Both the R36S and RX6H share the same $40 price, RockChip RK3326 chip, and entry-level emulation ceiling that tops out around Nintendo DS, so the choice between them comes down almost entirely to ergonomics. The R36S, released in late 2023, uses a vertical layout, while the RX6H, released in February 2025, adopts a horizontal form factor closer to a classic game controller. Buyers who prefer portrait-style handheld grip should lean toward the R36S; those who want landscape orientation should consider the RX6H.
| R36S | RX6H | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $40 | $40 |
| Brand | Game Console | Game Console |
| Released | 2023 / 10 | 2025 / 02 |
| Type | Vertical | Horizontal |
| OS | Linux (ArkOS) | Linux (EmuELEC / ArkOS) |
| Performance | ||
| Chip (SoC) | RockChip RK3326 | RockChip RK3326 |
| CPU | Cortex-A35 | Cortex-A35 |
| GPU | Mali-G31 MP2 | Mali-G31 MP2 |
| RAM | 1 GB DDR3L | 1 GB DDR3L |
| Storage | Dual External MicroSD (Compatible cards list) | Internal & External MicroSD |
| Cooling | ❌ | ❌ |
| Power tier | Entry | Entry |
| Display | ||
| Screen size | 3.5 inch | 3.5 inch |
| Screen type | IPS | IPS |
| Resolution | 640 x 480 | 640 x 480 |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Pixel density | 228.57 PPI | 228.57 PPI |
| Aspect ratio | 4:3 | 4:3 |
| Body & battery | ||
| Battery | 3500 mAh (Swappable) | 3000 mAh |
| Weight | 187 grams | — |
| Dimensions | 82 mm x 130 mm x ? mm | — |
| Shell | Plastic | Plastic |
| Colors | White, Transparent Black, Transparent Purple | Transparent Purple, Transparent Black, White |
| Ports & connectivity | ||
| Wireless | USB-C OTG | WiFi 5, Bluetooth 4.2, USB-C OTG |
| Video out | ❌ | ❌ |
| Charging port | USB-C x2 Bottom facing | USB-C |
| Audio out | 3.5mm Headphone Bottom facing | 3.5mm Headphone |
| Speakers | Single Mono Front facing | Dual Stereo Rear facing |
| R36S | RX6H | |
|---|---|---|
| Game Boy / Color | A | A |
| NES | A | A |
| Genesis / Mega Drive | A | A |
| Game Boy Advance | A | A |
| SNES | A | A |
| PlayStation 1 | A | A |
| Nintendo DS | B | B |
| Nintendo 64 | C | C |
| Dreamcast | C | C |
| PSP | C | C |
| Sega Saturn | D | D |
| GameCube | F | F |
| Nintendo 3DS | F | F |
| Nintendo Wii | F | F |
| PlayStation 2 | F | F |
| Switch | F | F |
| Wii U | F | F |
| PlayStation 3 | F | F |
Both are closely matched — pick on form factor and price.
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