R36H Review: Spending $40 on This Handheld Wasn’t a Mistake

Retro gaming has this magical way of pulling us back to the good old days, doesn’t it? But let’s be real—digging out an old console or tracking down original cartridges isn’t exactly practical (or affordable) these days. That’s where modern handhelds like the R36H come into play. This little device is making waves as one of the most budget retro gaming consoles on the market, and honestly, it’s kind of impressive what you can get for around $40.

The R36H is essentially the horizontal cousin of the popular R36S, designed to feel more like a traditional gaming controller while packing all the features we love from its vertical sibling. It’s got two analog sticks, a D-pad at the bottom, and a whole bunch of buttons ready to handle everything from NES platformers to PlayStation 1 classics. And yeah, it even throws in some Nintendo DS emulation with a virtual stylus, which is pretty neat if you ask me. The best part? It comes preloaded with over 15,000 games, so you’re basically getting a portable arcade in your pocket.

Now, I know what you might be thinking: “Does a $40 gadget really deliver?” Well, that’s exactly why I’m diving deep into this review. From design it to testing how well it handles demanding titles, I’ll walk you through every detail—the good, the bad, and the slightly janky. By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear picture of whether the R36H deserves a spot on your gaming shelf or if it’s better left scrolling by on AliExpress.

Design and Build Quality

The R36H is one of those gadgets that grabs your attention right off the bat, and a big part of that comes down to its design and build quality. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t need to—it takes a lot of cues from other popular handhelds while still carving out its own identity. The first thing you notice is how it feels in your hands. It’s got this candy-bar shape that’s simple and functional, with a weight that feels just right—not too heavy to tire you out, but not so light that it feels cheap. At 186 grams, it strikes a nice balance, making it easy to hold for long gaming sessions without feeling like a chore.

The materials used here are nothing fancy, but they get the job done. The plastic shell has a smooth finish that doesn’t feel slippery or overly glossy. It’s the kind of plastic that says, “Yeah, I’m budget-friendly, but I’m not falling apart on you.” Some versions come in transparent colors like orange, black, or purple, which add a bit of personality. The transparent orange one, for example, has this neat see-through vibe that makes it look a little more premium than it actually is. On the back, there are two rubbery grips designed to help you keep a firm hold on the console. They’re not perfect—they don’t sit flush with your palms in the way some high-end devices do—but they’re grippy enough to make a difference when you’re deep into a heated gaming session.

One design choice that stands out is the placement of the controls. The d-pad is at the bottom, below the face buttons, which might raise some eyebrows if you’re used to traditional layouts. For some people, this could take a little getting used to, especially if you’re playing games where precision matters. That said, it’s not as awkward as it sounds once you spend some time with it. The d-pad itself feels sturdy, though it’s a bit stiff when you’re trying to hit diagonals. It gets the job done for most retro games, but don’t expect it to rival the buttery-smooth d-pads found on higher-end consoles. Still, it’s decent enough for what it is.

Moving up, the analog sticks are tucked into the top corners, and they work fine for a device in this price range. They’ve got a slightly rubberized texture that feels comfortable under your thumbs, and they respond well during gameplay. There’s a tiny bit of wobble if you press down hard, but unless you’re super picky, it’s not something that’ll ruin your experience. The shoulder buttons—L1, L2, R1, and R2—are laid out in a straight line across the top, which is different from the staggered design you see on some other handhelds. This setup works surprisingly well. The L2 and R2 buttons are raised slightly, making them easier to reach without accidentally hitting the others. They’re clicky but not annoyingly loud, striking a good balance between tactile feedback and subtlety.

Around the edges, the R36H keeps things straightforward. On the bottom, you’ve got two USB-C ports—one for charging and the other for OTG connections—along with a headphone jack and dual microSD card slots. These slots are a nice touch because they let you swap out game libraries or firmware cards without much hassle. The stereo speakers are tucked behind grills on either side of the bottom edge, and while they won’t blow you away with booming bass, they’re clear and loud enough for casual gaming. You won’t mistake them for high-fidelity audio, but they’re perfectly serviceable.

