R36S 64GB - Retro Gaming Emulation Console - Ready to Play

The R36S 64GB is an affordable Linux retro gaming handheld running ArkOS with the EmulationStation frontend, providing a clear console-style interface for browsing systems, adjusting settings and launching compatible software.

Its vertical design combines a familiar D-pad and face-button arrangement with dual analogue sticks, four rear shoulder buttons and a bright 3.5-inch IPS display. The 640x480 resolution and traditional 4:3 aspect ratio are particularly well suited to classic home consoles, arcade platforms and handheld systems.

Inside the R36S is a Rockchip RK3326 processor with four ARM Cortex-A35 CPU cores running at up to 1.5GHz. This is paired with Mali-G31 MP2 graphics and 1GB of memory, providing dependable performance across most 8-bit and 16-bit platforms as well as the original PlayStation.

ArkOS provides the underlying Linux operating system, emulator configuration and system tools, while EmulationStation creates the visual console-style frontend used to navigate the handheld. Supported systems are organised into clearly labelled menus with artwork, system categories and straightforward access to compatible content.

The combination of ArkOS and EmulationStation means the R36S feels more like a dedicated portable console than a general-purpose Linux device. System menus, controls, emulator options and storage folders are prepared and organised before dispatch for a straightforward experience from the first power-on.

RetroArch handles many of the supported platforms through a consistent set of video, audio and control options, while compatible standalone emulators are used where they provide stronger performance or more suitable features.

The included storage has been upgraded to a genuine 64GB Kioxia microSD card. Kioxia is the memory manufacturer formerly known as Toshiba Memory and provides a more dependable foundation than the unbranded cards commonly supplied with low-cost handheld consoles.

Dual microSD card slots allow the operating system and user storage to be managed separately. The first slot contains the configured ArkOS and EmulationStation system card, while the second can be used with a compatible additional card when expanding or reorganising your collection.

The 3.5-inch IPS display delivers strong viewing angles, clear colours and a sharp 640x480 image. Integer scaling, aspect-ratio options, shaders, bezels and other presentation settings can be adjusted through ArkOS, RetroArch and the installed emulator interfaces.

Dual analogue sticks provide improved control for compatible PlayStation, Nintendo 64, Dreamcast and PSP titles, while the D-pad remains well suited to platform games, role-playing games, puzzle titles and traditional arcade controls. Four rear shoulder buttons provide the additional inputs required by later systems.

For audio, the R36S includes a built-in speaker and a 3.5mm headphone connection. Separate volume buttons allow quick adjustment without opening the ArkOS or EmulationStation menus.

The USB-C OTG port can be used with selected compatible accessories through the appropriate adapter. This can include supported USB Wi-Fi dongles for network features, although Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are not built into the handheld.

Performance is strongest across systems such as Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, NES, Super Nintendo, Master System, Mega Drive, PC Engine, Neo Geo, arcade platforms and original PlayStation. More demanding Nintendo 64, Dreamcast and PSP titles remain game-dependent and should not be expected to perform uniformly.

Compact enough for travel while still providing a complete set of controls, the R36S is a strong entry-level choice for anyone looking for an inexpensive retro gaming handheld with a sharp 4:3 screen, ArkOS flexibility and the easy-to-navigate EmulationStation frontend.

A protective EVA carry case is included to help keep the console, charging cable and small accessories together when the handheld is stored or transported.

