Both the R36S and the RG353PS live in our handheld lineup, and it's a fair question: why do we sell two retro handhelds, and which one is right for you? Here's the honest breakdown.

Screen size and feel

The R36S runs a compact 3.5-inch IPS screen built for pocket-sized sessions. The RG353PS steps up to a 6-inch 1080p touchscreen, more like holding a small tablet than a classic handheld. If pocketability matters most, the R36S wins. If you want a bigger canvas for detail-heavy games, the RG353PS takes it.

Power and library

Both run a Linux Open Source base and come pre-loaded with a huge classic library, covering NES, SNES, Game Boy, Mega Drive and PS1-era favourites. The R36S's chip is tuned for 8 and 16-bit systems plus PS1. The RG353PS carries more headroom for demanding titles and updates.

Price and who each suits

The R36S is the budget pick, ideal if you want a straightforward pocket arcade without spending big. The RG353PS suits players who want a larger screen and don't mind paying a bit more for it.

Still deciding? See the R36S and the RG353PS side by side, or read our full retro handheld buying guide.