What the three consoles have in common
Under the shell, all three models are built on the same foundation: a Rockchip RK3326 processor. On the G350, it pairs four Cortex-A35 cores running at up to 1.5 GHz with Mali-G31 MP2 graphics and 1 GB of RAM, the same amount as the R36S. On the software side, the G350 runs Linux with the EmulationStation menu, which sorts games by system. The upshot is simple: with the same chip, the technical limits are broadly the same. A demanding game will not suddenly run smoothly just because you switch models.
On the G350, the two card slots each have a specific job. The TF1/INT slot, on the left side, holds the system card. The TF2/EXT slot, on the right side, holds your games. There is no internal memory: everything runs from these cards, up to 256 GB according to the manufacturer. Usable space after formatting is always a little less than the stated capacity. Since the foundation is shared, the choice comes down to size, screen, controls and battery.
Size and weight: the differences are real
The G350 measures 128 × 81 × 22 mm. At 81 mm wide, it is slightly narrower than a bank card is long, which is 85.6 mm. That is compact for a device with two sticks. The R36 Max is noticeably larger, at a stated 83 × 153 × 35 mm, with the thickness measured at the grips. That makes it 25 mm taller and 13 mm thicker than the G350. You will notice the difference most when slipping the console into a pocket or a small bag.
On weight, Retro Handhelds weighed the G350 at 192 g and the R36S at 179 g, a 13 g difference in the R36S's favour. The G350's manufacturer states 191 g. For the R36 Max, no verified weight is included in this comparison, so check the seller's listing before deciding. In practice, a few grams often matter less than the shape of the case and where the triggers sit.
| G350 | R36S | R36 Max |
|---|---|---|
| RK3326, 1 GB RAM | RK3326, 1 GB RAM | RK3326, RAM not detailed here |
| 3.5-inch screen, 640 × 480, 4:3 | 3.5-inch screen, 640 × 480, 4:3 | 4-inch screen, square (1:1) |
| 128 × 81 × 22 mm | Dimensions not included here | 83 × 153 × 35 mm stated |
| 192 g (weighed by Retro Handhelds) | 179 g (weighed by Retro Handhelds) | Weight not included here |
| 3,200 mAh battery | 3,200 mAh battery | 4,000 mAh battery |
| One USB-C port, on top | Two USB-C ports | Ports not detailed here |
| Vibration (manufacturer), M button, rear triggers | No vibration or dedicated menu button | No vibration |
Screens: native 4:3 or a large square
The G350 and the R36S use a screen of the same size and resolution: 3.5 inches, 640 × 480, in 4:3. By calculation, that works out at around 228 pixels per inch. On the G350, the panel is IPS. The key point is the aspect ratio: games designed for 4:3 fill the whole screen, with no black bars. The entire panel is used for the picture. Between these two models, the screen will not settle it, so look at other features to decide.
The R36 Max takes a different approach with a larger, 4-inch square screen. But a 4:3 game cannot fill a square: the picture appears with bars at the top and bottom. By calculation, that 4:3 picture keeps a diagonal of around 3.5 inches, close to the G350's. The extra size mainly benefits content that uses the full square.
Controls: the G350's advantage
This is the clearest difference compared with the R36S. Several published testers found the G350's D-pad more precise, its buttons quieter and its angled rear triggers more comfortable. These views come from published reviews and remain opinions. There are four triggers, L1, L2, R2 and R1, lined up side by side on the back, with a grip just below. The front is a familiar layout: D-pad, ABXY buttons in a diamond, angled SELECT and START, and two analogue sticks at the bottom. These sticks are not Hall-effect.
Two more details round things off. The G350 has a vibration motor according to the manufacturer: the manual says the console vibrates on start-up, but no specific game is guaranteed to support it. This vibration is one of the things that sets it apart from both the R36S and the R36 Max. It also adds an M button, dedicated to the menu, placed between the D-pad and the ABXY buttons, which the R36S does not offer. Volume is adjusted on the left side, and Power and Reset are on the right side.
Ports and battery
The G350 groups its connections along the top edge: a single USB-C port on the left for charging and data, two small indicator lights in the centre and a 3.5 mm headphone jack on the right. The R36S has two USB-C ports. If you plan to connect a USB accessory while charging, check what each port does on its listing. On the G350, any accessory you plug in necessarily takes up the charging port. Sound comes from a single speaker pointing downwards. For stereo, you need headphones.
On battery, the G350 and the R36S are level at 3,200 mAh. The R36 Max goes up to 4,000 mAh, the largest capacity of the three. For the G350, the stated runtime is up to 6 h according to the manufacturer, and real-world use depends on brightness, volume, emulator and game. No side-by-side runtime measurement is included here: capacity is a guide, not a guaranteed duration.
Which one suits the way you play
Choose the G350 if you want a compact case, a 4:3 screen without bars and controls that published testers rate above the R36S's: a precise D-pad, quiet buttons and triggers on the back. Vibration and a dedicated menu button complete the package. Choose the R36S if every gram counts: it weighs 13 g less, keeps the same screen and offers two USB-C ports. Choose the R36 Max if the largest screen and the 4,000 mAh battery matter most, and you are happy with a taller, thicker case and bars on 4:3 games.
If the G350 suits the way you play, it is on sale at the G350 shop, an independent retailer, with a 64 GB card, free delivery and 30 days to change your mind. Whatever you choose, remember the essentials: all three use the same chip, and the choice comes down to size, screen and how the console feels in your hands.
Frequently asked questions
Do the three consoles run the same systems?
With the same chip, their capabilities are very close. This hardware handles 8-bit and 16-bit consoles, classic arcade games and handhelds, including the GBA, very well, along with a large share of PS1 games. N64, PSP, Dreamcast and DS depend heavily on the game and the settings. PS2 is not supported. No specific title is promised, and you should only play games you own the rights to.
Can the G350 connect to the internet or a TV?
No. It has no built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and no HDMI or TV output. The manufacturer says a USB Wi-Fi module can be plugged into the USB-C port. This module is sold separately, takes up the charging port and whether it works depends on the installed system. Online play is not promised.
What charger do I need for the G350?
No charger is included in the box. You will need a 5 V mains adapter supplying at least 1.3 A, used with the USB-A to USB-C cable provided. A phone adapter that meets these values will do. No charging time is stated, and the console does not claim fast charging.
Can I install a different system on the G350?
Yes, it is possible. Community systems exist, such as ArkOS, dArkOS, ROCKNIX or PAN4ELEC. Switching is at the owner's own risk: back up the contents of both microSD cards first. No support is provided for these systems. The factory system, a 64-bit Linux with EmulationStation, remains the documented baseline.
Sources
- Retro Handhelds, R36S vs G350 comparison
- Joey's Retro Handhelds, G350 review
- Something New Reviews, G350 review
- Retro Catalog, G350 specification sheet
Our guides draw on the manufacturer's documentation, supplier listings and published reviews. They do not describe any testing carried out by us.
