The R36 Mini launches in March 2025 as an affordable handheld console for those who want to relive retro games anywhere. Compact and lightweight, it combines a competitive price with a good display, consistent performance, and support for a wide range of emulators, positioning itself as a practical option for fans of classics. But does the R36 Mini really deliver everything it promises? That’s exactly what we’ll explore in this full review.
Design: Compact and Nostalgic
The R36 Mini stands out for its compact and lightweight design, measuring 80 x 110 x 22 mm, inspired by the legendary Nintendo Game Boy. This approach blends nostalgia and practicality, offering a portable format that fits easily in a pocket or backpack—perfect for those who want to enjoy classics anywhere.
Its sturdy plastic body feels robust yet light, while the matte finish prevents fingerprints. Rounded corners add comfort to the grip. The console is available in solid colors like white, red, and cyan blue, as well as transparent versions in black and green, reinforcing its retro appeal with a modern touch.
Controls: Classic with a Twist
The R36 Mini’s controls feature a cross-shaped D-pad slightly curved inward, reminiscent of Nintendo’s classic D-pads. The ABXY action buttons are well-defined and responsive, while Select and Start are positioned for easy access. On the back, the L1, L2, R1, and R2 triggers are arranged for comfort, ensuring a firm and pleasant grip during long gaming sessions.
A unique detail is the presence of only one analog stick, surrounded by RGB lighting and located at the bottom—often compared to a “unicorn horn.” While unusual, this design makes sense for most retro titles, since consoles of that era rarely required a second analog stick. This choice preserves simplicity and portability without compromising gameplay.
Connectivity: Essential and Nostalgic
The R36 Mini includes the essentials for an entry-level handheld: a USB-C port for charging, a 3.5mm headphone jack for conventional audio, and two microSD slots—one for the operating system and another for games.
These features reinforce its nostalgic proposal, recalling the classic era of gaming when you simply turned it on and played, without worrying about internet or complex settings.
Display: IPS with Retro Fidelity
The R36 Mini’s display stands out with thin bezels, offering a wider and more immersive viewing area. Its 3.5-inch IPS panel delivers vivid, consistent colors and superior viewing angles, ensuring a pleasant experience from any position.
With a 640x480 resolution and 4:3 aspect ratio, it preserves the authentic look of retro consoles, displaying classics without distortions or black bars.
Battery: Long-Lasting and Reliable
Equipped with a 4000mAh battery, the R36 Mini offers up to 8 hours of continuous use, allowing for long gaming sessions without frequent recharges. Autonomy varies depending on the game and brightness level, but overall it provides efficient and reliable energy performance.
Charging via USB-C adds convenience, with an average full charge time of about 2 hours.
Performance and Storage: Solid Retro Setup
The R36 Mini runs on the RK3326 quad-core chip paired with 1GB of RAM, ensuring smooth performance in emulators up to PlayStation 1 and Nintendo 64, while also handling many PSP titles with good stability.
For storage, it offers 64GB and 128GB SD card versions, usually preloaded with thousands of games for immediate use. It also supports microSD expansion up to 256GB.
Operating System + Emulation Support
The Linux-based OS is customized for retro gaming, with an interface optimized for simplicity and practicality. Navigation is fluid and intuitive, with menus organized by console and game, ensuring quick access and an authentic retro experience.
Platforms That Run Perfectly:
- Arcades: CPS, FBA, MAME
- 8 & 16-bit consoles: NES, Master System, SNES, Mega Drive
- 32 & 64-bit consoles: PlayStation 1, Nintendo 64
- Handhelds: Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Neo Geo Pocket, Nintendo DS
- And more
Platforms That Run Many Titles:
- Dreamcast (DC)
- PlayStation Portable (PSP)
Price: Affordable and Competitive
The R36 Mini is sold on AliExpress for around US$35 to US$45, making it an excellent cost-benefit option.
Is the R36 Mini Worth It in 2025? Final Thoughts and Alternatives
The R36 Mini stands out as a cheap, compact, and efficient handheld, capable of running classics with surprising fluidity thanks to its good display, long battery life, and solid retro performance—all at an affordable price that reinforces its great value. While it lacks advanced connectivity, the overall package makes it a great choice for those seeking practicality and retro fun without spending much.
Notable Alternatives to the R36 Mini:
- Miyoo Mini Plus: More compact and lightweight, with a large customization community, at a similar price.
- R36 Ultra: Delivers the best value among vertical models, with a square screen and solid build.
- R36T: Unique for its CRT-style display effect, offering retro authenticity at the same price.
- Trimui Smart Brick: Features a compact design with metal accents. More portable, but sacrifices ergonomics and performance—ideal for those who want a premium finish.
