What all three have in common
Inside, all three models are built on the same processor, a Rockchip RK3326. 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 64-bit Linux with the EmulationStation menu, which sorts your games by system, and it reads two microSD cards. The takeaway is simple: with the same chip, the technical limits are very similar. A demanding game won't suddenly run smoothly just because you switch models.
On the G350, each card slot has 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 storage: everything lives on these cards, up to 256 GB according to the manufacturer. Usable space after formatting is always less than the capacity printed on the card. Since the core hardware is shared, the decision comes down to size, screen, controls and battery.
Size and weight: the gaps are real
The G350 measures 128 × 81 × 22 mm. Its 81 mm width is a little less than the length of a credit card, which is 85.6 mm. That is compact for a device with two analog sticks. The R36 Max is noticeably bigger, at a listed 83 × 153 × 35 mm, with thickness measured at the grips. That makes it 25 mm taller and 13 mm thicker than the G350. You feel the difference most when you slip it 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 favor of the R36S. The G350's manufacturer lists 191 g. For the R36 Max, this comparison does not use a verified weight, so check the seller's listing before you decide. In practice, a few grams often matter less than the shape of the shell and where the triggers sit.
| G350 | R36S | R36 Max |
|---|---|---|
| RK3326, 1 GB of RAM | RK3326, 1 GB of RAM | RK3326, RAM not included 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 (listed) |
| 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 a 4:3 aspect ratio. That works out to about 228 pixels per inch, by calculation. 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, so the entire panel is used for the picture. Between these two models, the screen is a tie, so you'll need to look at other factors.
The R36 Max takes a different approach with a larger, square 4-inch screen in a 1:1 format. But a 4:3 game can't fill a square, so the picture shows with bars at the top and bottom. By calculation, that 4:3 image ends up with a diagonal of about 3.5 inches, close to the G350's. The extra size mainly benefits content that uses the full square.
Controls: where the G350 pulls ahead
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 them. The front layout is familiar: D-pad, ABXY buttons in a diamond, angled SELECT and START buttons, and two analog sticks at the bottom. These sticks are not Hall-effect.
Two more details round things out. The G350 has a vibration motor according to the manufacturer. Per the manual, the console vibrates at startup, but no specific game is guaranteed to support it. Vibration is one of the things that sets it apart from both the R36S and the R36 Max. It also adds an M button for the menu, placed between the D-pad and the ABXY buttons, which the R36S doesn't have. Volume controls are 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 middle, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack on the right. The R36S has two USB-C ports. If you plan to plug in a USB accessory while charging, check what each port does on the listing. On the G350, any accessory you plug in takes up the charging port. Sound comes from a single speaker that points downward; for stereo, you'll need headphones.
On battery, the G350 and the R36S are even at 3,200 mAh. The R36 Max goes up to 4,000 mAh, the largest capacity of the three. For the G350, listed runtime is up to 6 h according to the manufacturer, and actual runtime depends on brightness, volume, emulator and game. This comparison doesn't use any side-by-side battery tests: capacity gives you a rough idea, not a guaranteed runtime.
Which one fits the way you play
Pick the G350 if you want a compact shell, a 4:3 screen with no bars, and controls that published testers rank above the R36S: a precise D-pad, quiet buttons and rear triggers. Vibration and a dedicated menu button round it out. Pick the R36S if every gram counts: it weighs 13 g less, keeps the same screen and has two USB-C ports. Pick the R36 Max if the biggest screen and the 4,000 mAh battery matter most, and you're fine with a taller, thicker shell and bars on 4:3 games.
If the G350 fits the way you play, the G350 shop, an independent retailer, sells it with free shipping, and the box contents described here come from published unboxings. Whatever you choose, remember the basics: all three share the same chip, and the choice comes down to size, screen and how it feels in your hands.
Frequently asked questions
Do all three handhelds run the same systems?
With the same chip, what they can do is very similar. This hardware handles 8-bit and 16-bit consoles, classic arcade, handheld systems including GBA, and a large part of the PS1 library very well. 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. That 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. Use a 5 V wall adapter that delivers at least 1.3 A, paired with the included USB-A to USB-C cable. A phone charger that meets these values will do. No charging time is listed, and the console does not claim fast charging.
Can I install a different system on the G350?
Yes. Community systems exist, such as ArkOS, dArkOS, ROCKNIX and PAN4ELEC. Switching is at the owner's own risk: back up the contents of both microSD cards first. No support is offered for these systems. The factory system, 64-bit Linux with EmulationStation, remains the documented starting point.
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 are based on the manufacturer's documentation, supplier product sheets and published reviews. They don't describe any testing done by us.
