I Can't Believe This is Only $40 -- R36S Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 พ.ค. 2024
- The R36S is a budget handheld that packs some impressive quality for its $40 price point. Plus it rests on the shoulders of other RK3326 devices, making it good for either plug-and-play gaming or testing out a variety of custom firmware possibilities.
Buy one here (try another link if they are sold out):
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ArkOS starter guide: retrogamecorps.com/2023/03/27...
Timestamps:
00:00 introduction
01:00 history of OGA/RK3326 clones
07:34 pricing and unboxing/impressions
09:51 controls (d-pad, buttons, analogs)
14:04 size comparisons
16:03 stock firmware experience
18:46 upgrading ArkOS
22:36 emulation testing
28:47 ArkOS Quick Mode
29:54 summary (likes and dislikes)
32:32 conclusion
Ways to support this channel:
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Note that this description may contain affiliate links. By clicking on an affiliate link and buying something, I may earn a small commission of the sale at no extra cost to you. You can read more about that here: retrogamecorps.com/about/
This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only.
#emulation #retrohandheld #powkiddy #anbernic #r36S - เกม
Not gonna lie, it really does feel like there’s a new budget retro handheld coming out every day 😂
every hour, just about 💀
and that is probably about right
Soon you can have a separate handheld for every single retro game ☠️
That’s why it’s important to temporarily unplug from the retro community after buying the handheld you want. I got a Miyoo Mini Plus a month ago and the FOMO creeps up now and then, but every time I boot it up and play I forget about the other new devices.
Literally😊
It's a crazy deal .. handhelds becoming cheaper & better now.
What a crazy time it is now !
a packet from China is here lol
Love your channel bro
Theyre usully scammers though gotta find the right site
Yeah you can own like four or five of them now, for under $200 dollars! I've got the retro pocket 3, powkiddy Max 2, the sf2000 the R36s and the x6, and I paid right around $230 that's 5 handhelds!!
@@deejayB1052why? You could buy one powerful handheld and play all these games. Or a cracked switch, it can emulate too.
Came to hear about the potential stocking stuffer, left with a PhD in Retro Gaming Handheld History
Lmao
I wouldn't say PhD in Retro Gaming History. Before there was an Odroid Go Advance there was Dingoo, Gemei, Supbor, JXD and even GPD. Also the first Commercial Emulation Handheld was the GP32X. 😕
Hardcore Tano*C!
Nice Video and detailed impression. Thank you!
One more tip for everyone who likes to update his R36S without flashing a new SD-Card.
You can just connect your device with a USB-C cable and an Android phone, then enable in your Phone the "USB-Tethering" Option somewhere in the Wifi-Settings, so you can use the internet of your phone.
Then you only go to the options of the R36S and click "update", it should work easy and will take maybe about 15 - 20 minutes, so make sure you have enough battery left or its plugged in.
Enjoy!
After watching your review, I bought it a week ago. It arrived today, and I played for 4 hours straight. I didn't do all the updates; I simply booted it up, changed the UI (thanks for showing how!), started playing Super Mario Bros. 3, and had a lot of fun.
So where did you buy from, that it arrived in a week?!😳😲 I'm considering paying a LOT more, just because I don't want to wait a MONTH.
Me too I just don't wanna get scammed please help
@@EricFriedman-re4gsI got mine from ali express and it took 2 and a half weeks. You really just have to be patient tbh
how do you changed the ui? do you have a link? ty
@@VrilyaSS doesn't this video you're commenting on show how to tweak the UI???
I just want to thank you for your written guides on your web site. They are very well-written, easy to follow, comprehensive, and you keep them up to date. Thanks!!!
Thanks so much for reviewing this one! Just got this for my son and I for Christmas.
I'm really glad you liked it. I ordered one last week and searched for a video on your channel
I just got mine and i am loving it so far! :D
Thank you for all of your Videos!
Any help where I should purchase mine at without getting scammed...how long did it take to get to u thankz
i just bought one last week as a christmas gift! Glad to see this review out and even happier with my purchase now!
