The R36 Ultra arrives as a direct evolution of the popular R36S, bringing upgrades like a larger screen, enhanced connectivity, and a more premium build—all for a slightly higher price. The goal is clear: keep what already worked and refine the experience for those seeking a modern and comfortable retro handheld console. But do these changes really impact daily use, or are they just surface-level tweaks? Let’s find out.
R36 Ultra Design: Taller and Better Built
Design is one of the R36 Ultra’s strongest points. It keeps the familiar vertical format of the R36S but introduces a more refined and ergonomic approach. The grip has been improved for greater comfort during long gaming sessions, and the buttons are sturdier, enhancing the overall experience. The tactile feel is more solid, with a finish that conveys higher quality and attention to detail.
Available in white, transparent blue, and transparent pink, the console also embraces a more modern and stylish look without losing its retro charm.
R36 Ultra Controls: Enhanced Gameplay with RGB Flair
The controls were clearly designed with care, offering a surprisingly tactile experience for the category. The ABXY buttons, along with select, start, and function, deliver firm and consistent clicks, essential for games that demand precise input. This immediate response builds confidence, especially in action or platform titles, where every move matters.
On the back, the triggers are well-positioned and work efficiently for emulating more advanced consoles like PS1 and Nintendo 64, ensuring versatility. The RGB analog sticks are a standout feature, reminiscent of the Nintendo Switch, adding style without sacrificing functionality.
R36 Ultra Connectivity: Wi-Fi and USB-C
Connectivity is a pleasant surprise. The R36 Ultra includes built-in Wi-Fi, unlocking features like firmware updates, file transfers, and even multiplayer via netplay, plus support for RetroAchievements. The 3.5mm headphone jack is a bonus for those who prefer immersive audio without disturbing others. The USB-C port makes fast charging and PC connection easy, streamlining game and file management.
Another highlight is the external microSD card support, allowing for simple and efficient storage expansion—crucial for users with large game libraries, from classic titles to space-heavy ones.
R36 Ultra Screen: 4 Inches with 1:1 Aspect Ratio
The screen is undeniably one of the R36 Ultra’s standout features. With a 720x720 resolution, IPS panel, and square 1:1 aspect ratio, it delivers a sharp and faithful visual experience for classics like GBA, GBC, and Neo Geo Pocket. This setup preserves the original format of games, avoiding distortion and maintaining the retro aesthetic.
Even in bright environments, the brightness level remains solid, ensuring clear visibility. The 4-inch screen strikes a perfect balance between visual comfort and portability—large enough for clarity, yet compact enough to fit in your pocket.
R36 Ultra Battery: 3000mAh Lasting Up to 6 Hours
Battery life is powered by a 3000mAh cell, offering 4 to 6 hours of continuous use, depending on the emulated platform and screen brightness. That’s more than enough for moderate gaming sessions, and it aligns with the average for handhelds in this category.
Charging is another plus, with the USB-C port enabling fast recharge. In about 2 hours, the battery reaches full capacity, letting players jump back into action quickly.
R36 Ultra Processor and Storage
Under the hood, the R36 Ultra features the RK3326 Quad-Core chipset paired with 1 GB of DDR3L RAM. This combo ensures smooth performance for emulating systems like PS1, Dreamcast, and most Nintendo 64 and PSP titles. It delivers a stable experience for those wanting to relive classic generations without lag or performance drops.
Storage is handled via microSD card, available in 64 GB or 128 GB versions depending on the bundle. This flexibility lets users carry a generous game library and makes organizing files and systems easy.
R36 Ultra OS + Emulatable Platforms
The R36 Ultra runs custom versions of ArkOS and EmuELEC, optimized for emulation with a user-friendly interface and advanced features. These systems allow for hotkey configuration, save states, graphic tweaks, and network updates. A strong community ensures ongoing support and improvements.
Platforms that run flawlessly:
- Arcades: CPS, FBA, MAME
- 8 & 16-bit consoles: NES, Master System, SNES, Mega Drive
- 32 & 64-bit consoles: PlayStation 1
- Portables: Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Neo Geo Pocket, Nintendo DS
- And more
Platforms that run some titles:
- Nintendo 64 (N64)
- PlayStation Portable (PSP)
- Dreamcast (DC)
R36 Ultra Price
The R36 Ultra is priced between $35 and $40 on AliExpress, making it one of the most affordable and competitive options on the market.
Is the R36 Ultra Worth It in 2025? Final Thoughts and Alternatives
The R36 Ultra stands out as a great value for anyone seeking a retro handheld console. With a 4-inch IPS screen, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, and a more ergonomic and refined build than the R36S, it offers a solid emulation experience for systems like GBA, PS1, Neo Geo Pocket, and even lighter titles from N64 and PSP. The 6-hour battery, RGB analogs, and RetroAchievements support are welcome bonuses. For around $35 to $40, it’s hard to find something this complete.
Still, there are alternatives worth considering:
- R36S: A solid pick for budget-conscious users. Smaller screen and fewer features, but handles classics up to PS1 and N64 well.
- Trimui Smart Brick: Focuses on a compact design with metal accents. More portable, but sacrifices ergonomics and performance. Ideal for those prioritizing premium finish.
