AMAZING Budget Handheld! // R36S Review

[@masamasa1815]

For WiFi access on the r36s you can connect the r36s to your phone via USB C then go into your mobile hotspot settings on Android and turn on tethering and that works to update ArkOS and download box art. It will stay connected to the Internet as long as you would like.

[@TechDweeb]

Solid tip 👍

[@heheheha9094]

Yeah that's what i thought and tried with 2 different cables and 2 different phones after watching multiple videos and stuff. Didn't work for me and doesn't work with every phone apparently

[@masamasa1815]

@@heheheha9094 It can depend on the cable too. Some cables aren't capable of data transfer. Also your probably well aware but it won't work unless you plug it into the OTG port of the r36s. Again your probably well aware of all of this. I can't say how well it works on other phones but it did work great for me on Galaxy S 22 plus.

[@yoong5002]

Does that mean its possible to play multiplayer online with WiFi on?

[@GrimReaper_TTV]

Huh wouldn’t that technically allow u to download roms that aren’t on the emulator too then?

[@gennaro4941]

Usb tethering with your phone.. it's easy to update the R36S and scrape for game art.. already done it plenty of times! Just make sure you use a good quality usb c to c cord

[@TechDweeb]

Solid tip!

[@gennaro4941]

@@TechDweeb solid video!! Thanks

[@oykubalc3712]

i bought r36s last week and i didnt buy game sd card, i bought new one. now i have to download games and upload to the my new sd card but i dont know how to do. could you help me

[@bubbauanif]

Can it be done with an iPhone? Or android only?

[@gennaro4941]

@@bubbauanif if it's usb-c should work..I have android never tried iPhone

[@jay-rad98]

Dude you crack me up. I love your humor. Glad you showed up in my feed a few weeks ago. Still making my way through your videos. Keep up the great work!

[@TechDweeb]

Haha thanks buddy. And welcome!

[@X91X-km7hp]

This is a great handheld. Despite what the package says it actually accepts 512 GB sd cards as long as they are Samsung. I tested it. Put thousands of games on it as well as a bunch of cartoons and power rangers. This will be a great Easter gift for my nephews!

[@PastaLuke]

Wish I had a cool uncle (or aunt?) Like you growing up!

[@Sulfen]

How does one apply to become a nephew?

[@gabgab7544]

How do you get videos to play on it? What's the video player?

[@X91X-km7hp]

@@gabgab7544 You have to put videos into the movies folder, it's on the same sd card as your roms. Accepted formats are avi, mov, mp4, mkv, mpeg at a maximum resolution of 720p.

[@X91X-km7hp]

The video player is FFplay

[@dsawyer8]

Dude YOU are my number ONE source for great retro entertainment. ABSOLUTELY LOVE this channel. PLEASE keep doing what you do .Thank you so much .

[@TechDweeb]

Thanks buddy. Will do!

[@ACabanadoKonrado]

Funny story: I was torn between this device and the RGB30 (I know they are not that similar, but they were the ones that caught my attentjon). I had the money for either one, but the way taxes work in my country forced me to get the R36S. This video made me feel better about this decision, so, thank you for that. I am waiting for my R36S to arrive.

[@juniorbarranqueiro]

A triste vida de um brasileiro e compras internacionais hahahahahahahahah

[@suhtangwong]

It's amazing! You won't be disappointed! BUT there are necessary mods to make it great.

[@ACabanadoKonrado]

​@@suhtangwong so I've heard. I think it'll suffice to loosen the screws for the Dpad and face buttons. And, of course, I'll update ARKOS and use a new, branded, SD Card. I don't think I'll require anything else to feel pretty good about it.

[@raven.4815]

@@juniorbarranqueiro Every Latin American felt this comment lmao. Fuck the chunky taxes they make us pay for foreign products

[@applejacks8160]

I bought one a week ago and for someone who is 36 with a newborn, being able to play anything I really want to through SNES, at a whim, is pretty amazing. Absolutely worth it.

