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R36S Retro Handheld Game Console US$26.65 (~A$39.79) Delivered @ Factory Game Direct Store AliExpress

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R36S Retro Handheld Game Console US$26.65 (~A$39.79) Delivered @ Factory Game Direct Store AliExpressAffiliate
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Clear on 24/08/2024 - 01:03 aliexpress.com (6502 clicks)
Last edited 24/08/2024 - 07:55
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A new record low price on this previously popular retro handheld game console for those looking for something more basic at an affordable price. I believe this one is capable of handling PS1, PSP, Dreamcast and N64 titles.

Orange 64GB is the cheapest available on the listing followed by White, Black, Purple and Red.

For reviews Retro Game Corps has covered it in detail and I recommend installing ArkOS (RG351MP) for a far better experience.

  • Apply the coupon IFPFC4Z or IFP5MXK or IFPNX2H

AU$ based on current Mastercard rate and GST inclusive.

How to get the correct AU$ price with PayPal:

Setting overseas websites to AUD or letting PayPal do the currency conversion results in an inflated rate. To get the correct rate you need a card without international fees and do the following:

  • Set the website currency to USD
  • Checkout with PayPal
  • Select your card with no international fees
  • Click "See currency options"
  • Select USD to bill the card in USD instead of AUD
  • Proceed with checkout

Now you'll get the correct MasterCard or VISA exchange rate depending on the card.

Original Coupon Deal

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closed Comments

  • G-rig on 24/08/2024 - 04:40

    Tempted at this price, bit of retro fun whereas retroarch is a bit of effort.

    Just wondering if the keypad works well enough for diagonal moves, heard various reports but worth a go over $700 options.

    • soymeat on 24/08/2024 - 07:29
      +1

      This uses RetroArch too, but will be preconfigured as part of the OS.

    • Detrimental on 24/08/2024 - 09:18
      +1

      I’ve set up a couple of R36S’s as gifts for friends. One was fine but the other was hit and miss when registering diagonal moves. YMMV.

      For the price this is a great little console. Definitely recommend upgrading to ArkOS though, and replacing the micro SD card wth a better quality one.

      • paaj on 24/08/2024 - 09:47

        Any links to show how to properly setup the new micro SD card. Bought this for the kids but don't know how to setup the new sd card. Is it just a copy paste thing?

        • Detrimental on 24/08/2024 - 10:12
          +1

          I used https://github.com/AeolusUX/ArkOS-R3XS/releases/ for the os image and process. Recommend using Rufus for imaging the new Micro SD card. If you are using ArkOS on the card that came with the R36S make sure you check your screen version before starting the process (as noted in the guide)

          • G-rig on 12/09/2024 - 20:18

            @Detrimental: Hey guys which OS image didy you use. I've tried a couple but getting a blank black screen when put the MicroSD in the rhs slot.

            I have tried ArkOS 2.0 08232024 & ArkOS_RG351MP_v2.0_07312024. Distro version that came on it is ArkOS 2.0 (042320222). Would have been easier just doing a copy of the stock one i reckon since it was already setup and preloaded.

            Perhaps this one? ArkOS_R35S-R36S_v2.0_08232024-1.img.xz

            Cheers

          • G-rig on 13/09/2024 - 11:43

            @Titus Canby: Hey mate was looking at this exact video last night from the other link (maybe from yourself).
            you mind linking the exact image, tried several and only get a black screen.

            Copying the sd to another sd was fine but still want to do an update - the settings look different in all videos, and can't see quick mode or update anywhere.
            I'm sure i'm missing something.

            Thanks,

            ps. do you think these ali ones are 'clones'? gets annoying trying to take the SD card out everytime with a knife.

  • Jono258 on 24/08/2024 - 05:58

    How easy is it io get games for this?

    • PainToad on 24/08/2024 - 06:26
      +9

      Easy. But it can’t be discussed here. Google exists however.

