R36S 64GB Retro Gaming Handheld Console With ArkOS – SanDisk Ultra & Carry Case

The R36S 64GB Retro Gaming Handheld Console brings classic console, handheld and arcade emulation to a compact vertical device. Retrolize supplies the two-chip R36S version, rather than the one-chip model, with a genuine 64GB SanDisk Ultra microSD card, configured ArkOS-based software and a protective EVA carry case, prepared and ready to play.

Its 3.5-inch IPS display combines a 640 × 480 resolution with a traditional 4:3 aspect ratio. The clear screen and wide viewing angles suit classic pixel artwork and original PlayStation-era games, with presentation settings available through the installed emulators.

Inside, a Rockchip RK3326 quad-core processor, Mali-G31 MP2 graphics and 1GB DDR3L memory power the supported emulators. The R36S is particularly well suited to Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, NES, Super Nintendo, Master System, Mega Drive and compatible arcade and PlayStation software.

ArkOS-based Linux software handles the system and emulator configuration, while EmulationStation provides the browsable console-style menus. Retrolize prepares the supplied card before dispatch, making the handheld straightforward to use from its first start. Compatible local software can be played offline.

The supplied SanDisk Ultra card provides branded storage for the operating system, settings and user files. Keep the prepared card in place for normal use and back up important saves. A second microSD slot gives you the option to add compatible storage later, subject to card and firmware compatibility.

A familiar D-pad and four face buttons are joined by dual analogue sticks and L1, L2, R1 and R2 shoulder buttons. These provide a flexible control layout across supported systems. Audio is available through the built-in speaker or the 3.5mm headphone socket.

Selected Nintendo 64, Dreamcast and PSP games can also run, although these more demanding systems are title-dependent. The R36S is a budget retro emulation handheld, so the presence of an emulator does not guarantee smooth performance with every game.

An internal rechargeable battery supports portable use, with charging through the dedicated USB-C DC connection using the supplied USB-A-to-USB-C cable. Runtime varies with brightness, volume and the software being played.

Available in Black, Red and Purple, the bundle includes the handheld, prepared SanDisk Ultra card, EVA carry case and charging cable. Supplied from UK stock with a 12-month Retrolize warranty. Order before 2pm on working days for same-day dispatch.

Explore our Budget Retro Gaming Handhelds collection to compare the R36S with other affordable handheld options.

Brand / Model: R36S
Product Type: Retro Gaming Handheld
Configuration: 64GB SanDisk Ultra bundle
Hardware Version: Two-RAM-chip RK3326 board configuration
Processor: Rockchip RK3326
CPU: Quad-core ARM Cortex-A35, up to 1.5GHz
GPU: Mali-G31 MP2
RAM: 1GB DDR3L
Operating System: ArkOS-based Linux build
Frontend: EmulationStation
Emulators: RetroArch and compatible standalone emulators
Display: 3.5-inch IPS
Resolution: 640 × 480
Aspect Ratio: 4:3
Touchscreen: No
Included Storage: Genuine 64GB SanDisk Ultra microSD card with prepared system installation
Card Slots: 2 × microSD / TF
TF1: Operating system and primary storage
TF2: Optional compatible secondary card
Controls: D-pad, A, B, X, Y, START, SELECT and function button
Analogue Sticks: Two
Shoulder Buttons: L1, L2, R1 and R2
Audio: Built-in speaker and 3.5mm headphone socket
Battery: Internal rechargeable lithium battery
Battery Runtime: Varies with settings and workload
Charging Port: USB-C DC input
Recommended USB Supply: Regulated 5V/2A
Charging Cable: USB-A to USB-C included
Mains Power Adapter: Not included
Accessory Port: Separate USB-C OTG connection
Built-In Wi-Fi: No
Built-In Bluetooth: No
HDMI Output: No
Variant Options: Black, Red and Purple
Quantity Supplied: One handheld bundle in the selected colour
Warranty: 12-month Retrolize warranty from delivery
SKU – Black: R36S-64GB-BLK
SKU – Red: R36S-64GB-RED
SKU – Purple: R36S-64GB-PUR

Compatibility depends on the individual title, installed emulator, settings and any required BIOS files. Listing a system identifies emulation support rather than the contents of the supplied card.

Nintendo Systems

NES / Famicom: Supported
Famicom Disk System: Supported
SNES / Super Famicom: Supported
Game Boy: Supported
Game Boy Color: Supported
Game Boy Advance: Supported
Nintendo 64: Selected titles; performance varies
Nintendo DS: Compatible DraStic titles; touch input mapped to physical controls

Sega Systems

SG-1000: Supported
Master System: Supported
Game Gear: Supported
Mega Drive / Genesis: Supported
Sega CD / Mega-CD: Supported
Sega 32X: Supported
Dreamcast: Selected titles; performance and settings vary

Sony Systems

PlayStation 1: Supported
PlayStation Portable / PSP: Selected titles; performance and settings vary

NEC & SNK Systems

PC Engine / TurboGrafx-16: Supported
PC Engine CD / TurboGrafx-CD: Supported
SuperGrafx: Supported
Neo Geo: Supported
Neo Geo CD: Supported
Neo Geo Pocket: Supported
Neo Geo Pocket Color: Supported

Arcade & Atari Systems

FinalBurn Neo: Compatible arcade sets
MAME: Sets matching the installed core
Capcom CPS I, CPS II & CPS III: Compatible titles
Atari 2600, 5200 & 7800: Supported
Atari Lynx: Supported
Atari ST: Compatible software and mapped controls

Other Systems & Engines

WonderSwan / WonderSwan Color: Supported
Game & Watch: Compatible titles
MSX / MSX2: Compatible software
Amstrad CPC: Compatible software
ZX Spectrum: Compatible software
Commodore 64: Compatible software
ScummVM: Compatible titles with required game data
DOSBox: Compatible DOS software and mapped controls
PICO-8 / FAKE-08: Compatible cartridges; native PICO-8 requires separately licensed software
PortMaster: Compatible R36S ports with any required game data

Performance Expectations: The R36S is best suited to classic handheld systems, 8-bit and 16-bit consoles, arcade platforms and original PlayStation. Nintendo 64, Dreamcast and PSP performance varies between games and may require different emulator settings.

