The Retro R36S Console: Everything You Need to Know About the Hottest Console
The R36S has become one of the most sought-after handheld emulation consoles right now. With its affordable price, solid performance, and an active community, this console has captured the attention of retro gaming enthusiasts. Whether you're a nostalgic gamer or simply looking for an affordable way to relive those classic titles from your childhood, the R36S might be just what you need. At WINNDER we tell you everything you should know.
Price
The R36S is priced between €70 to €90, but you can sometimes see offers around 30€ depending on the seller, storage capacity, and whether shipping is included. This makes it one of the most competitively priced options in the portable retro gaming market.
Features and Specifications
High-Quality IPS Screen
The console features a 3.5-inch IPS display that offers vibrant colors and good visibility from different angles, making it perfect for enjoying classic games with decent visual quality.
Long Battery Life
With a 3500 mAh battery, the console offers 6 to 8 hours of gameplay on less demanding emulators and 2 to 4 hours for more intensive systems like PSP or Dreamcast.
Wide Emulator Compatibility
The console runs ArkOS, a highly customizable emulation firmware that supports systems like:
- Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance
- Play classics like Pokémon Red and Blue, Pokémon Emerald, and The Legend of Zelda: Minish Cap.
- NES and SNES: Enjoy Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and Donkey Kong Country.
- Nintendo 64: Smoothly run titles like Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and Pokémon Stadium.
- PlayStation 1 (PSX): Experience games like Final Fantasy VII, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, and Resident Evil 2.
- Dreamcast: While some games have limitations, you can play classics like Sonic Adventure and Crazy Taxi with decent performance.
- PSP: Enjoy titles like God of War: Chains of Olympus, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, and Tekken 6.
- Nintendo DS: Though it only has one screen, you can switch between screens to play games like Pokémon Diamond and Mario Kart DS.
Design and Ergonomics
The console is compact and ergonomic. While it’s comfortable for average-sized hands, those with larger hands might find it a bit cramped. However, it’s small enough to fit in your pocket.
Customizable Components
From the battery to the buttons, most parts can be replaced if they wear out or if you want to upgrade them.
Strengths
- Extensive Game Library: With support for a wide range of emulators, you can play everything from Pokémon Yellow to more advanced PSP and Dreamcast titles.
- Advanced Customization: ArkOS allows for deep configuration, and there’s a large online community with guides and tutorials to enhance your experience.
- Good Performance in Demanding Games: With the right updates, Nintendo 64 and PSP games run surprisingly well.
- Competitive Price: Under €90, it’s an excellent choice for those looking for a portable console without breaking the bank.
Weaknesses
- Complex Initial Setup: The console isn’t optimized out of the box, so you’ll need to spend time adjusting the firmware and adding ROMs to get the best performance.
- Stiff D-Pad and Buttons: The D-Pad is quite stiff, making it less ideal for fighting games, which can impact your experience in titles like Street Fighter or Mortal Kombat.
- Sound Quality Could Be Better: The built-in speaker is acceptable but could be improved, especially for games with iconic soundtracks.
Tips to Get the Best Experience
- Update the Firmware: The factory firmware is often outdated. Updating it improves emulation and unlocks advanced features.
- Replace the MicroSD Cards: The included generic cards tend to corrupt easily, so it’s recommended to invest in better quality cards like those from Samsung or Kingston.
- Add Your Own Games: The console comes with many pre-installed games, but it’s better to find your own ROMs on sites like Archive.org to avoid duplicates and broken games.
Summary
The R36S is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an affordable retro handheld console with a solid emulation capability and an extensive variety of classic games available, including iconic Pokémon, Zelda, Mario titles, among many others.
