R36S Buying Guide: Difference between revisions

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Where to buy

The cheapest prices are on AliExpress. Only downside there is the delivery time (up to 2 weeks).

Prices are usually around 25-35€. During sale and with coins+coupons the price can drop under 20€ in some regions.

Cheapest Listings

1 If you want to support this wiki, you can buy a R36S through one of these "affiliate" links. The price won't increase for you. Part of the recieved money will be used for aquiring new devices, testing and documenting them for the handheld community. A part of the money will also go to miraheze, which is the free hosting service that has enabled this project.


⚠️ Attention to people from the US: Due to recent changes in the tariff policies it's recommended to only order from sellers that ship directly from the US. The choice here is very limited and prices of the R36S on AliExpress are higher than on amazon. Plus no one really knows if these stores ship real or clone devices. In the table below (click on 'Expand') there are a few handheld alternatives that are similar to the R36S. These are shipped from within the USA and the new tariffs do not apply.

For preview images and more info, you can check out the US Handheld Buying Guide.

β†ͺ US πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Handheld Buying Guide

US πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ R36S alternatives
Device Link1 Price Details
K36 AliExpress πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ $26.55 Same performance as the R36S. Cheapest handheld available in the US. Uses the Clone / K36 Firmwares.
BATLEXP G350 AliExpress πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ $36.30 πŸ”₯ Same performance as the R36S. Uses the same firmware as the R36S. Way better buttons (Anbernic quality).
ANBERNIC RG28XX AliExpress πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ $39.55 A little faster than the R36S. Very cheap and small horizontal Handheld by Anbernic.
Miyoo Mini V4 AliExpress πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ] $40.88 A little weaker than the R36S. Loved by the community for its small size and pocketability. Has one of the best custom firmwares. Great buttons.
Miyoo Mini + AliExpress πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ] $41.94 A little weaker than the R36S. Bigger version of the Miyoo Mini with a 3.5" screen
MagicX XU10 AliExpress πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ $46.00 Same performance as the R36S. Recommended firmware is AmberELEC.
ANBERNIC RG35XX Plus AliExpress πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ $49.56 A little faster than the R36S. 3.5 inch screen, great build quality/buttons, WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI out, great custom firmware support.
ANBERNIC RG35XXSP AliExpress πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ $51.02 A little faster than the R36S. Clamshell design, great build quality/buttons, WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI out, great custom firmware support.
ANBERNIC RG35XX H AliExpress πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ $53.16 A little faster than the R36S. 3.5 inch screen, great build quality/buttons, WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI out, great custom firmware support.
ANBERNIC RG40XX V AliExpress πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ $56.37 A little faster than the R36S. 4 inch screen, great build quality/buttons, WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI out, great custom firmware support.
Trimui Brick AliExpress πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ $56.80 A little faster than the R36S. Great 3.2" screen, very good build quality.
Trimui Smart Pro AliExpress πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ $58.46 A little faster than the R36S. Big screen, very good for PSP games because of the aspect ratio
ANBERNIC RG40XX H AliExpress πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ $58.95 A little faster than the R36S. 4 inch screen, great build quality/buttons, WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI out, great custom firmware support.
ANBERNIC RG34XX AliExpress πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ] $59.87 A little faster than the R36S. Gameboy Advance design, great build quality/buttons, WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI out, great custom firmware support.
ANBERNIC RG CubeXX AliExpress πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ $61.55 A little faster than the R36S. 1:1 screen, great build quality, WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI out,...
Europe πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Ί (may be unavailable in some countries)
Store Link1 Price Colors (t- means transparent)
Retro Game Supermaket Store AliExpress 30,19€ πŸ”₯ t green, t blue, t-black, white, t-purple
Factory Game Direct Store AliExpress 30,59€ t-red, t-orange, t-black, white, t-purple
BOYHOM Store AliExpress 32,19€ t-red, t-orange, t-black, white, t-purple
SUPER FUN GAME Store AliExpress 35,39€ pink, navy blue, sky blue, t-black, white, t-purple
Factory Game Direct Store AliExpress 36,39€ pikachu yellow, t-blue, red, t-red, t-orange, t-black, white, t-purple
SUPER FUN GAME Store AliExpress 35,39€ violet, pink, navy blue, sky blue, t-black, white, t-purple
Factory Game Direct Store AliExpress 39,59€ pink, navy blue, sky blue, violet, t-black, white, t-purple
Germany πŸ‡©πŸ‡ͺ
Store Link1 Price Colors (t- means transparent)
BOYHOM Store AliExpress 34,59€ green, blue, t-red, t-orange, t-black, white, t-purple
SUPER FUN GAME Store AliExpress 35,99€ pink, navy blue, sky blue, t-black, white, t-purple
SUPER FUN GAME Store AliExpress 36,79€ violet, pink, navy blue, sky blue, t-black, white, t-purple
Factory Game Direct Store AliExpress 39,39€ pikachu yellow, t-blue, red, t-red, t-orange, t-black, white, t-purple
Factory Game Direct Store AliExpress 39,79€ pink, navy blue, sky blue, violet, t-black, white, t-purple
UK πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§
Store Link1 Price Colors (t- means transparent)
SUPER FUN GAME Store AliExpress οΏ‘24.19 πŸ”₯ violet, pink, navy blue, sky blue, t-black, white, t-purple
BOYHOM Store AliExpress οΏ‘25.67 t-red, t-orange, t-black, white, t-purple
BOYHOM Store AliExpress οΏ‘30.29 t-red, t-orange, t-black, white, t-purple
Factory Game Direct Store AliExpress οΏ‘27.75 t-red
BOYHOM Store AliExpress οΏ‘27.88 green, blue, t-red, t-orange, t-black, white, t-purple
Retro Game Supermaket Store AliExpress οΏ‘28.19 t green, t blue, t-black, white, t-purple
SUPER FUN GAME Store AliExpress οΏ‘30.59 pink, navy blue, sky blue, t-black, white, t-purple
Factory Game Direct Store AliExpress οΏ‘33.09 pikachu yellow, t-blue, red, t-red, t-orange, t-black, white, t-purple
Factory Game Direct Store AliExpress οΏ‘33.69 pink, navy blue, sky blue, violet, t-black, white, t-purple
Canada πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦
Store Link1 Price Colors (t- means transparent)
Retro Game Supermaket Store AliExpress C$46.18 πŸ”₯ t-green, t-blue, t-black, white, t-purple
Brazil πŸ‡§πŸ‡·
Store Link1 Price Colors (t- means transparent)
BOYHOM Store AliExpress R$178,59 πŸ”₯ t-red, t-orange, t-black, white, t-purple
Retro Game Supermaket Store AliExpress R$186,99 t green, t blue, t-black, white, t-purple
Factory Game Direct Store AliExpress R$192,59 t-red, t-orange, t-black, white, t-purple
Factory Game Direct Store AliExpress R$212,45 pikachu yellow, t-blue, red, t-red, t-orange, t-black, white, t-purple
R36S for 25€ during sale
R36S for 21€ during sale (Coins Super Discount)

