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The R36 line has grown fast, and the three names people compare most are the R36 Ultra, the R36S, and the R36 Max. They share the same friendly, pocketable philosophy — but they are aimed at different buyers. Here is the honest breakdown.
Quick comparison
| Model | Screen | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| R36S | 3.5″ IPS | Smallest, most pocketable; classic budget pick |
| R36 Ultra | 4.0″ IPS | Best all-rounder — bigger, sharper screen, most comfortable |
| R36 Max | Larger display | Buyers who want the biggest screen in the family |
R36S — the original pocket size
The R36S is the model that started the wave: a 3.5-inch IPS screen in a genuinely pocketable shell, dual analog sticks, and USB-C charging. If your priority is portability and price, and you mostly play 8- and 16-bit systems, it is still an excellent entry point. The trade-off is simply screen size — 3.5 inches feels small once you’ve tried a 4-inch panel.
R36 Ultra — the sweet spot
The R36 Ultra is the upgrade most people should buy. It keeps the same easy, no-setup character but moves to a 4.0-inch IPS display, which makes a real difference for readability, comfort, and systems like PS1 and GBA where detail matters. Controls are more spacious, and the larger body is easier to hold for long sessions. For a deeper look, see our “Is the R36 Ultra worth it?” honest take and the system-by-system emulation guide.
R36 Max — go big
The R36 Max targets people who want the largest screen in the R36 family. A bigger display is more immersive on the couch, but it costs you pocketability and, usually, battery life per charge. If you mainly play at home and want the biggest picture, it’s worth a look; if you want something to slip into a jacket pocket, the Ultra or R36S make more sense.
What’s the same across all three
- Dual analog sticks and a full button layout
- USB-C charging
- MicroSD storage you can expand yourself — see our SD card guide
- Support for a wide range of classic systems (you add your own legally-owned game files — here’s how)
Which one is right for you?
- Want the best balance of screen, comfort and price? → R36 Ultra
- Want the smallest, cheapest way in? → R36S
- Want the biggest screen and mostly play at home? → R36 Max
New to the platform entirely? Start with our setup guide and buying guide. Worried about look-alikes? Read how to spot a clone first.
Our pick: the R36 Ultra
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