Last updated: Sep 25, 2025

R36S vs Retroid Pocket Classic comparison

Image © R36S Official

R36S

(open-source/unbranded)

Released: Oct 7, 2024|Available at Amazon and AliExpress

$42.48$49.00

🔥 13% OFF

Image from Retrodock

Retroid Pocket Classic

Check out more from: Retroid

Released: Apr 15, 2025|Available at Amazon and AliExpress

$149.00

Key Advantages

R36S

More comprehensive controls for wider game compatibility.
More connectivity options: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Video Out.
Stereo speakers for more immersive audio.
$80 cheaper

Retroid Pocket Classic

Runs Nintendo 64 well; R36S often supports up to SNES
83% sharper screen (higher PPI).

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Detailed Comparison

Gaming Performance

Controls & Input

Supported Features	L1/R1L2/R2Analog SticksHall Effect Sticks/TriggersTouchscreenGyroscopeL3/R3Volume ButtonsAnalog Triggers	L1/R1L2/R2Analog SticksHall Effect Sticks/TriggersTouchscreenGyroscopeL3/R3Volume ButtonsAnalog Triggers
D-Pad Placement	Left	Lower‑left
Thumbstick Layout	None	None
Shoulder Buttons	Stacked	Inline

Display & Audio

Screen Size	3.5"	3.92"
Screen Type	IPS LCD	IPS LCD
Resolution	640 x 480	1240 x 1080
Aspect Ratio	4:3	31:27
Pixel Density	229 PPI	419 PPI
Refresh Rate	60Hz	60Hz
Speaker Placement	Bottom front-facing	Front-bottom
Speaker Type	Stereo	Mono
Audio Jack	Yes	Yes

Ports & Connectivity

OS & Software

Base OS	ArkOS	Android 14
Custom OS Support	None	None

Battery & Power

Battery Life	4-8 hrs	6-8 hrs
Capacity	3500 mAh	5000 mAh
Charging Port	Bottom USB-C	Top USB-C
Charging Method	USB-C	USB-C

Body & Build

Form Factor	Vertical	Vertical
Material	Plastic	Textured ABS plastic
Weight	200 g	223 g
Dimensions (W x H x D)	174 x 84 x 21 mm	138 x 89 x 26 mm
Color Variants	White, Purple, Transparent Black	Classic 6, Retro Gray, Berry Pink, Teal, Kiwi Green, PKM Yellow, Atomic Purple
Release Date	Oct 7, 2024	Apr 15, 2025

Hardware Specifications

CPU Model	Quad-core Cortex-A35	8‑core Kryo (2 P‑cores / 6 E‑cores)
Architecture	ARM64	ARM
Chipset	Rockchip RK3326	Qualcomm Snapdragon G1 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPU	Mali-G31 MP2	Adreno A12
RAM Size	1 GB	4 GB
RAM Type	DDR3L	LPDDR4X‑2133
Internal Storage	microSD	64 GB / 128 GB eMMC 5.1 + microSD
Storage Expansion	MicroSD	MicroSD
CPU Clock	1.5 GHz	2.4 GHz
CPU Cores	4	8
CPU Threads	4	8
GPU Clock	520 MHz	650-950 MHz