If you're shopping for a budget retro handheld in 2026, three names keep coming up: the R36S, the Miyoo Mini Plus, and the Anbernic RG35XX Plus. All three sit in the $30–$90 range, all three run the same emulators, and all three have loud fan bases claiming theirs is the best.
We've owned and tested all three. This is our honest breakdown — where each one shines, where each one falls short, and who each one is actually best for. No fluff, no sponsored fluffery, just the truth.
The Quick Verdict
- Best value: R36S ($30–$40) — the price-to-performance king
- Best build quality: Miyoo Mini Plus ($80–$90) — feels like a premium device
- Best community and support: Anbernic RG35XX Plus ($60–$70) — largest ecosystem
If you don't want to read the whole thing, that's the summary. But the details matter — keep reading for the full comparison.
Side-by-Side Specs at a Glance
| Feature | R36S | Miyoo Mini Plus | Anbernic RG35XX Plus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $40 - 49 | $80–$90 | $60–$70 |
| Screen | 3.5" IPS (640×480) | 3.5" IPS (640×480) | 3.5" IPS (640×480) |
| Chip | Allwinner H700 quad-core | Allwinner A33 quad-core | Allwinner H700 quad-core |
| RAM | 1GB | 128MB | 1GB |
| Battery | 3200 mAh (5–8 hours) | 3000 mAh (6–8 hours) | 3300 mAh (6–8 hours) |
| Storage | 64GB/128GB microSD | Dual microSD slots | Dual microSD slots |
| Wi-Fi | No | No | Yes (5GHz) |
| OS | ArkOS (custom) | OnionOS | Stock Linux + community CFWs |
| Best for | Budget, 8/16-bit, casual | Portability, build quality | Wi-Fi features, ecosystem |
Screen Quality: Basically a Tie
All three use a 3.5-inch IPS panel at 640×480 resolution. On paper they're identical, and in real-world use they're extremely close. The Miyoo has slightly better factory calibration — colors pop a touch more out of the box — but the R36S and Anbernic can be tuned to match with a few brightness and contrast adjustments.
Where you'll notice a difference: outdoor use. The R36S and Anbernic both max out around 400 nits, which is fine indoors but struggles in direct sunlight. The Miyoo Mini Plus pushes closer to 500 nits, giving it the edge for park benches and car rides.
Winner: Miyoo Mini Plus by a whisker.
Chip and Performance: R36S and Anbernic Pull Ahead
This is where things get interesting. The R36S and Anbernic RG35XX Plus use the newer Allwinner H700 chip with 1GB of RAM. The Miyoo Mini Plus uses the older A33 with just 128MB of RAM.
For NES, SNES, Game Boy, Genesis, and other classic systems, all three run everything at full speed with no issues. This is the retro handheld sweet spot — anything from 1985 to 1995 plays perfectly on all three devices.
The gap opens up when you push into PS1, N64, and PSP territory:
- PS1: R36S and Anbernic play the entire library smoothly. Miyoo Mini Plus handles most PS1 games but struggles with graphically demanding titles like Gran Turismo 2 or Chrono Cross.
- N64: R36S and Anbernic play the big three (Mario 64, OoT, Mario Kart 64) at full speed. Miyoo Mini Plus is not recommended for N64.
- PSP: R36S and Anbernic handle 2D and lower-end 3D PSP games well. Miyoo Mini Plus can't meaningfully run PSP.
Winner: Tie between R36S and Anbernic RG35XX Plus. Miyoo is a step behind.
Build Quality and Feel: Miyoo Wins Hands Down
This is where the Miyoo Mini Plus earns its higher price. The chassis feels solid, the buttons have satisfying tactile clicks, and the D-pad is genuinely excellent — one of the best on any budget handheld.
The R36S is plastic-forward and lightweight. It doesn't feel cheap exactly, but it does feel like a $35 device. The buttons are functional but a bit mushy. The D-pad is fine but nothing special.
The Anbernic RG35XX Plus splits the difference. Better build than the R36S, not as premium as the Miyoo. Its D-pad and buttons are among the best in the class, though the plastic finish is less refined than the Miyoo.
Winner: Miyoo Mini Plus for premium feel. Anbernic RG35XX Plus for the best control feel per dollar.
Software and OS: Different Philosophies
All three ship with a custom OS, and all three have thriving custom-firmware (CFW) communities. But the out-of-box experience varies:
- R36S with ArkOS: Simple, works out of the box. This is the OS most experienced retro gamers install on other devices anyway. Menu is clean, everything just works.
