{"id":1561,"date":"2025-10-19T22:45:38","date_gmt":"2025-10-20T01:45:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pocketretrogaming.com\/en\/?p=1561"},"modified":"2026-02-15T23:24:05","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T02:24:05","slug":"r36s-plus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pocketretrogaming.com\/en\/anbernic\/r36s-plus\/","title":{"rendered":"R36S Plus Review: Better Than the Original R36s?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The R36S Plus launched in <strong>April 2025<\/strong> with a bold mission: to be the <strong>definitive version<\/strong> of the acclaimed R36S. It combines a <strong>larger screen<\/strong>, <strong>full control layout<\/strong>, and <strong>solid performance<\/strong>, all while maintaining an <strong>affordable price tag<\/strong>. With targeted improvements and a focus on delivering a more refined experience, it aims to claim the title of <strong>best value handheld of the year<\/strong>\u2014and that\u2019s exactly what we\u2019ll explore in this review.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-d384b1e9 alignfull uagb-is-root-container\"><a class=\"spectra-container-link-overlay\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/pocketretrogaming.com\/en\/coupon\/\"> <\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">R36S Plus Design: Lightweight and Compact<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lorem Ipsum has been the industry&#8217;s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-5919350550713248\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<!-- teste -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n     style=\"display:block\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-5919350550713248\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"1046481919\"\n     data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The R36S Plus features a <strong>compact and ergonomic design<\/strong>, perfect for players who value comfort during long gaming sessions. Its <strong>textured plastic finish<\/strong> provides a firm and pleasant grip, striking a good balance between <strong>lightness and durability<\/strong>, making it easy to carry in a backpack or pocket without worrying about wear and tear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition to its thoughtful build, the console is available in a range of <strong>vibrant colors<\/strong>, including <strong>transparent<\/strong>, <strong>black<\/strong>, <strong>blue<\/strong>, <strong>light blue<\/strong>, and <strong>green<\/strong>, allowing users to pick a style that suits their personality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">R36S Plus Controls: Full and Responsive<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lorem Ipsum has been the industry&#8217;s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-5919350550713248\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<!-- teste -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n     style=\"display:block\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-5919350550713248\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"1046481919\"\n     data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The R36S Plus offers a <strong>complete and well-distributed control layout<\/strong>, ideal for those seeking <strong>precision and comfort<\/strong>. With <strong>dual analog sticks<\/strong>, <strong>ABXY buttons<\/strong>, and <strong>L1\/L2 and R1\/R2 triggers<\/strong>, it ensures compatibility with a wide variety of games\u2014from simple platformers to titles that demand fast and complex inputs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It also includes <strong>FN<\/strong>, <strong>Select<\/strong>, and <strong>Start<\/strong> buttons, making menu navigation and access to system functions smooth and intuitive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">R36S Plus Connectivity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lorem Ipsum has been the industry&#8217;s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the key upgrades over the standard model is the inclusion of <strong>Wi-Fi<\/strong>, which significantly expands its capabilities. With this feature, the console supports <strong>online multiplayer via Netplay<\/strong>, <strong>RetroAchievements<\/strong>, and even <strong>file transfers via FTP<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The R36S Plus also retains a <strong>USB-C port with OTG support<\/strong>, allowing connection to external controllers, flash drives, and other peripherals. A <strong>3.5mm headphone jack<\/strong> ensures a more <strong>immersive audio experience<\/strong>, making the device even more versatile for players who value <strong>practicality and connectivity<\/strong> in a retro handheld.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">R36S Plus Display: 4-Inch IPS with 720&#215;720 Resolution<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lorem Ipsum has been the industry&#8217;s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-5919350550713248\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<!-- teste -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n     style=\"display:block\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-5919350550713248\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"1046481919\"\n     data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The R36S Plus is equipped with a <strong>4-inch IPS display<\/strong> at <strong>720&#215;720 resolution<\/strong>, delivering <strong>sharp visuals<\/strong>, <strong>vivid colors<\/strong>, and <strong>excellent viewing angles<\/strong>, even under bright lighting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Its <strong>1:1 aspect ratio<\/strong> is a standout feature, ideal for emulating classic platforms like <strong>Game Boy<\/strong>, <strong>Game Boy Color<\/strong>, and <strong>Neo Geo Pocket<\/strong>. This format eliminates black bars and preserves the <strong>original layout<\/strong> of retro games, offering a more <strong>authentic and immersive experience<\/strong> for nostalgic players.