Can the storage capacity be expanded?
Yes, via microSD up to 256 GB (or even more depending on the version), often with two separate slots.
conclusion
The R36S remains one of the best entry points into portable emulation in 2025. Its 480p screen, perfectly suited to retro gaming, its proven RK3326 SoC, its emulator compatibility, and its dual microSD slots make it a safe choice for discovering or rediscovering thousands of classic games in a compact and affordable machine. For a smooth experience, use the latest version of ArkOS, organize your libraries properly, and adjust the N64/PSP settings as needed. The result is impressive considering the price, and of sufficient quality to support your collection for years to come.