Of course ill be taking the liberty to "set it up" before i gift it >;)
This is the video I didnt realise I needed. Great run down of the hand held game since 2017!
Good Christmas gift idea for my bro, and the price point is more than reasonable considering my tight budget this year. Kudos for the review!
Alright Russ, you convinced me. Pups & Purrs Pet Shop is on order and being overnight shipped as we speak.
Picked mine up for $35 last week because of your community post! It came in today and so far I’ve been loving it compared to some other retro handhelds I have.
I really appreciate the history lesson with these. It's the only way to really make sense of them all. Thank you!
thank you for this review and all the help guides. I just scored one of these off ali for $30 after a sale price and coupons !
Holy crap Russ! That history section was simply amazing 👏
I bought one of these for $30 on Cyber Monday and I have to say it's not too bad. I thought I would probably upgrade the firmware, etc. but honestly it's not bad right out of the box. I may still upgrade one of these days, but I am having fun just discovering some games I have never played before on systems that I never owned as a kid. Fun stuff!
i never had the dreamcast keep your eye on the retroid pocket 4 its what im going for next.
Upgraded ArkOS via your guide to latest version in a matter of minutes. Thank you very much, quick, direct and comprehensible guide!
Damn, it's best video with update instruction. Very thank you!🤗
The opening history section of this video is awesome - Russ I know you’ve mentioned you’re a history buff, would you do a “History Of Handheld Emulation” video? Even if it was just with the big hitters (like Powkiddy, Anbernic, Retroid etc.)
On an unrelated note I’m very excited for the RG35XX Plus!
I would do one but I was only into these guys in the JZ4770 era when they started getting popular. I wasn't around for the stuff like the LDK or anything.
Anyone remember JXD?
You'd have to start with the GP32 I think. It might not have sold much but it set the stage for the homebrew scene that tends to follow these type of devices.
@@ruxcooking the RS97 was the first one I ever learned about. I had a "Retro Mini" that was from Anbernic, I think it was called like the RS90 or something
Handhelds go back to Mattel Electronic Football. Other games like Bank Shot from Parker Brothers. You need to be specific if you are talking about retro that is one thing but handhelds in general go back to the late 1970's. Then it was Atari Lynx, Sega Game Gear and NEC Turbo Express.
My 10 year old brain would explode if you showed me this, now its £30. What the heck
Soo 30 is bad?
No the console is £30 in British money.haha my brain is a year from 30 also though
Great video, ordered through your link, suddenly looking forward to when I have to get somewhere on the tube..
Thanks for your Videos, its really a great Help and very informative!
...bought 2 of these a few months ago for my twin boys, they love them. so far so good...
Where did u get them from I'm going to get one just don't wanna get scammed
@@EricFriedman-re4gs from the link in his description
*edit ...nevermind, it wasn't his link but another channel, but it was from ali-baba. Was also a bit worried because I didn't have an account or use that site before, but took a chance and and got them. Took a few weeks...
@@EricFriedman-re4gs apologies I missed this reply, but I purchased on Ali Baba.. was also concerned about being scammed but I received them in about 2 weeks, and work as expected
When I was a kid, I was satisfied with just getting one or even 2 snes games every year. This handheld holds 💯s of games! Wow! 😮 Why could I have had this thing as a kid? 😭
@@EricFriedman-re4gs I ended up getting them off Ali baba... had to create an account etc., but the amount was low enough that I went forward with it, and it worked out. I received them about a week/week and a half later... and they still operate as they did when they were new
See how much these consoles and games would have cost you back in the day under $40 for this is INSANE! Thanks for the great video
I waited until you reviewed this before purchasing. Thanks for the review!
I wish you dropped this video before black friday before i Got my self a miyoo and retroid flip on sale. Looks like this will be a great gifts for all the little kids this Christmas
I just wanted to say it was actually super interesting hearing about how this device came to be. I know you don't usually do that, so you took somewhat of a risk but. I really enjoyed that segment.
So i just got my R36S from the 11.11 sale and i love this thing. the D-pad issue can be fixed by loosening a single screw on the back. it has made the shoryuken success rate much higher.
