Lab Comparison · Both Tested · Honest Verdict · July 2026
R36S vs Miyoo Mini+ 2026: Which Retro Handheld Should You Buy?
Both are excellent retro handhelds under $100. The R36S wins on screen size, PS1 compatibility, and system count. The Miyoo Mini+ wins on portability and build quality. Here's the complete lab-tested breakdown from the iGC Editorial Team.
⏱ 30-Second Verdict
iGC Winner
R36S ✅ (Most Buyers)
Miyoo Mini+ Best For
Portability · GBA Only
R36S Price
$79.99
Miyoo Mini+ Price
~$59–69
R36S Screen
3.5" IPS
Miyoo Mini+ Screen
2.8" IPS
3.5"
R36S Screen
2.8"
Miyoo Screen
15
R36S Systems
8
Miyoo Systems
🎯 Which One Should You Buy?
✅ Buy R36S If...
- You want PS1 games (97% compat.)
- You want a bigger screen (3.5" vs 2.8")
- You want N64 support (78%)
- You want 15+ systems
- You're buying as a gift
- You want the most popular choice (2,837 reviews)
- You want plug-and-play simplicity
🔵 Buy Miyoo Mini+ If...
- Ultra-portability is your priority
- You mainly play GBA and SNES
- You prefer a smaller, pocket-sized device
- You love OnionOS interface
- Budget is under $70
- You don't need PS1 or N64
📊 Full Spec Comparison
| Spec | R36S | Miyoo Mini+ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $79.99 | ~$59–69 | Miyoo |
| Screen Size | 3.5" IPS | 2.8" IPS | R36S |
| Resolution | 640×480 | 640×480 | Tie |
| Chip | RK3326 | ARM Cortex-A7 | R36S |
| RAM | 1GB | 256MB | R36S |
| Battery | ~4.2h | ~5–6h | Miyoo |
| Size | Compact | Ultra-compact | Miyoo |
| Firmware | ArkOS | OnionOS | Both Great |
| Systems Supported | 15+ | 8 | R36S |
| WiFi | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Tie |
| iGC Rating | 4.70/5 (2,837) | N/A (not sold by iGC) | R36S |
🎮 Compatibility Comparison
| System | R36S | Miyoo Mini+ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBA | 100% · 60fps | 100% · 60fps | Tie |
| SNES | 100% · 60fps | 100% · 60fps | Tie |
| NES | 100% · 60fps | 100% · 60fps | Tie |
| PS1 | 97% · 60fps | ~40% · Variable | R36S |
| N64 | 78% · 25–30fps | ❌ Not supported | R36S |
| PSP | 61% | ❌ Not supported | R36S |
| Sega Genesis | 100% | 100% | Tie |
| Game Boy / GBC | 100% | 100% | Tie |
🎯 The Verdict
🏆 Winner: R36S
Best value retro handheld in 2026 — Lab-Tested, Gamer-Verified
Get R36S — From $79.99 →
Where the Miyoo Mini+ genuinely wins: Battery life (5–6h vs 4.2h), size (fits in any pocket), and the OnionOS interface which many users prefer for its simplicity. If you only play GBA and SNES and want the smallest possible device, the Miyoo Mini+ is a legitimate choice.
Where the R36S clearly wins: PS1 (97% vs ~40%), N64 (78% vs 0%), PSP (61% vs 0%), screen size (3.5" vs 2.8"), RAM (1GB vs 256MB), and total system count (15+ vs 8). For anyone who wants more than just GBA and SNES, the R36S is the only choice.
❓ R36S vs Miyoo Mini+ FAQ
⭐ Lab-Tested · Gamer-Verified
R36S Retro Handheld Console
6,860+ reviews · ⭐4.69 · From $79.99 · 6,000+ games preloaded
Shop R36S Now →
Is the R36S better than the Miyoo Mini+?
For most buyers, yes. The R36S has a bigger screen (3.5" vs 2.8"), better PS1 compatibility (97% vs ~40%), N64 support (78%), and 15+ systems vs 8. The Miyoo Mini+ wins on battery life and portability. If you want more than GBA and SNES, the R36S is the better choice.
Can the Miyoo Mini+ play PS1 games?
Partially. The Miyoo Mini+ runs PS1 at approximately 40% compatibility due to its weaker ARM Cortex-A7 chip and 256MB RAM. Many PS1 games run slowly or not at all. The R36S achieves 97% PS1 compatibility at locked 60fps. For PS1 gaming, the R36S is significantly better.
Which is better for GBA games — R36S or Miyoo Mini+?
Both achieve 100% GBA compatibility at locked 60fps. For GBA gaming specifically, they are identical in performance. The difference is screen size (3.5" R36S vs 2.8" Miyoo) and portability. Choose based on whether you prefer a bigger screen or a smaller device.
Is the Miyoo Mini+ worth it over the R36S?
Only if ultra-portability is your top priority and you exclusively play GBA and SNES. The Miyoo Mini+ is cheaper (~$59–69 vs $79.99) and has better battery life. But the R36S offers a bigger screen, far better PS1 support, N64 capability, and 15+ systems. For most buyers, the R36S is the better value.
What firmware does the Miyoo Mini+ use?
The Miyoo Mini+ uses OnionOS, a custom firmware designed exclusively for Miyoo devices. It's widely regarded as the easiest retro gaming firmware to use. The R36S uses ArkOS, which is optimized for the RK3326 chip and delivers better PS1 and N64 performance. See our ArkOS vs OnionOS comparison for full details.
R36S — The Better Choice for Most Buyers
4.70/5 · 2,837 reviews · 3.5" screen · 97% PS1 · 15+ systems · $79.99
→ Shop R36S — $79.99 Full R36S Review📖 See also: R36S vs R36MAX · ArkOS vs OnionOS · Best Under $100