- Miyoo Mini Plus with OnionOS: Beautiful interface with clean tile-based menus. Highly polished. Great for those who value aesthetics.
- Anbernic RG35XX Plus: Stock OS is functional but plain. Most owners immediately install Batocera, MuOS, or Knulli. The upside: there are dozens of firmware options.
Winner: Depends on preference. R36S if you want plug-and-play, Miyoo if you want polish, Anbernic if you want choice.
Wi-Fi and Streaming: Only Anbernic Has It
The Anbernic RG35XX Plus is the only one of the three with built-in Wi-Fi. This unlocks a handful of features that matter to some people:
- Stream games from your PC via Moonlight (Steam, GeForce Now)
- Sync save files to cloud storage
- Download ROMs directly to the device
- Netplay (multiplayer over the internet)
If any of that matters to you, the RG35XX Plus is the only option in this comparison. If not, it's a non-factor.
Price: The R36S Just Runs Away With It
At $30–$40, the R36S is roughly one-third the price of the Miyoo and roughly half the price of the Anbernic. That's a huge gap for what is genuinely 85–90% of the same product.
The question isn't is the R36S the best, it's is the Miyoo or Anbernic worth 2–3x the price for their advantages? For most casual retro gamers, the answer is no. For enthusiasts who prioritize build quality or need Wi-Fi, maybe.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the R36S if:
- You're new to retro handhelds and want to see if the hobby's for you without spending much
- Your main gaming interest is 8-bit and 16-bit classics (NES, SNES, Genesis, GBA)
- You want the most bang for your buck, full stop
- You're buying as a gift and don't want to spend $80+
Buy the Miyoo Mini Plus if:
- Premium build quality matters to you
- You mostly play 8-bit and 16-bit games and won't push into PS1/N64 territory
- You have the extra $50 and don't mind paying for polish
Buy the Anbernic RG35XX Plus if:
- You want Wi-Fi for Moonlight streaming, netplay, or cloud sync
- You value the option to try many custom firmware versions
- You want a middle-ground device — better build than R36S, cheaper than Miyoo
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for kids?
None of these are ideal for kids under 13 — they're delicate devices with complex menus. But if you're getting one for a teenager, the R36S offers the best value if it gets damaged, and the Miyoo has the best build if you're worried about drops. Read our R36S beginner's guide for more setup detail.
Do any of them run Nintendo DS?
Technically all three can via DraStic, but performance is poor on all of them. The single-screen layout also makes DS games awkward. If DS emulation is a priority, look at the Anbernic RG40XX H or Retroid Pocket 4 Pro instead.
Which has the longest battery life?
They're all in the 5–8 hour range depending on brightness. The Anbernic RG35XX Plus edges out with slightly larger capacity, but real-world differences are minimal.
Can I install ArkOS on the Miyoo or Anbernic?
You can install ArkOS on the Anbernic RG35XX Plus. You cannot install ArkOS on the Miyoo Mini Plus — the hardware is different and ArkOS doesn't support it. OnionOS is Miyoo's community CFW of choice.
Which one gets the most firmware updates?
The Anbernic community is the largest and most active — multiple CFWs get monthly updates. ArkOS on the R36S is well-maintained but less frequently updated. OnionOS on the Miyoo is between the two.
Are there any deal-breakers with the R36S?
Honest answer: the D-pad and buttons are noticeably worse than the Miyoo, and the plastic feels cheap. Some units ship with slow SD cards that cause stuttering — this is fixable with a $15 upgrade to a Class 10 card. That's it. No major flaws.
The Bottom Line
If we had to give one recommendation to someone with no context: get the R36S. It's not the fanciest handheld in this lineup, but it delivers 90% of what the more expensive options do at 30% of the cost. If it turns out you love the hobby, you can always upgrade later — and the R36S will still find a home as your carry-in-your-pocket backup device.
The Miyoo Mini Plus is a wonderful device for the person who wants the best-feeling handheld in this price range and doesn't care about N64 or PSP. The Anbernic RG35XX Plus is the practical middle option with Wi-Fi as its killer feature.
All three are great in 2026. There's no wrong choice among them. But the R36S is the smart choice for most people.
Ready to check out our current R36S lineup? Browse the collection. And if you're brand new, check out our complete R36S setup guide to get up and running fast.
Happy gaming.