There are a few minor quirks worth mentioning. The seams along the edges of the case can feel a bit sharp, especially if you’re running your fingers over them. It’s not a dealbreaker by any means, but it’s noticeable if you’re paying close attention. Also, the SD card slots don’t sit perfectly flush with the frame, which gives the device a slightly unfinished look. These aren’t major issues, but they’re reminders that this isn’t a flawless piece of hardware.

Controls

The controls on the R36H are one of those things that really make or break the experience, and thankfully, this handheld mostly gets it right. It’s not perfect, but for $40, it’s hard to complain too much. The layout is familiar if you’ve used other budget retro handhelds, but there are some quirks worth talking about.

First off, the two analog sticks are tucked into the top corners, and they feel pretty solid. They’re not the smoothest or most premium sticks out there, but they get the job done. There’s a slight bit of resistance when you push them to the edges, but nothing that ruins the experience. They also have a rubberized texture that feels nice under your thumbs, which helps during long gaming sessions. For most games, especially ones from PlayStation 1 or PSP, the sticks work just fine. You might notice a tiny bit of wobble if you press down hard, but unless you’re super picky, it’s not a dealbreaker. The cardinal directions snap into place like you’d expect, and they’re responsive enough for platformers, racers, and even fighting games.

Moving on to the face buttons—X, Y, A, and B—they’re laid out in a diamond shape, just like you’d see on a classic controller. The size is decent, and they’re easy to reach without stretching your fingers too far. The feedback when you press them isn’t amazing, though. They feel a bit stiff, especially compared to higher-end handhelds. You’ll need to press down firmly to register inputs, which can be annoying in fast-paced games where timing matters. It’s not a huge issue for slower-paced titles like RPGs or puzzle games, but in something like Mario Kart or Street Fighter, it can feel a little sluggish. That said, once you get used to how they respond, they’re manageable.

The shoulder buttons—L1, L2, R1, and R2—are another area where the R36H does well. The L2 and R2 buttons are slightly raised, which makes them easier to find without looking. This design choice works surprisingly well, especially in games that rely heavily on triggers, like racing titles or shooters. The L1 and R1 buttons are clicky but not overly loud, striking a good balance between tactile feedback and subtlety. They don’t feel mushy or cheap, which is always a plus. Some users might notice a tiny bit of wobble if they press down hard, but again, it’s not something that will ruin your experience.

Now, let’s talk about the D-pad. It’s positioned at the bottom of the console, below the face buttons, which is a design choice that splits opinions. For some people, this placement feels awkward because it’s not where you’d expect it to be. But after spending time with the R36H, I found it more comfortable than I thought it would be. Having the D-pad lower down means your thumb doesn’t bump into the left analog stick, which can happen on other handhelds. For 2D platformers and older games, it works just fine. The D-pad itself feels sturdy, but it’s a bit stiff when you’re trying to hit diagonals. It’s not as buttery-smooth as the D-pads on high-end controllers, but it’s serviceable for most retro games.

On the top edge of the console, you’ve got the power button, reset button, and volume controls. These are all small but functional. The power and reset buttons are slightly recessed, so you won’t accidentally press them mid-game, which is a nice touch. The volume buttons are easy to reach and have a soft click to them, making adjustments quick and painless. Underneath, you’ll find the USB-C charging port, headphone jack, and dual microSD card slots. The ports are all snug and secure, so you won’t have to worry about cables wiggling loose while you’re playing.

One thing worth mentioning is the lack of a dedicated function button. On some handhelds, this button is used for quick shortcuts or accessing menus, but the R36H doesn’t have one. It’s not a huge loss, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re used to having that feature. Also, the Start and Select buttons are located just above the face buttons. They’re slightly raised and easy to press, but they do make a louder click than the other buttons. It’s not obnoxious, but it’s noticeable if you’re paying attention.

Display Quality

The display on the R36H is one of those features that really stands out, especially when you consider the price tag. For a budget handheld, it punches way above its weight in terms of screen quality. The 3.5-inch IPS panel might not sound like anything special on paper, but once you start using it, you quickly realize it’s more than capable of delivering a solid retro gaming experience. It’s sharp, vibrant, and bright enough to make even older pixel art look crisp and clean.