[@nymiradripp]

does it come with games pre installed

[@MaskMan1Official]

@@nymiradrippyep, and ofc if there if you want you can delete the games you know you’ll never play with a computer

[@JediMindTrix420]

just curious if there's any arcade games installed?Was hoping for the Simpsons arcade,X-men, or Alien arcade.(also congratulations on your new addition to the family)

[@n1njawaldo17]

Bro, im 36 and I've been looking for a handheld that already has games on it. That'll bring me joy of games from my childhood.

[@fusionberry7332]

PLEASE ANSWER, DOES IT HAVE POKÉMON??

[@suhtangwong]

This game system is very amazing! The price point is a bonus! I use this over my mm+, rp3+, rp4 pro, and steam deck, that's how convenient it is. It's not the best but with mods it's amazing. You can unscrew the dpad to loosen it up, cut the buttons so it won't be so stiff, the bad will stay hard but it's usable. It's a great device and amazing for it's price. I recommend.

[@findinghumorthruitall]

ahhh. the R36s. my first retro handheld. on black Friday i got it for 36$. I'm stoked you're reviewing it. i was happy just being able to play DBZ budokai. oh and it can actually play 007 golden eye N64

[@gabgab7544]

I couldn't get goldeneye to run smoothly for me, but I was able to get the the world is not enough, and perfect dark to run for me.

[@findinghumorthruitall]

yeah the controls are a little weird but when it started up and the music played I automatically got hit with 90's flashbacks

[@gabgab7544]

@@findinghumorthruitall took me a while to figure it out, but you can remap all the controls to have it be like a modern shooter, with left stick controlling movement, and right stick controlling aim. Then save that remap file to only apply to the current content, and it will only like that for only that game.

[@CampaignWxlf]

Where did you order yours from?

[@mbti1863]

how about Super Mario World?

[@rbatesmotel]

Bought 2 of these on sale last month for my children for $36/ea w/free shipping. Best deal ever considering what you get. Its basically ready to use out of the box using ArkOS other than a recommended update to ArkOS. No other tweaking was actually necessary other than for my own customization ADHD. Plays up to PS1 including DS without any issues. build is better than most Powkiddy devices. Had no issues as some reviewers have said with d-pad or buttons, not enough to warrant opening the device, ie dont play fighting games. If you can find it for $40-45 its an easy purchase, especially for a child. If you were going to spend $50+ on it, I would look at the Miyoo mini+ or RG35xx plus

[@djstevie69]

Got one of these a few weeks ago, and it's my first retro handheld. It's set me up nicely for the future, playing with it adding games and just sorting the settings out, learning experience. I had some issues with the shoulder buttons making my hands cramp a but but otherwise its really nice and makes me want to continue with my new hobby. 11/13 seems about perfect.

[@oykubalc3712]

i bought r36s last week and i didnt buy game sd card, i bought new one. now i have to download games and upload to the my new sd card but i dont know how to do. could you help me

[@tornadoaftermath]

Was looking for an inexpensive handheld that I could get as a Christmas gift for a couple of friends, and when I saw that the price on this one had dropped to the $30-$35 range, all I could say was Fricken heck yeah buddy!

[@hyperplayrpg]

R36S is awesome, especially after some simple mods: ArkOS update, D-pad mod, screen fix... we even developed a new grip! New to KZbin but we've got tutorials for all of that.

[@X91X-km7hp]

your videos have been very helpful to me

[@hyperplayrpg]

Thank you for the kind words​@@X91X-km7hp❤

[@BlackDragonBE]

You didn't design anything. You slightly modified an existing design so it works with the R36S and then didn't share it back with the 3D printing community. Instead, you only sell it via your store. When I discovered this and added a comment on the video about this, you made sure all my comments were deleted. Not very sincere. For anyone with a 3D printer, you can get the grip on thingiverse and printables for free, just search for "R36S grip" and find the red one.

[@kenobi639]

Good channel

[@andrewc7475]

Where’d you get the new d pad and membrane?

[@suhtangwong]

Aww what a caring shout out! 1:27

[@3van1993]

I ordered one of these last week. Thanks for uploading a TechDweeb video while I wait!

[@3van1993]

Update: I'm loving this handheld. I didn't get a fun sticker on the back like you. Oh well.

