The PlayStation 1 changed gaming forever. It brought us 3D exploration, cinematic storytelling, and some of the most iconic characters in gaming history. Your R36S handheld plays these classics beautifully – if you know which games to pick.
After hundreds of hours testing PS1 emulation on the R36S, here are the 15 games that run perfectly and are genuinely worth your time.
Action-Platformers
1. Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back
The sequel that perfected the formula. Tighter controls, better level design, and that trademark PlayStation humour. Runs at full speed on R36S with zero issues.
2. Spyro the Dragon
Colourful, collectible-heavy 3D platforming that holds up surprisingly well. The draw distance might show its age, but the gameplay is timeless. Plus, who doesn't love a sarcastic dragon?
3. MediEvil
You play as a skeleton knight trying to save Gallowmere. It's funny, atmospheric, and distinctly British. The combat is simple but satisfying, and the level variety keeps things fresh.
RPGs That Will Eat Your Life
4. Final Fantasy VII
The one that started it all for many Western players. The pre-rendered backgrounds haven't aged perfectly, but the story, characters, and Materia system remain masterclasses in design. Expect 40-60 hours if you want to see everything.
5. Final Fantasy IX
Many fans consider this the best of the PS1 era. The art style is timeless, the story is genuinely emotional, and the ability system strikes the perfect balance between complexity and accessibility.
6. Chrono Cross
The follow-up to Chrono Trigger (which you can also play on R36S via SNES). A gorgeous, ambitious RPG with an incredible soundtrack and one of the most confusing-but-amazing stories ever told.
7. Suikoden II
Recruit 108 playable characters, build your own castle, and experience one of the best-written RPG stories of all time. If you can track down a copy, this is essential playing.
Fighting Games
8. Street Fighter Alpha 3
Smooth, fast, and packed with content. The R36S's D-pad handles this beautifully, and the load times are minimal. Perfect for quick sessions on public transport.
9. Tekken 3
The Tekken game that everyone remembers. Incredible character roster, smooth animation, and a soundtrack that defined late 90s arcade culture. The beat-'em-up mode is a fun bonus too.
10. Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes
Tag-team chaos featuring your favourite Marvel and Capcom characters. The R36S handles the frenetic action without frame drops, making this a joy to play.
Survival Horror
11. Resident Evil 2
The tank controls haven't aged well, but the atmosphere, puzzles, and gore effects remain influential. Play with headphones for maximum creepiness. Just make sure you have a larger memory card – save files add up.
12. Silent Hill
Psychological horror that actually builds tension instead of relying on jump scares. The fog might be hiding graphical limitations, but it also creates one of gaming's most unsettling atmospheres.
Racing & Sports
13. Gran Turismo 2
Surprisingly realistic racing for the time. Hundreds of cars, proper tuning, and tracks that actually require skill. The R36S runs this at a stable frame rate, making it surprisingly playable.
14. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2
The peak of the series. Perfect level design, incredible soundtrack, and gameplay that's still fun today. One more run syndrome is real with this one.
The Odd One Out
15. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
It's technically a PS1 game, but it plays like a 2D platformer with RPG elements. This is one of the greatest games ever made, full stop. If you only play one game from this list, make it this one.
Performance Tips for PS1 on R36S
Use the Right Emulator Core: PCSX-ReARMed is your best bet on R36S. It handles 90% of games well and has good compatibility.
Adjust Display Settings: Some games look better with integer scaling (crisp pixels) while others benefit from smoothing (reduces jagged edges). Experiment to find what your eyes prefer.
Save States Are Your Friend: PS1 games didn't always have generous save points. Use save states liberally, especially in longer RPG sessions where battery life might be a concern.
Monitor Your Battery: PS1 emulation is more demanding than 16-bit systems. You'll get around 4-5 hours from a full charge, compared to 6-7 hours for SNES/Genesis games.
Getting These Games on Your R36S
Your R36S comes with PS1 games preloaded, but if you want to add more, check out our guide on transferring games to R36S. It's easier than you might think, and you can build your own personalised library of PS1 classics.
Want to see what else the R36S can do? Explore our full retro handheld collection and start building your portable arcade.