Correct Charging Connection: Connect the supplied USB-A to USB-C cable to the console’s USB-C port marked DC, using a standard 5V USB power source. The separate USB-C OTG port is for compatible accessories. A mains power adapter is not included.

Configured SanDisk System Card: The included 64GB SanDisk Ultra microSD card contains the prepared operating system and frontend. Do not format this card or remove its system files.

Hardware & Firmware Compatibility: This configuration uses the two-RAM-chip RK3326 R36S board layout. Replacement firmware and device-tree files must match the console’s hardware and LCD panel. Different R36S production batches can require different files.

Back Up Before Making Changes: Create a backup of the supplied microSD card before replacing firmware, changing device-tree files or making substantial configuration changes.

Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are not built in. Network functions require a compatible USB Wi-Fi adapter and an appropriate USB-C OTG adapter, supplied separately.

Initial Setup:

1. Charge the console through the USB-C DC input.
2. Leave the configured SanDisk Ultra card fitted in the system card slot.
3. Power on the console and use EmulationStation to navigate the available systems and settings.
4. Shut down through the operating system before removing the microSD card.

1 × R36S retro gaming handheld console in the selected colour
1 × Genuine 64GB SanDisk Ultra microSD card with prepared system installation
1 × Protective EVA carry case
1 × USB-A-to-USB-C charging cable
1 × Instruction booklet
1 × Retail box

This R36S 64GB Retro Gaming Handheld Console is covered by a 12-month Retrolize warranty against manufacturing defects and hardware faults arising during normal use from the date of delivery.

The warranty does not cover accidental damage, liquid damage, cracked displays, damaged charging ports, damaged controls, forced connections, unauthorised hardware modification, incorrect external power supplies or damage caused by unsuitable cables and accessories.

Damage or loss of data caused by replacing the operating system, altering the EmulationStation installation, installing incompatible firmware, using an incorrect device-tree file, modifying protected system files or changing the supplied microSD card configuration is not covered.

Emulation performance varies according to the system, individual title, emulator, firmware version and selected settings. Game-specific slowdown, graphical errors, control limitations or compatibility differences are not considered hardware faults.

Normal reduction in rechargeable battery capacity through age and repeated charging is not considered a manufacturing defect.

Warranty claims remain subject to the full Retrolize warranty terms and are additional to the customer’s statutory rights.

Is The R36S Ready To Play?

Yes. Retrolize supplies the handheld with its SanDisk Ultra system card prepared and the ArkOS-based software and EmulationStation interface configured.

Which MicroSD Card Is Included?

A genuine 64GB SanDisk Ultra microSD card is included with the prepared system installation.

Is This The Two-Chip Version?

Yes. Retrolize supplies the two-chip R36S version with 1GB DDR3L memory, rather than the one-chip model.

Which Systems Run Best?

The R36S is strongest with most classic 8-bit and 16-bit platforms, Game Boy and Game Boy Advance systems, compatible arcade software and original PlayStation games. Individual compatibility still depends on the title and emulator.

Can It Run Nintendo 64, Dreamcast And PSP?

Selected titles can run, but performance varies considerably. Some games need different emulator settings, and demanding titles may not provide satisfactory results.

Can It Play Nintendo DS Games?

Compatible Nintendo DS software can run through DraStic. The R36S has one screen and no touchscreen, so display layouts and touch input use emulator settings and mapped physical controls.

Does It Support PS2 Or GameCube Games?

No. PlayStation 2 and Nintendo GameCube emulation are outside this handheld’s intended capabilities.

How Do I Save Progress?

Use the game’s normal save function where available. Compatible emulators also provide save states, which are separate from normal game saves. Save, exit cleanly and shut down through the system menu.

Does It Need Wi-Fi?

Normal offline use does not require Wi-Fi. Wireless networking is not built in; supported network features need a compatible USB Wi-Fi dongle and suitable OTG adapter.

Can I Connect Bluetooth Headphones Or A TV?

Bluetooth and HDMI output are not built in. Use the built-in display and speaker, or connect compatible wired headphones to the 3.5mm socket.

How Do I Charge It?

Use the supplied USB-A-to-USB-C cable in the port marked DC, with a regulated 5V USB power supply; 5V/2A is recommended. A mains USB power adapter is not included.

Can I Expand The Storage?

Yes, using a compatible additional microSD card in the second slot. Keep the supplied system card and check expansion-card compatibility before ordering another card.

Can I Add My Own Compatible Software?

Yes. Compatible files can be managed on a computer using a suitable microSD card reader and the folders expected by the installed system. Back up the card first and avoid deleting or altering system files.

Can I Replace Or Update The Operating System?

Only use a system image and display configuration confirmed for the exact hardware. Back up the supplied card and saves first, and contact Retrolize before making changes. A firmware replacement is not required for normal first use.

How Long Does The Battery Last?

Runtime varies with brightness, volume, emulator workload and battery condition. A fixed number of hours is not guaranteed for every game or setting.

Is A Carry Case Included?

Yes. A protective EVA carry case is included.

Is International Delivery Available?

Yes. Tracked international delivery is available to supported destinations, with available services and any applicable import charges shown at checkout.