[@TheRootko]

Let's not forget about portmaster's ports. I solely bought this machine for Fallout 1 & 2, TMNT Shredder's revenge, Duke 3D, Blood, Shadow warrior and so much more... ❤

[@TechDweeb]

I'm thinking of doing a future video on 'getting the most of your r36s' type thing. 🤔

[@TheRootko]

Please do. This cheap little handheld deserves it. Then nobody will have an excuse not to buy it 😂

[@Not31337]

​@@TechDweebthen I hope you do a few of the physical things also, like loosening the dpad screw a smidge (maybe two) and snipping the button connections. Even if you don't, I would love to see you do ports and pico8

[@LeftEarth2]

​@@TechDweeb Please and thank you. 👍✨🎮

[@testtestaway]

I'm not super into tech stuff, but obviously I love gadgets ---- and also I love this guy's voice. And also I love that he says "gigglebyte".

[@rometherevenant8749]

I think you should do a video series with "bargain' handhelds. Since theres so much on the market, it would be great to narrow down the quality ones with less issues so consumers know what theyre getting. Os and ergonomics being very important. Amazing video as always!

[@hibikiholmes2867]

1:51 I like to imagine Techdweeb being like Smaug from Lord of The Rings sitting atop of a giant stash of retro handhelds.

[@TechDweeb]

More like Scrooge McDuck, swimming in a pool of handhelds.

[@dmys143]

​​@@TechDweebSomehow that actually sounds even more painful to swim in than the pool of gold doubloons

[@shadow_uwu8103]

​@@dmys143as long as they don't have joysticks...

[@germ187]

Got one of these for my younger brother on Christmas and he loved it 😎

[@ferret7studio]

Just got one of these from the AliExpress sale and I am pleasantly surprised! Love the feel, the OS seems great, and hey it’s transparent orange and looks slick as heck.

[@marksantos3833]

Can u look down and shoot in contra specifically?

[@jesselegood7454]

Another banger of a video from my fellow Canadian root beer lving tech reviewer! Thanks for doing all this for our community! I found this for $53 (Canadian) on Ali-express but it seems some sellers had it marked down even more in the past.

[@TechDweeb]

Cheers 🍻🍁

[@EliasPfaiffer]

@@TechDweeb why are you deleting comments here?

[@EliasPfaiffer]

@@ramrodbldm9876 hell yea! And a bad russ copy too!

[@rusticraver82]

Finally! I've been asking you to review this since last year 🤣 I bought this for my kid for xmas, best purchase ever!

[@eatereater6312]

Sir TechDweeb, when I tell that I’ve been WAITING for you to review the R36s, you finally delivered when I least expected it 😁😎

[@arlokkkk]

Paid 35 for mine and I love it. Miyoo mini plus is way more premium and more portable but this one has the analog sticks. Also more powerful than the Miyoo.

[@chrispy3051]

I just got mine in the mail two days ago and I love it. Highly recommend

[@drazen1529]

Wifi can be fixed by adding external power supply trough USB switch. Also some dongles works just fine, for example Tp-link TL-WN725N. In any case it is just power supply issue, not device itself.

[@jackdoobie]

I have one of those and I love it. After I've used it a bunch the d-pad did get a little better, but it did take some time. We're gonna have to have a discussion about how you got the ports on that bad boy. I was excited when I got Dragon's Lair to work on it. Love that 'game'.

[@DigbertDayZ]

I bought a USB to RJ45 connector, and connected my R36S using a network cable. The connection was immediate and fault free and scraped all my box art in minutes without issues 👍

[@RGB-Gamer]

Hey TechDweeb, I modded my purple R36s transparently by replacing the Dpad with membrane with an RG353V Dpad and membrane😅 Now it's no longer sharp-edged and has good diagonal inputs😋 The only thing that's perhaps a bit stupid is that the face buttons sometimes hang, but that's true hopefully goes away with use. For the price it's a remarkable handheld and looks good in my collection😎

[@TechDweeb]

Nice! I will consider doing the same

[@RGB-Gamer]

@@TechDweeb It's definitly worth it😁

[@RomuloAndrade]

awesome! where did you buy the dpad+membrane?

