Short answer: the R36 Max wins on screen size, joystick durability and battery, and is the better all-rounder for PS1 and light N64. The Anbernic RG35XX wins on build-quality polish and official firmware support. If you want the most capability for the money, pick the R36 Max; if you value a premium feel and brand support above raw specs, the RG35XX is a fair alternative.
R36 Max vs RG35XX at a glance
| Spec | R36 Max | Anbernic RG35XX |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 4.0″ laminated IPS, 4:3 | 3.5″ IPS 640×480, 4:3 |
| Layout | Horizontal, dual sticks | Vertical, Game Boy-style, no sticks |
| Chip | RK3566 | Allwinner H700 |
| Joysticks | Hall-effect dual sticks | None (D-pad only) |
| Build feel | Solid, functional | More premium, better polish |
| Best for | PS1 / N64 / analog games | 2D games, D-pad purists |
The biggest difference: controls
This is the decision-maker. The RG35XX is a vertical, Game Boy-style device with no analog sticks — brilliant for NES, SNES, GBA and 2D games where the D-pad is king, but a non-starter for anything needing analog control. The R36 Max has a horizontal layout with two analog sticks, which makes it the one of the two that can properly control 3D PlayStation 1, Nintendo 64 and PSP games. Decide which games matter most to you and this comparison largely answers itself.
Screen, build and firmware
The RG35XX’s 3.5-inch panel has excellent colour reproduction and the build quality feels a step above its price. Anbernic also ships official firmware with ongoing updates. The R36 Max counters with a larger square 4-inch screen, which shows Game Boy and GBA games bigger (4:3 games end up about the same size), plus a bigger battery. Its community firmware scene is active, though less “official” than Anbernic’s.
Value
Both sit in the budget bracket and both deliver far more than their price suggests. The R36 Max gives you more screen, analog sticks and battery for the money; the RG35XX gives you a more refined, better-supported package in a smaller shell. Neither is a bad buy — it comes down to what you play.
The verdict
Pick the R36 Max if you want dual analog sticks, a bigger screen and the best PS1/N64 experience for the price. Pick the RG35XX if you mainly play 2D systems, love a Game Boy-style vertical form factor, and value premium build and official firmware.
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See how both stack up against the rest in our full handheld comparison, or if budget is the priority, the best retro console under $50.
Frequently asked questions
Is the R36 Max better than the Anbernic RG35XX?
It depends on what you play. The R36 Max is better for analog-heavy games (N64, PSP, 3D PS1) thanks to its dual analog sticks, and it has a bigger square screen and larger battery, though the RG35XX's H700 chip is actually a little faster. The RG35XX is better for 2D games and D-pad purists, with a more premium build and official Anbernic firmware.
Does the RG35XX have analog sticks?
No. The standard RG35XX is a vertical, Game Boy-style device with a D-pad and face buttons only. If you need analog control for N64 or 3D PlayStation 1 games, the R36 Max is the better choice.
Which has the better screen?
The RG35XX has excellent colour on its 3.5-inch 4:3 panel. The R36 Max's 4-inch 720×720 screen is square, so it shows Game Boy and GBA games larger, while 4:3 console games appear at a similar size on both.
Which is better value?
Both are excellent value. The R36 Max gives you more screen, dual sticks and battery per dollar; the RG35XX gives a more polished, officially-supported experience in a smaller body.
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