R36 Ultra Retro Handheld Game Console

The R36 Ultra sits one step above the R36S in our range same proven open-source platform, refreshed body, and eight colourways with 64GB or 128GB storage options. If you like everything about the R36S but want the newer iteration of the design, this is it.

Where the R36 Ultra fits in the R36 family

Every handheld in the R36 line R36S, R36H, R36 Pro, R36 Ultra and R36 Max shares the same Rockchip RK3326 platform. That's worth saying plainly, because it means the R36 Ultra plays exactly the same systems as its siblings: everything through the PS1 era runs well, while N64, Dreamcast and PSP remain hit-or-miss across the whole family. You choose between these models on body, screen and colour not on speed.

Key Features

• 4.0" IPS display at 720720, square 1:1
• Wi-Fi built in no adapter in the USB port
• 3,000mAh battery and RGB-lit analogue sticks
• Rockchip RK3326 quad-core platform smooth through the PS1 era
• Eight colourways including Black, White, Blue and Purple
• 64GB or 128GB storage options, expandable via microSD
• USB-C charging
• Open-source Linux system; runs community firmware see the PortMaster project for free open-source game ports

Technical Details

How the R36 Ultra compares

Against the R36S ($79): the R36 Ultra adds a 4-inch square screen and built-in Wi-Fi at a $20 premium same platform, same library. Against the R36 Max ($109.95): both use a 4-inch 720720 square screen; the Ultra adds Wi-Fi, the Max has the bigger 4,000mAh battery. Our R36S vs R36H vs R36 Ultra comparison walks the decision properly.

Complete the setup

Pair it with a microSD card and a carry case, and read the firmware setup guide before first boot.

Firmware and community

Because the whole family shares one platform, the R36 Ultra inherits the R36S's biggest hidden asset: its community. ArkOS and other open-source firmware