First off, the resolution is 640×480 pixels, which might not blow anyone away compared to modern smartphones, but for retro games, it’s perfect. Everything from NES platformers to PlayStation 1 classics looks fantastic. Pixel-perfect scaling is a big deal for retro enthusiasts, and the R36H nails it for most systems. Games like Super Mario Bros., Sonic the Hedgehog, and even Zelda: Ocarina of Time feel like they were made for this screen. The colors pop without being overly saturated, and the contrast is good enough to keep darker scenes from looking muddy or washed out.

One thing worth mentioning is how well the screen handles different aspect ratios. Most retro games come in a 4:3 format, and the R36H does a great job of stretching them across the screen without distorting anything. For systems like Game Boy Advance or PSP, where the aspect ratio doesn’t quite match up, you get black bars on the sides. It’s not ideal, but it’s not distracting either. You can tweak things with shaders if you’re into customization, but honestly, the default settings work just fine for most people.

Brightness is another area where this screen shines—literally. Indoors, it’s plenty bright to see everything clearly, even in rooms with lots of light. Sure, it struggles a bit in direct sunlight, but that’s true for pretty much every budget handheld out there. At night or in low-light conditions, though, it’s easy on the eyes and doesn’t strain you during long gaming sessions. The viewing angles are decent too. Even if you tilt the screen slightly, the colors don’t shift dramatically, so you won’t lose visibility unless you’re holding it at an extreme angle.

There’s also something satisfying about how the screen feels under your eyes during extended play sessions. It’s not harsh or tiring, which is important because nobody wants to stop playing after an hour because their eyes hurt. The anti-glare coating helps reduce reflections, making it easier to focus on the game instead of fighting with annoying shiny spots. And while it’s not OLED or anything fancy, the overall clarity and sharpness are impressive for a device in this price range.

Software and User Interface

The software on the R36H is one of those things that really ties the whole package together, and honestly, it’s a big reason why this handheld feels like more than just a cheap knockoff. It runs on ArkOS, which is an operating system that’s been around for a while and has had plenty of time to mature. That maturity shows in how smooth and polished everything feels right out of the box. You don’t need to be a tech wizard to get it up and running either—it’s pretty much plug-and-play from the moment you turn it on.

The interface itself is clean and straightforward, which is exactly what you want when you’re diving into a retro gaming handheld. It uses EmulationStation as its frontend, and if you’ve ever used a similar device, you’ll feel right at home here. The main menu is easy to navigate, with big icons for each system you can emulate. Scrolling through feels snappy, and there’s no lag or weird hiccups when jumping between menus. It’s not the flashiest UI out there, but it gets the job done without any fuss. Plus, it comes preloaded with themes, so you can customize how everything looks if you’re into that sort of thing. Want something minimal? Go for it. Prefer something flashy with animations and background music? There’s probably a theme for that too.

One of the best parts about ArkOS is how customizable it is. If you dig into the settings, you’ll find tons of options to tweak. You can adjust things like screen filters, shaders, and even button mappings for specific games or systems. For example, if you’re playing a Game Boy Advance title and want to stretch the screen to fill the display, you can do that. Or if you’re rocking a PSP game and need to map touchscreen inputs to the analog stick, that’s possible too. It gives you enough control to make the experience feel personal without overwhelming you with unnecessary complexity.

Speaking of button mapping, the DS emulation setup deserves a shoutout. Since the R36H doesn’t have a touchscreen, it uses a clever workaround where pressing the right stick brings up a virtual stylus. You can then use that stylus to tap on the screen, which works surprisingly well for most DS games. Sure, it’s not perfect for every title—some games rely heavily on precise touchscreen inputs—but for the majority of your library, it’s a solid solution. And hey, it’s better than nothing.

Now, let’s talk about performance. Out of the box, most games are already configured to run properly, so you won’t spend hours tweaking settings just to get Mario Kart 64 working. That said, there are some quirks here and there. For instance, the DS emulator had a bug where it would crash whenever I tried to load certain games. Not ideal, but these kinds of issues aren’t uncommon with budget devices like this. The good news is that the community behind ArkOS is active, and updates often fix these sorts of problems. If you’re willing to tinker a bit, flashing a newer version of the firmware or tweaking configs can usually iron out most wrinkles.

