R36S vs TrimUI Smart Pro — both popular budget retro handhelds. The R36S costs $20 more ($79.99 vs ~$60) but delivers dual analog sticks, 6,000+ preloaded games, and N64/PS1 3D support that TrimUI Smart Pro simply cannot match. Here is the complete honest comparison.
Lab-Tested · Gamer-Verified · Expert-Curated by the iGC Team — www.handheldgameconsoles.games
6,000+ games preloaded
N64 97% + PS1 100%
4.69/5 · 6,860 reviews
30-day returns
Requires ROM setup
GBA/SNES/NES only (no N64 3D)
4.2/5 rating
Smaller screen (4.96")
📊 Full Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | R36S | TrimUI Smart Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $79.99 | ~$60 |
| Analog sticks | ✅ Dual analog | ❌ None |
| N64 games (3D) | ✅ 97% | ❌ No 3D support |
| PS1 games | ✅ 100% | ⚠️ Limited 3D |
| GBA / SNES / NES | ✅ 100% | ✅ 100% |
| Screen | 3.5" IPS | 4.96" IPS |
| Games preloaded | 6,000+ | 0 (setup required) |
| Battery life | 6.5h (GBA/SNES) | ~5-6h |
| WiFi | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Setup required | None (plug & play) | Yes (ROMs needed) |
| iGC Rating | 4.69/5 | 4.2/5 |
💰 Is the $20 Difference Worth It?
- Dual analog sticks
- N64 3D gaming (Mario 64, Zelda OoT)
- PS1 3D gaming (Crash, Tekken)
- 6,000+ games preloaded
- Zero setup — play immediately
- 30-day returns
- Larger 4.96" screen
- WiFi connectivity
- $20 savings
- 2D games only (no N64 3D)
- Requires ROM setup
- No preloaded games
📺 TrimUI Smart Pro's One Advantage: Larger Screen
TrimUI Smart Pro has a 4.96" screen vs R36S's 3.5". This is TrimUI's main advantage:
- Better for users who prefer a larger display
- More comfortable for extended sessions if you have large hands
- Better for games with small text (RPGs)
However: the larger screen comes at the cost of portability. TrimUI Smart Pro is significantly larger and heavier than R36S, making it less ideal for travel and commuting.
🤔 When to Choose TrimUI Smart Pro
- You only play 2D games (GBA, SNES, NES) and never need analog sticks
- You prefer a larger screen (4.96" vs 3.5")
- You need WiFi for online features
- Budget is strictly $60 and you're comfortable setting up ROMs yourself
- You prefer TrimUI's custom firmware over EmulationStation
🏆 iGC Final Verdict
✅ R36S wins for most buyers. TrimUI Smart Pro wins only for large-screen 2D-only gamers.
R36S at $79.99 delivers dual analog sticks, 6,000+ preloaded games, and N64/PS1 3D support. TrimUI Smart Pro at ~$60 saves $20 but requires ROM setup and cannot play N64 3D games properly.
The $20 difference is worth it for the analog sticks and preloaded library alone.
❓ FAQ
iGC verdict: R36S is better for most buyers. R36S has dual analog sticks ($79.99), 6,000+ preloaded games, and N64/PS1 3D support. TrimUI Smart Pro (~$60) has no analog sticks, requires ROM setup, but has a larger 4.96" screen and WiFi.
No. TrimUI Smart Pro does not have analog sticks. It only has a D-pad. This means N64 3D games (Mario 64, Zelda OoT, GoldenEye) cannot be played properly. R36S has dual analog sticks for $20 more at $79.99.
Yes for most buyers. The $20 difference buys: dual analog sticks (N64/PS1 3D gaming), 6,000+ preloaded games (zero setup), and 30-day returns. TrimUI saves $20 but requires hours of ROM setup and cannot play N64 3D games.
TrimUI Smart Pro has a 4.96" IPS screen. R36S has a 3.5" IPS screen. TrimUI's larger screen is its main advantage. However, R36S is more portable and compact for travel and commuting.
Choose TrimUI Smart Pro if: you only play 2D games, prefer a larger 4.96" screen, need WiFi, have a strict $60 budget, and are comfortable setting up ROMs yourself. For N64/PS1 3D gaming and plug-and-play convenience, R36S at $79.99 is better.