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">R36S Plus Battery: 3000mAh for Up to 6 Hours<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lorem Ipsum has been the industry&#8217;s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-5919350550713248\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<!-- teste -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n     style=\"display:block\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-5919350550713248\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"1046481919\"\n     data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The R36S Plus includes a <strong>3000mAh battery<\/strong>, providing between <strong>4 to 6 hours<\/strong> of continuous use depending on the emulated platform and screen brightness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Charging is efficient thanks to the <strong>USB-C port<\/strong>, with a full charge taking around <strong>2 hours<\/strong>, allowing players to get back into the action quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">R36S Plus Processor and Storage: RK3326 with 1GB RAM<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lorem Ipsum has been the industry&#8217;s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Powered by the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/rockchip.fr\/RK3326%20datasheet%20V1.1.pdf\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/rockchip.fr\/RK3326%20datasheet%20V1.1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">RK3326<\/a> quad-core chip<\/strong> and <strong>1GB of RAM<\/strong>, the R36S Plus delivers <strong>smooth performance<\/strong> across emulators up to the <strong>PlayStation 1<\/strong> and <strong>Nintendo 64<\/strong> era, and handles many <strong>PSP titles<\/strong> with solid stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Storage options include <strong>64GB or 128GB via SD card<\/strong>, typically <strong>preloaded with thousands of games<\/strong>, so users can start playing right out of the box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Operating System + Emulatable Platforms on R36S Plus<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lorem Ipsum has been the industry&#8217;s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-5919350550713248\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<!-- teste -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n     style=\"display:block\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-5919350550713248\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"1046481919\"\n     data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The R36S Plus runs a <strong>lightweight Linux-based interface<\/strong>, designed for <strong>fluid navigation<\/strong> between games and system settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Platforms That Run Perfectly:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Arcades:<\/strong> CPS, FBA, MAME<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>8 &amp; 16-bit consoles:<\/strong> NES, Master System, SNES, Mega Drive<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>32 &amp; 64-bit consoles:<\/strong> PlayStation 1, Nintendo 64<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Handhelds:<\/strong> Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Neo Geo Pocket, Nintendo DS<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>And more<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Platforms That Run Many Titles:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>PlayStation Portable (PSP)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dreamcast (DC)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">R36S Plus Price<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lorem Ipsum has been the industry&#8217;s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-5919350550713248\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<!-- teste -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n     style=\"display:block\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-5919350550713248\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"1046481919\"\n     data-ad-format=\"auto\"\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The R36S Plus is available for <strong>$35 to $45<\/strong>, depending on the seller and version selected on <strong>AliExpress<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is the R36S Plus Worth It in 2025? Final Thoughts and Alternatives<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In <strong>2025<\/strong>, the R36S Plus stands out as a <strong>smart choice<\/strong> for those seeking an <strong>efficient handheld console<\/strong>. It brings together all the essentials: <strong>portability<\/strong>, <strong>full controls<\/strong>, <strong>large screen<\/strong>, <strong>generous storage<\/strong>, and a <strong>fair price<\/strong>. This combination makes it a <strong>balanced option<\/strong> for retro emulation fans, delivering a <strong>solid experience<\/strong> without requiring a big investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Alternatives to the R36S Plus:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pocketretrogaming.com\/en\/anbernic\/10-best-handheld-console-under-40\/\">10 Best Handheld Retro Console Under $50<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pocketretrogaming.com\/en\/anbernic\/miyoo-mini-plus\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/pocketretrogaming.com\/en\/anbernic\/miyoo-mini-plus\/\">Miyoo