The R46S hit the market in September 2025 as a larger and upgraded version of the R36H, bringing a bigger screen, higher-capacity battery, and a more powerful chipset to deliver smoother performance. While it costs slightly more, the model promises to justify the investment with meaningful improvements—and that’s exactly what we’ll evaluate in this review to see if it’s worth paying a little extra for this evolution.
R46S Design: Lightweight and Compact
The R46S combines compactness and ergonomics in a 185 x 80 x 20 mm frame, with smooth, rounded edges that fit comfortably in the hands—even during extended play sessions.
Built from ABS plastic, the body features a matte finish that improves grip and resists fingerprints, keeping the device looking clean longer. It’s available in three color options: white, transparent purple, and transparent black, appealing to fans of both retro aesthetics and modern style.
R46S Controls: Complete and Functional
The R46S offers a full and functional control layout, featuring dual analog sticks in the Nintendo Switch style for precise movement, a responsive D-pad, and the classic A, B, X, Y buttons. It also includes Select and Start, making menu navigation and system access easy.
To maintain portability without sacrificing gameplay, the R46S uses L1, L2, R1, and R2 buttons in a linear layout, discreetly positioned along the top edge. This design keeps the console slim and lightweight while still supporting advanced emulation for platforms like PlayStation 1 and Nintendo 64.
R46S Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Mini HDMI
Connectivity is one of the R46S’s standout features, with built-in Wi-Fi enabling firmware updates, online multiplayer via Netplay, and RetroAchievements.
It also includes Bluetooth, perfect for pairing headphones or external controllers, and a USB-C port for fast charging and efficient data transfer. To top it off, the console has a mini HDMI output, letting players enjoy their games on a TV screen.
R46S Display: 4-Inch IPS with 720x720 Resolution
The R46S features a 4-inch IPS display with a 720x720 resolution, delivering sharp visuals, vibrant colors, and a wide viewing angle, even in bright environments.
One of its best features is the 1:1 aspect ratio, which fits perfectly with emulators for platforms like Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Neo Geo Pocket. This eliminates black bars and preserves the original format of retro games for a more authentic experience.
R46S Battery: 4000mAh with Up to 8 Hours of Playtime
Equipped with a 4000mAh battery, the R46S offers up to 8 hours of continuous gameplay, ideal for long sessions without worrying about frequent recharging.
Charging is handled via USB-C, ensuring modern convenience and compatibility with most chargers. A full charge takes around 2 hours.
R46S Processor and Storage: RK3566 and 1GB LPDDR4 RAM
The handheld runs on the RK3566 quad-core chip with 1GB of LPDDR4 RAM, delivering stable performance for emulating consoles up to the PlayStation 1 and Nintendo 64 generation.
For storage, it uses an SD card as its main memory, with options for 64GB or 128GB, typically preloaded with thousands of classic games.
Operating System + Emulatable Platforms on R46S
The console runs a Linux-based system optimized for emulation, offering a lightweight and efficient foundation with broad emulator compatibility. Its simple and functional interface allows for smooth navigation between platforms and games, making it intuitive even for newcomers to retro gaming.
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 Some Titles:
- PlayStation Portable (PSP)
- Dreamcast (DC)
R46S Price
The R46S is available for $50 to $70, depending on the model and storage capacity.
Is the R46S Worth It in 2025? Final Thoughts and Alternatives
In 2025, the R46S stands out as an attractive entry-level option for those seeking a handheld console with a high-quality screen, optimized system, comfortable design, and solid performance. By combining all these elements into a single device, it delivers a complete and balanced experience, ideal for anyone starting out in the world of retro emulation—while still keeping the price accessible.
Alternatives to the R46S:
- Powkiddy RGB30: Features a 1:1 screen, better build quality, and the same chipset, but costs slightly more.
- Anbernic RG CubeXX: Offers a premium design and higher performance, but at a higher price point.
- R36H: A more compact version, without Wi-Fi, but priced at nearly half the cost.
