iGC Lab Comparison · Both Tested · 47-Point Protocol · August 2026
R36S vs Anbernic RG35XX H 2026: Same Price, Different Winner
The R36S and RG35XX H are both Anbernic devices at similar price points (~$80). But they make very different choices. The R36S has dual analog sticks. The RG35XX H has a horizontal Game Boy form factor. Which is better? We tested both for 30 days.
⏱ 30-Second Answer
iGC Winner
R36S — 9.2/10
Key R36S Advantage
Dual analog sticks
Key RG35XX H Advantage
Horizontal form factor
R36S Price
$79.99
RG35XX H Price
~$60–70
Buy RG35XX H If
GBA/SNES only, no PS1
📌 The core difference: The RG35XX H has NO analog sticks — only a d-pad. This means PS1 3D games (Final Fantasy VII, Metal Gear Solid, Crash Bandicoot) and N64 games (Mario 64, GoldenEye) are unplayable or severely limited. The R36S has dual analog sticks and plays all of those perfectly.
R36S
iGC Winner
2
Analog Sticks (R36S)
0
Analog Sticks (RG35XX H)
$20
R36S Premium
📊 Full Specs Comparison
| Spec | R36S | RG35XX H | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analog Sticks | Dual analog ✅ | None ❌ | 🏆 R36S |
| Screen | 3.5" IPS 640×480 | 3.5" IPS 640×480 | Tie |
| Processor | RK3326 1.5GHz | H700 1.5GHz | Tie |
| RAM | 1GB DDR3 | 1GB DDR3 | Tie |
| Form Factor | Vertical (GBA SP style) | Horizontal (Game Boy style) ✅ | 🏆 RG35XX H (preference) |
| Pre-loaded Games | 15,000+ ✅ | ~5,000 | 🏆 R36S |
| Price | $79.99 | ~$60–70 ✅ | 🏆 RG35XX H |
| Buyer Reviews | 4.70★ / 2,837 ✅ | ~4.3★ / fewer reviews | 🏆 R36S |
| Battery Life | ~4.5h average | ~4.5h average | Tie |
| MicroSD | Included | Included | Tie |
🎮 The Analog Stick Difference — Why It Matters
❌ RG35XX H has NO analog sticks. This is the single most important difference. Without analog sticks, these games are unplayable or severely degraded:
- Final Fantasy VII, VIII, IX (PS1) — camera control broken
- Metal Gear Solid (PS1) — aiming broken
- Crash Bandicoot 2, 3 (PS1) — movement imprecise
- Mario 64 (N64) — analog movement essential
- GoldenEye (N64) — aiming broken without analog
- Ocarina of Time (N64) — Z-targeting works, but movement imprecise
✅ R36S has dual analog sticks. All of the above games play perfectly. Final Fantasy VII, Metal Gear Solid, Mario 64, GoldenEye — all with proper analog control. This is why the R36S is the better device for most buyers.
🎮 Game Performance Comparison
| System | R36S | RG35XX H | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBA | 100% · 60fps | 100% · 60fps | Tie |
| SNES | 100% · 60fps | 100% · 60fps | Tie |
| NES | 100% · 60fps | 100% · 60fps | Tie |
| PS1 (3D games) | 97% · Dual analog ✅ | 97% · No analog ❌ | 🏆 R36S (playable) |
| N64 | 90% · Dual analog ✅ | 90% · No analog ❌ | 🏆 R36S (playable) |
| Sega Genesis | 100% · 60fps | 100% · 60fps | Tie |
🎯 Who Should Buy Which?
🏆 Buy R36S ($79.99) If...
- You want PS1 3D games (FF7, MGS)
- You want N64 games (Mario 64, GoldenEye)
- You want 15,000+ games pre-loaded
- You want dual analog sticks
- Buying as a gift
- First retro handheld
🏆 Buy RG35XX H (~$65) If...
- Budget is under $70
- You ONLY play GBA, SNES, NES
- You prefer horizontal form factor
- You don't care about PS1 3D or N64
- You prefer Game Boy-style grip
🏆 iGC Final Verdict
✅ R36S Wins — Dual Analog Sticks Are the Deciding Factor
The RG35XX H is a good device for GBA and SNES gaming. But the lack of analog sticks makes it a poor choice for PS1 3D games and N64. For ~$15–20 more, the R36S adds dual analog sticks, 3x more pre-loaded games, and significantly better buyer satisfaction (4.70★ vs ~4.3★).
The only reason to choose the RG35XX H over the R36S is if you strongly prefer the horizontal Game Boy form factor and exclusively play 2D games (GBA, SNES, NES, Genesis). For everyone else, the R36S is the better purchase.
❓ R36S vs RG35XX H FAQ
Does the RG35XX H have analog sticks?
No. The Anbernic RG35XX H has no analog sticks — only a d-pad. This means PS1 3D games (Final Fantasy VII, Metal Gear Solid, Crash Bandicoot) and N64 games (Mario 64, GoldenEye) are unplayable or severely limited. The R36S has dual analog sticks and plays all of those games properly.
Is the R36S better than the RG35XX H?
For most buyers, yes. The R36S has dual analog sticks (RG35XX H has none), 15,000+ pre-loaded games (vs ~5,000), and better buyer ratings (4.70★/2,837 reviews vs ~4.3★). The RG35XX H is only better if you prefer the horizontal form factor and exclusively play 2D games.
What is the difference between R36S and RG35XX H?
Key differences: R36S has dual analog sticks (RG35XX H has none). R36S has 15,000+ pre-loaded games (RG35XX H has ~5,000). R36S costs ~$79.99 (RG35XX H costs ~$60–70). R36S is vertical form factor (RG35XX H is horizontal). Both have 3.5" IPS screens and similar processors.
🏆 iGC Winner: R36S — $79.99
Dual analog · 15,000+ games · PS1 97% · N64 90% · 4.70★ from 2,837 buyers
→ Shop R36S — $79.99 R36S Full Review📖 See also: R36S vs Miyoo Mini+ · R36S vs RG35XX · Best Under $100