Mini Plus<\/a>:<\/strong> More <strong>compact and lightweight<\/strong>, with a strong <strong>customization community<\/strong> and similar pricing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pocketretrogaming.com\/en\/anbernic\/r36-ultra\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/pocketretrogaming.com\/en\/anbernic\/r36-ultra\/\">R36 Ultra<\/a>:<\/strong> Nearly identical in specs but with a <strong>slightly different design<\/strong>, often found at a <strong>lower price<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pocketretrogaming.com\/en\/anbernic\/r36t\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/pocketretrogaming.com\/en\/anbernic\/r36t\/\">R36T<\/a>:<\/strong> Offers a unique feature\u2014a screen that <strong>simulates CRT monitor effects<\/strong>, priced similarly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pocketretrogaming.com\/en\/anbernic\/trimui-brick\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/pocketretrogaming.com\/en\/anbernic\/trimui-brick\/\">Trimui Smart Brick<\/a>:<\/strong> Focuses on a <strong>compact design<\/strong> with <strong>metal accents<\/strong>. More <strong>portable<\/strong>, but sacrifices <strong>ergonomics<\/strong> and <strong>performance<\/strong>. Ideal for those who prioritize <strong>premium build quality<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The R36S Plus launched in April 2025 with a bold mission: to be the definitive version of the acclaimed R36S. It combines a larger screen, full control layout, and solid performance, all while maintaining an affordable price tag. With targeted improvements and a focus on delivering a more refined experience, it aims to claim the&hellip;&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1569,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","neve_meta_sidebar":"","neve_meta_container":"","neve_meta_enable_content_width":"","neve_meta_content_width":0,"neve_meta_title_alignment":"","neve_meta_author_avatar":"","neve_post_elements_order":"","neve_meta_disable_header":"","neve_meta_disable_footer":"","neve_meta_disable_title":"","neve_meta_reading_time":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"#RetroGaming #GameConsole #VideoGame #Gaming #Console #Retro #Retrogames #Retrogame #Handheld #R36SPLUS","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[11,36,45],"tags":[311,166,591,593,592],"class_list":["post-1561","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-review","category-others","category-under-50","tag-r36-plus","tag-r36s","tag-r36s-plus","tag-r36s-plus-game-console","tag-r36s-plus-review"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/pocketretrogaming.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/R36Plus.jpg","uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/pocketretrogaming.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/R36Plus.jpg",930,620,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/pocketretrogaming.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/R36Plus.jpg",930,620,false],"medium":["https:\/\/pocketretrogaming.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/R36Plus-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/pocketretrogaming.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/R36Plus-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/pocketretrogaming.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/R36Plus.jpg",930,620,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/pocketretrogaming.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/R36Plus.jpg",930,620,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/pocketretrogaming.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/R36Plus.jpg",930,620,false],"neve-blog":["https:\/\/pocketretrogaming.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/R36Plus.jpg",930,620,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Nicolas Viana","author_link":"https:\/\/pocketretrogaming.com\/en\/author\/nicolas-viana\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"The R36S Plus launched in April 2025 with a bold mission: to be the definitive version of the acclaimed R36S. It combines a larger screen, full control layout, and solid performance, all while maintaining an affordable price tag. With targeted improvements and a focus on delivering a more refined experience, it aims to claim the&hellip;&nbsp;","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pocketretrogaming.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1561","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pocketretrogaming.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pocketretrogaming.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pocketretrogaming.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pocketretrogaming.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1561"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/pocketretrogaming.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1561\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2523,"href":"https:\/\/pocketretrogaming.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1561\/revisions\/2523"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pocketretrogaming.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1569"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pocketretrogaming.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1561"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pocketretrogaming.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1561"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pocketretrogaming.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1561"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}