So you didn't even need to open it up?
Which screw?
@StacMasterS yes you do, but only the back panel. The screw is accessed without any further going into the unit than that. Easy
after you take off the back panel, it will be the small phillips screw that would be right behind the d-pad@@ramy8700
Do you know how to save progress to the card? Been playing harvest moon all night just to realize that it wasn’t saved in the morning 😢
I will say you have the best and most in depth retro device videos. There is a few other TH-camrs that I insubed from because of your channel. I think you know who I’m talking about 👍👍👍
Happy to see you covering this…
I bought two for my cousins for this Christmas!! They will surely love it. 37 dollars each on was surely a steal. So cheap!
Any help where I should purchase mine without being scammed thanks
Nice to see the Dpad on top for the games this plays
As it should be!!
Just ordered one as Xmas present for a friend of mine, I trust it's going to be a nice surprise 😊
Great thorough review!
Your dedication to not only testing the device but also provide a bit of a history and detail makes you one of the best reviewers on YT.
Plus your Steam Deck/EmuDeck guides are a must have for those with the Deck
Well said, I was about to say the same thing 👍
yup, I really appreciate the quick history of things, really missed the start of this stuff happening , love to get the brief history on things (and sometimes watch old retro game corps videos as it's interesting how things were when the original odin game out etc)
After seeing how popular this has become and seeing it’s performance along with how many games it can handle, i’m most likely going to snag one of these.
Great insight thank you!
I saw this device picked up by an artist that I followed - PeterHan, and sure enough you already had a review made for it. Thanks as always!
Ive been absolutely blown away by the r36s. Yeah mine had a few quirks but after dealt with its really impressive
What quirks have you had (if you don't mind me asking)? I've ordered one for one of my kids and I'd like to get it set up before I give it to him. Cheers.
I watched a guide on how to separate the face buttons and loosen the D-pad. Was it anything like this?
the dpad is fine especially over time. no need to open it up. the buttons need a bigger face but other than that its fine. @@questor55
I'm assuming since he didn't mention it that this device doesn't have tv-out, yes?
I putted a wifi dongle on it and can now play phantasy star online on it with 2 friends
we need a new series of videos of "the best handhelds at every pricepoint" from 15-20usd annd going up 10 dollars at a time, you could make one every 4months and i think it could be a good adition to your channel
Thank you for the review. I just ordered one for $37 shipped. Looking forward to it.
EDIT: Mine just came.. Took 10 days. It arrived as the R35S+ model. It has WIFI, 3500 mah battery.
Thank you. FYI I just got my R36S a day or two ago using the ali express links you provided(I beleive it was the 2nd or 3rd one down since the first link was sold out). Even though my receipt says R36S I received a R35S+. Just wanted to warn anyone who's interested in purchasing. I have no idea what the difference is. It seems nice and has the same shell as the R36S.
Just wanted to say I've become a big fan of the channel. You go more in-depth than most and do a great job going over all the details that matter. Was surprised to learn about your service history and I appreciate the hell out of that! Keep up the good work man - you gained a lifelong subscriber for sure
Russ here is great, so is taki udon, he's in mainland China too and has an actual working relationship with some of these companies
My first handheld was a powkiddy v90. I had a ton of fun with it and it sparked my interest in getting a few other more advanced handhelds. This looks like a great step up for that same type of $40 entry level handheld. I'll probably get one or even a few so my kids can each have their own handheld.
My first was a powkiddy v90 as well. About a year and a half later I have 16 different handhelds now and I don’t know why? Someone please help me.
Get a Miyoo mini!
@@xXdarkdekuXx I have one! And a Steam Deck.
Same here. 1st i got V90, then SF2000, now I have R36S. I'm good for a while. ☺🤙
I was on the fence of which pow to get before snagging one of these. Think I will just go to a steamdeck from here and call it good.
Fantastic video, finally bit the bullet and ordered a R36S!!