[@RGB-Gamer]

​@@RomuloAndradeI bought a lot of Dpads and membranes from the Anbernic Shop on Aliexpress😅 Since I have already replaced a lot of Dpads on my handhelds because I value a very good Dpad😊

[@suhtangwong]

Don't tell me you bought a rg353v and used the parts for r36s, it's so much pricier ain't it?

[@JaviPlayRetro]

Bro, please allow me the honor of being your villian commentor in your future videos. This is one was too funny.

[@chiefenumclaw7960]

This is the new gold standard for budget handhelds.

[@tomekkowalski5522]

You're slowly becoming my favorite reviewer ..........I'm always laughing my ass off while watching your videos:))))))))))))))))))))))))))

[@undergroundbass946fm]

Several new updates that are easy to install with a wifi adapter or just using a sdcard. These improve the OS in several ways, much better emulation of some systems, a proper hibernate function so your battery doesn't drain and the function key now works! I paid less than £30 from Aliexpress including delivery and got it in 5 days to the UK!

[@hypojames]

I couldn't find anything less that 42 with delivery to uk. What was I doing wrong?

[@aintnowayigotthishandle]

price changes 😓

[@TeepoST88]

How on earth did you not buy the orange version?

[@TechDweeb]

All the sellers who sold that one don't ship to me here in Canada :.(

[@gotdangedcommiesitellyahwa6298]

@@TechDweeb What, did the Canadian government also ban the color orange?

[@Not31337]

I was wondering the same thing. That stinks!

[@ElvenSwordrus]

I have it and I love it! The community OS fixes the FN button, btw (and some other stuff)

[@toninhopavan2]

My fn works. Do I have to update it?

[@radrobb3530]

Great video! Definitely going to check back if this gets topped by the time I pick this up. I think January sounds good!

[@Dracossaint]

if the r36s just did n64 flawlessly. i would treat these as stocking stuffers and send them out like mad. Next gen probably, next gen

[@suhtangwong]

The steam deck runs n64 flawlessly, maybe stock those?

[@LetThereBeLight-26]

@@suhtangwonglmaooo

[@xyzabc12345jkl]

@@suhtangwong well maybe he wont because the steam deck doesnt cost 25 bucks

[@RomuloAndrade]

I actually use a wi-fi dongle with this for a while with no problems at all, even have Netplay sessions on retroarch playing fighting games (mostly). I don't like using it all the time though, so I only connect it to scrape, download ports or connect with SFTP to send my roms over. Got this device only to check it out and fell in love with ArkOS as well, specially the build made for this that uses the Fn button :) This is incredible for the price, I've been recommending it to everyone for a while now :)

[@JC_COMICSANDCOLLECTIBLES]

Just bought one for $28 using your link! Can't wait to try it!

[@TechDweeb]

Nice! Enjoy!

[@JC_COMICSANDCOLLECTIBLES]

@TechDweeb do you know the difference between the GBs? Is it just more games?

[@JC_COMICSANDCOLLECTIBLES]

Just got it in and you're right, this thing is amazing. I spent the morning playing Power Stones, Tekken and Pokemon Diamond. Thank you so much for the review and the link. I thought for sure this thing would be a scam. Glad I was wrong 😆

[@thesupernad]

You can also connect a usb cable from the R36s to your android phone, do usb internet tethering and it will provide internet to the device.

[@questor55]

ArkOS is good but i find Jelos much better, and it became available less than a month ago for this device. Highly recommended!

[@sittthugyii6514]

U can connect that to wifi through USB tethering with ur (old worked fine) smart phone. No need to dangle.

[@TechDweeb]

Good to know!

[@stressless8405]

It is a pretty awesome device. The screen is great and so is the battery life. Even better when you update it.

[@michaelcastoria]

How do u update?

[@toninhopavan2]

What do I get with the update? Just got mine today

[@Dav_YTRblx]

You can do video out you have to use otg port which is the usb c port to hdmi and then it will work

[@CaptainVanjoy]

Have had mine for a couple of months now. Never had a big problem with the controls and while compatibility with the 3D systems may vary, for 40 bucks I'd say this was one of my better investments in the past couple of years. Also the amount you can do without WiFi to customize it is surprising. And when you do use WiFi tethering or a dongle, it's nice to get even more on the device. I'd say people who have first hand experiences with the good and bad are both equally valid but for me, it's a great, cheap device.

