R36S Long-Term Review and Battery Test: Difference between revisions
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|keywords=R36S, battery, test, handheld, retro, gaming, cheap, specs, video, review, cfw, firmware, download links, compatibility}}{{TOC|limit=4}}{{Movetotop}}{{SectionStyleStart}} | |keywords=R36S, battery, test, handheld, retro, gaming, cheap, specs, video, review, cfw, firmware, download links, compatibility}}{{TOC|limit=4}}{{Movetotop}}{{SectionStyleStart}} | ||
== Device in this test == | == Device in this test == | ||
<div> | <div> | ||
<li style="display: inline-block; vertical-align: top;"> [[File:R36S after 17 months of useage.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Photo from September 22, 2025 after 17 months of | <li style="display: inline-block; vertical-align: top;"> [[File:R36S after 17 months of useage.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Photo from September 22, 2025 after 17 months of usage]] </li> | ||
</div> | </div> | ||
* Bought on Mar 19, 2024 (you should avoid this store now as it's possible to receive a [[R36S_Clones|clone]]) | * Bought on Mar 19, 2024 from ProQueen Store (you should avoid this store now as it's possible to receive a [[R36S_Clones|clone]]). | ||
* Original | * Original screen panel. | ||
* Tested various custom firmwares and SD cards in the past 17 months | * Tested various custom firmwares and SD cards in the past 17 months. | ||
* Beat multiple games on it | * Beat multiple games on it. | ||
* My nephew had it for around 2 months (he is 7 years old) | * My nephew had it for around 2 months (he is 7 years old). | ||
* Gameplay time is probably around 150 hours | * Gameplay time is probably around 150 hours. | ||
* Screen on time is a lot longer as I created most of the [[ | * Screen on time is a lot longer as I created most of the [[R36S Handheld Wiki|R36S wiki]] with it (I tested lots of stuff, firmwares, themes, SSH'd into it countless times, took a lot of screenshots and even recorded a few videos on it). | ||
{{SectionStyleEnd}} | {{SectionStyleEnd}} | ||
{{SectionStyleStart}} | {{SectionStyleStart}} | ||
== Battery Test == | == Battery Test == | ||
The battery is still very strong and I was kinda surprised by the test result. Here is how it was tested: | The battery is still very strong and I was kinda surprised by the test result. Here is how it was tested: | ||
| Line 25: | Line 25: | ||
* 50% screen brightness | * 50% screen brightness | ||
* sound off | * sound off | ||
* | * Pokémon Fire Red (GBA) with 4x fast-forward (240fps) | ||
After 5 1/2 hours the Red LED low battery indicator goes off. After 5 3/4 hours the red and blue LEDs starts flashing. After '''6 hours and 39 minutes''' the R36S shut off. | After 5 1/2 hours, the Red LED low battery indicator goes off. After 5 3/4 hours, the red and blue LEDs starts flashing. After '''6 hours and 39 minutes''', the R36S shut off. | ||
{{SectionStyleEnd}} | {{SectionStyleEnd}} | ||
| Line 34: | Line 34: | ||
== Buttons == | == Buttons == | ||
The only mods I did was the silent shoulder button mod with some foam and I loosend the mainboard screw a little to reduce the | The only mods I did was the silent shoulder button mod with some foam, and I also loosend the mainboard screw a little to reduce the D-pad stiffness. After all the usage, the face buttons and D-pad somehow feel better than they were brand new. | ||
All buttons are working fine. No stick drift. | All buttons are working fine. No stick drift. | ||
| Line 42: | Line 42: | ||
== Plastic == | == Plastic == | ||
It holds up surprisingly well. It only has a few small scratches which is totally normal. I got a TPU case for extra protection a few months ago and the R36S survived around 2 months with my 7 year old nephew which I didn't expect. | It holds up surprisingly well. It only has a few small scratches, which is totally normal. I got a TPU case for extra protection a few months ago and the R36S survived around 2 months with my 7 year old nephew, which I didn't expect. | ||
{{SectionStyleEnd}} | {{SectionStyleEnd}} | ||
| Line 48: | Line 48: | ||
== Screen == | == Screen == | ||
The screen is as good as on the first day. | The screen is as good as on the first day. Has great colors and is very bright at 100%. Everything is working fine and it has no cracks or dead pixels. | ||
{{SectionStyleEnd}} | {{SectionStyleEnd}} | ||
{{SectionStyleStart}} | {{SectionStyleStart}} | ||
== Showcase == | == Showcase == | ||
<div> | <div> | ||
<li style="display: inline-block; vertical-align: top;"> [[File:Protlayer.jpg|thumb|none| | <li style="display: inline-block; vertical-align: top;"> [[File:Protlayer.jpg|thumb|none|550px|R36S in travel/storage bag]] </li> | ||
<li style="display: inline-block; vertical-align: top;"> [[File:R36S and 3D printed grip.jpg|thumb|none| | <li style="display: inline-block; vertical-align: top;"> [[File:R36S and 3D printed grip.jpg|thumb|none|355px|3D printed grip really enhances the ergonomics]] </li> | ||
<li style="display: inline-block; vertical-align: top;"> [[File:saturday-evening-nostalgia-trip-v0-0kwi2ge1jqdd1.webp|thumb|none|400px|Heroes of Might and Magic III (PortMaster)]] </li> | <li style="display: inline-block; vertical-align: top;"> [[File:saturday-evening-nostalgia-trip-v0-0kwi2ge1jqdd1.webp|thumb|none|400px|Heroes of Might and Magic III (PortMaster)]] </li> | ||