I ordered this console two days ago. I can't wait 😁
The OGA was my first emulation handheld, such a special device to me since it got me into retro handhelds but also the building portion of it was really fun.
Mine too. It doesn't get much use anymore but I don't think I'll ever sell it.
Thank you so much for the history of these devices, Russ! I’ve seen dozens of retro handheld videos if not hundreds and this is the first time I’ve understood how this boom started.
I have a question: Is it possible to improve the D-Pad by swapping it for one with a longer stem for rolling?
Just bought this with your affiliate link! Thanks Rus I had no idea I could get such a capable thing for so cheap, $39 with tax and shipping is incredible for any handheld
My RG351V is still working fine. I love it!
I had no issue with updating ArkOS with WiFi. Plugged in a WiFi dongle, connected, chose Update from the settings/scripts/options/whatever page in the theme I have (and not via the Start button) and away it went. Took about 5 or 6mins and it was done. 👍
Brilliant little handheld but DAMN the Start/Select and 4 shoulder clicky buttons are LOUD. Like, too loud to play without annoying the hell out of everyone else in the room!
5 days exactly from China to UK from AliExpress £37 shipped 😊
And other than updating ArcOS, was this ready to go out of the box? From AliExpress?
@@purplepaisleypassion yes
@@gbamck thanks 😊
I am waiting for the Rg35XX Plus review from you :)
Thanks for your price alert earlier. Just ordered one for the UK at £35 which roughly works out around $45-$50, previously it was around £60 so that's a 40% drop. Looking forwards to receiving it!!
Where from?
totally getting one of these for my nephew he's 12 I'll load him up with a extra 256gb card with all my favorites, thanks for this video!!!!
Nice review! I could totally see myself picking this up for some of my retro gamer friends as a gift without breaking the bank too much. It is a shame N64/Dreamcast/PSP performance is spotty, but that's still a crazy good deal!
Just picked one of these up for my son and got it for around $27 after discounts, coupons and credits 👍
Wow which coupons did you use?
Wondering the same thing
Unfortunately, I believe it ends on the 29th. I currently have about $10 in credits to use for something else
Hopefully misspelling the company will keep it from being removed?
I used an App for one of the popular companies that people buy these devices from...in the app is a game where you can earn credits in dollars
Thanks for the video. I'll wait for the RG37X 😉
Been waiting for this review for months! Still debating to get this or nah, have mmp already.
M = metal
P = Profile
V = Vertical
S = Simple (might also be SINGLE as in one operating system)
With the RG351MP it is a retro with a 3.5 inch screen, chip set version 1, in a metal case and has a profile layout.
Love your videos and thanks for all the help..
Edited
What's the difference between portrait and vertical?
@David-ln8qh oh sorry I meant "profile" as in landscape with the buttons on the sides
I was thinking metal vs plastic?
I was able to update over WiFi you have to use the OTG with a WiFi adapter but your handheld has to be connected to a charger at the same time to generate enough power for the OTG to work properly
I still have and enjoy my Odroid Go. It has sentimental value and was a fabulous and easy Lego project.
so many model numbers so fast is bewildering. Still happy with my 35xx
Strange intro with the ODroid. Arguably this entire scene started with the GP32 in 2001. I owned a successor device the GP2x. 2Gb non-SDHC card, Janky SNES emulation, absolutely rubbish joystick/D-pad, but hey I could play 16-bit games on my 90 minute train commute so it was awesome. It would be funny for you to get one of those old devices and review it.
I actually bought one of these a few weeks ago after Taki made a video about it. It's my first retro console ever, and I've been really surprised with how durable and performant it is. It's wild that I ended up with this as my first retro console looking at how many there are out there, but at least speaking as a noob, I'm really enjoying it. The only (and biggest) issue I've found with it is that it doesn't read certain types of SD cards. I used a Sandisk64GB for the games, and a PNY for the OS. It read the PNY fine, but woulnd't register the Sandisk at all. I put the Sandisk in the OS slot and it registered okay, so I'm loading everything off the 65gb Sandisk now, but it's strange that the ROM sd slot wouldn't register the Sandisk card.
