R36S Buying Guide
From Handhelds Wiki
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.
| Device | Link1 | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| K36 | AliExpress 🇺🇸 | $26.55 | Same performance as the R36S. Cheapest handheld available in the US. Uses the Clone / K36 Firmwares. |
| BATLEXP G350 | AliExpress 🇺🇸 | $36.30 🔥 | Same performance as the R36S. Uses the same firmware as the R36S. Way better buttons (Anbernic quality). |
| ANBERNIC RG28XX | AliExpress 🇺🇸 | $39.55 | A little faster than the R36S. Very cheap and small horizontal Handheld by Anbernic. |
| Miyoo Mini V4 | AliExpress 🇺🇸] | $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 🇺🇸] | $41.94 | A little weaker than the R36S. Bigger version of the Miyoo Mini with a 3.5" screen |
| MagicX XU10 | AliExpress 🇺🇸 | $46.00 | Same performance as the R36S. Recommended firmware is AmberELEC. |
| ANBERNIC RG35XX Plus | AliExpress 🇺🇸 | $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 🇺🇸 | $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 🇺🇸 | $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 🇺🇸 | $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 🇺🇸 | $56.80 | A little faster than the R36S. Great 3.2" screen, very good build quality. |
| Trimui Smart Pro | AliExpress 🇺🇸 | $58.46 | A little faster than the R36S. Big screen, very good for PSP games because of the aspect ratio |
| ANBERNIC RG40XX H | AliExpress 🇺🇸 | $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 🇺🇸] | $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 🇺🇸 | $61.55 | A little faster than the R36S. 1:1 screen, great build quality, WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI out,... |
| Store | Link1 | Price | Colors (t- means transparent) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retro Game Supermaket Store | AliExpress | 30,19€ 🔥 | 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 |
| 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 |
| Store | Link1 | Price | Colors (t- means transparent) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUPER FUN GAME Store | AliExpress | ￡24.19 🔥 | violet, pink, navy blue, sky blue, t-black, white, t-purple |
| BOYHOM Store | AliExpress | ￡25.67 | t-red, t-orange, t-black, white, t-purple |
| BOYHOM Store | AliExpress | ￡30.29 | t-red, t-orange, t-black, white, t-purple |
| Factory Game Direct Store | AliExpress | ￡27.75 | t-red |
| BOYHOM Store | AliExpress | ￡27.88 | green, blue, t-red, t-orange, t-black, white, t-purple |
| Retro Game Supermaket Store | AliExpress | ￡28.19 | t green, t blue, t-black, white, t-purple |
| SUPER FUN GAME Store | AliExpress | ￡30.59 | pink, navy blue, sky blue, t-black, white, t-purple |
| Factory Game Direct Store | AliExpress | ￡33.09 | pikachu yellow, t-blue, red, t-red, t-orange, t-black, white, t-purple |
| Factory Game Direct Store | AliExpress | ￡33.69 | pink, navy blue, sky blue, violet, t-black, white, t-purple |
| Store | Link1 | Price | Colors (t- means transparent) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retro Game Supermaket Store | AliExpress | C$46.18 🔥 | t-green, t-blue, t-black, white, t-purple |
| Store | Link1 | Price | Colors (t- means transparent) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BOYHOM Store | AliExpress | R$178,59 🔥 | 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 |
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.
Last update: May 9, 2025
Buy a branded SD card
Warning
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
Warning
| ✅ Trusted Stores AliExpress |
|---|
| ✅ 001 Ali Choice Store |
| ✅ BOYHOM Store |
| ✅ Factory Game Direct Store |
| ✅ Trusted Stores Temu |
|---|
| ✅ WUDS Games on Temu |
| ✅ Trusted Stores Other Sites |
|---|
| ✅ Blidinner Store Amazon.co.uk |
| ✅ Shenzhen Qbuy Technology on Alibaba |
| ✅ Xiaoyu USA branch on Amazon |
| ✅ Alphawolf Supply Co. on Shopee |
| ⛔️ 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 2: go to Discount Finder -
Step 3: look for extra coin savings -
Step 4: this only works if you choose the buy now option -
Step 5: check your cart before ordering -
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.
| 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! |
| 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
| 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.