<li style="display: inline-block; vertical-align: top;"> [[File:saturday-evening-nostalgia-trip-v0-isr51he1jqdd1.webp|thumb|none|400px|My | <li style="display: inline-block; vertical-align: top;"> [[File:saturday-evening-nostalgia-trip-v0-isr51he1jqdd1.webp|thumb|none|400px|My Pokémon Yellow team (Game Boy)]] </li> | ||
<li style="display: inline-block; vertical-align: top;"> [[File:saturday-evening-nostalgia-trip-v0-tqj4xfe1jqdd1.webp|thumb|none|400px|Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 Color Edition (Game Boy Color)]] </li> | <li style="display: inline-block; vertical-align: top;"> [[File:saturday-evening-nostalgia-trip-v0-tqj4xfe1jqdd1.webp|thumb|none|400px|Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 Color Edition (Game Boy Color)]] </li> | ||
<li style="display: inline-block; vertical-align: top;"> [[File:saturday-evening-nostalgia-trip-v0-ff58phe1jqdd1.webp|thumb|none|400px|Chrono Trigger (SNES)]] </li> | <li style="display: inline-block; vertical-align: top;"> [[File:saturday-evening-nostalgia-trip-v0-ff58phe1jqdd1.webp|thumb|none|400px|Chrono Trigger (SNES)]] </li> | ||
| Line 70: | Line 69: | ||
== Alternative Devices == | == Alternative Devices == | ||
For the low price of around [[R36S Buying Guide|20-25€]] there really are no alternatives in this price range that have as good custom firmware and community support as the R36S. The XX, Plus and H model from Game Console come very close, but they cost a little more. A test of these can be found here: [[R36S vs R36XX vs R36Plus vs R36H]] | For the low price of around [[R36S Buying Guide|20-25€]], there really are no alternatives in this price range that have as good custom firmware and community support as the R36S. The XX, Plus and H model from Game Console come very close, but they cost a little more. A test of these can be found here: [[R36S vs R36XX vs R36Plus vs R36H]] | ||
For around 35-40€ I can recommend the [[ | For around 35-40€ I can recommend the [[BATLEXP G350]], which has way better button quality than the R36S. | ||
If you want to have better buttons, built in | If you want to have better buttons, built in WiFi, Bluetooth and HDMI out, I can recommend the vertical [[Anbernic RG40XX V|RG40XX V]] or horizontal [[Anbernic RG40XX H|RG40XX H]]. You'll need to spend around 50-60€ for these. | ||
If you want a | If you want a device that can play more systems like GameCube, PS2 and even some Switch titles, then the vertical [[Anbernic RG406V|RG406V]] or horizontal [[Anbernic RG406H|RG406H]] might be ideal for you. Price is around 130-150€ for these. | ||
{{SectionStyleEnd}} | {{SectionStyleEnd}} | ||
Latest revision as of 00:11, 7 November 2025
Device in this test[edit]
- Bought on Mar 19, 2024 from ProQueen Store (you should avoid this store now as it's possible to receive a clone).
- Original screen panel.
- Tested various custom firmwares and SD cards in the past 17 months.
- Beat multiple games on it.
- My nephew had it for around 2 months (he is 7 years old).
- Gameplay time is probably around 150 hours.
- Screen on time is a lot longer as I created most of the R36S wiki with it (I tested lots of stuff, firmwares, themes, SSH'd into it countless times, took a lot of screenshots and even recorded a few videos on it).
Battery Test[edit]
The battery is still very strong and I was kinda surprised by the test result. Here is how it was tested:
- 50% screen brightness
- sound off
- Pokémon Fire Red (GBA) with 4x fast-forward (240fps)
After 5 1/2 hours, the Red LED low battery indicator goes off. After 5 3/4 hours, the red and blue LEDs starts flashing. After 6 hours and 39 minutes, the R36S shut off.
Buttons[edit]
The only mods I did was the silent shoulder button mod with some foam, and I also loosend the mainboard screw a little to reduce the D-pad stiffness. After all the usage, the face buttons and D-pad somehow feel better than they were brand new.
All buttons are working fine. No stick drift.
Plastic[edit]
It holds up surprisingly well. It only has a few small scratches, which is totally normal. I got a TPU case for extra protection a few months ago and the R36S survived around 2 months with my 7 year old nephew, which I didn't expect.
Screen[edit]
The screen is as good as on the first day. Has great colors and is very bright at 100%. Everything is working fine and it has no cracks or dead pixels.
Showcase[edit]
Alternative Devices[edit]
For the low price of around 20-25€, there really are no alternatives in this price range that have as good custom firmware and community support as the R36S. The XX, Plus and H model from Game Console come very close, but they cost a little more. A test of these can be found here: R36S vs R36XX vs R36Plus vs R36H
For around 35-40€ I can recommend the BATLEXP G350, which has way better button quality than the R36S.
If you want to have better buttons, built in WiFi, Bluetooth and HDMI out, I can recommend the vertical RG40XX V or horizontal RG40XX H. You'll need to spend around 50-60€ for these.
If you want a device that can play more systems like GameCube, PS2 and even some Switch titles, then the vertical RG406V or horizontal RG406H might be ideal for you. Price is around 130-150€ for these.
Where to buy a R36S[edit]
Check the R36S Buying Guide for
- links to the cheapest listings
- trusted sellers
- general AliExpress advice/tips
- cheap accessories
- similar and better handhelds
Other Projects at the Handhelds Wiki