I think you need to format it with certain type. Don't know exactly it is though
did you format the sandisk correctly? if you arent running it in the correct formatting, it wont read it.
@@alexlandsbergs it's formatted correctly, for some reason it only reads it through the OS slot and not the ROM slot. I've swapped them both around and its definitely something to do with the slot not reading that certain card for some reason
@@hotcrossandnobuns1850 once you format the sd card for the roms, you need to select the rom directory from the settings
I had a somewhat similar issue. I flashed the systems card and nothing. I got a wild hair up my a** and for some reason I decided to reflash that card but this time I flashed it as an extra FAT 32 and boom....it was updated with the newer Arkos. Maybe it was dumb luck, I don't know, but it worked for me. 🤷
I thought to myself let's get into retro games with my partner because she's not confident enough to try online games.
I'm 5 days into researching which handhelds to get us and it's absolute madness there are too many choices!
I think for myself I'll be getting the Rg35xx plus for the nostalgia and she's going to get the H version for the comfort.
Your videos have been a great help cheers.
When I was a kid, I was satisfied with just getting one or even 2 snes games every year. This handheld holds 💯s of games! Wow! 😮 Why could I have had this thing as a kid? 😭
Low key wanna give you a big smooch Russ... I bought this bad boi a few days ago(waiting for shipping). I've been looking/posting/chatting with people trying to figure out how to set this thing up, including the correct version of ArkOS to get, and of course, you come out with a video today detailing EVERYTHING I NEED with explanation... Love you man(no homo)! Also thank you!
Considering the Anbernic 353VS comes with a good system SD card (a kioxia), this R36S plus the micro SD is something like 50$ with the sandisk SD card included. The 353VS was in discunt for the 11/11 at 72+12 of shipping (normally it's 88+12 of shipping). However that extra 34$ in discount or 50 in not discount for the Anbernic is totally worth it. Built-in wifi, better d-pad and select/start buttons plus more performance for N64/DC/PSP. yeah in % compared to the R36S is quite much more but is it really worth it to save 35-50 bucks for a more compromised experience?
it costs 2x more lol
I'm waiting for my Powkiddy X55 to arrive and for a secondary handheld, R36S seems to be my choice! All because of you! Thanks
Forget everything I said, I changed everything to the Steam Deck, I even gave up on the PS5...
Amazing value for around $40. Just ordered one.
Someone should create a game pack of like 50 or 100 best games for this unit... the 16,000 games it comes with is overwhelming
Can we get an overview of all the different CPUs available for these types of handhelds and what systems the can emulate?
This would be super helpful as all these new devices come out!
This is literally what i was looking for
I just ordered mine, it will arrive in April.
I hope it's real!!!
Me too. I bought mine last night, it was between this and a jacket. When I was a kid, I was satisfied with just getting one or even 2 snes games every year. Those were priceless memories from my childhood.
And this handheld actually holds 💯s of games. Wow! 😮 Why could I have had this thing as a kid? 😭
Arrived yet ?
It’s real.
Got mine last weekend. The rear triggers are gonna need some sanding and springs because they bind a bit but other than that it is a solid under 50 device
I bought two of these both as gifts one was 42 dollars and other was 53 dollars as it was the 128gb model. It makes great Xmas gifts to people who casually play games. My friend Eric I've been trying to convince him the benefits these retro handheld from nostalgia to convince. Example he goes to laundry mat wash his close so now he has sumthing to do while he waiting. I got retroid pocket 2s and I love it and the design I even both on Etsy a case to protect the front and when I put it on back makes nice grip. It's literally a two for one which is nice and convenient. I'm excited for future of these devices and progress and invovations that transpire over time. I like having a portable device play for long trips plane rides etc. Just nice and convenient for those long wait times where u have time to kill. Thanks for great videos and break downs and honest reviews. And thanks for taking time on your guides helps a lot of us newbies out.
Just ordered one for €36,- incl shipping. Excited!