Product Type: Linux retro gaming handheld
Model: R36S
Operating System: ArkOS-based community Linux build
Frontend: EmulationStation
Emulation Framework: RetroArch with compatible standalone emulators
Interface Style: Console-style system and software navigation
Processor: Rockchip RK3326
CPU: Quad-core ARM Cortex-A35 at up to 1.5GHz
GPU: Mali-G31 MP2
RAM: 1GB DDR3L
Display: 3.5-inch IPS
Resolution: 640x480
Aspect Ratio: 4:3
Touchscreen: No
Included Storage: Genuine 64GB Kioxia microSD card
System Card Configuration: ArkOS and EmulationStation installed and configured
Storage Slots: Two microSD/TF card slots
TF1 Slot: Operating system and primary storage
TF2 Slot: Optional secondary storage
Manufacturer-Rated Storage Support: Up to 256GB with a compatible microSD card
Controls: D-pad, ABXY buttons, Start, Select and function button
Analogue Controls: Dual analogue sticks
Shoulder Controls: L1, L2, R1 and R2
Additional Controls: Power, reset, brightness and volume buttons
Audio: Built-in speaker
Headphone Connection: 3.5mm stereo jack
Charging Connection: USB-C DC input
Accessory Connection: Separate USB-C OTG port
Charging Requirement: 5V/2A recommended
Charging Cable: USB-A to USB-C cable included
Mains Power Adapter: Not included
Built-In Wi-Fi: No
USB Wi-Fi Support: Compatible dongle and OTG adapter required
Built-In Bluetooth: No
HDMI Output: No
Battery: Rechargeable lithium battery
Battery Runtime: Varies according to brightness, volume, emulator and workload
Available Colours: Black, Red and Purple

Performance can vary between individual titles, emulator versions and selected settings, not every system is preconfigured on the R36S.

Nintendo

Nintendo Entertainment System / Famicom: Strong compatibility

Famicom Disk System: Supported

Super Nintendo / Super Famicom: Strong compatibility

Game Boy: Strong compatibility

Game Boy Color: Strong compatibility

Game Boy Advance: Strong compatibility

Nintendo 64: Supported with game-dependent performance

Nintendo DS: Supported through the DraStic emulator. The R36S does not have a touchscreen, so touch input is controlled using the analogue stick and mapped buttons.

Sega

SG-1000: Strong compatibility

Master System: Strong compatibility

Mega Drive / Genesis: Strong compatibility

Game Gear: Strong compatibility

Sega CD / Mega-CD: Supported

Sega 32X: Supported

Dreamcast: Supported with game-dependent performance and settings

Sony

PlayStation 1: Strong compatibility

PlayStation Portable / PSP: Supported with game-dependent performance. Less demanding and PSP Minis titles generally provide the best results.

NEC

PC Engine / TurboGrafx-16: Strong compatibility

PC Engine CD / TurboGrafx-CD: Supported

SuperGrafx: Supported

SNK

Neo Geo: Strong compatibility

Neo Geo CD: Supported

Neo Geo Pocket: Strong compatibility

Neo Geo Pocket Color: Strong compatibility

Arcade

FinalBurn Neo: Supported

MAME: Supported through compatible arcade sets

Capcom Play System I: Strong compatibility

Capcom Play System II: Strong compatibility

Capcom Play System III: Supported

Atari

Atari 2600: Supported

Atari 5200: Supported

Atari 7800: Supported

Atari Lynx: Supported

Atari ST: Supported

Other Handhelds, Computers & Engines

WonderSwan: Supported

WonderSwan Color: Supported

Game & Watch: Supported

MSX & MSX2: Supported

Amstrad CPC: Supported

ZX Spectrum: Supported

Commodore 64: Supported

ScummVM: Supported

DOS: Supported through DOSBox-compatible software

PICO-8 / Fake-08: Supported with the appropriate software and files

PortMaster-Compatible Ports: Supported where the required files and control configuration are available

Upper-End Performance Varies: The R36S offers strong performance across most 8-bit, 16-bit and original PlayStation systems. Nintendo 64, Dreamcast and PSP performance varies between titles and may require individual emulator or frameskip settings.

Use The Correct Charging Port: Connect the included charging cable to the USB-C port marked DC. The second USB-C connection is the OTG accessory port and is not intended for charging.

5V Charging Required: Use the included USB-A to USB-C cable with a standard 5V USB power source. A mains USB power adapter is not included.

Back Up The System Card: The supplied ArkOS and EmulationStation installation is configured for the fitted R36S hardware and display panel. Back up the microSD card before replacing firmware, changing device-tree files or making major system changes.

1 × R36S 64GB Retro Gaming Handheld
1 × Genuine 64GB Kioxia MicroSD Card – ArkOS & EmulationStation Installed
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 is covered by a 12-month limited Retrolize warranty against manufacturing defects and hardware faults arising during normal use.

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

Damage or loss of data caused by replacing ArkOS, 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 use is not considered a manufacturing defect.

Warranty claims remain subject to the full Retrolize warranty terms.