R36S Technical Data and Specifications

R36S Technical Data and Specifications

Introduction

The R36S Retro Gaming Handheld represents a significant advance in portable retro gaming technology. This device seamlessly blends nostalgia with modern hardware capabilities, offering a vast library of classic games in a compact, portable form factor. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the R36S, examining its features, performance, and overall value for retro gaming enthusiasts.

Technical specifications

Component Specification
processor RK3326 ARM Cortex-A35 Quad-Core (up to 1.5 GHz)
GPU Mali-G31MP2 (OpenGL ES 3.2 support)
R.A.M. 1 GB DDR3L
memory Support for TF cards (16 GB – 256 GB)
Advertisement 3.5-inch IPS OCA full lamination MIPI display
resolution 640 x 480
Battery 3500 mAh (up to 8 hours playback time)
Charging process Type-C interface (2 hours full charge)
Audio Built-in 8W speaker, 3.5mm headphone jack
Video output HDMI support
Operating system Open source Linux


Performance and emulation capabilities

Powered by the RK3326 ARM Cortex-A35 quad-core processor and the Mali-G31MP2 graphics processor, the R36S offers impressive emulation performance for a wide range of systems. The open-source Linux operating system provides a stable and flexible platform for various emulators.

Supported systems and performance:

1. 8-bit and 16-bit consoles (NES, SNES, Sega Genesis)

  • Nearly perfect emulation with minimal input lag
  • Smooth frame rates even with advanced visual filters

2. 32-bit consoles (PlayStation 1)

  • Excellent performance on most titles
  • Some more demanding games may require skipping frames for optimal playability

3. Handheld systems (Game Boy, GBA, Neo Geo Pocket)

  • Flawless emulation with screen scaling and filter options

4. Arcade systems (MAME, CPS1, CPS2, CPS3)

  • Good performance on most classic arcade titles
  • Some newer or more complex arcade games may experience slowdowns

5. Nintendo 64 and PSP

  • Mixed results depending on the game
  • Many popular titles run well when some graphics settings are adjusted
  • In more complex games, it can be difficult to maintain full speed

The device's performance is generally impressive, handling most retro systems with ease. However, enthusiasts should note that more demanding N64 and PSP titles may require some optimization for optimal performance.

Display and visual experience

The R36S features a 3.5-inch IPS OCA full lamination MIPI screen with a resolution of 640×480. This high-quality display offers:
  • Excellent color reproduction
  • Wide viewing angles
  • Clear and sharp images for pixel art and 3D games
  • Sufficient brightness for outdoor use
The quality of the screen is especially noticeable when playing games on systems such as the Game Boy Advance (GBA) or the PlayStation Portable (PSP), where vivid colors and detailed graphics are crucial to the gaming experience.


Operating system: ArkOS

The R36S Retro Gaming Handheld runs ArkOS, an operating system specifically designed for retro gaming devices. ArkOS enhances the R36S experience in several user-friendly ways: Easy Operation
  • Simple menu system to browse and play
  • Customizable look and feel to suit your preferences
Game support
  • Works with a variety of old-school game systems
  • Regular updates to play even more games
Practical functions
  • Quickly save and load game states
  • Connect to Wi-Fi for additional features
Community benefits
  • Active online community for tips and help
  • Option to achieve success in classic games
Performance improvement
  • Gets the most out of the R36S hardware for smooth gameplay
  • Settings to fine-tune game execution
ArkOS transforms the R36S into a versatile gaming console that's both powerful and easy to use. It's regularly improved, so your device only gets better over time. Whether you're new to retro gaming or a longtime fan, ArkOS offers a fun and accessible way to enjoy classic games on the go.


R36S game library and expandability

The R36S comes pre-installed with an extensive library of over 15,000 games from various classic systems. However, it's important to note that the quality of these pre-installed ROMs can be inconsistent. Many users report issues such as:
  • faulty or disrupted gameplay
  • poorly translated titles
  • incomplete games
  • Duplicates or variations of the same game, increasing the total
Although the pre-installed library covers a wide variety of systems, including PlayStation Portable (PSP), PlayStation 1 (PS1), Neo Geo, Game Boy Advance (GBA), Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), and more, the actual number of playable games may be significantly lower than stated due to these quality issues.


Supported systems:

  • PlayStation Portable (PSP)
  • PlayStation 1 (PS1)
  • Neo Geo
  • Game Boy Advance (GBA), Game Boy Color (GBC), Game Boy (GB)
  • Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
  • Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
  • MAME (various arcade systems)
  • Sega Mega Drive (Genesis)
  • Capcom CPS1, CPS2, CPS3
Despite the issues with pre-installed content, the R36S shines with its expandability. The device supports TF cards up to 256GB, allowing enthusiasts to add their own ROMs and even install additional emulators. This flexibility allows users to build a high-quality library of their favorite retro games across multiple systems. Many users find that replacing the pre-installed content with their own carefully selected ROMs greatly enhances the gaming experience on the R36S. Popular additions often include classic titles from series such as Mario, Zelda, Final Fantasy, and Pokémon, as well as popular individual games from the supported systems. Please remember that while the device allows for the installation of ROMs, users should be aware of and respect copyright laws when adding games to their system.

