R36S Best Games: Top 50 Games You Need to Play

You've got your R36S. You've got 15,000 games staring back at you. Now the real question: where do you start?

I've played an embarrassing number of retro games over the past two decades, and I've put together this list of the 50 games you absolutely need to play on your R36S. These aren't just technically impressive or historically important games (though many are both). These are games that are still genuinely fun to pick up and play right now, in 2025, on a 3.5-inch screen in your pocket.

I've organized them by console, with performance notes for each system on the R36S. Every single game on this list runs well on the R36S. No caveats, no "it kinda works if you tweak the settings." These are all smooth, playable experiences.

NES: The Foundation (10 Games)

Performance on R36S: Flawless. Every NES game runs at full speed.

1. Super Mario Bros. 3

The best NES game ever made, and I'll argue that with anyone. The level design is pure genius: eight worlds, each with a distinct theme, and the power-ups (raccoon tail, frog suit, hammer suit) add more variety than most modern platformers. It's the game that proved Nintendo understood game design on a level nobody else could touch.

2. The Legend of Zelda

The original open-world game. You're dropped into a world with zero hand-holding and told to figure it out. In 2025, the sense of discovery is still there. Burn every bush, bomb every wall, and try not to look up a guide. You'll be amazed at how much content is packed into this tiny cartridge.

3. Mega Man 2

Tight controls, incredible boss design, one of the best soundtracks in gaming history. Mega Man 2 is the entry point for the series, and it holds up beautifully. Metal Man's stage music alone is worth installing a NES emulator.

4. Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse

The most ambitious NES Castlevania. Multiple playable characters, branching paths, and difficulty that will test your patience in the best way. Grant's wall-climbing ability opens up alternate routes through every stage.

5. Contra

Up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A. If you know, you know. But honestly, Contra is still one of the most satisfying run-and-gun experiences ever made, even without the code. Grab a second controller (emulated on R36S) for the full experience.

6. Ninja Gaiden

Brutally difficult but incredibly rewarding. The cutscenes were groundbreaking for their time, and the tight platforming-combat loop is still addictive. You'll die hundreds of times. You'll keep coming back.

7. Metroid

The game that spawned an entire genre. Exploring Zebes for the first time is a special experience: the isolation, the atmosphere, the gradual power-up curve. It's rough around the edges by modern standards, but the core design is timeless.

8. DuckTales

Capcom's Disney games were absurdly good, and DuckTales might be the best of the bunch. The pogo stick mechanic is genius, the music (especially The Moon stage) is legendary, and it's the perfect length for a commute play session.

9. Kirby's Adventure

One of the last NES games and one of the best. Kirby's copy abilities make every playthrough feel different, and the difficulty is accessible without being boring. A great palate cleanser between harder games.

10. River City Ransom

A beat-em-up with RPG elements, way ahead of its time. You punch your way through gangs, earn money, buy stat-boosting food at shopping malls, and eventually face down the final boss. It's weird, charming, and deeply replayable.

SNES: The Golden Age (10 Games)

Performance on R36S: Flawless, including special chip games (Super FX, SA-1).

11. Chrono Trigger

If you play one game on this entire list, make it this one. The time-travel story is brilliantly written, the combat system is elegant, multiple endings encourage replays, and the soundtrack by Yasunori Mitsuda is one of the greatest in gaming. Chrono Trigger is as close to a perfect game as the SNES ever produced.

12. Super Metroid

The template for every Metroidvania that followed. The atmosphere on Zebes is oppressive and beautiful, the power-up progression is perfectly paced, and the boss fights are legendary. The sequence-breaking potential adds incredible replay value once you know the game.

13. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

The definitive 2D Zelda. The Light World/Dark World mechanic is genius, the dungeons are brilliantly designed, and the sense of exploration is unmatched. If you've only played 3D Zeldas, this will show you where the magic started.

14. Final Fantasy VI

The most narratively ambitious RPG on the SNES. Kefka is one of gaming's greatest villains, the ensemble cast is memorable, and the opera scene remains a high point in pixel art storytelling. Budget 30-40 hours for this one.

15. Super Mario World

The game that sold the SNES, and it's still one of the best 2D platformers ever made. 96 exits to find, Yoshi adds a whole layer of gameplay depth, and the level design is consistently inventive across all eight worlds. The secret Star Road world alone is worth the price of admission.

16. Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest

Better than the first DKC in every way. The level variety is outstanding (pirate ship, amusement park, lava, brambles), the music by David Wise is hauntingly beautiful, and the difficulty curve is perfectly balanced. Bramble Blast remains one of the most iconic levels in platforming history.

17. Mega Man X

Everything great about classic Mega Man, evolved. The dash mechanic changes everything, the hidden upgrades reward exploration, and the boss fight against Sigma is epic. The intro stage with its seamless storytelling-through-gameplay is a masterclass in game design.

18. EarthBound

The weirdest, funniest, most heartfelt RPG on the SNES. You fight new-age retro hippies, runaway dogs, and abstract alien threats. The ending is one of the most emotionally powerful moments in any game. Don't look up spoilers. Just play it.

