Short answer: no. The R36S and R36 Max have no video output, so no HDMI cable or USB-C adapter will put the picture on a TV. The R36H has no HDMI either, despite some early marketing images, and USB-C video on the R36 Ultra depends on the production batch, so do not count on it. If you want TV play, the options are a handheld that does have HDMI, a TV retro console, or a Raspberry Pi 5 build.
Which R36-family models have video out?
| Model | TV output |
|---|---|
| R36S | None |
| R36 Max | None |
| R36H | None, despite some early product images |
| R36 Ultra | USB-C video on some batches only; not guaranteed |
| R46S | Mini-HDMI |
Sources: Retro Catalog specification pages and owner reports, September 2026. Listings are not always accurate, so check a model’s specification table rather than its photos.
Why a USB-C to HDMI adapter will not work
USB-C to HDMI adapters only work when the device’s USB-C port carries a video signal. On the R36S and R36 Max the port handles charging and data only, so the adapter has nothing to convert. Sellers occasionally bundle these adapters or imply TV support; they will not work on these models.
Option 1: a handheld with HDMI
If you want one device for the sofa and the TV, choose a handheld with HDMI output. Anbernic’s RG35XX H, Plus and Pro have mini-HDMI and a slightly faster chip than the R36S; see R36 Max vs Anbernic RG35XX H. Within the R36 family, the R46S has mini-HDMI.
Option 2: a licensed TV console
For a plug-and-play box under the TV, the Evercade VS-R plays licensed cartridges in 1080p with up to four players, and the Atari 2600+ and SEGA Genesis Mini 2 cover specific eras. Our TV console guide compares them.
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Option 3: a Raspberry Pi 5, using the games you already have
A Raspberry Pi 5 running Batocera is more powerful than an R36S and connects to any TV. Your R36S game files can move across: copy each system’s folder from the EASYROMS partition on your R36S card into the matching folder under Batocera’s roms share. Folder names are similar but not always identical, so copy system by system. Our Pi 5 guide covers the build.
Keep the R36S for what it is good at
The R36S and R36 Max are excellent pocket handhelds, and many owners end up with a handheld for travel and a TV console for the living room. If you are still choosing a handheld, see R36S vs R36 Ultra vs R36 Max.
Frequently asked questions
Does the R36S have HDMI?
No. The R36S has no video output of any kind, so it cannot be connected to a TV.
Can I use a USB-C to HDMI adapter with the R36S or R36 Max?
No. Their USB-C port carries charging and data only, not video, so an adapter has no signal to convert.
Does the R36 Max connect to a TV?
No. Like the R36S, the R36 Max has no video output.
Which R36-family handheld has HDMI?
The R46S has mini-HDMI. USB-C video on the R36 Ultra depends on the batch and is not guaranteed.
How can I play my R36S games on a TV?
Use a device with TV output, such as a Raspberry Pi 5 running Batocera, and copy your own game files across from the R36S card system by system.
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