The R36S Ultra sits at the top of the R36S family. It takes everything people love about the standard R36S — the massive game library, the simple pick-up-and-play experience — and adds a bigger screen, built-in WiFi, Bluetooth and a premium build quality. All for essentially the same price.
With a 4.9-star rating from 142 reviews and the "Most Powerful" badge in our lineup, the Ultra has earned a strong reputation. But is it actually worth choosing over the standard R36S? Let's find out.
What Makes It "Ultra"?
The R36S Ultra differentiates itself from the standard R36S in four key areas:
- Larger 4.0-inch IPS display (up from 3.5 inches on the standard R36S)
- Built-in WiFi for wireless file transfers and updates
- Bluetooth connectivity for wireless headphones or controllers
- Premium build quality with improved materials and finish
These aren't minor tweaks. The jump from 3.5 to 4.0 inches makes a noticeable difference in how games look, particularly for systems with more detailed graphics like the PlayStation or Dreamcast. And the wireless features add a level of convenience that the standard model simply can't match.
The Screen
The R36S Ultra's 4.0-inch IPS display is a genuine upgrade over the standard R36S's 3.5-inch panel. The extra half inch of screen space might not sound like much on paper, but in practice it makes games feel more immersive. Text is easier to read in RPGs, fine details in sprite art are more visible, and the overall experience is just more enjoyable.
Colour accuracy and viewing angles are excellent, as you'd expect from an IPS panel. The display gets bright enough for comfortable outdoor use and can be dimmed sufficiently for late-night gaming sessions.
The Ultra uses a horizontal (landscape) layout, which is the preferred orientation for most gaming. If you've ever held a PSP or a Switch Lite, you'll feel right at home.
WiFi: Why It Matters
WiFi is probably the biggest differentiator between the Ultra and the other R36S models. Here's why it's useful:
- Wireless file transfer — Add new games or move save files without removing the microSD card. Just connect to your home WiFi and transfer files from your computer.
- Firmware updates — Keep the system software up to date with the latest improvements and fixes, all over the air.
- Convenience — No more fiddling with tiny microSD cards and card readers. WiFi makes managing your device significantly easier.
If you're the kind of person who likes to customise their game library, add new titles, or keep everything updated, WiFi is a genuine quality-of-life improvement.
Bluetooth: Wireless Freedom
Bluetooth opens up a couple of nice options:
- Wireless headphones — Pair your AirPods, Galaxy Buds, or any Bluetooth headphones for private listening. Great for gaming on public transport or late at night without disturbing anyone.
- External controllers — Connect a Bluetooth gamepad if you want a different control setup. Some people prefer a full-size controller for certain games, and Bluetooth makes that possible.
The standard R36S and R36S Max don't have Bluetooth, so if wireless audio is important to you, the Ultra is the way to go.
Game Library & Performance
Like all GameBro handhelds, the R36S Ultra comes with 128GB of storage pre-loaded with over 40,000 games from 20+ systems. The full list of supported systems includes:
- PlayStation 1, PSP, Dreamcast
- SNES, NES, N64
- Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance
- Sega Mega Drive, Master System, Game Gear
- Arcade (CPS1, CPS2, Neo Geo, MAME)
- PC Engine, Atari, and more
Performance is smooth across the board. Less demanding systems like the NES and Game Boy run flawlessly, while more demanding systems like PlayStation and Dreamcast perform well with the occasional minor framerate dip on the most graphically intensive games.
For a complete list of available games, have a look at our Game Library page.
R36S Ultra vs R36S: Side by Side
| Feature | R36S | R36S Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 3.5" IPS | 4.0" IPS |
| WiFi | ✘ | ✔ |
| Bluetooth | ✘ | ✔ |
| Form Factor | Vertical | Horizontal |
| Battery | 3500mAh (6+ hrs) | 3500mAh (6+ hrs) |
| Free Case | ✔ | ✘ |
| Colours | 8 options | 4 options |
| Price | £44.89 | £58.67 |
Build Quality & Design
The "premium build" label isn't just marketing speak. Pick up the Ultra and you'll notice a difference in the materials and finish compared to the standard R36S. The shell feels more refined, the buttons are slightly more satisfying to press, and the overall construction inspires confidence that this device will last.
The Ultra is available in four colours: Black, White, Purple and Blue. Fewer options than the R36S's eight colours, but the finishes on the Ultra feel more polished.
Since it uses a horizontal layout, the Ultra is wider and not quite as pocket-friendly as the vertical R36S. However, it's still compact enough to slip into a jacket pocket or a bag without any issues.
Who Should Buy the Ultra?
The R36S Ultra is the right choice if:
- You want WiFi and Bluetooth for wireless file management and audio
- You prefer a bigger 4-inch screen for a more immersive gaming experience
- You value premium build quality and don't mind a slightly larger device
- You want the best features available — the Ultra is the most feature-packed option in the R36S lineup
If portability and a free case are more important to you, the standard R36S is still an excellent choice. And if you want the longest battery life possible, consider the R36S Max with its 8-hour runtime. For a full comparison of all three, see our Top 3 Retro Handhelds Compared guide.
The Verdict
The R36S Ultra is the most complete retro handheld in the R36S lineup. WiFi, Bluetooth, a larger screen and a premium build — all for essentially the same price as the standard model. If you want the best all-round experience, this is it.
At £58.67 with free UK shipping, the Ultra offers remarkable value. Whether you're a long-time retro gaming fan or someone looking to try it out for the first time, this is a device that delivers well beyond its price tag.
Ready to take a closer look? Visit the R36S Ultra product page for full specs, colour options and customer reviews.
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