If you’re cool with spending a little extra for something more premium, take a look at the spreadsheet below β€” it’s got some other great handheld deals.

Other great handheld deals

Last update: May 9, 2025

Buy a branded SD card

Avoid resellers

Some resellers you see on tik tok, instagram, etc sell the R36S under a different name. They often charge over 100€, which is insane if you consider the price on AliExpress.

  • KeyBoy - Inlighte - 110€
  • RetroPixel Proβ„’ - $149.99
  • RetroPixel Proβ„’ V2 - $169.99
  • GAMENOX - Γ…rets konsol 2024! - 1 299 SEK - ~111,11€
  • PocketBoyβ„’ - Console de Jeux RΓ©tro Portable - 119€
  • MovieHubβ„’ - RetroX GamerBoy Pro - 88,95€
  • RetroSoftβ„’ Pro - Β£59.99
  • Megatroxoneβ„’ | The Original - 130€ / $140
  • RETRO36β„’ - $99
  • RetroGlide Gamer - The #1 RETRO GAMING CONSOLE - $129.99
  • Retro Masterβ„’ - $99.99
  • NeoRetroβ„’ - $99.99

Avoiding clones

βœ… Trusted Stores AliExpress
βœ… 001 Ali Choice Store
βœ… BOYHOM Store
βœ… Factory Game Direct Store
βœ… Trusted Stores Temu
βœ… WUDS Games on Temu


