NEBULYTE

Buying guide 2 min readUpdated

R36S Retro Handheld or Android TV Game Console: Which Should You Buy in Sri Lanka?

By the NEBULYTE team, Colombo

R36S clear purple retro handheld console beside its box

The short answer

Buy the R36S if you want a pocket-sized retro console with its own 3.5-inch screen. Buy an Android TV game console if you want to play and stream on your TV with a wireless gamepad. The R36S charges over USB-C and takes TF cards up to 256GB or 512GB. The Android TV consoles run Android 13 with dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0, in 2GB RAM + 64GB and 4GB RAM + 128GB versions.

Three consoles side by side

R36S retro handheldAndroid TV console 2GB + 64GBGamer GS console 4GB + 128GB
Where you playAnywhere, on its own screenOn your TVOn your TV
Screen / output3.5-inch IPS, 640 × 4804K, up to 8K at 60 Hz (supplier specification)4K, up to 8K at 60 Hz (supplier specification)
ControlsBuilt-in D-pad, ABXY buttons and two analog sticks2.4G wireless gamepad and a voice remote2.4G wireless gamepad
Memory and storage64GB model, 1 GB RAM2GB RAM + 64GB4GB RAM + 128GB
Extra storageTwo TF slots, up to 256GB or 512GBTF card up to 128GBTF card up to 128GB
PowerCharges over USB-CDC 5V / 2ADC 5V / 2A
WirelessNot listedDual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0Dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0
Games (supplier claims)10,000 to 15,000+ pre-loaded60,000 retro games and 400 PSP titles60,000 retro games and 400 PSP titles

Which one is for you?

  • Want to play on the go or in bed: the R36S. It has its own screen and charges over USB-C.
  • Want a console for the living room TV: an Android TV game console. Both come with a 2.4G wireless gamepad.
  • Between the two TV consoles: the 4GB + 128GB Gamer GS model has twice the memory and storage of the 2GB + 64GB model. The 2GB model also includes a voice remote.

Prices

ProductPrice
R36S Retro Handheld Game Console 64GB3.5" IPS Screen · RK3326 · Dual TF Slots · Clear PurpleRs. 15,000
Android TV Game Console 2GB + 64GBAndroid 13 · Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 5.0 · Wireless Gamepad · Voice RemoteRs. 25,000
Gamer GS Series Android TV Game Console 4GB + 128GBAndroid 13 · 4GB + 128GB · 4K · Wireless GamepadRs. 19,900

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Quick answers

How big is the R36S screen?

3.5 inches, with a 640 × 480 IPS display.

Can I add storage to the R36S?

Yes. It has two TF-card slots and supports cards up to 256GB or 512GB.

What is the difference between the two Android TV consoles?

One has 2GB RAM and 64GB storage and includes a voice remote. The Gamer GS has 4GB RAM and 128GB storage. Both run Android 13 and include a 2.4G wireless gamepad.

Do the Android TV consoles come with a controller?

Yes, a 2.4G wireless gamepad is included with both.

How do I charge the R36S?

With a USB-C cable.

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