Quick answer
All three handhelds play the same 40,000+ games across 20+ systems, so the choice comes down to screen, battery and connectivity. The R36S is the most affordable, the R36S Max has the biggest battery, and the R36S Ultra has WiFi and Bluetooth built in.
- R36S: 3.5" IPS, 3500mAh (6+ hrs), vertical, 8 colours, £49.99
- R36S Max: 4.0" IPS, 5000mAh (8+ hrs), horizontal, the best battery of the three
- R36S Ultra: 4.0" IPS, 3500mAh (6+ hrs), horizontal, plus WiFi and Bluetooth
- Shared: 128GB of storage and 40,000+ games from 20+ systems on all three
- Setup: all three arrive pre-loaded and ready to play, no setup, no downloads
Choosing the right retro gaming handheld can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market. To make things simple, we have compared our three best-selling consoles side by side: the R36S, the R36S Max and the R36S Ultra.
Each of these handhelds plays over 40,000 classic games from more than 20 systems, including PlayStation, Sega Mega Drive, Game Boy Advance, SNES, Arcade and many more. The differences come down to screen size, battery life, connectivity and price. Let's break it down.
Quick Specs Comparison
| Spec | R36S | R36S Max | R36S Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 3.5" IPS | 4.0" IPS | 4.0" IPS |
| Battery | 3500mAh (6+ hrs) | 5000mAh (8+ hrs) | 3500mAh (6+ hrs) |
| Storage | 128GB | 128GB | 128GB |
| WiFi | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ |
| Bluetooth | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ |
| Games | 40,000+ | 40,000+ | 40,000+ |
| Form Factor | Vertical | Horizontal | Horizontal |
| Price | £49.99 | £62.49 | £74.99 |
1. R36S: Best Budget Option
The R36S is our number one seller for good reason. At just £49.99, it offers incredible value with a sharp 3.5-inch IPS screen, 128GB of storage loaded with over 40,000 games, and a solid 6-hour battery life.
The vertical form factor is compact and pocketable, reminiscent of the original Game Boy. It is available in eight different colours, so there's something for everyone.
Best for: First-time buyers, gift-givers, and anyone who wants a reliable retro handheld without spending a fortune. With 200 reviews and a 4.8-star rating, it's proven itself to be a crowd favourite.
2. R36S Max: Best Battery & Bigger Screen
The R36S Max steps things up with a larger 4.0-inch IPS display and a massive 5000mAh battery that lasts over 8 hours on a single charge. If you plan on long gaming sessions, whether commuting, travelling or just relaxing on the sofa, the Max has the stamina to keep going.
It uses a horizontal (landscape) layout, similar to a PSP or Nintendo Switch Lite. This makes it particularly comfortable for side-scrolling games and fighting games where you need quick access to all buttons.
Best for: Gamers who want a bigger screen and longer battery life, or anyone who prefers a horizontal grip. At £62.49, you pay more than the R36S for the bigger screen and battery.
3. R36S Ultra: Best Features
The R36S Ultra is the feature-packed option. It matches the Max's 4.0-inch screen but adds WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, something neither the R36S nor the Max offers. WiFi means you can transfer files wirelessly and keep your game library updated without fiddling with SD cards. Bluetooth opens up the option for wireless headphones or external controllers.
The Ultra also features a premium build quality with a refined finish that feels a step above the standard models. Despite the extra features, it comes in at £74.99, a worthwhile step up from the base R36S.
Best for: Tech-savvy gamers who value wireless connectivity and a premium feel, or anyone who wants the most features for their money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which R36S model is the best?
For most people the standard R36S is the safest bet, because it is the best overall package and our best seller, with hundreds of reviews behind it. Choose the R36S Max if battery life and a bigger screen matter most, or the R36S Ultra if you want WiFi and Bluetooth.
What is the difference between the R36S, R36S Max and R36S Ultra?
The R36S has a 3.5" IPS screen, a 3500mAh battery and a vertical layout. The R36S Max has a 4.0" IPS screen, a 5000mAh battery and a horizontal layout. The R36S Ultra has a 4.0" IPS screen, a 3500mAh battery, a horizontal layout and adds WiFi and Bluetooth.
Which R36S has the longest battery life?
The R36S Max. Its 5000mAh battery lasts over 8 hours on a single charge, while the R36S and R36S Ultra both use a 3500mAh cell rated for 6+ hours.
Which R36S models have WiFi and Bluetooth?
Only the R36S Ultra. Neither the standard R36S nor the R36S Max offers WiFi or Bluetooth.
Do all three handhelds come with the same games?
Yes. All three come with 128GB of storage loaded with over 40,000 retro games across 20+ classic systems, pre-loaded and ready to play out of the box.
So, Which One Should You Pick?
- Choose the R36S if you want the best value and a compact vertical design.
- Choose the R36S Max if battery life and a bigger screen matter most to you.
- Choose the R36S Ultra if you want WiFi, Bluetooth and a premium build at an excellent price.
Honestly, you can't go wrong with any of them. They all play the same massive library of 40,000+ retro games across 20+ classic systems. The real question is which features matter most to you.
All three handhelds come pre-loaded and ready to play out of the box. No setup, no downloads, no hassle, just turn it on and start gaming.
If you're still unsure, the R36S is the safest bet. It's our best seller for a reason, and it's the best overall package for most people. Browse the full range in our shop and see which one catches your eye.
← Back to Blog