R36S vs R36H vs Anbernic: Which Retro Handheld Should You Buy?
If you want to play the classics again on a pocket console, there are options for every budget. We compared the four our customers ask about most so you can choose without getting lost in specs.
Quick comparison
| R36S | R36H | Anbernic RG35XX H | Anbernic RG556 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen | 3.5" IPS, 640 × 480 | 3.5" IPS, 640 × 480 | 3.5" IPS | 5.48" AMOLED, 1080 × 1920 |
| System | Linux | Linux | Linux | Android |
| Battery | 2900 mAh | Long-lasting | 3300 mAh | 5500 mAh |
| Emulators | 21 | 20 | 20+ | 30+ plus Android games |
| HDMI output | No | No | Yes | Wireless via WiFi |
| Bluetooth | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Store price | $75 | $95 | $95 | $350 |
R36S: the best place to start
It's our best seller for a reason: for $75 you get a compact console with 21 emulators, 64 GB and an IPS screen that looks great. Ideal for trips, lines and downtime without spending much. Wondering if you can play it on your TV? We explain it in this guide.
R36H: more games out of the box
Same screen and system as the R36S, but it comes with over 14,000 preloaded games, stereo speakers and buttons designed for long sessions. Note: it has no HDMI output, so it's handheld only. Torn between the two? Check our R36S vs R36H comparison.
Anbernic RG35XX H: play on the TV too
Same screen size, but it adds HDMI output to connect to your TV, Bluetooth for controllers or headphones, a 3300 mAh battery and storage expandable up to 512 GB. The pick if you want to play on the couch with family.
Anbernic RG556: the most powerful
A different league: 5.48" Full HD AMOLED screen, Android, an 8-core processor with 8 GB of RAM, WiFi, Bluetooth and a 5500 mAh battery. Beyond the classics, it runs more demanding titles and Android games. For players who want the best and are ready to invest.
Which one is right for you?
- Tight budget or first retro console: R36S.
- More games ready without any setup: R36H.
- Want to play on the TV too: Anbernic RG35XX H.
- Want the best screen and power: Anbernic RG556.
Whichever you choose, protect it with a case: the R36S and RG35XX H fit our retro console case, and the RG556 has its own hard case.
Find them all in our gaming store →. Questions? Message us on WhatsApp and we'll help you choose.
