R36S Retro Handheld Console Review — Is It Worth It?

If you're a fan of retro gaming — whether you grew up with the SNES, Game Boy, Sega Mega Drive, PlayStation 1, or arcade classics — the R36S Retro Handheld Console is one of the best ways to revisit those golden years of gaming. Compact, powerful, and packed with thousands of classic games, it's a device that delivers genuine nostalgia in your pocket.

At Animation Merch, we stock the R36S at just £34.99 — making it one of the best-value gaming handhelds available today. In this review, we'll break down everything you need to know.

What Is the R36S?

The R36S is a compact retro gaming handheld console that runs a Linux-based emulation operating system. It's capable of emulating dozens of classic game consoles, including the NES, SNES, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, PlayStation 1, Nintendo 64, and many more. This means you can carry thousands of classic games in your pocket on a single device.

The R36S is part of a growing category of "retro handheld" devices that have become hugely popular among retro gaming enthusiasts worldwide. It's similar in concept to the Anbernic RG series but at a more accessible price point.

R36S Key Features

• Display: 3.5-inch IPS display with excellent colour reproduction and brightness
• Processing: Quad-core processor capable of smooth emulation up to PS1 and N64
• Storage: Comes with a pre-loaded memory card containing thousands of games
• Battery: 3,500mAh battery providing approximately 6-8 hours of gameplay
• Controls: Dual analogue sticks, D-pad, ABXY buttons, shoulder buttons and triggers
• Connectivity: USB-C charging, headphone jack, HDMI output (on some variants)
• OS: ArkOS or similar Linux-based emulation OS

What Games Can You Play?

The R36S supports emulation of a huge range of classic consoles. Highlights include:

• Nintendo: NES, SNES, Game Boy, GBC, GBA, Nintendo 64, Nintendo DS
• Sega: Master System, Mega Drive/Genesis, Game Gear, Saturn (limited)
• Sony: PlayStation 1
• Arcade: MAME, CPS1, CPS2 — classic arcade games from the golden era
• Neo Geo: SNK's legendary fighting games and arcade classics

For anime fans specifically, there are dozens of incredible classic anime-based games available — from classic Dragon Ball Z fighting games to Naruto: Ultimate Ninja titles, Yu-Gi-Oh GBA games, and many more.

Who Is the R36S For?

The R36S is ideal for:

• Retro gaming enthusiasts who want to revisit classic games from their childhood
• Anime fans who grew up with classic anime game adaptations
• Travellers and commuters who want gaming on the go
• Gift recipients of all ages who have nostalgia for classic gaming

R36S vs Other Retro Handhelds

Compared to alternatives like the Anbernic RG35XX or the Miyoo Mini+, the R36S offers excellent value at £34.99. It has a slightly larger form factor than the Miyoo Mini, making it more comfortable for extended gaming sessions, and its dual analogue sticks make it more versatile for 3D games like PS1 titles.

Our Verdict

The R36S Retro Handheld Console is outstanding value at £34.99. If you love retro games — or know someone who does — it's a brilliant purchase. The ability to play thousands of classic games on a pocket-sized device is genuinely magical, and the build quality and display are excellent for the price.

It makes a fantastic gift for gamers, anime fans, or anyone who grew up in the 8-bit to 32-bit era of gaming. Buy the R36S Retro Handheld Console at Animation Merch for just £34.99.