      • neonlight on 02/09/2024 - 19:12
        -1

        Google exists but not sure if it's easy to find nor obtain roms heh. It's not really an answer heh

    • Clear on 24/08/2024 - 07:44

      I haven't been able to figure out why some people get that. Is your account new? Have you made orders before?

  • Mokr on 24/08/2024 - 07:53
    +7

    This can handle n64 at n6.4 frames per second

    • Windows7forever on 24/08/2024 - 08:30

      Lol

    • caitsith01 on 24/08/2024 - 09:06
      +1

      Plays some games fine, others it's horrible.

      • Skinnerr on 24/08/2024 - 12:59

        Can it play Goldeneye and/or Perfect Dark?

        • PainToad on 24/08/2024 - 13:07
          +1

          Not well.

        • caitsith01 on 24/08/2024 - 15:50
          +5

          No, Goldeneye runs at about 2fps instead of an authentic 4fps.

          • Skinnerr on 25/08/2024 - 08:50

            @caitsith01: Bugger. Lags on retroarch app too but GE runs OK on my phone with lemuroid, which is odd

            • caitsith01 on 25/08/2024 - 22:29

              @Skinnerr: For all that I bought this one (R36S) on a whim and it's a legitimately amazing little thing for the price - plays anything up to the 32 bit generation and most older arcade games really well, good controls, great screen, and even plays ScummVM stuff pretty well.

    • smartazz104 on 24/08/2024 - 09:28
      +5

      Wow so the same as the actual console.

  • SueyJitSu on 24/08/2024 - 08:25

    No WiFi on these right? Unless you use a dongle or something?

    • Vladdo on 24/08/2024 - 08:31
      -1

      Seems like Wifi doesn't work at all, dongle or not.. according to the review above..

      • adrianhughes1998 on 24/08/2024 - 08:53

        Wrong. It does work with dongle or USB OTG adapter

        • darkly on 24/08/2024 - 10:12
          +3

          This.

          There is also an internal mod if you are daring.

    • undadog on 24/08/2024 - 08:43
      +3

      I got a usb c adapter & a TPLINK wifi usb adapter. Wifi works now.

      • adrianhughes1998 on 24/08/2024 - 08:54

        Another option I used is USB-C OTG adapter and used my phone as a tethered hotspot. That works well for me

        • undadog on 24/08/2024 - 08:56
          +1

          ah didn't know that. much cheaper option!

        • G-rig on 09/09/2024 - 13:26

          Wouldn't you still need to put a wifi adapter in the USB port (using a dumb otg adapter USB A-C like that comes with your phone)? Bluetooth adapter sound ok too but got a stack of games already.

          Just about to order a microSD and USB C card reader, cheers

          • adrianhughes1998 on 09/09/2024 - 13:49

            @G-rig: No.

            You just plug in USB OTG adapter into the bottom of the R36S and then a usb cable going from that to your phone.

            Simples.

              • adrianhughes1998 on 09/09/2024 - 20:32

                @G-rig: Doesn't work like that. Try it and it doesn't work.

                Needs to have the USB OTG adapter so it can see the phone as a tether to have the internet connection.

                • G-rig on 10/09/2024 - 00:35
                  -1

                  @adrianhughes1998: Yeah so you got a USB C to A adaptor and USB A to C cable 🙃?

                  Doesn't sound much easier than a otg adaptor and bt/wifi dongle.

                  I don't think I need to do all that anyway.

                  • adrianhughes1998 on 10/09/2024 - 06:50

                    @G-rig: It's an OTG adapter and not just an adapter, they're two different things.

                    It's easier than a WiFi dongle because plenty of people saying certain WiFi dongles don't work, this takes that uncertainty out of the equation.

                    The WiFi and OTG adapters are really only the two methods that work, unless one wants to manually update ArkOS via microSD loading etc.

                    • G-rig on 10/09/2024 - 07:18

                      @adrianhughes1998: Yes I should have one that came with the pixel, wouldn't surprise me if they didn't come with it anymore. The main point was asking about a USB C OTG but sounds like they are USB A ones.