⛔️ Clone-Reported Stores - AliExpress
⛔️ Adiodo Game Factory Store
⛔️ DomiShop Store
⛔️ FORYOUD Store
⛔️ GAMINJA Global Store
⛔️ Global Game Direct Store
⛔️ HIFUN GAME Store
⛔️ KYVG Store
⛔️ Merak Game Store
⛔️ Mizar Game Store
⛔️ ProQueen Store
⛔️ Retro Games Console Store
⛔️ Retro Game Supermaket Store
⛔️ Shop1105078442 Store
⛔️ Shop1104161362 Store
⛔️ SJUJ Official Store
⛔️ SUPER FUN GAME Store
⛔️ Super Game Console Store
⛔️ TT Super Player Store
⛔️ Shop1104211046 Store
⛔️ Uncharted GAME Store
⛔️ YYDZKJ Store
⛔️ Clone-Reported Stores - Temu
⛔️ Baijiai on Temu
⛔️ Discount CC shop on Temu
⛔️ FengYuanPreferred on Temu
⛔️ Fly to the sky technology on Temu
⛔️ HHC on Temu
⛔️ LeYiXia on Temu
⛔️ Natural beauty corporate on Temu
⛔️ Staco Digital on Temu
⛔️ Suier on Temu
⛔️ YingShou on Temu
⛔️ YLW Global on Temu
⛔️ YUYIU on Temu
⛔️ Clone-Reported Stores - Others
⛔️ BSTXY on Amazon
⛔️ D-MuXue on Amazon
⛔️ focus_on_mall on eBay
⛔️ Game Global Store
⛔️ LEO BUY SHOP
⛔️ Shenzhen Lanxinda Digital on Alibaba
⛔️ Shenzhen Miratech on Alibaba
⛔️ Shenzhen Smart Concept Electronics on Alibaba
⛔️ shopgamelab.com
⛔️ shop.mashable.com - Retropian brand

General AliExpress Advice and Tips

  • Only order products that have positive reviews and pictures of the delivered item.
  • Avoid shops with "Shop23566811113444" name.
  • Only order from "Choice" stores to avoid shipping fees.
  • Prices are not the same in every country, and availability varies by region.
  • Wait for sales on AliExpress.
  • Use promo codes (if available for your country) and AliExpress coins.

Save More Money With Coins

  • Step 1: go to the coins page
    Step 1: go to the coins page
  • Step 2: go to Discount Finder
    Step 2: go to Discount Finder
  • Step 3: look for extra coin savings
    Step 3: look for extra coin savings
  • Step 4: this only works if you choose the buy now option
    Step 4: this only works if you choose the buy now option
  • Step 5: check your cart before ordering
    Step 5: check your cart before ordering
  • money saved and spent coins
    money saved and spent coins

Check Reviews

  • sorting by newest
  • check out the latest reviews

Check Cheapest Price

Double check the item selection

  • always check the item selection

SD cards

There are a lot of fake or bad quality SD cards sold on AliExpress and Amazon. Look at the The Great MicroSD Card Survey (Best microSD cards under $15 in 2024) and check the R36S SD card compatibility section.

AliExpress
Image Link1 Price Description
AliExpress ~4-20€ KODAK UHS-I U3 V30 A1 32-256GB
AliExpress 4€ KODAK UHS-I U3 V30 A1 64GB
AliExpress ~4€ HP mx330 Class 10 U3 64 - AVOID THE 128GB/256GB VERSION!
Amazon
Image Link1 Price Description
Amazon πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ - Amazon πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ - Amazon πŸ‡©πŸ‡ͺ ~12€ Samsung Evo/Pro plus 128GB microSD SDXC U3 class 10 A2
Amazon πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ - Amazon πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ - Amazon πŸ‡©πŸ‡ͺ ~22€ Samsung Evo/Pro plus 256GB microSD SDXC U3 class 10 A2
Amazon πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ - Amazon πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ - Amazon πŸ‡©πŸ‡ͺ ~21€ Kingston Canvas Select Plus microSD Card SDCS2/256 GB Class 10
Amazon πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ - Amazon πŸ‡©πŸ‡ͺ ~20€ Netac 256GB MicroSDHC Memory Card, Micro SD Card, UHS-I, C10, U3, A1, V30

SD card Reader

SD card Reader
Image Link1 Price Description
AliExpress ~6€ UGREEN Card Reader USB3.0 & USB C - Supports 2 cards simultaneously - Different types available
Amazon ~7€ UGREEN Card Reader USB3.0 & USB C - Supports 2 cards simultaneously

Cheap Accessories

WiFi Dongles / OTG Adapter / Ethernet Adapter

The R36S does not have built-in wifi but you can enable WiFi and connect to the internet in a few different ways.