Me too. Costed me about a few days worth of groceries, but I hope it’s worth it!
this really has no competition id needed and i couldnt resist and order one, this is going to detroy the market yay
Not taking a shot at either Anbernic's, Powkiddy's, or Retroid's sales, as they keep producing these devices, so I'm sure they're selling some of them at a profit. The thing is, I feel they could really clean up if they limit the number of releases and just produce one or two handhelds with good controls, features, and more powerful hardware/chipsets. All of these rehashes of the same device with the same hardware is confusing and off-putting.
Its great that you gave Odroid some credit for making and desiging this chip.
Its always too bad they never made a great device for being the originators. I try to buy their devices whenever i can but even i avoided their last one the odroid go ultra.
How a complete review. Thanks
I used an ethernet to usb c adapter and updated using the update option from the menu. After i updated, the wifi worked for me. It did break standalone emulators though.
So the directional pad isn't that good for street fighter, but can you use the joystick instead?
Love the history section in this video. Felt like a mini documentary
Decided to get this for a friend.
A while back I got my friends the pow Kiddy v90 and recently I found this at the same price as the v90 with the same chip set as the console I've played the most (before getting my retroId pocket flip) and I'm stoked to upgrade them lol
Just ordered this last Friday, paid about $36. Seen lots of videos of what this can do. Make sure to update to the latest Arc OS. Taki also has a video where he had some issues with the D-pad and was able to improve its functionality by loosening some of the screws a bit, he also had some issues with the buttons and showed how to cut off a piece to make it where each button pressed is independent from the others. I really like the translucent purple color and the screen looks great. Lastly I like that the battery can be replaced if needed.
I would love to hear your opinion on loosening the dpad screw, and cutting the plastic connection on the face buttons that Taki did. Does the loosened screw change your mind of haduken or shoryoken-ability?
My mom loves to play RPGs, and this seems like a great device for her! I'm already planning on making an RPG Machine out of one!
I have a Odin 2 for home use and decided to buy the R36S for out doors and I really like it. I also bought a wi-fi dongle and I have had no issuses at all with wi-fi on this device. I have update the software with the R36S as well as over 3k scrape art in 1 shot with no problems at all so maybe it could be different manufacturers. Just wanted to give my 2 cents on this since as I have said no problem at all with wi-fi on my device.
Just for the record the 351mp stands for metal pro. Also props on describing how the whole modern handheld scene is built on cloning the OGA. Not enough people realize this.
Yup that was interesting because the R36S was critizised for being a clone of Anbernic and Powkiddy devices while These device themselves were Clones. Important Detail.
@@leinsaat5779 the only part he left out is that the reason the OGA was so easily cloned is because Hardkernel designs are “open source” with full schematics freely available on their website
Bought one because the price is pretty darn good for the capabilities. Hopefully the dpad pivot can be extended slightly. Maybe even some epoxy or some type of cap.
take the case appart and unscrew the screw right behind the Dpad until it feels better, i did 2 turns.
@@yeshuayeeyee7430 thanks for the idea!
its from another review also if you take it apart more you can separate the ABXY buttons so they don't rock in pairs.@@kellykoesling9309
I like it at that price point, I'm looking to get into 1 a these retro systems this seem to be a good first handheld
I just bought one on AliExpress. Not my favorite place to shop, but oh well. Thanks for doing a video on this.
I ordered one for 32 😂 Crazy times
Inflation in the cheap electronic gaming sector is cooling off fast.
Mine doesn’t play all the games that came with it but it plays up to 200 games that are in my favorites list, so I’m satisfied with that
I got one 2 days ago glad I waited. I received it today and they are preloading the newer version of the OS he loaded in this video.
For $40, it's hard to complain, but man, it's weird to see ANOTHER brand-new RK3326 in 2023 (almost 2024), I bought the RK2020 in early 2021 and it was incredible for the time, but now, it's in a weird spot, with the RK3566 devices becoming more and more affordable (RK2023, RGB30) and being superior in every way. A year ago, I think it would've been a really nice budget option, but right now, it's in such a weird spot.
For 40$ it’s probably ima. Great spot it’s less than the rg35xx