                      The micro SD card transfer is the main thing I want, for setup and copying roms.

                      Anyway will test it all out when they arrive from Amazon.
                      Cheers

      • MrMcHairyHead on 24/08/2024 - 10:36

        Wait what's the point of wifi? What do you use it for?

        • adrianhughes1998 on 24/08/2024 - 10:55
          +4

          Retro achievements, scrape box art, Splore for downloading Pico 8 games, updating arkos without having to do it thru a PC

    • sasquire on 24/08/2024 - 08:48
      +2

      This one worked with the ones I have (own a number of r36s for the kids)
      https://vi.aliexpress.com/item/1005005698548211.html

      Keep in mind it makes a horrible static noise when something is downloading over wifi (something to do with being unshielded internally). You can correct that with either using a bit of tinfoil or using a USB extension to keep the usb wifi away from the handheld.
      Also used a bluetooth dongle for controllers which also worked fine.

      • sirsavesabit on 24/08/2024 - 21:03

        Bluetooth dongle is genius! Thank you.

        I agree the static noise is pretty scary with a wifi adapter.

    • SueyJitSu on 24/08/2024 - 09:00
      +1

      Thanks all for the replies. Much appreciated.

  • Windows7forever on 24/08/2024 - 08:32

    What sort of battery is in this thing? It looks removable from the photos.

    • undadog on 24/08/2024 - 08:44

      kinda. its not double aa's but easy enough to get a replacement and plug it in.

      • Windows7forever on 24/08/2024 - 10:42
        +1

        They look like cells. Maybe 18650s?

    • sirsavesabit on 24/08/2024 - 21:21
      +1

      Removable but it's a cheap lithium polymer (pillow cell) rather than 18650s.

      • neonlight on 17/09/2024 - 08:00

        Right so does Aliexpress sell the battery replacement? Where would you get it. Not sure if you can self replace

  • TheDukeOfNukem on 24/08/2024 - 08:37
    +13

    I believe this one is capable of handling PS1, PSP, Dreamcast and N64 titles

    PS1, yes, and with upscaling full speed on most games (Spyro 3 has a smidgen of slow down when you turn on the upscaled textures)
    PSP, a good bunch, there's a lot of games that run full speed, there's a lot that need frame skip, there's some that you shouldn't try at all, and Harry Potter 4 straight up won't boot. Which is fine bc I went and played it on the R556 and yup, it's as meh as I remember.
    Dreamcast, will play most games fine, weirdly wouldn't play Kiss Psycho Circus for me at all, other than that the only slow down I personally had was Dead or Alive 2, still playable, but like, I wouldn't recommend it.
    N64 I've tried the least bc I just wouldn't choose the N64 version of a game, I did beat GoldenEye fully though, which is about the only N64 game I need (bc the R36S runs the far superior SM64 redo/port/thing), which was more or less full speed though it did have the odd missing texture here and there. Could probably be fixed with settings.

    For the price, it's an absolute banger and I recommend it to everyone. N64 is probably the one to give you the most trouble though. Plays a remarkable amount of PSP games too, Spider-Man 2 is full speed, Chinatown Wars, Burnout Legends, Tony Hawk Project 8 (not THUG2, it's much slower), Family Guy, and many more run full speed which is great. Others like Battlefront 2 are playable, but then, the original BF2 on PSP always ran kinda like shit anyway (impressively mind you, for a 2005 PSP game, but still shit) so eh.

    DS also runs really well, and has upscaling. Just don't pick super touch heavy games unless you're ready for using the joystick pointer, I don't think Elite Beat Agents would be fun here. Lego Star Wars, Mario Kart DS and the GoldenEye remake (with some creative joystick layout choices) are my faves for that system.

