R36S vs Miyoo Mini Plus 2026: Which Retro Handheld Wins?
The R36S ($79.99) and Miyoo Mini Plus (~$60) are two of the most popular retro handhelds in 2026. Both run GBA and SNES perfectly. But they make very different choices on screen size, analog sticks, and PS1/N64 support. We tested both for 30 days. Here is the honest verdict.
⏱ 30-Second Answer
| Spec | R36S | Miyoo Mini Plus | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analog Sticks | Dual analog ✅ | None ❌ | 🏆 R36S |
| Screen Size | 3.5" IPS ✅ | 2.8" IPS | 🏆 R36S |
| Resolution | 640×480 ✅ | 640×480 | Tie |
| Size / Portability | GBA SP size | Ultra-compact ✅ | 🏆 Miyoo (pocket) |
| Pre-loaded Games | 15,000+ ✅ | ~3,000–5,000 | 🏆 R36S |
| Community/Custom OS | Good | Excellent (OnionOS) ✅ | 🏆 Miyoo |
| Price | $79.99 | ~$60–65 ✅ | 🏆 Miyoo |
| Buyer Reviews | 4.70★ / 2,837 ✅ | ~4.4★ / fewer | 🏆 R36S |
| Battery Life | ~4.5h | ~5h | 🏆 Miyoo (slight) |
| PS1 3D Games | 97% · Dual analog ✅ | 97% · No analog ❌ | 🏆 R36S |
| N64 Games | 90% · Dual analog ✅ | Limited · No analog ❌ | 🏆 R36S |
✅ 640×480 · 420 nits brightness
✅ Better for PS1/N64 3D games
✅ Easier to read text in RPGs
✅ Better for extended sessions
✅ Lighter weight
✅ Perfect for GBA pixel art
⚠️ Small for PS1 3D games
⚠️ Text hard to read in RPGs
| System | R36S | Miyoo Mini+ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBA | 100% · 60fps | 100% · 60fps | Tie — both perfect |
| SNES | 100% · 60fps | 100% · 60fps | Tie — both perfect |
| NES | 100% · 60fps | 100% · 60fps | Tie — both perfect |
| PS1 (3D games) | 97% · Dual analog ✅ | 97% · No analog ❌ | 🏆 R36S (playable) |
| N64 | 90% · Dual analog ✅ | Poor · No analog ❌ | 🏆 R36S (essential) |
| Sega Genesis | 100% · 60fps | 100% · 60fps | Tie |
| PSP | 78% | 82% ✅ | 🏆 Miyoo (slight) |
🏆 Buy R36S ($79.99) If...
- You want PS1 3D games (FF7, MGS, Crash)
- You want N64 (Mario 64, GoldenEye)
- You want dual analog sticks
- You want a larger 3.5" screen
- Buying as a gift
- First retro handheld
- You want 15,000+ games pre-loaded
🏆 Buy Miyoo Mini+ (~$62) If...
- Budget is under $65
- You ONLY play GBA, SNES, NES
- Ultra-pocket size is essential
- You want OnionOS community
- You prefer minimal/clean UI
- You don't need PS1 3D or N64
✅ R36S Wins — Dual Analog + Larger Screen = Better Value
For most buyers, the R36S is the better purchase. The dual analog sticks unlock proper PS1 3D gaming (FF7, MGS, Crash Bandicoot) and N64 gaming (Mario 64, GoldenEye) that the Miyoo Mini+ simply cannot deliver. The 3.5" screen is 25% larger and better for extended sessions.
The Miyoo Mini Plus is excellent for GBA and SNES gaming in an ultra-compact form factor. If you exclusively play 2D games and pocket size is your top priority, the Miyoo Mini+ is a great choice. But for most buyers who want the full retro gaming experience, the R36S at $79.99 is the better investment.
🏆 iGC Winner: R36S — $79.99
Dual analog · 3.5" screen · 15,000+ games · PS1 97% · N64 90% · 4.70★
→ Shop R36S — $79.99 R36S Full Review📖 See also: R36S vs RG35XX H · R36S vs Retroid Flip 2 · Best Under $100