[@lengwei4864]

Good for someone who's new to this,I got myself a retroid pocket 2S instead

[@mcwhorter141mcwhorter8]

I ordered yesterday and can't wait for this to arrive.

[@meeeaCH9612]

I just got mine about a week ago. I'm still familiarizing with it, but so far I like it. !!!Very inportant change out the SD card for a new branded one. And flash the newer version of ArkOS on it. You can get internet on it with USB-Tethering with your phone, I heard newer phones don't work with it. I tried a few PS1 games, all run perfectly. PSP not so much, but I just tried them out.

[@Marlevlyn]

I have an R36S and it was wonderful until I started messing with the settings and then I messed everything up somehow someway I made my way back to fixing the problem but I no longer have right bumper activity for Game Boy advance. It’s just the fast-forward feature even though I have it turned off.

[@RomuloAndrade]

just reinstall arkos and it will reset everything :)

[@Jxsteel8]

Is there a way to somehow plug it into your TV and actually make it work????

[@WillC1020]

I have this, it’s pretty good. The screen is great, not thrilled about the L1/L2/R1/R2 buttons, they are very loud. The rest of the buttons are ok, can’t say I enjoyed a fighting game on that device, but for $40 it’s a good entry level handheld.

[@colinmartin9797]

Personally. I'm waiting for the premium one. Anbernic or retroid need to make an updated one with hall sticks, maybe a slightly larger screen off the 405m (but not a chonk like the 405v) a more modern chipset (why tf aren't we getting snapdragon 8 yet) and my wishlist would include a slightly analog l2/r2 if it could be figured out. I love vertical form factors much more than horizontal. But it seems like only the realm of the cheap, which bums me out

[@muaykaliente4386]

Excellent presentation dude and love the comedy lines 🎉

[@YassBass777]

Any way to fix the R2 and L2 issue? Some of the games won’t event register that button.

[@giovanniscatozza8963]

Hi guys, I purchased as well a console R36S and I’m really enjoying it. The only problem I’m having is to save my game progression. Do you know how to solve this problem? Do I need to buy a micro sd card for the portal TF2-GAME ? The slot micro sd card is under the power button on the console. Please let me know 😊

[@Coco1477]

Just a quick tip, if you have an android phone that allows usb thethering you can actually connect it to your phone and update and scrape artwork that way without needing to take out the sd card. I bought one a couple days ago and i love it but the dealbreaker for me is the loud shoulder buttons, it makes it so obnoxious when youre playing and theres somebody next to you. Its the only reason im probably not keeping it and sticking with my rg35xx

[@MrSlavic-kl7kw]

do you have this console super mario and tetris?

[@MrNihilist74]

I just installed some virtual boy roms on my r36s and they run really well! The red alarm spaceship game was the only one I tried.

[@stay.silent5011]

Dude is a W, he's funny, witty and dope W video

[@hallofgames77]

I just got one of these about 2 weeks ago and I’m enjoying it. I agree for that prices it’s not bad at all

[@pea2911]

hi, does it come with the 1981 Atari arcade game "Defender" ?

[@snart]

The real star of this is native Pico8! Cheapest handheld out there that can do this, I believe.

[@3van1993]

That's great news. My daily driver (V90) doesn't like Pico-8

[@dgevert]

There's ways to get a Miyoo Mini Plus for cheaper and it can do pico8 just fine.

[@suhtangwong]

I got my r36s for $35, my mm+ was $65 ​@@dgevert

[@itzFadedHD]

You can find it under 30 dollars on multiple sites now including aliexpress. Insane deal for what you get i have the transparent green one coming in now.

[@toddmiller1933]

What’s the best one of these for just loads of games that work well Like the best buy out there

[@perk0107]

Just bought this for 29 euro . I am exited for this emulator console to come. Thanks for the tip 👍🏻

[@tkgianti]

Whats the grey console in the back?

[@FAVARAVAA]

When you turn it off is the blue light supposed to be on?

