How Do I Know Which R36S I Have & What Games Can It Play?

The R36S Handheld Game Console is one of the most popular retro gaming devices in the world. With dozens of clones and firmware variations, itโ€™s no surprise that users often ask:

โœ… โ€œHow do I know which R36S version I own?โ€
๐ŸŽฎ โ€œWhat games can I play on it?โ€

Letโ€™s break it down:


๐Ÿ” How Do I Know Which R36S I Have?

There are a few easy ways to check which version or firmware your R36S has:

1. Check the System Menu

  • Go to Settings โ†’ System Info

  • Look for the firmware version or menu version (e.g., โ€œEmuELEC v4.3โ€, โ€œOpenDinguXโ€, or โ€œRetroArchโ€)

  • Some use custom skins, others use original firmware

2. Look at the TF Card

  • Remove the microSD card and plug it into your computer

  • Look for folders like:

    • ROMS, BIOS, emuelec, garlicos

  • This helps you identify the OS and emulator structure

3. Physical Clues

  • Screen resolution: 3.5" 640x480 = Original R36S

  • Extra features like HDMI output or dual OS suggest newer versions

  • Label/sticker inside the battery compartment may help

๐Ÿ“ Still unsure? Take a photo of the menu or SD structure and reach out to your consoleโ€™s reseller.


๐ŸŽฎ What Games Can the R36S Play?

The R36S supports 20+ emulators, including:

  • NES, SNES, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance

  • Sega Genesis, Master System, Dreamcast

  • PlayStation 1 (PS1)

  • MAME / Arcade

  • PC Engine, Wonderswan, Neo Geo, and more

๐Ÿ•น๏ธ Examples of Playable Games on R36S

Here are some fan-favorite classics you can enjoy on R36S:


๐Ÿ”น Super Mario World (SNES)

  • Genre: Platformer

  • Why Itโ€™s Great: One of Nintendoโ€™s most beloved platformers. Classic side-scrolling fun, tight controls, and Yoshi!

  • ๐Ÿ›’ Link to ROM Info


๐Ÿ”น Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (PS1)

  • Genre: Action/Adventure

  • Why Itโ€™s Great: Gothic atmosphere, RPG elements, huge open-ended castle.

  • ๐Ÿ›’ Link to Game Info


๐Ÿ”น Pokรฉmon FireRed (GBA)

  • Genre: RPG

  • Why Itโ€™s Great: A remake of the original Pokรฉmon Red with modern graphics and smoother gameplay.

  • ๐Ÿ›’ Game Info


๐Ÿ”น Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Sega Genesis)

  • Genre: Platformer

  • Why Itโ€™s Great: Classic speed-based gameplay, 2-player mode, iconic music.

  • ๐Ÿ›’ Link to Game Info


๐Ÿ”น Metal Slug X (Neo Geo / MAME)

  • Genre: Run-and-gun

  • Why Itโ€™s Great: Explosive action, cartoony violence, co-op fun.

  • ๐Ÿ›’ Game Info


๐Ÿ’พ How Many Games Can R36S Hold?

With pre-installed microSD cards (usually 64GB or 128GB), R36S can hold:

  • โœ… 10,000 to 20,000+ games

  • You can also add your own ROMs and BIOS files via USB or SD card

โš ๏ธ Reminder: Only download ROMs legally. If you donโ€™t own the original game, downloading it may be illegal in your country.


โœ… Where to Buy the R36S?

You can get an original R36S console with pre-installed games here:
๐Ÿ‘‰ Buy R36S Now โ€“ GameLoopX


๐Ÿง  Final Thoughts

  • You can easily identify your R36S version via firmware, SD card content, or display features.

  • The R36S supports a massive library of retro games, from NES to PS1.

  • With thousands of titles to explore, itโ€™s the ultimate on-the-go nostalgia machine.