Can a $55 retro handheld really compete with Nintendo's flagship console? The R36S and Nintendo Switch serve very different purposes, but for retro gaming specifically, the comparison is surprisingly interesting. This R36S vs Nintendo Switch analysis examines which device offers the better retro gaming experience.
Price and Value
The R36S costs approximately $55-60 AUD. The Nintendo Switch starts at $299 AUD for the Lite and $449 AUD for the standard model. That is a 5-8x price difference that immediately frames this comparison.
For retro gaming specifically, the R36S provides access to thousands of free retro games out of the box. The Switch requires purchasing individual games or a Nintendo Switch Online subscription ($30/year) for a limited selection of NES, SNES, and N64 titles.
If your primary interest is retro gaming, the R36S delivers vastly more value per dollar. The Switch makes sense only if you also want modern Nintendo exclusives.
Retro Game Library
The R36S can play games from 20+ retro systems including NES, SNES, Game Boy, GBA, Genesis, PS1, N64, and many more. The total library spans thousands of titles with new systems being added through firmware updates.
The Switch's retro library through Nintendo Switch Online includes a curated selection of NES, SNES, N64, and Game Boy games. While officially supported and well-emulated, the selection is limited compared to the R36S's comprehensive library.
For retro gaming breadth and depth, the R36S wins overwhelmingly. The Switch cannot match the sheer volume of retro content available.
Portability
The R36S weighs 165g and fits in a pocket. The Switch Lite weighs 275g and barely fits in large jacket pockets. The standard Switch at 398g requires a bag.
Battery life is comparable: R36S at 4-6 hours vs Switch Lite at 3-7 hours. The R36S's compact size makes it the superior grab-and-go device for retro gaming sessions.
For commuting, travelling, or casual couch gaming, the R36S's pocketable size is a genuine advantage. You are more likely to carry and use a device you can slip into any pocket.
Screen and Controls
The R36S features a 3.5-inch 640×480 IPS display. The Switch Lite has a 5.5-inch 720p LCD, and the OLED Switch has a gorgeous 7-inch OLED panel.
For retro games that originally ran at low resolutions, the R36S screen is actually well-suited. Pixel art looks sharp and defined at 640×480. The Switch's larger screen can make pixel art look stretched or blurry without proper scaling.
Controls on both are excellent. The R36S D-pad is arguably better for 2D retro games, while the Switch's larger buttons and sticks are more comfortable for extended sessions.
The Verdict
Choose R36S if: Retro gaming is your primary interest. You want thousands of classic games from 20+ systems in a pocketable device for under $60.
Choose Nintendo Switch if: You want modern Nintendo exclusives (Zelda, Mario, Pokemon) alongside some retro games, and don't mind the higher price.
For retro gaming: R36S wins decisively. The combination of comprehensive retro library, pocketable size, and $55 price makes the R36S the superior choice for dedicated retro gamers. The Switch is better viewed as a modern console that happens to offer some retro titles.
Related Articles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the R36S better than Switch for retro games?
For retro gaming specifically, yes. The R36S offers a vastly larger retro game library, better portability, and costs a fraction of the Switch's price.
Can the Nintendo Switch play retro games?
The Switch offers NES, SNES, N64, and Game Boy games through Nintendo Switch Online subscription, but the selection is limited compared to the R36S.
Is the R36S worth buying if I have a Switch?
Yes, the R36S complements the Switch perfectly. Use the R36S for dedicated retro gaming and the Switch for modern titles.