Short answer: the R36S is the value pick — same core performance as the RG35XX at a lower price, with an ergonomic PS Vita-style body and analog sticks for 3D games. The Anbernic RG35XX has the better build quality, screen colour and official firmware, in a compact vertical shape with no sticks. Choose the R36S for comfort, analog control and price; choose the RG35XX for polish and support. If you want a bigger screen and drift-resistant sticks, step up to the R36 Max.
R36S vs Anbernic RG35XX at a glance
| Spec | R36S | Anbernic RG35XX |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 3.5″ IPS 640×480, 4:3 | 3.5″ IPS 640×480, 4:3 |
| Layout | Horizontal, PS Vita-style | Vertical, Game Boy-style |
| Analog sticks | Yes (dual) | None (D-pad only) |
| Build | Feels its budget price | More premium, better polish |
| Firmware | Community (active) | Official Anbernic OS |
Ergonomics and controls
The R36S borrows a PS Vita-style horizontal shape with angled grips and dual analog sticks, which many find more comfortable for long sessions and essential for N64 and 3D PlayStation 1 games. The RG35XX is a vertical, Game Boy-style device with a superb D-pad but no analog sticks — great for 2D, a non-starter for analog games. Decide whether you need sticks and this is largely settled.
Screen, build and firmware
Both use 3.5-inch 640×480 IPS panels, but the RG35XX’s screen has slightly better colour and its build feels a step above its price. Anbernic also ships official firmware with updates. The R36S leans on an active community firmware scene — capable, but less “official.” If polish and vendor support matter, the RG35XX leads.
Value
The R36S is usually the cheaper device and delivers the same core performance, which is why it is a perennial budget favourite. The RG35XX asks a little more for its refinement. Neither is a poor choice; both massively outperform their price.
The verdict
Buy the R36S for the best price, an ergonomic body and analog sticks. Buy the RG35XX for a more polished build and official firmware in a compact shell. Play mostly Game Boy and GBA? The R36 Max‘s square screen shows them larger, with a bigger battery on the same chip — see our R36 Max vs R36S comparison.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the R36S or Anbernic RG35XX better?
The R36S is the better value, with the same core performance at a lower price, an ergonomic horizontal body and dual analog sticks for 3D games. The RG35XX has a more premium build, slightly better screen colour and official firmware, but no analog sticks. Choose on value-and-analog versus polish-and-support.
Does the R36S have analog sticks and the RG35XX not?
Correct. The R36S has dual analog sticks in a PS Vita-style layout, making it suitable for N64 and 3D PS1. The standard RG35XX is a vertical device with a D-pad only. If you need analog control, the R36S (or the larger R36 Max) is the better pick.
Which has better build quality?
The Anbernic RG35XX has the edge in build polish and screen colour and ships with official firmware. The R36S feels more like its budget price but offers better ergonomics and analog sticks.
Should I buy the R36 Max instead?
Only for its screen and battery. The R36 Max uses the same RK3326 as the R36S (the RG35XX's H700 is faster), but its square 4-inch screen shows Game Boy and GBA games larger and its battery is bigger.
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