If you're looking at our retro handheld collection, you've probably noticed we have three main options: R36S, R36H, and R36 ULTRA. They share one Rockchip RK3326 platform, emulate the same classic systems, and differ in screen, layout, Wi-Fi and price.
So which one should you actually buy? Let's break it down properly, without the marketing fluff.
All three run the same platform, so the choice is body, screen and battery — not speed.
The quick answer
All three run the same Rockchip RK3326 platform, so they play exactly the same systems: everything up to the PS1 era runs well, while N64, Dreamcast and PSP are hit-or-miss on every one of them. You are choosing a body, not a speed.
Buy the R36S if you want the lowest price and the widest colour choice. From A$79, vertical layout, 18 colourways.
Buy the R36H if you prefer holding a controller. Same screen and internals as the R36S in a horizontal grip, from A$89.95.
Buy the R36 Ultra if you want a bigger 4-inch square screen and Wi-Fi built in. Same platform, eight colours, from A$99.95.
R36S vs R36H vs R36 Ultra: side-by-side
| Feature | R36S | R36H | R36 Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Rockchip RK3326 | Rockchip RK3326 | Rockchip RK3326 |
| Layout | Vertical | Horizontal, controller-style | Vertical (newer body) |
| Screen | 3.5" IPS, 640×480 | 3.5" IPS, 640×480 | 4" IPS, 720×720 (square) |
| Storage options | 64GB or 128GB | 64GB or 128GB | 64GB or 128GB |
| Built-in Wi-Fi | No | No | Yes |
| Runs well | Up to PS1 | Up to PS1 | Up to PS1 |
| Colours | 18 | 12 | 8 |
| Price from | A$79 | A$89.95 | A$99.95 |
Every model ships free, typically arrives in Australia 7–10 days after ordering, and is covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee.
Is the R36 Ultra more powerful than the R36S?
No. The R36 Ultra uses the same RK3326 chip as the R36S and R36H, so it does not run PSP, Dreamcast or N64 any better. Its premium pays for the 4-inch 720×720 square screen and built-in Wi-Fi. The R36 Max has the same screen size with a bigger 4,000mAh battery but no Wi-Fi, and the R36 Ultra X moves to a 4.5-inch 4:3 screen.
Which one is most comfortable?
The R36S and R36 Ultra are vertical, like a Game Boy: easy to pocket and to pull out on a short commute. The R36H is horizontal, so your hands sit as they would on a controller, which many people find easier for sessions of an hour or more and for games that lean on both analogue sticks.
Which systems run well on all three?
- Reliable: NES, SNES, Master System, Mega Drive, Game Boy / Color / Advance, Game Gear, most CPS1/CPS2 arcade and PS1.
- Hit-or-miss: N64, Dreamcast, Saturn and PSP. Lighter titles run, demanding ones do not. If these systems are the reason you are buying, a more powerful handheld is the better choice.
None of these consoles come with games. They play files you have the right to use, loaded onto the microSD card.
Our recommendation
If you are unsure, start with the R36S. It costs the least and plays the same library as its siblings. Choose the R36H if a horizontal grip matters to you, and the R36 Ultra if you want a bigger screen and Wi-Fi. Questions? Tell us what you want to play and we will point you to the right model.
Frequently asked questions
Do the R36S, R36H and R36 Ultra use the same processor?
Yes. All three use the Rockchip RK3326, so performance is the same across the three models.
Which R36 model has Wi-Fi?
The R36 Ultra has Wi-Fi built in; the R36S and R36H do not, though a USB-C Wi-Fi adapter adds it. The R36S Plus and R36 Ultra X also have Wi-Fi built in.
Can the R36 Ultra play PSP or Dreamcast games?
Only some lighter titles, the same as the R36S. N64, Dreamcast and PSP are hit-or-miss across the whole R36 family.
Everything on this page assumes you have the hardware. Here is what it needs.