Choosing the right budget retro gaming handheld can be confusing with so many similar-looking options on the market. In this guide, we compare three popular devices from the R36 family to help you make the right choice for your gaming needs and budget.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | R36S | R36XX | R36Plus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 3.5″ IPS | 3.5″ IPS | 4.0″ IPS |
| Resolution | 640×480 | 640×480 | 640×480 |
| Chipset | Rockchip RK3326 | Rockchip RK3326 | Rockchip RK3326 |
| RAM | 1GB DDR3L | 1GB DDR3L | 1GB LPDDR4 |
| Storage | Dual TF Card Slots | Dual TF Card Slots | Dual TF Card Slots |
| Battery | 3200mAh | 3200mAh | 3200mAh |
| WiFi | No (External Dongle) | Built-in | Built-in |
| Price (USD) | $35-45 | $50-60 | $55-65 |
| Price (INR) | ₹3,000-4,000 | ₹4,500-5,500 | ₹5,000-6,000 |
Detailed Breakdown
R36S
The R36S was one of the first devices in this lineup and remains a popular entry-level choice for retro gaming enthusiasts.
Pros
- Most affordable option in the R36 family
- Solid build quality for the price
- Good community support with custom firmware
- Handles 8-bit and 16-bit emulation excellently
- Compact and pocketable design
Cons
- Older RK3326 chipset limits performance ceiling
- No built-in WiFi (requires USB dongle)
- Some screen quality inconsistency between batches
- Struggles with PSP and Dreamcast
R36XX
The R36XX shares the same RK3326 chipset as the R36S but adds built-in WiFi and comes in different screen size variants.
Pros
- Built-in WiFi for easy file transfers
- Available in larger screen variants
- Same proven RK3326 chipset as R36S
- Same beloved form factor as R36S
- Good community support
Cons
- Higher price for similar performance
- Same processing power as R36S
- Some games still require tweaking
R36Plus
The R36Plus uses the same RK3326 chipset but features a larger 4.0″ screen, LPDDR4 RAM, and built-in WiFi.
Pros
- Larger 4.0″ IPS display for better visibility
- LPDDR4 RAM for slightly better memory bandwidth
- Built-in WiFi connectivity
- Same proven RK3326 chipset
- Premium feel and build quality
Cons
- Most expensive option in the family
- Same processing power as R36S and R36XX
- Larger size may not fit all pockets
Performance Comparison by System
Since all three devices use the same RK3326 chipset, emulation performance is virtually identical across the lineup:
| System | R36S | R36XX | R36Plus |
|---|---|---|---|
| NES/Famicom | |||
| SNES | |||
| Game Boy/GBC/GBA | |||
| Sega Genesis | |||
| PlayStation 1 | |||
| Nintendo 64 | |||
| PSP | |||
| Dreamcast | |||
| Nintendo DS |
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the R36S if:
- You’re on a tight budget
- You primarily play 8-bit and 16-bit games
- PS1 is the most demanding system you plan to emulate
- You don’t need WiFi connectivity
Choose the R36XX if:
- Built-in WiFi is important to you
- You want the same performance as R36S with added convenience
- You prefer not to deal with external dongles
- You’re willing to pay a bit more for WiFi connectivity
Choose the R36Plus if:
- You want a larger 4.0″ screen for better visibility
- Built-in WiFi is important to you
- You prefer a slightly larger device for comfort
- Text-heavy RPGs are your main focus (easier to read)
Firmware Options
All three devices support community-developed firmware that significantly improves the user experience:
ArkOS
Most popular choice with excellent compatibility and active community support.
JELOS
Another solid option with active development and regular updates.
Batocera
Feature-rich alternative with a polished interface.
We recommend flashing custom firmware for the best experience on any of these devices.
Where to Buy in India
Final Verdict
Since all three devices share the same RK3326 processor, gaming performance is identical. Your choice comes down to features and budget:
The R36S offers the best value — you get the same gaming performance at the lowest price. Add a WiFi dongle if you need wireless transfers.
The R36XX is worth considering only if built-in WiFi is a must-have for you and you prefer the 3.5″ screen size.
The R36Plus makes sense if you want the larger 4.0″ screen for improved visibility and comfort during longer gaming sessions.
Happy gaming! Got questions? Drop them in the comments below.
Written by the HobbyistNirvana Team — your fellow retro gaming enthusiasts.