    • Windows7forever on 24/08/2024 - 08:54

      Thanks for the insight. I'm sold on it. I have an older portable emulator but it only plays up to SNES/genesis stuff so this will be a big upgrade.

      • TheDukeOfNukem on 24/08/2024 - 09:43
        +3

        Oh dude, that was meant to be a quick yes/no/maybe to the consoles they mentioned. If I was giving full insight I'd be here for hours, I love the thing. It's such a great value for what it can do. Aside from the really clicky trigger buttons (which aren't a problem for me tbh) I've got nothing but praise.

        The only thing I'll add is PortMaster is incredible on this thing too. Full speed full fat PC versions of GTA3 and Vice City is what pushed me into buying this one (turned out I had an old RK300 or whatever the chipset is called device in the drawers from like 2020 that could play them too but I didn't know that when I bought this), but throw in Quake 3, Duke 3D, Serious Sam, Half Life, and a bunch of modern bangers like Sonic Mania and Shovel Knight, and you've got a pretty goddamn legit "leave it in the car door for when Jess is taking a while at the shops" machine.

        • Windows7forever on 24/08/2024 - 10:37

          Wow, this thing can play legit 3D shooters from the 90's?
          That's freaking awesome. I grew up on a diet of Quake, Duke3D and Doom.
          I'm gonna have so much fun with this device.

          • TheDukeOfNukem on 24/08/2024 - 10:57
            +4

            @Windows7forever: Hells yeah dude!

            Plays the Quake trilogy flawless, Duke 3D including the new episode from the 20th anniversary rerelease as well as Ion Fury, Doom 1+2 are (as you'd expect) fantastic, it plays Doom 3 as well even which blew my mind…unfortunately no matter what I did, once I went in the first elevator the game would crash, without fail, every time. Serious Sam 1 and 2 run buttery smooth too (goddamn those load times though), Wolf 3D is an obvious one, but I bet you didn't think you'd be playing Return to Castle Wolfenstein on this bad boy too.

            Absolute banger of a boomer shooter machine.

    • GC67 on 24/08/2024 - 09:20
      +1

      Does it play Mame Games?

      • TheDukeOfNukem on 24/08/2024 - 09:44
        +2

        Yeah but I don't have any real personal experience beyond The Simpsons Arcade. That ran flawless (as you'd expect). MAME is just about the only thing I can't really comment on, I've even played a good number of JAVA games on it, but nothing from MAME, the only other arcade game that I call a must have is OutRun and I just use Cannonball these days for that one.

      • caitsith01 on 25/08/2024 - 22:30
        +1

        Yes, and they run well.

      • GC67 on 10/09/2024 - 17:41

        It certainly DOES ! !
        What an awesome little machine - My eyes hurt tho. Squinting too hard !

        Now to mod it…

  • bargin424 on 24/08/2024 - 09:07
    +2

    Coupon has the error of: For security reasons your request can't currently be processed

    • Clear on 24/08/2024 - 09:12

      New account? Have you made orders before?

    • Maz78 on 24/08/2024 - 09:53
      +1

      Yeah I'm getting that. Never seen it before on an Aliexpress order…

    • miicah on 24/08/2024 - 11:06

      Same. Have tried to buy on my phone, tried incognito window on my desktop. I'll give it a go on the 5G later on and see if that makes a difference?

    • vandelay on 24/08/2024 - 11:57

      Yeh I kept getting that on desktop.. used the app on phone and discount applied fine

      • bargin424 on 25/08/2024 - 06:32

        That didnt work for me yesteday but today i am getting "This coupon code is for single use only and can't be used here"

        • G-rig on 26/08/2024 - 05:38

          Yeah none of them work.
          Massive time waster, even with new signup the cheapest was US$27 ($40).

  • Windows7forever on 24/08/2024 - 09:15

    I'm having trouble checking out.
    It says "cannot use coupon code in conjuction with any other offer".

    Their website is a horrible mess. I am an existing customer so not using any new user coupons. I have triple checked the item in my cart. AliExpress Choice and Winter Sale are selected by default in my cart and I cannot remove these selections.

