If you are deciding between buying the R36 PRO or buying the R36S, you should know that these are two highly popular retro handheld consoles within our other handheld brands catalog. Both share a compact vertical design, perfect for retro gaming on the go. However, the PRO version offers key upgrades in screen quality, battery life, and storage.
In this comparison, we analyze every detail to help you choose the best option based on your gaming style.
📊 Technical Comparison: R36 PRO vs R36S
| Feature | R36 PRO | R36S |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 3.5″ IPS OCA Laminated | 3.5″ IPS Standard |
| Resolution | 640 × 480 px | 640 × 480 px |
| Screen Protection | OCA Laminated (Less glare) | No |
| Ergonomics | Curved back (Ergonomic) | Flat and compact |
| Chipset | Rockchip RK3326 | Rockchip RK3326 |
| RAM | 1 GB DDR3 | 1 GB DDR3 |
| Internal Storage | 8 GB eMMC (Faster) | None (microSD only) |
| OS | Linux (EmuELEC) | Linux (ArkOS) |
| Battery | 4000 mAh | 3500 mAh |
| Emulators | PSP, Dreamcast, N64, PS1, etc. | PSP, Dreamcast, N64, PS1, etc. |
🛒 Shop Now
Discover the R36 PRO and the R36S, featuring laminated IPS screens, great autonomy, and compatibility with PSP, Dreamcast, N64, and much more:
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Price range: 86.95$ through 89.95$ Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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Price range: 45.00$ through 52.00$ Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
⚙️ Performance and Emulation
🔸 R36 PRO: Subtle but Effective Upgrades
- Uses the same RK3326 chip as the R36S, but features better thermal and power management thanks to its internal eMMC and larger battery.
- Comes with EmuELEC pre-configured, offering a smoother UI and improved navigation.
- Solid emulation for PS1, PSP, Dreamcast, N64, and classic 16-bit systems.
🔹 R36S: Stable and Essential
- Based on ArkOS, which is very capable but might be less intuitive for beginners.
- Relies 100% on the microSD card, which can slightly affect loading times compared to the PRO’s eMMC.
📺 Display and Visual Experience
The R36 PRO features a 3.5″ IPS OCA Laminated screen, which significantly reduces glare and improves clarity. The R36S also has a great 3.5″ IPS panel, but lacks lamination, making it more prone to reflections in bright environments. Both share the 640×480 resolution, perfect for retro gaming in 4:3 format.
🎮 Design and Ergonomics
The R36 PRO is noticeably more comfortable due to its curved back and ergonomic grips. The build quality feels sturdier and the weight distribution (~200g) is better for long sessions. The R36S is flatter and more compact (~187g), making it slightly easier to carry in a pocket but less ergonomic for intense gameplay.
🔋 Battery Life
With a 4000 mAh battery, the R36 PRO offers up to 6 hours of continuous play. The R36S comes with a 3500 mAh battery, typically lasting between 4.5 to 5 hours. Both charge via USB-C, but the PRO is more efficient for demanding 3D emulation.
✅ Conclusion: R36 PRO or R36S?
🟨 Choose the R36 PRO if:
- You want a laminated screen for better sharpness and less glare.
- You value ergonomic comfort for longer gaming sessions.
- You prefer a more modern and fluid interface (EmuELEC).
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Price range: 86.95$ through 89.95$ Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
🟦 Choose the R36S if:
- You prefer a lighter and more compact device.
- You are on a tighter budget but still want full emulation power.
- You enjoy a more technical OS like ArkOS.
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Price range: 45.00$ through 52.00$ Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Ready to choose? Pick the console that fits you best and start enjoying your favorite retro games today!
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Price range: 86.95$ through 89.95$ Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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Price range: 45.00$ through 52.00$ Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
