- R36S vs Miyoo Mini Plus: the specs side by side
- Performance: the chip makes the difference
- Size, weight and controls
- Screen: identical on paper
- Software: ArkOS and friends vs Onion OS
- Price: what you actually pay
- Which one should you buy?
- R36S
- Miyoo Mini Plus
- FAQ
- Is the R36S better than the Miyoo Mini Plus?
- Can the Miyoo Mini Plus play N64?
- What are good alternatives to the R36S?
- Can the R36S emulate DS?
- Find your R36S Console
Short answer
Choose the R36S if you want two analog sticks and a quad-core RK3326 chip that goes further into 3D: PS1, plus part of the N64 and PSP libraries. Choose the Miyoo Mini Plus for a smaller, lighter handheld built for systems up to PS1, running Onion OS. Both share the same 3.5-inch 640 x 480 screen.
R36S vs Miyoo Mini Plus: the specs side by side
| R36S | Miyoo Mini Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Rockchip RK3326, quad-core Cortex-A35, Mali-G31 MP2 graphics | ARM Cortex-A7, dual-core, 1.2 GHz |
| Memory | 1 GB DDR3L, on two chips | 128 MB DDR3 per iFixit; Reviewed lists 2 GB LPDDR4x (sources conflict) |
| Screen | 3.5-inch IPS, 640 x 480, 4:3 | 3.5-inch IPS, 640 x 480, 4:3 |
| Analog sticks | Two | None |
| Size | 13 x 8.3 x 3.5 cm | 108 x 78.5 x 22.3 mm |
| Weight | 187 g | 165 g per iFixit, 163 g per Reviewed |
| Battery | 3000 or 3200 mAh, depending on the batch | 3000 mAh |
| Battery life | Not measured by anyone we trust | 5 to 6 hours per iFixit, 4 to 6 hours per Reviewed |
| Storage | No internal storage, two microSD slots; ours ships with a 64 or 128 GB card | microSD, up to 512 GB per iFixit; Reviewed mentions 32 GB eMMC (unconfirmed) |
| Wi-Fi | No | Some sources list Wi-Fi, others don't: check the current model |
| Bluetooth | No | Not listed in our sources |
| Video output | No | Not listed in our sources |
| Audio | Mono speaker, 3.5 mm headphone jack | Not listed in our sources |
| Software | Linux; ArkOS, AmberELEC, ROCKNIX, Lakka, EmuELEC and others | Linux; Onion OS community firmware |
| Price | Typically $25 to $50 elsewhere; $79.99 (64 GB) or $89.99 (128 GB) from us | $63 at Reviewed's review (April 2024) |
To check
Two rows need a warning. Sources disagree on the Miyoo's memory and on whether it has Wi-Fi. If either one matters to you, read the listing of the exact unit you're buying before you pay.
Performance: the chip makes the difference
The screens match, so the gap sits inside the case. The R36S pairs four Cortex-A35 cores with a Mali-G31 MP2 graphics chip and 1 GB of memory. The Miyoo Mini Plus runs two Cortex-A7 cores at 1.2 GHz.
From 8-bit and 16-bit consoles up to PS1, both handhelds do the job. That range is where the Miyoo shines, and its smaller body is a real plus there.
Past PS1, the R36S is the one with headroom. It runs part of the N64 and PSP libraries, not all of it, and results vary from game to game. Our R36S game list guide sorts what to expect by system. We wouldn't buy the Miyoo for N64 or PSP.
Size, weight and controls
The Miyoo Mini Plus is the pocket device: 108 x 78.5 x 22.3 mm and 165 g, per iFixit. The R36S measures 13 x 8.3 x 3.5 cm and weighs 187 g. That makes it about 2.2 cm taller, 1.3 cm thicker and 22 g heavier.
Controls are the bigger split. The R36S has two analog sticks; the Miyoo has none. A D-pad is all a 2D game needs. For 3D games built around analog control, those sticks are the main reason to pick the R36S.
Screen: identical on paper
Both use a 3.5-inch IPS panel at 640 x 480 in a 4:3 shape. Same size, same resolution, same ratio. We haven't put the two panels side by side, so we won't claim one looks better. On paper, the screen is not a reason to choose.
Software: ArkOS and friends vs Onion OS
The R36S runs Linux with a choice of community firmwares: ArkOS, AmberELEC, ROCKNIX, Lakka, EmuELEC and more. With no internal storage, the system lives on the microSD card. Our firmware guide compares the options.
The Miyoo Mini Plus runs Linux too. Its community firmware is Onion OS, the one iFixit lists and Google's own summary of this comparison points to.
One trap is specific to the R36S: clones. The Handhelds wiki first documented them in August 2024. Some can't run standard ArkOS or AmberELEC and show a black screen with a blinking red LED. Our clone guide lists the checks.
Price: what you actually pay
Reviewed listed the Miyoo Mini Plus at $63 in April 2024; check today's price before comparing. Google's summary of R36S reviews puts the R36S at typically $25 to $50, and the wiki listed 25 to 35 euros in May 2025.
Ours costs $79.99 with a 64 GB card or $89.99 with 128 GB. Our supplier's catalogue lists it as the "R36S Dual Chip Original": two RAM chips, the layout clone checks look for. Shipping is free and tracked.
Orders ship within 24 to 72 business hours and arrive 5 to 10 business days after shipping. Returns are open for 30 days; return shipping is on you unless the unit is defective or we sent the wrong item. The warranty runs 30 days. On a tight budget, if you accept the clone risk, a cheaper listing will do.
Which one should you buy?
R36S
Verdict: the better pick for 3D-era games, thanks to its quad-core chip and its two sticks.
- For you if you want PS1 games with analog control, want to try N64 and PSP titles, or like having two microSD slots.
- Not for you if pocket size comes first, you need Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, or you expect every N64 and PSP game to run well.
Miyoo Mini Plus
Verdict: the smaller, lighter choice for 2D systems through PS1.
- For you if you mostly play 8-bit and 16-bit games, want something that disappears in a pocket, and like the Onion OS approach.
- Not for you if you want analog sticks or plan to spend real time on N64 and PSP.
Still torn? Our R36S vs RG35XX comparison covers another common rival, and our roundup of budget retro handhelds ranks the wider field.
FAQ
Is the R36S better than the Miyoo Mini Plus?
For 3D games, yes on paper: a quad-core RK3326, 1 GB of memory and two analog sticks, against a dual-core Cortex-A7 and no sticks. From 8-bit up to PS1, both do the job, and the Miyoo is smaller (22.3 mm thick against 3.5 cm) and lighter (165 g against 187 g). The right answer depends on the games you play.
Can the Miyoo Mini Plus play N64?
It isn't the handheld we'd pick for it. Its dual-core Cortex-A7 at 1.2 GHz is at its best from 8-bit systems up to PS1, and it has no analog stick for 3D games. If N64 matters, the R36S gives you a better chance with its quad-core RK3326 and two sticks, though even there only part of the library runs well.
What are good alternatives to the R36S?
Can the R36S emulate DS?
We won't promise it. We haven't found a reliable source on DS performance for the R36S, and we haven't tested it ourselves. If DS games are your main reason to buy, ask in the r/R36S community first. If you buy from us and it doesn't fit your use, the 30-day return window applies.
Leaning toward sticks and 3D? The R36S console page has current prices and both storage options.
Find your R36S Console
Explore the 3.5-inch IPS handheld, compare 64GB and 128GB options, and check delivery information for your destination.