19. Secret of Mana

An action RPG with real-time combat and three-player co-op (emulated on R36S). The ring menu system was revolutionary, the sprite work is gorgeous, and the Mana Tree storyline hits emotional notes you don't expect from an action game.

20. Street Fighter II Turbo

The fighting game that defined the genre. On the R36S, the d-pad handles quarter-circle and charge motions surprisingly well. Perfect for quick matches against the CPU. Pick Ryu, throw a hadouken, and feel the nostalgia wash over you.

Game Boy Advance: Portable Perfection (10 Games)

Performance on R36S: Flawless. The GBA library is one of the best on the device.

21. Metroid Fusion

A more linear, story-driven Metroid that still feels incredible. The SA-X sequences are genuinely tense, the boss fights are challenging, and the atmosphere is surprisingly creepy for a GBA game. An essential play.

22. Pokemon Emerald

The definitive Gen III Pokemon game. Hoenn's tropical region, the Battle Frontier endgame, and 386 Pokemon to catch. On the R36S with save states, you can even speed up the grindier parts. A perfect portable RPG.

23. Advance Wars

Turn-based tactics perfection. The campaign teaches you brilliantly, and the CO powers add strategic depth without overwhelming complexity. I've lost entire weekends to "just one more map." The sequel is equally good if you finish this one.

24. Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade

The game that brought Fire Emblem to the West. Permadeath makes every decision feel meaningful, and the character writing makes you actually care when someone falls. Save states on the R36S are your best friend here unless you're a purist.

25. Golden Sun

An RPG with a Zelda-like puzzle system. The Djinn collection and summoning mechanics add deep customization, and the Psynergy puzzles in dungeons are genuinely clever. One of the best original RPGs on the GBA.

26. The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap

The shrinking mechanic is brilliant: doors, cracks, and surfaces that are obstacles at normal size become entire explorable areas when you're tiny. Capcom developed this one, and their level design instincts shine through.

27. Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow

The best portable Castlevania. The soul-collecting system means every enemy is a potential new ability, creating an addictive loop of exploration and experimentation. The castle design is excellent, and the story has a genuinely surprising twist.

28. WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$!

Pure chaos in the best way. Five-second microgames fly at you faster and faster. It's hilarious, creative, and perfect for short play sessions. Nothing else plays like WarioWare, and nothing else will make you laugh as consistently.

29. Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga

An RPG that's genuinely funny. The timed-hit combat system is engaging, the Beanbean Kingdom is charming, and Fawful's dialogue is some of the best writing in any Mario game. A perfect portable adventure.

30. Final Fantasy Tactics Advance

Deep tactical RPG with a job system that lets you build your dream party. The law system adds an interesting strategic wrinkle, and there's easily 60+ hours of content. Fantastic for long commutes.

PlayStation 1: The RPG Machine (10 Games)

Performance on R36S: Excellent. The vast majority of PS1 games run at full speed with no audio issues.

31. Final Fantasy VII

The game that made RPGs mainstream. The Midgar opening is still one of the most effective introductions in gaming, and the story somehow maintains its emotional punch even 28 years later. Budget 40+ hours. Use the R36S fast-forward feature for random battles if you're impatient.

32. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

The game that defined the "Metroidvania" genre. The inverted castle twist doubles the game's length, the RPG mechanics add depth, and Alucard's moveset is incredibly satisfying. Still the gold standard for the genre.

33. Metal Gear Solid

Cinematic stealth gaming at its finest. The fourth-wall breaks (Psycho Mantis reading your memory card) were mind-blowing, and the story is Hideo Kojima at his most focused. The codec conversations alone are worth the playthrough.

34. Crash Bandicoot: Warped

The best Crash game. Tight platforming across diverse environments: medieval, underwater, future, prehistoric. The time trial mode adds replayability, and the power-ups you earn from bosses keep each world feeling fresh.

35. Resident Evil 2

Survival horror perfection. The Raccoon City Police Department is one of the most iconic game settings ever, and the dual-scenario system (play as Leon, then Claire for a different perspective) effectively gives you two games in one. Legitimately scary even on a tiny screen.

36. Tekken 3

The best PS1 fighting game. The roster is iconic (Jin, Hwoarang, Eddy, King), the gameplay is deep but accessible, and the Tekken Force mini-game is a fun bonus. Runs perfectly on the R36S and the controls translate well to the handheld's buttons.

37. Spyro the Dragon

A collectathon platformer that still feels wonderful. Each world has its own personality, the flying levels are a blast, and the dragon rescue mechanic gives every level multiple objectives. Pure comfort gaming.

38. Final Fantasy IX

The best Final Fantasy, and yes, I'm ready for that argument. The return to classic fantasy themes after VII and VIII's sci-fi settings was refreshing, and the character writing (Vivi's existential crisis is devastating) is the series' strongest. The Active Time Events system lets you see what other party members are doing simultaneously, adding world-building depth.

39. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2

Two minutes of arcade skateboarding bliss. The level design is brilliant, the combo system is deep enough to master over weeks, and the soundtrack is legendary. On the R36S, this is a perfect "five minutes between tasks" game.

40. Vagrant Story

Criminally underrated. A dungeon-crawling action RPG with one of the most complex weapon crafting systems ever designed. The story is mature and political, the art direction is stunning for PS1, and the risk/reward combat keeps you engaged. A hidden gem that RPG fans need to experience.

Nintendo 64: The Power Picks (5 Games)

Performance on R36S: Most popular titles run at 80-95% speed. Some demanding games struggle. Stick to the picks below for the best experience.

41. Super Mario 64

The game that invented 3D platforming. Every star is a mini-puzzle, and the movement is still more satisfying than most modern platformers. On the R36S, it runs at near-full speed. The analog stick is adequate for the precision platforming, though tight sequences like the slide levels require patience.

42. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Widely considered one of the greatest games ever made, and it earned that reputation. The transition from child to adult Link, the dungeon design (Water Temple frustrations included), and the final Ganondorf battle are all gaming landmarks. Runs well on R36S, though expect minor frame dips in Hyrule Field.

43. Mario Kart 64

Four-player karting memories in your pocket. The tracks are iconic (Rainbow Road, Wario Stadium, Sherbet Land), and the CPU provides decent challenge on 150cc. Performance is smooth on the R36S. Perfect for short gaming sessions.

44. Paper Mario

An RPG that's charming, funny, and accessible. The paper-flat art style still looks great, the badge system adds welcome customization depth, and the partner mechanics keep combat varied. Runs surprisingly well on the R36S, better than many N64 titles.

45. Star Fox 64

The quintessential rail shooter. Branching paths through the Lylat system offer tremendous replay value, and the memorable dialogue has become gaming legend. Short enough to finish in one sitting, deep enough to replay dozens of times. Runs well on R36S.

Hidden Gems: The Wild Cards (5 Games)

These are games that don't make most "best of" lists but absolutely deserve your time.

46. Terranigma (SNES)

An action RPG about resurrecting the world. The premise is incredible: you literally rebuild civilization, watching continents rise from the ocean and cities grow as you progress. Never officially released in North America, which is why most people haven't played it. English patches are readily available. This game's ending will stay with you.

47. Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together (PS1)

The tactical RPG that inspired Final Fantasy Tactics. Branching story paths based on moral choices, deep class systems, and political storytelling that treats the player like an adult. If you loved FFT, this is essential.

48. Gunstar Heroes (Genesis)

The most chaotic, over-the-top action game on the Genesis. Everything explodes, the bosses are creative and massive, and the weapon combination system (pick two of four elements) is genius. Play this with a friend via second-player emulation.

49. Mother 3 (GBA)

The sequel to EarthBound that never got an official English release. Fan translation patches are excellent. It's funnier, sadder, and more experimental than EarthBound, with a rhythm-based combat system that rewards musical timing. Chapter 6 contains one of the most emotionally devastating sequences in gaming history.

50. Suikoden II (PS1)

A political RPG about war, friendship, and sacrifice. The 108 recruitable characters each feel unique, the headquarters-building mechanic is deeply satisfying, and the story avoids the typical JRPG tropes in favor of genuinely mature themes. Widely considered one of the best RPGs ever made, and relatively few people have played it.

Quick Reference: Performance Notes

Console	R36S Performance	Games From List
NES	Perfect - full speed, zero issues	10
SNES	Perfect - including special chip games	10
GBA	Perfect - best handheld library on R36S	10
PS1	Excellent - 95%+ of library runs perfectly	10
N64	Good - popular titles run well, demanding games struggle	5
Genesis	Perfect	1

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all these games preloaded on the R36S?

Most of them are included in the 15,000+ game collection that comes with the R36S. Some less common titles (Terranigma, Vagrant Story, fan translations) may need to be added manually. See our guide on adding games for instructions.

What's the single best game to start with?

If you want something quick and immediately satisfying: Super Mario World (SNES). If you want an RPG that'll change your life: Chrono Trigger (SNES). If you want to feel like a kid again: Pokemon Emerald (GBA).

Can the R36S run all N64 games?

No. The five N64 games on this list were chosen specifically because they run well. More demanding N64 titles like GoldenEye, Perfect Dark, and Conker's Bad Fur Day will struggle. For comprehensive N64 emulation, you'd need a more powerful device.

Why no PSP games on the list?

PSP emulation on the R36S is inconsistent. Some 2D games and simpler 3D titles work, but the performance isn't reliable enough for me to recommend specific games with confidence. If PSP is important to you, consider a more powerful handheld like the Retroid Pocket 4.

How long would it take to play all 50 games?

Rough estimate: 800-1000 hours. The RPGs alone (FFVI, FFVII, FFIX, Chrono Trigger, EarthBound, Pokemon, etc.) account for 300+ hours. The shorter action games and platformers add another 100-200 hours. You've got years of gaming ahead of you.