The $50 retro gaming showdown — both deliver incredible value, but your choice depends on what you emulate and how you play. Let’s break it down!
⚔️ Head-to-Head Specs
| Feature | R36S | RG35XX |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $45-$55 | $50-$65 (H model) |
| Screen | 3.5" IPS (640x480) | 3.5" IPS (640x480) |
| CPU | Rockchip RK3326 | Cortex-A9 (H700) |
| RAM | 1GB | 256MB (Base) / 1GB (H) |
| Controls | Twin analog sticks | D-pad + face buttons |
| Battery | 3000mAh (~4 hrs) | 2600mAh (~6 hrs) |
| OS | ArkOS / RetroArena | Stock OS / GarlicOS |
🎮 Performance Face-Off
| System | R36S | RG35XX |
|---|---|---|
| PS1 | ✅ Flawless (50+ FPS) | ✅ Flawless |
| N64 | ✅ 90% full speed (Mario 64, OoT) | ❌ Unplayable (no analog stick) |
| Dreamcast | ✅ 70% games playable | ❌ No support |
| PSP | ✅ Light 3D (Lumines, GTA:LCS) | ❌ No support |
| GBA/SNES | ✅ Perfect | ✅ Perfect |
| N64/PSP | Requires analog sticks! | Maxes out at PS1 |
💡 Key Insight: The R36S dominates for 3D-heavy systems (N64, PSP, Dreamcast). The RG35XX is a 16-bit/PS1 specialist.
🎨 Design & Build
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R36S:
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Pros: Twin analogs, HDMI out, WiFi dongle support.
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Cons: Plastic shell, average buttons, poor battery life.
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RG35XX:
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Pros: Premium Game Boy-inspired metal shell (H model), crisp D-pad, excellent battery.
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Cons: No analog sticks, no HDMI on base model.
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⚙️ Software & Customization
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R36S:
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Ships with buggy stock OS — install ArkOS immediately!
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Supports RetroAchievements, cloud saves, and advanced tweaks.
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RG35XX:
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GarlicOS (community firmware) is polished and user-friendly.
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Simpler setup — ideal for beginners.
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🎯 Which One Should YOU Buy?
Choose the R36S if you:
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Want to play N64, Dreamcast, or PSP games.
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Don’t mind tinkering with settings/ArkOS.
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Need analog sticks for racing/fighting games.
Choose the RG35XX (H model) if you:
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Prioritize PS1 and earlier (8-bit/16-bit).
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Prefer premium build quality and longer battery.
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Want plug-and-play simplicity (GarlicOS).
⚠️ The Gripes
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R36S: Battery drains fast, stock OS is trash.
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RG35XX: No analog = no N64/PSP, base model lacks RAM.
Verdict
For most players, the RG35XX is the safer pick — it’s polished, efficient, and nails PS1/retro gaming. But if you crave N64 or Dreamcast, the R36S’s analog sticks and extra power are worth the trade-offs.
🎮 Final Tip: Spend $10 extra for the RG35XX H (1GB RAM) or R36S + ArkOS microSD. Avoid base RG35XX (256MB)!