Another cool feature is the ability to save states. This lets you create manual saves at any point in a game, which is super handy for titles that don’t have built-in save systems. Saving and loading is as simple as hitting a combination of buttons, and it works reliably across all supported systems. There’s also a quick menu you can pull up during gameplay to adjust things like brightness, volume, or even switch shaders on the fly. It’s a small touch, but it makes a big difference when you’re deep into a session and don’t want to quit the game just to tweak a setting.

Sound and visuals are handled well too. The stereo speakers pump out decent audio quality, though they lack bass and can sound a bit tinny at higher volumes. Still, it’s fine for casual gaming sessions, and plugging in headphones gives you a noticeable improvement in clarity. As for the visuals, the 3.5-inch IPS screen does a great job of showcasing retro graphics. Pixel art looks sharp, colors are vibrant, and the viewing angles are wide enough that you won’t lose visibility if you tilt the screen slightly. For systems like NES and SNES, integer scaling ensures that pixels line up perfectly, avoiding that blurry mess you sometimes see on cheaper screens.

There are a few minor annoyances worth mentioning. The lack of Wi-Fi means you can’t stream content or download updates directly on the device, which might bother some people. Also, the absence of Bluetooth means you’re stuck with wired controllers if you want to play multiplayer games. But again, these aren’t dealbreakers—they’re just reminders that this is a budget device. What’s impressive is how much functionality they managed to pack in despite those limitations.

Hardware Specifications

The R36H is packing some decent hardware under the hood, and while it’s not going to blow anyone away, it’s solid enough for what it’s designed to do. At its core, you’ve got the RK3326 chip, which is a pretty common processor in budget handhelds like this. It’s not the fastest thing out there, but it gets the job done for most retro gaming needs. Think of it as the workhorse that keeps everything running smoothly without breaking a sweat. Paired with 1GB of DDR3 RAM, it’s enough to handle older systems like NES, SNES, and even PlayStation 1 games without much trouble.

Storage is handled through microSD cards, and the console comes with a preloaded card that has all your games ready to go right out of the box. Typically, you’ll see versions with either 64GB or 128GB of storage, which is plenty for thousands of games. There are two slots for SD cards—one for the operating system and firmware, and another for your game library. This setup makes it easy to swap out games or update the system without messing up your main setup. Just don’t expect the included SD card to be top-of-the-line; it’s usually a generic brand that might fail eventually, so replacing it with a better-quality card is a smart move.

Gaming Performance

For a budget handheld running on the RK3326 chip, it does exactly what you’d expect—play most retro games smoothly while handling some of the more demanding systems with mixed results. It’s not going to blow anyone away, but for $40, it’s hard to complain too much.

Starting with the classics, everything from NES to SNES feels right at home here. These older systems run buttery smooth, with no noticeable lag or frame drops. Titles like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and Donkey Kong Country look and play fantastic. The pixel-perfect scaling makes these games feel like they were made for this screen, and the controls respond well enough to keep things fun. Even games that rely heavily on precise inputs, like Mega Man X or Street Fighter II, work without any major hiccups. Sure, the D-pad isn’t perfect, but it’s good enough to handle these titles without frustration.

Moving up to Game Boy Advance, the R36H continues to impress. Games like Golden Sun, Pokémon Emerald, and Metroid Fusion run flawlessly. The colors pop on the 3.5-inch IPS screen, and the analog sticks come in handy if you’re playing something like Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga. The lack of a touchscreen isn’t an issue here since GBA games don’t rely on one anyway. If anything, the only downside is that the face buttons can feel a bit stiff during frantic button-mashing moments, but it’s nothing deal-breaking.

Nintendo DS emulation is where things get interesting. Since the R36H doesn’t have a touchscreen, it uses a virtual stylus controlled by pressing the right stick. This works surprisingly well for games like New Super Mario Bros. or Mario Kart DS. You can switch between single-screen and dual-screen modes using the L2 and R2 buttons, which is a nice touch. For games that require heavy touchscreen interaction, like The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, it’s a bit clunky, but still playable. Overall, DS emulation feels solid for a device in this price range, and the fact that it runs most games at full speed is impressive.