- Compatible Dongle + OTG adapter (USB C to USB A) - List of Compatible WiFi Dongles
- USB C to Ethernet Adapter
- Connecting your phone + USB tethering - Guide
| 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
| 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
| Image | Link1 | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
  |
AliExpress #1 - AliExpress #2 | ~2-5€ | Silicone Case - Different colors available (black, purple, green) |
 |
AliExpress | ~2€ |
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
| 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.
| Image | Link1 | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
  |
AliExpress link | ~13€ | R36S 3,7 V 3000 mAh |
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.
Last update: May 9, 2025
| Name | Image | Link1 | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R36H |  |
AliExpress - Amazon 🇺🇸 - Amazon 🇩🇪 | 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 🇺🇸 - Amazon 🇬🇧 - Amazon 🇩🇪 | 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 🇺🇸 - Amazon 🇬🇧 - Amazon 🇩🇪 | 44,19€ 🔥 | Amazing build quality for the price (Anbernic quality) |
| Miyoo Mini + |  |
AliExpress - Amazon 🇺🇸 - Amazon 🇬🇧 - Amazon 🇩🇪 | 44,39€ | Bigger version of the Miyoo Mini with a 3.5" screen |
| POWKIDDY V10 |  |
AliExpress - Amazon 🇺🇸 - Amazon 🇬🇧 - Amazon 🇩🇪 | 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 🇺🇸 - Amazon 🇬🇧 - Amazon 🇩🇪 | 47,99€ | 3.5" inch screen, great build quality, WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI out,... |
| Trimui Smart Pro |  |
AliExpress - Amazon 🇺🇸 - Amazon 🇬🇧 - Amazon 🇩🇪 | 53,33€ | Big screen, very good for PSP games because of the aspect ratio |
| Trimui Brick |  |
AliExpress - Amazon 🇺🇸 - Amazon 🇬🇧 - Amazon 🇩🇪 | 53,72€ | Great 3.2" screen, very good build quality. |
| ANBERNIC RG35XXSP |  |
AliExpress - Amazon 🇺🇸 - Amazon 🇬🇧 - Amazon 🇩🇪 | 56,99€ | Clamshell form factor, great build quality, WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI out,... |
| ANBERNIC RG40XX V |  |
AliExpress - Amazon 🇺🇸 - Amazon 🇬🇧 - Amazon 🇩🇪 | 57,24€ | 4 inch screen, great build quality, WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI out,... |
| ANBERNIC RG34XX |  |
AliExpress #1 - AliExpress #2 - Amazon 🇺🇸 - Amazon 🇬🇧 - Amazon 🇩🇪 | 60,11€ | ANBERNIC's take one the Gameboy Advance, great build quality, WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI out,... |
| ANBERNIC RG40XX H |  |
AliExpress - Amazon 🇺🇸 - Amazon 🇬🇧 - Amazon 🇩🇪 | 62,99€ | 4 inch screen, great build quality, WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI out,... |
| Name | Image | Link1 | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANBERNIC RG406H |  |
AliExpress - Amazon 🇺🇸 - Amazon 🇩🇪 | 153,86€ 🔥 | Anbernic quality. Can emulate most PS2, Gamecube, Wii and 3DS. Can also run a few switch titles. |
| ANBERNIC RG406V |  |
AliExpress - Amazon 🇺🇸 - Amazon 🇩🇪 | 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 🇺🇸 | 208,99€ | Superb quality and performance. Can emulate PS2, Gamecube, Wii and 3DS. |
| Retroid Pocket 4 Pro |  |
AliExpress - Amazon 🇺🇸 - Amazon 🇩🇪 | 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. |
| 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. |
| 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.
Other Projects at the Handhelds Wiki