    • Clear on 24/08/2024 - 09:18

      Have you made orders in the last 12 months? They deem you to be a new user if it's been a long time.

      AliExpress Choice and Winter Sale are selected by default in my cart and I cannot remove these selections.

      What do you mean? Are there products you can't remove? There's a winter sale on and Choice items just means they're fulfilled by AliExpress and ship faster. This doesn't impact coupon usage.

      • Windows7forever on 24/08/2024 - 09:19

        Edit: I think I found the problem. The checkout system is automatically applying a "welcome deal" which means I'm ineligible to apply any further discount codes. I don't know how to deselect it and not sure why it is being offered to an existing customer! Oh that's right I havent made an order in over 12 months.

        • Clear on 24/08/2024 - 09:20

          Welcome deals normally give you a better price than coupons anyway. Try this url and see

          https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007431744451.html

          • Windows7forever on 24/08/2024 - 09:22

            @Clear: Oh gosh, you're right. I can score it for $37 AUD (with taxes) ~. Here I was getting frustrated and impatient LOL. Thanks!

          • Maz78 on 24/08/2024 - 09:56
            +1

            @Clear: That URL doesn't work for me. Still getting the "For security reasons your request can't currently be processed"… Bizarre

            • Clear on 24/08/2024 - 10:02

              @Maz78: That doesn't resolve the issue. Are you a new user or not? New user meaning new account or no orders in a long time have a Welcome Deal and you can't use coupons until that initial order is placed.

              • Maz78 on 24/08/2024 - 14:41

                @Clear: Not a new user. Had an account for years and bought items about 6 weeks ago

  • Windows7forever on 24/08/2024 - 09:34

    What colour did everyone get?
    I got white as I felt it has a more premium finish. Can't wait to get this bad boy.
    Thanks Clear :)

    • habib23q on 24/08/2024 - 10:53

      I've got white, purple, black and the orange one. The white one which i got first is the one that has given me problems. The screen arrived popped out even tho packaging was great. But they are great handhelds. Pretty much the best you can get at this price across the board. But keep in mind there not the best quality by a long shot.

      I should know i have like 25 or so other devices at this point. Just recieved my Rg35xx-sp, Powkiddy V10 and Kinhank K36 in the past week.

      • Windows7forever on 24/08/2024 - 16:51

        Gosh, you have so many of them!
        Did you have to open a dispute with Ali for the faulty unit?

        • habib23q on 24/08/2024 - 17:11
          +1

          Yeah, way too many. As for the dispute, yes i did and I think i got like a 30 or 40% refund of the sale price. It still works perfectly after i reset it. I've also bought quite a few kore of these r36s to gift to others. I always recommend to use a fresh branded sd card rather then the non branded ones they sell with these. I have a 256gb card setup for mine and 64gb ones for the kids.

  • Wonderfool on 24/08/2024 - 09:44
    +1

    I feel like my fiancee will kill me if I buy another bunch of these things. They're such great gifts.

    • Windows7forever on 24/08/2024 - 10:38
      +1

      Just lie and say they are for the nephews and nieces.

  • benzino on 24/08/2024 - 09:47

    Thanks Clear. Was a hair over $40 paying in AUD.

  • hawktalk on 24/08/2024 - 10:10
    -6

    I purchased a RG35XXSP from this deal https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/862000 a week ago…. I wish I had read the warnings about batteries warping/potential fire hazard. Don't get me wrong taking more precautions (such as using the older brick phone chargers) can lower the risk of something going wrong with the unit short circuiting during the charging process… But I'm still fearful, thus after getting that device a few days I've already sent it back. I used it and can see the "benefits" and joy from using it…. I'm just going to do what was my original intention and get a Rog Ally or Steam Deck instead.

    Neg away I guess :( :P

    • Clear on 24/08/2024 - 10:12
      +1

      Neg away I guess :( :P

      It's possible as the comment has no relevancy to this deal. It would be better suited in the other one.