[@seanyates2073]

I know more are both more expensive but which would you recommend as a starter handheld out of this, the MM+ with Onion OS or the RG35XX H on Kuriki?

[@Marconpurpose]

Can you do review on KeyBoy? Or find out where they are probably drop shipping from? Are they just downloading their own extra games and enhancing one of these?

[@suga4all]

Any differences in the performance when compared to the RG35XX plus?

[@noinformation8804]

Is there a fast forward/speed option?

[@hrcivic]

Excuse me but I didn't understand: the games are loaded inside? I am searching an affordable portable game console for my son 9 years old. Do you think that one is a good option?

[@leedunbar4222]

Belkin F9L1001v1 is recognized in my R36S. In the OTG port.

[@arnoldguzman6981]

Im having issues with mine I try to save games but when I do it and then exit the game and go back to the game it did not save? Any help would be greatly appreciated I have a secondary sd card for storage would that help?

[@ThunderWarrior01]

I’ve bought this mainly for the MAME and PS1 games and if everything goes okay I’ll definitely be asking for an upgrade for Christmas

[@mystery0656]

Does it have legend of zelda games?

[@Metal-Josh]

@TechDweeb I love that the quality is somewhat there. I mean, good screen, decent power. And losing the antennas makes this device a fair price I find

[@kobrapromotions]

Also if you're going to mess with these, buy the proper one, and use things like portmaster etc to run roms right on the hardware vs retroarch, pico, scumm or whatever. PSP, N64 etc run smoother. Also update the firmware. This is a cheaper "game consoie" not a game console r36s with all the proper labels and it will have a chipset missing between the L1 & L2 buttons where there will be a blank circle on this cheaper model.

[@ryanopfer6845]

any recomendations on search terms or how to tell if it is legit

[@kobrapromotions]

id definitely check reviews of larger sellers on ali that have photos... avoid game consoie@@ryanopfer6845

[@still556]

Which is better this or rg35xx

[@grida7000]

M17 and R36S, Which do you think is better?

[@dead-eye456]

I want to play the old Pokémon’s for gameboy color. Does it have those?

[@BGE_D]

I think so

[@Sillywalks774]

Are the preinstalled games as good as on the R36s? I don't want to customize it, just play

[@oykubalc3712]

i bought r36s last week and i didnt buy game sd card, i bought new one. now i have to download games and upload to the my new sd card but i dont know how to do. could you help me

[@mongbatstar]

Using a tp-link tl wn752n wireless adapter with mine with few issues. I can ftp across new roms in small batches and they'll show up.

[@TechDweeb]

Good to know!

[@onedeep97]

Do you know if Star Wars Shadows of the Empire is included in this handheld?

[@mikebro420]

Can you add the "Action Replay" codes?

[@glensmith1979]

Just got one they are awesome.

[@troyholio4997]

me too and i laab eeet

[@jordanlukexxx92]

My one question to you sir is is it loaded with pokemon games and if so which ones as I might buy one

[@markalexander5578]

What does everyone think is the best vertical handheld? I have been looking at the 351v due to how large it is.

[@travianwarrior695]

I plan to buy an samsung evo 256GB card for system and games, I will only use one card for this portable, is this gonna work?

[@msalah1672]

Games are built in?

[@Motivation-i6h]

Cann youuu showee meee howw to add gamess in the micro sd card

[@fldsmdfr9107]

Do you reccomend the xu10 over this for about 10$ more?

[@TheSidologyy]

got the r36s for 19 bucks in a flash sale!... is it worth it?

[@tekrootz]

This is what i was definetely waiting for!! Are u reading my mind or someting??!!

[@stevebaumgardner5809]

Any thoughts on the R43 pro? Came here from a positive mention from "2 Loud Tech"!

[@skippercow]

I just ordered one and it’s my first retro handheld so I’m super excited to play some classics

[@selim19055]

Does it have any pokemon games on it ??

[@dandaners]

Hoping for Crash Bandicoot as well

[@selim19055]

@@dandaners just got it yesterday theres all 3 of the crash bandicoot games and they have crash bash from ps1

[@rickyharvey7143]

I’m Wanting something higher quality than this that still has the analog sticks any ideas are very welcome thanks in advance