Cheap dongles and adapters
Image Type Link1
WiFi USB Adapter (~2€) AliExpress #1 AliExpress #2 AliExpress #3 ebay
WiFi USB Adapter TP-Link TL-WN725N 2.4G - Amazon UK - Amazon DE
WiFi USB Adapter [TP-Link Archer T2U Nano 2.4G/5G Amazon UK - Amazon DE
OTG Adapter (~1€) AliExpress #1 AliExpress #2 AliExpress #3 ebay

Storage Cases ‐ Bags

  • Test Winner is the "Red Zipper" bag
  • very cheap
  • very sturdy
  • good zipper
  • feels nice

"Red Zipper" @ AliExpress #11 β€’ AliExpress #21


  • "Protective Layer" - a very good case - biggest in the test
  • soft inlay
  • highest one - can fit extra cables or a bigger charger
  • even with a charger plus cable the screen can face upwards
  • R36S fits very tight - requires to touch the screen to get out
  • zipper sticks sometimes but is still good

"Protective Layer" @ AliExpress1 β€’ AliExpress #21

ℹ️
Info
All of them can fit a small charger and a usb-cable.
Image of the bag Link1 Price Name Sturdiness Zipper Material
AliExpress #1 β€’ AliExpress #2 $2.42 / 2,59€ "Red Zipper" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
AliExpress β€’ AliExpress #2 $4.68 / 4,89€ "Protective Layer" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
AliExpress $3.19 / 3,35€ ORICO - PH-HD1 ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
AliExpress $2.86 / 3,09€ "Grey" ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐
AliExpress $2.67 / 2.59€ Data Frog Protable ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐
AliExpress $3.35 "Red BOYHOM" ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐

Grip

3D printed grips
Image Link1 Price Description
AliExpress link ~10€ Grip
AliExpress link ~10€ Grip
AliExpress link ~10€ Grip with lots of color variants
AliExpress link ~28€ Grip + Stand - not cheap but unique
AliExpress link ~38€ Grip + Magnetic Charging Stand - not cheap but unique

Silicone Case

Silicone Protective Cover
Image Link1 Price Description
AliExpress #1 - AliExpress #2 ~2-5€ Silicone Case - Different colors available (black, purple, green)
AliExpress ~2€


Buttons

Buttons
Image Link1 Price Description
AliExpress ~4€ Ergonomic 3D printed Back Buttons
AliExpress ~8€ Ergonomic 3D printed Back Buttons

Thumbstick-Caps

All Switch caps are compatible with the R36S joysticks

Thumbstick-Caps
Image Link1 Price Description
AliExpress ~2,5€ 8 pieces Pokeball
AliExpress ~2€ 8 pieces Zelda and Mario
AliExpress ~2€ 4 pieces
AliExpress ~2€ 4 pieces
AliExpress ~1,5€ 4 pieces
AliExpress ~2,8€ 2 pieces

Battery Replacement

The R36S has a 3.7 V 3000 or 3200 mAh Li-ion battery (type 804066) with a standard 2-pin JST 1.25mm connector.

Buttons
Image Link1 Price Description
AliExpress link ~13€ R36S 3,7 V 3000 mAh

Screen Protector

Glass Screen Protector
Image Link1 Price Description
AliExpress link ~3€ 2 pieces tempered glass screen protector

Other Great Handhelds

There are many great devices in the retro handheld market. Below are a few community favorites. Prices are from AliExpress with shipping to germany. They can vary from country to country.

β†ͺ US πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Handheld Buying Guide

