R36S Buying Guide

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Where to buy

The cheapest prices are on AliExpress. Only downside there is the delivery time. Average shipping time to europe is around 12 days.

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.


⚠️ 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 more devices, you should check out the US Handheld Buying Guide.

↪ US 🇺🇸 Handheld Buying Guide

US 🇺🇸 R36S alternatives
Device Image Link1 Price Details
K36 AliExpress 🇺🇸 $26.55 Cheapest handheld available in the US. Uses the Clone / K36 Firmwares.
BATLEXP G350 AliExpress 🇺🇸 $36.30 🔥 Way better buttons (Anbernic quality). Best bang for the buck budget handheld in 2025.
ANBERNIC RG35XXSP AliExpress 🇺🇸 $51.02 Clamshell design, great build quality/buttons, WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI out, great custom firmware support.
ANBERNIC RG40XX V AliExpress 🇺🇸 $56.37 Bigger 4 inch screen, great build quality/buttons, WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI out, great custom firmware support.
Trimui Brick AliExpress 🇺🇸 $56.80 Smaller 3.2" screen with high resolution, very good build quality.
Trimui Smart Pro AliExpress 🇺🇸 $58.46 Big screen, very good for PSP games
ANBERNIC RG40XX H AliExpress 🇺🇸 $58.95 4 inch screen, great build quality/buttons, WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI out, great custom firmware support.
ANBERNIC RG34XX AliExpress 🇺🇸 $59.87 Gameboy Advance design, great build quality/buttons, WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI out, great custom firmware support.
ANBERNIC RG CubeXX AliExpress 🇺🇸 $61.55 1:1 screen, great build quality, WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI out,...
Europe 🇪🇺
Store Link1 Price Colors (t- means transparent)
BOYHOM Store AliExpress 27,59€ 🔥 green, blue, t-red, t-orange, t-black, white, t-purple
SUPER FUN GAME Store AliExpress 30,19€ violet, pink, navy blue, sky blue, t-black, white, t-purple
Retro Game Supermaket Store AliExpress 33,39€ t green, t blue, t-black, white, t-purple
Factory Game Direct Store AliExpress 31,59€ t-red, t-orange, t-black, white, t-purple
SUPER FUN GAME Store AliExpress 35,59€ pink, navy blue, sky blue, t-black, white, t-purple
Factory Game Direct Store AliExpress 36,99€ pikachu yellow, t-blue, red, t-red, t-orange, t-black, white, t-purple
Factory Game Direct Store AliExpress 36,99€ pink, navy blue, sky blue, violet, t-black, white, t-purple
Germany 🇩🇪
Store Link1 Price Colors (t- means transparent)
BOYHOM Store AliExpress 27,79€ 🔥 green, blue, t-red, t-orange, t-black, white, t-purple
SUPER FUN GAME Store AliExpress 29,39€ violet, pink, navy blue, sky blue, t-black, white, t-purple
BOYHOM Store AliExpress 31,99€ green, blue, t-red, t-orange, t-black, white, t-purple
SUPER FUN GAME Store AliExpress 33,99€ pink, navy blue, sky blue, t-black, white, t-purple
Factory Game Direct Store AliExpress 36,19€ pink, navy blue, sky blue, violet, t-black, white, t-purple
Factory Game Direct Store AliExpress 37,19€ pikachu yellow, t-blue, red, t-red, t-orange, t-black, white, t-purple
UK 🇬🇧
Store Link1 Price Colors (t- means transparent)
SUPER FUN GAME Store AliExpress ￡21.67 🔥 violet, pink, navy blue, sky blue, t-black, white, t-purple
BOYHOM Store AliExpress ￡22.48 green, blue, t-red, t-orange, t-black, white, t-purple
Factory Game Direct Store AliExpress ￡22.53 t-red
Retro Game Supermaket Store AliExpress ￡28.29 t green, t blue, t-black, white, t-purple
SUPER FUN GAME Store AliExpress ￡28.69 pink, navy blue, sky blue, t-black, white, t-purple
Factory Game Direct Store AliExpress ￡29.99 pikachu yellow, t-blue, red, t-red, t-orange, t-black, white, t-purple
Factory Game Direct Store AliExpress ￡30.28 pink, navy blue, sky blue, violet, t-black, white, t-purple
Canada 🇨🇦
Store Link1 Price Colors (t- means transparent)
Retro Game Supermaket Store AliExpress C$46.38 🔥 t-green, t-blue, t-black, white, t-purple
Brazil 🇧🇷
Store Link1 Price Colors (t- means transparent)
BOYHOM Store AliExpress R$164,99 🔥 t-red, t-orange, t-black, white, t-purple
Retro Game Supermaket Store AliExpress R$186,59 t green, t blue, t-black, white, t-purple
Factory Game Direct Store AliExpress R$193,59 t-red, t-orange, t-black, white, t-purple
Factory Game Direct Store AliExpress R$193,92 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 — it’s got some other great handheld deals.

