R36S Retro Handheld Game Console

Product Notification

The R36S Retro Handheld Game Console is now an open-source product, with approximately four factories currently manufacturing the device. Variations in build quality and SKU configurations between these production sources are standard industry practice.

Our partnered factory—one of these four suppliers—prioritizes rigorous quality control and reliable after-sales support, and uniquely holds valid FCC and EMC compliance certifications. Customers can confidently purchase from our ecosystem.

Critical Usage Notice:

WiFi functionality and customization tools require professional technical expertise or developer credentials to operate safely. Improper use of these features may result in permanent voiding of warranty coverage.

Basic FAQ

Technical Advisory Notice
Customization features require professional certification for operation. Unauthorized access by non-qulicified personnel will disable warranty eligibility.

Q: What exactly is the R36S?
A: The R36S is an affordable retro gaming handheld that lets you play classic games from multiple systems. It comes with a crisp 3.5-inch IPS display, strong emulation performance, and a customizable OS that tech-savvy users can modify.

Q: What gaming systems can the R36S emulate?
A: This handheld supports emulation for over 20 classic platforms including:

Nintendo systems (NES through Nintendo DS*)
PlayStation 1 & PSP*
Sega consoles (Genesis to Dreamcast*)
Arcade classics (MAME/CPS/Neo Geo)
PC Engine & Game Boy line
*N64, Dreamcast, DS and PSP titles may have performance limitations

Q: What games come preinstalled?
A: The R36S includes thousands of retro classics across all supported systems. Popular titles include:

PS1: Crash Bandicoot, Metal Gear Solid
N64: Super Mario 64, Zelda: OoT
SNES: Chrono Trigger, Super Metroid
Genesis: Sonic 2, Streets of Rage 2
GBA: Pokémon Emerald
Arcade: Street Fighter II, Metal Slug

Q: What are the key specs?
A: Core features include:

Display: 3.5" IPS (640x480)
Battery: Removable 3500mAh (5-8hr playtime)
Controls: Dual analog sticks + standard console layout
Storage: Dual MicroSD slots (system & games)
OS: Customizable ArkOS (Linux-based)
Connectivity: USB-C x2, 3.5mm audio, optional WiFi via external USB-C adapter

Q: How does it handle newer systems?
A: The R36S delivers smooth performance for PS1/PSP-era and older systems. While it can run some N64 and Dreamcast titles, complex 3D games may require frame skipping. It's not capable of emulating PS2/Xbox-era consoles.

Q: Can I add my own games?
A: Absolutely. If you have additional SD card, simply copy legally-owned ROM files to the corresponding system folders on your game SD card using a computer. The system will automatically detect compatible files.

Q: Is customization difficult?
A: While ArkOS offers deep customization through RetroArch and Linux tools, be aware: Any modifications requiring root access should only be attempted by technically proficient users. Tampering with system files without proper knowledge voids your warranty.

Technical Note: WiFi functionality requires an external USB-C adapter and may experience occasional connectivity issues depending on your network environment.

Special FAQ

Excerpt from Youtube

Q: So adding my own SD card can I use it as a second type of ram type thing to make it smoother? Or is it just not nessecery? Also, can I inject my own games like using an APK file from my SD card or no?
A: Not sure about the RAM, don't think that's an option - two SD card slots are for OS and games.
You can add your own ROMs to the SD card, but not APK files as this is a Linux handheld not Android.

Q: Does is have any Pokemon games on?
A: It does! All GB/GBC, GBA, and some of the DS entries

Q: Cannot work out how to save the game and return to the games menu without losing the games progress? After I save a game, then select and start, its like it does a reboot but doesn't save game progress.
A: You can use save states (press SELECT + X, then SELECT SAVE STATE) if you're having issues with regular saving. This will save your game at the exact point you want and pick up at the same point when you load it (SELECT+ X and choose LOAD STATE)

Q: If you have two of them, can you play multiplayer games with each other?
A: Not tried it, but the R36S runs retroarch which has netplay, this allows you to play trough a local network.
But as the R36S doesn't come with wifi, you would need a usb wi-fi adapter on both consoles.
Can't say for sure this would work as not tested it personally, but as long as the ROM files are the same, can't see why it shouldn't work. I'd suggest checking online to see if anyone else has tried it though

Q: What's the battery life like, like if I took a flight how long would it last me
A: Around the 4-5 hour mark for battery life

Q: Does it have classic Pokemon games? It's the only reason I would want to get this
A: It does indeed! All GB, GBC, GBA and DS Pokemon titles

Q: Does it have super mario
A: It does indeed!

Q: does it have auto-save when turned off and auto-load when turning back on?
A: There isn't auto save, but you can use save states to pick up where you were. 
While playing a game, hold SELECT + X and scroll down to the option SAVE STATE. 
After you reset/boot up the game again, press SELECT+ X and choose LOAD STATE.