Last update: May 9, 2025

Budget Devices
Name Image Link1 Price Description
R36H AliExpress - Amazon πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ - Amazon πŸ‡©πŸ‡ͺ 39,39€ It's the R36S in horizontal form
R36XX AliExpress #1 - AliExpress #2 40,59€ Newer R36S version with built-in wifi
Miyoo Mini AliExpress - Amazon πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ - Amazon πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ - Amazon πŸ‡©πŸ‡ͺ 41,19€ Loved by the community for its small size and pocketability. Has one of the best custom firmwares. Great buttons.
BATLEXP G350 AliExpress - Amazon πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ - Amazon πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ - Amazon πŸ‡©πŸ‡ͺ 44,19€ πŸ”₯ Amazing build quality for the price (Anbernic quality)
Miyoo Mini + AliExpress - Amazon πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ - Amazon πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ - Amazon πŸ‡©πŸ‡ͺ 44,39€ Bigger version of the Miyoo Mini with a 3.5" screen
POWKIDDY V10 AliExpress - Amazon πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ - Amazon πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ - Amazon πŸ‡©πŸ‡ͺ 46,19€ The screen is perfect for GBA gaming
R36Plus AliExpress #1 - AliExpress #2 47,59€ R36S with a bigger 1:1 screen.
ANBERNIC RG35XX H AliExpress - Amazon πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ - Amazon πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ - Amazon πŸ‡©πŸ‡ͺ 47,99€ 3.5" inch screen, great build quality, WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI out,...
Trimui Smart Pro AliExpress - Amazon πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ - Amazon πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ - Amazon πŸ‡©πŸ‡ͺ 53,33€ Big screen, very good for PSP games because of the aspect ratio
Trimui Brick AliExpress - Amazon πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ - Amazon πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ - Amazon πŸ‡©πŸ‡ͺ 53,72€ Great 3.2" screen, very good build quality.
ANBERNIC RG35XXSP AliExpress - Amazon πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ - Amazon πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ - Amazon πŸ‡©πŸ‡ͺ 56,99€ Clamshell form factor, great build quality, WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI out,...
ANBERNIC RG40XX V AliExpress - Amazon πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ - Amazon πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ - Amazon πŸ‡©πŸ‡ͺ 57,24€ 4 inch screen, great build quality, WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI out,...
ANBERNIC RG34XX AliExpress #1 - AliExpress #2 - Amazon πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ - Amazon πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ - Amazon πŸ‡©πŸ‡ͺ 60,11€ ANBERNIC's take one the Gameboy Advance, great build quality, WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI out,...
ANBERNIC RG40XX H AliExpress - Amazon πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ - Amazon πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ - Amazon πŸ‡©πŸ‡ͺ 62,99€ 4 inch screen, great build quality, WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI out,...


Mid Range to High End Devices
Name Image Link1 Price Description
ANBERNIC RG406H AliExpress - Amazon πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ - Amazon πŸ‡©πŸ‡ͺ 153,86€ πŸ”₯ Anbernic quality. Can emulate most PS2, Gamecube, Wii and 3DS. Can also run a few switch titles.
ANBERNIC RG406V AliExpress - Amazon πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ - Amazon πŸ‡©πŸ‡ͺ 169,99€ Anbernic quality. Can emulate most PS2, Gamecube, Wii and 3DS. Can also run a few switch titles.
ANBERNIC RG Cube AliExpress 169,39€ Anbernic quality. 1:1 screen. Can emulate most PS2, Gamecube, Wii and 3DS. Can also run a few switch titles.
Retroid Pocket 4 AliExpress - Amazon πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ 208,99€ Superb quality and performance. Can emulate PS2, Gamecube, Wii and 3DS.
Retroid Pocket 4 Pro AliExpress - Amazon πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ - Amazon πŸ‡©πŸ‡ͺ 240,69€ Superb quality and performance. Can emulate PS2, Gamecube, Wii and 3DS. Can also run a few switch titles.
Retroid Pocket 5 AliExpress 248,39€ Superb quality and performance. Can emulate PS2, Gamecube, Wii and 3DS. Can also run a few switch titles.
Retroid Pocket Mini AliExpress #1 - AliExpress #2 254,99€ Small but very powerful. Can emulate PS2, Gamecube, Wii and 3DS. Can also run a few switch titles.
ANBERNIC RG557 AliExpress 293,39€ Anbernic's latest flagship device. Can emulate PS2, Gamecube, Wii and 3DS. Can also run a few switch titles.


High End Devices
Name Image Link1 Price Description
AYN Odin 2 AliExpress 398,69€ Better specs than the Retroid Pocket 5
Steam Deck 512GB AliExpress 633,69€ Absolute emuulation beast. Can also play PC games.
ASUS ROG Ally X AliExpress 929,12€ Absolute emuulation beast. Even better specs than the Steam Deck.


Others
Name Image Link1 Price Description
DS ML AliExpress 50€ Nintendo DS replica. Compatible with GBA and DS cartridges. R4 flash cards for roms and homebrew are also working.
Nintendo Switch Lite AliExpress 150€ Official Nintendo Switch Lite
Nintendo Switch OLED AliExpress 230€ Official Nintendo Switch OLED

1 If you want to support this wiki, you can buy a R36S through one of these "affiliate" links. The price won't increase for you. Part of the recieved money will be used for aquiring new devices, testing and documenting them for the handheld community. A part of the money will also go to miraheze, which is the free hosting service that has enabled this project.

Retrieved from "https://handhelds.wiki/index.php?title=R36S_Buying_Guide&oldid=37268"