Quick answer
The R36S is the best retro gaming handheld you can buy for under £50 in the UK. It comes pre-loaded with over 40,000 games from more than 20 systems, has a 3.5-inch IPS screen and a 6+ hour battery, and ships from UK stock with free delivery.
- Price: £49.99 with free UK shipping
- Games: 40,000+ pre-loaded on a 128GB microSD card: PS1, Mega Drive, SNES, NES, GBA, Arcade, Dreamcast, selected PSP titles and more
- Screen: 3.5-inch IPS panel at 640x480, bright with good viewing angles
- Battery: 3500mAh, roughly 6 hours or more of continuous play, charged over USB-C
- Colours: 8 options: Black, White, Purple, Orange, Red, Blue, Light Blue and Yellow
The GameBro R36S has quietly become one of the most popular retro gaming handhelds in the UK. With over 500 units sold, a 4.8-star average rating from 200 reviews, and the "Best Seller" badge on our shop page, it's clear that this little device has struck a chord with retro gaming fans.
But what actually makes it so good? In this review, we'll cover everything: what it is, what it plays, what's in the box, and whether it's worth your money.
What Is the R36S?
The R36S is a compact retro gaming handheld that comes pre-loaded with over 40,000 classic games from more than 20 systems. Think PlayStation 1, Sega Mega Drive, Game Boy Advance, SNES, NES, Arcade, Dreamcast, PSP and many more, all in a device that fits in your pocket.
It uses a vertical (portrait) design, similar to the original Game Boy, with a 3.5-inch IPS display at 640x480 resolution. The screen is crisp and bright with good viewing angles, which makes a real difference when playing games with detailed pixel art.
Unlike cheap knockoff consoles you might find online, the R36S runs proper emulation software. This means games look and play the way they're supposed to, with smooth performance and accurate controls.
What Games Can It Play?
The short answer: a lot. Here's a breakdown of the major systems you can play on the R36S:
- PlayStation 1: Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, Tekken, Final Fantasy, Gran Turismo, Metal Gear Solid and hundreds more
- Sega Mega Drive / Genesis: Sonic the Hedgehog, Streets of Rage, Golden Axe, Shinobi
- Game Boy / Game Boy Color / Game Boy Advance: Pokemon, Zelda, Mario, Metroid, Fire Emblem
- SNES: Super Mario World, Chrono Trigger, Donkey Kong Country, Street Fighter II
- NES: Super Mario Bros, The Legend of Zelda, Mega Man, Castlevania
- Arcade: Pac-Man, Metal Slug, Street Fighter, King of Fighters
- Sega Dreamcast: Sonic Adventure, SoulCalibur, Crazy Taxi
- PSP: God of War, GTA, Tekken, Monster Hunter (selected titles)
- And more: Neo Geo, Atari, Master System, Game Gear, PC Engine, N64, and others
Everything comes pre-loaded on the included 128GB microSD card. You don't need to download anything or set anything up. Just turn it on and pick a game.
What's in the Box?
When you order an R36S from GameBro, here's what you get:
- 1x R36S handheld console
- 1x 128GB microSD card (pre-loaded with 40,000+ games)
- 1x USB-C charging cable
- 1x User manual
To see the full breakdown of everything that comes with your order, check our What's Included page.
Screen & Display Quality
The R36S uses a 3.5-inch IPS panel with a resolution of 640x480. For retro games, this is excellent. The pixel density means that games from systems like the Game Boy Advance (240x160) and SNES (256x224) look sharp and vibrant.
IPS technology means you get consistent colours and brightness even when viewing from an angle, handy if you're showing a friend what you're playing, or just tilting the device while lying on the sofa.
Brightness is adjustable directly from the quick settings menu, so you can dial it up for outdoor use or lower it for playing in bed.
Battery Life
The R36S packs a 3500mAh battery, which translates to roughly 6 hours or more of continuous gameplay. The exact figure depends on screen brightness and which system you're emulating (more demanding systems like Dreamcast or PSP will drain the battery slightly faster than Game Boy games).
For context, 6 hours is more than enough for a cross-country train journey, a long flight, or a few evenings of gaming before needing a charge. It charges via USB-C, so you can top it up with the same cable you use for your phone.
Build Quality & Comfort
The R36S feels solid in the hand. The buttons have a satisfying click to them, the D-pad is responsive, and the dual analogue sticks (yes, it has two) work well for games that need them.
The vertical form factor keeps it compact. It slips easily into a coat pocket or bag, so it is easy to take with you wherever you go.
It's available in 8 different colours: Black, White, Purple, Orange, Red, Blue, Light Blue and Yellow. Whether you want something subtle or something that stands out, there's an option for you.
Who Is It For?
The R36S hits a sweet spot that appeals to a wide range of people:
- Nostalgic gamers who grew up with these classic systems and want to revisit their favourites
- Gift buyers looking for a unique, fun present (it's particularly popular for birthdays and Christmas)
- Commuters and travellers who want something more engaging than scrolling their phone
- Parents who want to introduce their kids to the games they loved growing up
- Casual gamers who just want a simple, pick-up-and-play device
How Does It Compare?
At £49.99, the R36S undercuts most competitors while offering the same or better game library. You won't find a handheld at this price that comes pre-loaded with this many games and ships from the UK with free delivery.
If you want a bigger screen, consider the R36S Max (4.0-inch display, 8-hour battery). If you want WiFi and Bluetooth, the R36S Ultra adds those for just 10p more. You can see how all three compare in our Top 3 Retro Handhelds Compared article.
Frequently Asked Questions
What games can the R36S play?
Over 40,000 games from more than 20 systems, all pre-loaded on the included 128GB microSD card. That covers PlayStation 1, Sega Mega Drive, Game Boy, Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance, SNES, NES, Arcade, Dreamcast, selected PSP titles, Neo Geo, Atari, Master System, Game Gear, PC Engine and N64.
How long does the R36S battery last?
The 3500mAh battery gives roughly 6 hours or more of continuous gameplay. The exact figure depends on screen brightness and which system you are emulating, as Dreamcast and PSP drain it slightly faster than Game Boy games. It charges over USB-C.
What comes in the box with the R36S?
One R36S handheld console, one 128GB microSD card pre-loaded with 40,000+ games, one USB-C charging cable and one user manual.
Do I need to set the R36S up before playing?
No. Everything comes pre-loaded on the included 128GB microSD card, so you do not need to download anything or set anything up. Just turn it on and pick a game.
Should I buy the R36S, the R36S Max or the R36S Ultra?
The standard R36S is the best value and the most pocketable. Choose the R36S Max if you want a bigger 4.0-inch display and an 8-hour battery, or the R36S Ultra if you want WiFi and Bluetooth.
The Verdict
The R36S is the best retro gaming handheld you can buy for under £50 in the UK. It's simple, reliable, and packed with games. If you're curious about retro gaming, this is the place to start.
With free UK shipping and over 40,000 games ready to play straight out of the box, the R36S is genuinely hard to beat. It's no surprise that it remains our number one seller.
If you want to see what all the fuss is about, check out the R36S product page for full details, colour options and customer reviews.
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