R36S Game Console Review
The following is a first-hand experience of using R36S Handheld Game Console that I recently got a chance to use being a gaming fanatic. This console has attracted a lot of attention basically because of its relatively low price of roughly US$79 and its capacity to handle up to the PSP games. However, I was particularly interested in its performance with 2D games such as Game Boy and Game Boy Color. Here’s a detailed review including the pros and cons of the R36S.
Key Takeaways
- R36S game console is cheaper and can be used for 2D gaming where emulation of games is nicely done.
- The R36s supports over 20 types of emulators, including PSP, DC, N64, PS1, SFC, GBA, NDS, PCE, MD, NEOGEO, GBC and others, with over 15,000 games however do note that a handful of games does not run smoothly.
- In conclusion, the R36S delivers considerable value for money for users who are in need of a device for 2D gaming.
Overview of the R36S Game Console
The R36S has a 3.5-inch screen with four buttons on the back of the device. It operates on the AR Coos system, which allows for easy modification. It can mimic up to PSP but is more ideal to use with 2D games such as game boy and game boy color.
One of the standout features of the R36S is its price. The R36S Handheld Console is available for around US$79.00 in Amazon, which I personally think is an absolute steal, especially considering you get a whopping 15,000+ games included with the R36S, making it an affordable option for gamers on a budget. There is no Wi-Fi on the console and to get Wi-Fi, it is available getting Wi-Fi dongle on Amazon which makes scraping artwork for ROMs a lot easier.
The R36S has only two micro SD card slots with one for the operating system while the other is for the ROMs. Both can be put onto one card but it is advised to swap out the card that is included with the console as it is a low quality.
The console features a clear and bright 3.5-inch screen with a curved glass look. However, it does not come with a glass screen protector, which can be a downside for some users. It can be set to reflect the chosen Game Boy style, with options for high contrast white or retro green. The speaker is practical although it is not the best one when compared to the ones on the market. The d-pad and buttons are quite good but can be made better with a very simple mod that involves unscrewing the screws on the back of the device.
The R36S has front buttons and analog sticks like the Nintendo Switch. They have a low profile, which may feel restrictive to gamers who are used to console controller. The console has four buttons on the back, L and L2, R and R2. These buttons are slightly raised and have a ridge on the back of the device for comfortable finger placement. However, they are quite possibly the clickiest buttons of all time.
The R36S features a removable cover, making battery replacement a breeze. This is a big plus for me, as it helps extend the handheld console’s lifespan. As for the solidity, the console leaves a good impression; however, the batteries are not very high quality.
Emulation Performance
I have extensively tested the R36S, and its emulation performance is quite impressive. It can run all the way up to PSP games, although there are a few things to consider. For higher-demanding games, performance can be less smooth, and some games may encounter issues running properly. If you are looking for a system to run PS1 games and under, 2D games like Game Boy games or Game Boy Color games, then this is absolutely fantastic.
The quality of the emulation is of great, and you can set the screen to reflect your chosen Game Boy style. You can have it as a high contrast white image or use the more retro green.
Battery life on the R36S is about 4.5 hours for me, but this can vary depending on which emulators you’re running. As for games, I mostly play PSP and PS1 titles. Most of my games run smoothly, except for some very high graphics demanding ones. For PS1 and below, it performs without any issues. It also handles a bit of DS, PSP, Dreamcast, and N64 based on my testing.
Emulation Performance on N64
The emulation performance on the N64 is a mixed bag. The games run at full speed, but there are some graphical issues that need to be addressed. This is something that I hope they can fix in the future.
Pros
- Affordable Price: At around US79.00, it’s one of the most budget-friendly handheld consoles available.
- Good Screen Quality: The 3.5-inch screen is clear, bright, and offers good color contrast.
- Decent Emulation: Excellent performance for many games.
- Customizable OS: Runs on AR Coos, which can be updated easily.
- Compact and Portable: Small size makes it easy to carry around.
Cons
- Hardware Issues: The d-pad and buttons are not of the highest quality but can be improved with modifications.
- No Built-In Wi-Fi: Requires an additional Wi-Fi dongle for online features.
- Mixed N64 Emulation: While 2D game emulation is solid, N64 emulation has graphical issues.
- Speaker Quality: The built-in speaker is functional but not of the best quality.
Conclusion
The R36S Handheld Game Console is an affordable option for gamers who want to relive nostalgic retro games. Despite some small imperfections, it offers a wide variety of games from different emulators, making it hard very attractive. The quality of the batteries isn’t the best, and the back buttons are very clicky. However, considering its price, the console is still a great option.