PlayStation 1 games are another strong suit for the R36H. Titles like Crash Bandicoot, Final Fantasy VII, and Tekken 3 run smoothly with no noticeable slowdowns. The analog sticks feel responsive here, and the slightly larger screen compared to older handhelds makes the experience even better. Some games might benefit from tweaking settings like texture filtering or frame skipping, but out of the box, the performance is already pretty solid. Just don’t expect miracles with 3D-heavy titles like Metal Gear Solid—there are occasional stutters, but nothing that ruins the experience.

Now, let’s talk about the more demanding systems like Nintendo 64, PSP, and Dreamcast. Here’s where the R36H starts to show its limitations. N64 games like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time are playable, but textures can look messy, and frame rates aren’t always stable. Some games, like Mario Kart 64, fare better than others, but overall, it’s hit-or-miss. PSP games are a similar story. Lighter titles like LocoRoco or Patapon run decently, but anything more graphically intensive, like Chains of Olympus, struggles with frame drops and visual glitches. Dreamcast emulation is probably the weakest link—games like Sonic Adventure and Crazy Taxi are playable but often choppy, especially during cutscenes or busy action sequences.

One thing worth mentioning is how easy it is to tweak settings to squeeze out better performance. For example, lowering the resolution or turning off certain graphical enhancements can make a big difference in smoother gameplay. The R36H gives you access to all these options through RetroArch, so if you’re willing to tinker, you can improve the experience significantly. That said, not everyone wants to dive into menus and mess with settings, so it’s worth keeping in mind that some games will require extra effort to run well.

One thing worth mentioning is that the console doesn’t feel like it gets overly hot during use, even during longer sessions. Some handhelds can get uncomfortably warm when you’re pushing them hard, but the R36H stays cool enough that you won’t mind holding it for hours. That’s partly because the RK3326 chip inside isn’t exactly a power hog, but it’s still a nice bonus.

Battery Life & Charging

The R36H packs a 3,000mAh battery, which might not sound like much on paper, but it holds its own for a budget handheld. You’re looking at anywhere from 3 to 5 hours of gameplay, depending on what you’re playing and how demanding the game is. If you’re sticking to simpler systems like NES, SNES, or Game Boy Advance, you’ll probably get closer to the higher end of that range. But if you’re diving into more power-hungry stuff like PSP or N64 games, expect the battery to drain faster. That’s just how it goes with emulation—more demanding games eat up more juice.

Charging the device is done via USB-C, which is a nice touch. From completely dead, it takes about an hour or two to get back to full charge, which isn’t bad at all. You won’t be stuck waiting forever if you need to top it off during a gaming session. The fact that it uses USB-C also means you can use pretty much any modern charging cable, so you’re not tied down to some proprietary charger that could break or get lost easily.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the battery is replaceable, which is a big plus. On the bottom of the device, there’s a little door you can pop open to access the battery compartment. This is great if you’re the type of person who likes to carry spare batteries for long trips or if the original one starts to wear out after a year or two. Not every handheld offers this feature, so it’s nice to see it here. Plus, the door itself feels secure and doesn’t rattle or feel flimsy when closed.

Pros and Cons

Final Verdict

The R36H is one of those gadgets that sneaks up on you. At first glance, it’s easy to dismiss it as just another cheap handheld trying to cash in on the retro gaming craze. But after spending some quality time with it, it’s hard not to appreciate what this little device brings to the table. For $40—or even less during a sale—it delivers an experience that punches way above its weight. Sure, it’s not perfect, but it doesn’t need to be. What it does well is provide hours of nostalgic fun without breaking the bank.

So, is the R36H worth your money? Absolutely. For $40, it’s hard to find a better option. It’s not going to replace high-end handhelds like the RG35XX or Retroid Pocket series, but it doesn’t need to. This is a device aimed at casual gamers, beginners, or anyone who wants a cheap way to dip their toes into retro gaming. It’s also a great gift idea—simple, affordable, and packed with nostalgia. If you’re willing to overlook the occasional performance hiccup and stiff buttons, you’ll find a lot to love here.