Other great handheld deals

Last update: May 13, 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 Pro™ - $149.99
  • RetroPixel Pro™ V2 - $169.99
  • GAMENOX - Årets konsol 2024! - 1 299 SEK - ~111,11€
  • PocketBoy™ - Console de Jeux Rétro Portable - 119€
  • MovieHub™ - RetroX GamerBoy Pro - 88,95€
  • RetroSoft™ Pro - £59.99
  • Megatroxone™ | The Original - 130€ / $140
  • RETRO36™ - $99
  • RetroGlide Gamer - The #1 RETRO GAMING CONSOLE - $129.99
  • Retro Master™ - $99.99
  • NeoRetro™ - $99.99

Avoiding clones


⛔️ 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 🇺🇸 - Amazon 🇬🇧 - Amazon 🇩🇪 ~12€ Samsung Evo/Pro plus 128GB microSD SDXC U3 class 10 A2
Amazon 🇺🇸 - Amazon 🇬🇧 - Amazon 🇩🇪 ~22€ Samsung Evo/Pro plus 256GB microSD SDXC U3 class 10 A2
Amazon 🇺🇸 - Amazon 🇬🇧 - Amazon 🇩🇪 ~21€ Kingston Canvas Select Plus microSD Card SDCS2/256 GB Class 10
Amazon 🇬🇧 - Amazon 🇩🇪 ~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 • 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 • 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 • AliExpress #2 $2.42 / 2,59€ "Red Zipper" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
AliExpress • 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

Official Stores:

Anbernic Store

Anbernic Store @AliExpress

Miyoo Store @AliExpress

Powkiddy Store @AliExpress

Retroid Store

Trusted AliExpress Sellers:

001 Ali Choice Store

BOYHOM Store

Factory Game Direct Store

Budget Devices
Name Image Link1 Price Description
R36XX AliExpress #1 - AliExpress #2 - Amazon - Amazon - Amazon ~30€ Newer R36S version with built-in Wi-Fi.
R36Plus AliExpress #1 - AliExpress #2 - Amazon - Amazon - Amazon ~35€ R36S with a bigger 1:1 screen.
BATLEXP G350 AliExpress - Amazon - Amazon - Amazon ~45€ Amazing build quality for the price (Anbernic quality).
Anbernic RG35XX H AliExpress - Amazon - Amazon - Amazon ~45€ 3.5" inch screen, great build quality, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI out,...
Miyoo Mini Plus AliExpress - Amazon - Amazon - Amazon ~45€ Bigger version of the Miyoo Mini with a 3.5" screen.
Miyoo Mini AliExpress - Amazon - Amazon - Amazon ~45€ Loved by the community for its small size and pocketability. Has one of the best custom firmwares. Great buttons.
Trimui Smart Pro AliExpress - Amazon - Amazon - Amazon ~50€ Big screen, very good for PSP games because of the aspect ratio.
Anbernic RG35XX SP AliExpress - Amazon - Amazon - Amazon ~50€ Clamshell form factor, great build quality, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI out,...
Anbernic RG40XX V AliExpress - Amazon - Amazon - Amazon ~55€ 4 inch screen, great build quality, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI out,...
Anbernic RG40XX H AliExpress - Amazon - Amazon - Amazon ~55€ 4" screen, great build quality, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI out,...
TrimUI Brick AliExpress - Amazon - Amazon - Amazon ~55€ Great 3.2" screen, very good build quality.
Anbernic RG 34XX AliExpress - Amazon - Amazon - Amazon ~60€ Anbernic's take one the Game Boy Advance, great build quality, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI out,...
Anbernic RG34XXSP AliExpress - Amazon - Amazon - Amazon ~70€ Latest clamshell device from Anbernic with dual joysticks. Great build quality, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI out,...


Mid Range to High End Devices
Name Image Link1 Price Description
Anbernic RG406V AliExpress - Amazon - Amazon - Amazon ~140€ Anbernic quality. Can emulate most PS2, GameCube, Wii and 3DS games. Can also run a few Switch titles.
Anbernic RG Cube AliExpress - Amazon - Amazon - Amazon ~140€ 1:1 screen. Can emulate most PS2, GameCube, Wii and 3DS games. Can also run a few Switch titles.
Anbernic RG406H AliExpress - Amazon - Amazon - Amazon ~140€ Anbernic quality. Can emulate most PS2, GameCube, Wii and 3DS games. Can also run a few Switch titles.
Anbernic RG556 AliExpress - Amazon - Amazon - Amazon ~170€ Very good screen. Can emulate most PS2, GameCube, Wii and 3DS games. Can also run a few Switch titles.
Retroid Pocket 5 AliExpress - Amazon ~200€ Superb quality and performance. Can emulate PS2, GameCube, Wii and 3DS games. Can also run a few Switch titles.
Retroid Pocket Flip 2 AliExpress - Amazon - Amazon ~210€ Premium big clamshell device from Retroid.
Anbernic RG557 AliExpress - Amazon - Amazon ~220€ Anbernic's latest flagship device. Can emulate PS2, GameCube, Wii and 3DS games. Can also run a few Switch titles.


High End Devices
Name Image Link1 Price Description
AYN Odin 2 AliExpress ~280€ Better specs than the Retroid Pocket 5.
Steam Deck 512GB AliExpress - Amazon - Amazon - Amazon ~600€ Absolute emulation beast. Can also play PC games.
ASUS ROG Ally X AliExpress - Amazon - Amazon - Amazon ~900€ Absolute emulation beast. Even better specs than the Steam Deck.


Others
Name Image Link1 Price Description
DS ML AliExpress ~50€ Re-shelled Nintendo DS. Compatible with GBA and DS cartridges. R4 flash cards for ROMs and homebrew also work.
Nintendo Switch Lite AliExpress - Amazon - Amazon - Amazon ~150€ Official Nintendo Switch Lite console.
Nintendo Switch OLED AliExpress - Amazon - Amazon - Amazon ~220€ Official Nintendo Switch OLED console.
Nintendo Switch 2 AliExpress - Amazon - Amazon - Amazon ~500€ Official Nintendo Switch 2 console.

Last update: January 8, 2026

1 Buying through these affiliate links helps support the wiki. Your price stays the same. Commissions go toward devices, testing, documentation, and server costs.


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