      • hawktalk on 24/08/2024 - 10:18
        -2

        Was intended more as an anecdote to be careful about Chinese manufactured unofficial devices than anything. le sigh!

        • Clear on 24/08/2024 - 10:19
          +1

          That's fair.

    • Windows7forever on 24/08/2024 - 10:41
      +1

      A fair observation. I always worry about battery longevity and more importantly, safety, in these super low priced electronics. Everything is made to the lowest price so they must be cutting corners somewhere.

  • sqheaven on 24/08/2024 - 10:16

    Trimui Smart Pro user here, am I missing something if I don't have this? :D

    • Clear on 24/08/2024 - 10:19
      +1

      A happier wife?

      • Vaynard05 on 24/08/2024 - 10:31

        Hijacking the post but do you happen to know where to buy replacement screens for the R36s, TSP and MM+? Toddler raided my side table and decided to throw them around. 😂

        • Clear on 24/08/2024 - 10:36
          +1

          AliExpress maybe? I'm sure @RichardL would know better than anyone.

        • RichardL on 24/08/2024 - 11:16
          +2

          Most of the time it's just easier to replace the whole device then purchasing and installing a replacement screen.

          For the MM+, you can purchase a screen from the Official Miyoo Aliexpress Store (Plus 3.5 Screen) for US$12.67 + US$5.91 + GST.

          For R36s, a quick search on AliExpress - US$19.36 + GST. (IMO, just purchase a new device from this deal post.)

          Can't find a replacement screen for the TSP or if it's even possible to replace.

    • hybir on 24/08/2024 - 10:22

      Not unless you have nostalgia for the Gameboy/GBC form factor. All the devices in this price range use similarly powered chips.

    • sirsavesabit on 24/08/2024 - 21:10
      +1

      I am also a Trimui Smart Pro (TSP) user and I bought some of these for the kids, only to find that the portmaster experience is WAY better on the R36S.

      For me at least, Quake (except 2), Descent, ROTT, etc all crash on the TSP but run fine on the R36S. I am currently debugging the startup scripts (I have some experience with Linux), but it seems to be missing some executables and libraries on the TSP (I am running the latest CrossMixOS) vs the better supported ArkOS on the R36S.

      Half-Life on the TSP is awesome and totally justifies the purchase for me, but after modding the buttons and d-pad on the R36S it's definitely worth it for this or the welcome price.

      Also retro handhelds are like bikes, you need N+1…

      • sqheaven on 24/08/2024 - 21:34

        I play only few games tbh. Those games gave me a hell back then, now I am living my nightmares again lol

        I feel like Trimui is more than enough for me. The layout is what I like. I don't enjoy the stick, the buttons are also not very responsive, at least one of them.

        My kids think I am watching cartoons, they're small 5yo and 2yo lol

  • The Value on 24/08/2024 - 10:37
    +2

    It's good value. Great screen.

    Terrible Gameboy ergonomics. Terrible shoulder buttons.

    • sirsavesabit on 24/08/2024 - 21:11
      +1

      The shoulder buttons are awful.

  • theguyrules on 24/08/2024 - 11:47

    Amazing price

  • scottySK on 24/08/2024 - 13:15

    Stardew Valley looks amazing on this screen

  • nobro25 on 24/08/2024 - 15:32

    What's the stick drift like on this

    • habib23q on 24/08/2024 - 17:14

      I've bought countless ones of these and the oldest one i have from last year still works well but ymmv. I'd say it all depends on how you receive it in the post whether or not its beaten up or thrown around and also your playing style too. These seem pretty durable.

  • Kvothe on 24/08/2024 - 17:02

    I spent too long researching and now the price has gone up lol

  • sav11 on 24/08/2024 - 17:27
    +3

    All 3 codes throw "This coupon code is for single use only and can't be used here". Haven't used the codes before.

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