R36S vs Anbernic RG35XX: Complete Comparison Guide
The R36S and Anbernic RG35XX are both excellent budget retro gaming handhelds, but they come from very different backgrounds. Anbernic is an established brand with official support, while the R36S offers raw power at an unbeatable price. Let’s break down which one deserves your money.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | R36S | Anbernic RG35XX |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 3.5 inches IPS | 3.5 inches IPS |
| Resolution | 640×480 | 640×480 |
| Processor | RK3326 Quad-core 1.5GHz | H700 Quad-core 1.5GHz (2024 version) |
| RAM | 1GB DDR3 | 1GB LPDDR4 (2024 version) |
| Battery | 3200mAh (4-6 hours) | 2600mAh (6-7 hours) |
| Storage | Dual microSD slots | Single microSD slot |
| WiFi | Via USB dongle | Built-in (2024 version) |
| Brand Support | Community only | Official Anbernic support |
| Build Quality | Good | Premium |
| Price Range | $20-$45 | $50-$70 |
Understanding the RG35XX Variants
Before diving deeper, it’s important to note that the RG35XX comes in several variants:
RG35XX Family
- RG35XX (Original): Cortex-A9 processor, 256MB RAM — weaker than R36S
- RG35XX (2024): H700 processor, 1GB RAM — matches R36S power
- RG35XX Plus: Horizontal form factor variant
- RG35XX H: Horizontal with dual analogue sticks
- RG35XX Pro (2026): Latest version with improvements
The Key Differences Explained
1. Brand Recognition and Support
This is Anbernic’s biggest advantage. As an established brand, the RG35XX comes with:
R36S Support
- No official manufacturer support
- Community-driven firmware
- Clone/counterfeit risks
- No warranty (typically)
- Active Reddit/Discord communities
Anbernic RG35XX Support
- Official Anbernic warranty
- Regular firmware updates
- Authentic units from official store
- Customer service available
- Established repair/parts ecosystem
2. Build Quality and Finish
Anbernic devices are known for their premium build quality:
| Aspect | R36S | Anbernic RG35XX |
|---|---|---|
| Shell Material | Good plastic | Premium matte plastic |
| Button Quality | Acceptable | Clicky, responsive |
| D-Pad Feel | Can be stiff | Game Boy-like quality |
| Screen Fit | Good | Precision fit, minimal gap |
| Creaking/Flex | Minimal | Solid, no flex |
| Colour Options | Limited | Multiple transparent/solid options |
Our Take: If you’re particular about build quality and want that premium “Nintendo quality” feel, the RG35XX delivers. The R36S is perfectly functional but feels more budget-oriented.
3. Performance Comparison
With the 2024 RG35XX update, both devices now offer comparable performance:
| System | R36S | RG35XX (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| 8-bit (NES, GB) | Perfect | Perfect |
| 16-bit (SNES, Genesis) | Perfect | Perfect |
| GBA | Perfect | Perfect |
| PS1 | Excellent | Excellent |
| N64 | Partial (some games) | Partial (some games) |
| Dreamcast | Limited | Limited |
| PSP | Some games | Some games |
4. Storage and Expandability
R36S Storage
- Dual microSD slots
- Separate OS and game cards
- Easy to swap game libraries
- Upgrade storage independently
- No practical size limit
RG35XX Storage
- Single microSD slot
- OS and games on same card
- Simpler setup
- Sufficient for most users
- 64GB typically included
5. Custom Firmware Options
Both devices have excellent custom firmware support:
| Firmware | R36S | RG35XX |
|---|---|---|
| ArkOS | Excellent support | Supported |
| GammaOS | Supported | Supported |
| Knulli | Supported | Supported |
| Stock Firmware | Basic | Polished |
| Community Activity | Very active | Very active |
Price vs Value Analysis
Cost Breakdown
| Device | Price | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| R36S | $20-$45 | Maximum performance per dollar |
| RG35XX | $50-$70 | Premium build + brand support |
| RG35XX Pro | $50-$70 | Latest improvements + dual sticks |
Price premium for RG35XX: ~$25-$40 more for build quality, brand support, and peace of mind.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the R36S if:
- Budget is the priority — Best value in the market
- You want dual SD slots — Better storage management
- You’re comfortable with community support — Active Discord/Reddit
- You enjoy tinkering — Custom firmware exploration
- You want to test the waters — Low-risk entry point
Choose the RG35XX if:
- Build quality matters — Premium feel and durability
- You want official support — Warranty and customer service
- You prefer established brands — Anbernic reputation
- WiFi built-in is important — No dongles needed
- You’re buying as a gift — More polished out-of-box experience
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Value for Money | R36S |
| Build Quality | RG35XX |
| Brand Support | RG35XX |
| Performance | Tie |
| Storage Flexibility | R36S |
| Out-of-Box Experience | RG35XX |
| Custom Firmware | Tie |
| Gift-Giving | RG35XX |
The Bottom Line:
- The R36S is the smart budget choice — same performance at half the price, with excellent community support
- The Anbernic RG35XX is the premium choice — better build quality, official support, and a more polished experience
If you’re on a tight budget or want to try retro handheld gaming without a big investment, the R36S is the obvious choice. If you want something that feels premium and comes with proper support, the extra cost for the RG35XX is justified.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the RG35XX worth double the price?
It depends on your priorities. The RG35XX offers better build quality, official support, and a more polished experience. If those matter to you, yes. If you just want to play games, the R36S delivers identical performance for less.
Which one is more reliable long-term?
The RG35XX’s superior build quality suggests better longevity. However, many R36S units are still going strong after years of use. Proper care matters more than brand.
Can I use the same SD card in both devices?
Generally yes, if running similar firmware. However, some optimisations are device-specific, so it’s best to use purpose-built images for each device.
Which has better resale value?
Anbernic devices typically hold their value better due to brand recognition. The R36S’s low initial price means resale value is less of a concern.