Battery life and portability

Battery performance

The R36S is equipped with a 3500 mAh lithium polymer battery, which offers impressive playtime for a device in its class. Here's a more detailed breakdown of battery performance:

  • Average Playtime : Users can play for approximately 6 to 8 hours on a single battery charge, but this can vary considerably depending on several factors:
    • Screen brightness: Higher brightness settings drain the battery faster.
    • Volume: At high volumes, the integrated speaker consumes more power.
    • Emulated system: More demanding systems like PSP or N64 drain the battery faster than simpler systems like NES or Game Boy.
    • Wi-Fi usage: When Wi-Fi is enabled, especially when downloading content, battery life will decrease.
  • Standby time : When the R36S is not in use but is turned on, it can last up to 24-36 hours in standby mode.
  • Charging time : The device is fully charged in approximately 2–3 hours using the included USB Type-C cable. It's worth noting that:
    • The R36S supports pass-through charging, so you can play while the device is connected.
    • Using a higher power charger will not significantly speed up the charging process due to the limitations of the device's charging circuit.
  • Battery life indicators: The device has an on-screen battery level indicator, but some users report that it can be slightly inaccurate, especially when the battery is low .

Wearing characteristics

The R36S was designed with portability in mind. It's compact and lightweight, making it ideal for gaming on the go. The button layout is inspired by classic handheld designs, providing a familiar feel. The D-pad and buttons provide good tactile feedback, essential for precise control in platforming and fighting games, making it an excellent companion for gaming on the go.

  • Compact Size : Measuring approximately 15 x 7.6 x 1.5 cm (5.9 x 3 x 0.6 inches), the R36S fits easily into most pockets or small bags.
  • Lightweight design : Weighing about 200 grams (7 ounces), it is light enough for extended handheld gaming sessions without causing fatigue.
  • Durability : While the plastic construction isn't high-quality, it's reasonably durable for everyday use. However, for added protection while traveling, we recommend using a carrying case.
  • Quick Resume Feature : The device supports a sleep mode so you can quickly pause and resume your gaming sessions, enhancing the pick-up-and-play nature of the device.
  • Headphone Jack : A standard 3.5mm headphone jack allows private gaming in public spaces.
  • Storage Flexibility : By using TF cards to store games, one can easily switch between different game libraries by changing cards, increasing versatility for long trips.

Comparison with other handhelds

Compared to other retro handhelds in its class, the R36S offers:

  • Similar or slightly better battery life than many competitors
  • Comparable size and weight to devices like RG351P or PowKiddy X18
  • The advantage of USB-C charging, which is not universal among retro handhelds

Practical considerations

  • For long games, carrying a portable power bank can significantly extend the playing time.
  • The device's settings allow for power management adjustments, such as adjusting screen timeout and CPU clock speeds, which can optimize battery life for different usage scenarios.

Overall, the R36S strikes a good balance between performance and portability, offering sufficient battery life for most daily use cases while remaining compact, lightweight, and easy to carry.

Additional features

  • HDMI output for gaming experiences on large screens
  • Multilingual support, including English, French, Spanish, Portuguese and Chinese
  • Customizable UI and emulator settings
  • Save states across different emulators for more convenience

The R36S goes beyond basic emulation, offering several modern conveniences. Its HDMI output allows for large-screen gaming, bringing your retro favorites to your living room TV. The device supports multiple languages, making it accessible to a global audience. A customizable user interface lets you tailor the system to your preferences, while the save function across various emulators ensures you can pause and resume your progress at will. These features combine nostalgia with modern gaming convenience, enhancing the overall retro gaming experience.

Conclusion

The R36S retro gaming handheld is a versatile and powerful option for retro gaming enthusiasts. The combination of comprehensive game compatibility, solid performance, and modern features makes it an attractive choice for both casual and dedicated retro gamers.

Advantages:

  • Extensive pre-installed game library
  • Excellent emulation performance for most retro systems
  • High-quality display
  • Long battery life
  • Expandable memory

Disadvantages:

  • Some limitations of N64 and PSP emulation
  • Learning curve for optimizing specific games

The R36S offers exceptional value, allowing access to multiple generations of gaming history in a single, well-designed package. Whether rediscovering childhood favorites or exploring classic games for the first time, the R36S delivers a rich and entertaining retro gaming experience.

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