R36S 64GB vs 128GB: Which Version Should You Buy in 2026?
Quick answer: For most buyers, the 128GB version ($89.99) is the better choice — the extra $10 gets you a significantly expanded game library, more PSP titles, and more N64 and DS games. If you're on a strict budget or mainly play NES/SNES/GBA games, the 64GB version ($79.99) is excellent and fully sufficient. Here's the complete breakdown.
Written by the iGC Lab Team · Last updated: July 2026
64GB VERSION
$79.99
Best for: Beginners & classic gaming
128GB VERSION
$89.99
Best for: Most buyers — iGC recommended
📈 Hardware: Is There Any Difference Between 64GB and 128GB?
No. The 64GB and 128GB R36S are identical in every hardware specification:
| Specification | 64GB | 128GB |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Allwinner H700 | Allwinner H700 |
| RAM | 1GB DDR3 | 1GB DDR3 |
| Screen | 3.5" IPS 640×480 | 3.5" IPS 640×480 |
| Battery | 3,200mAh | 3,200mAh |
| Battery Life | 6–8 hours | 6–8 hours |
| Performance | Identical | Identical |
| Build quality | Identical | Identical |
| Storage (microSD) | 64GB | 128GB |
✅ Key insight: The only difference between the 64GB and 128GB R36S is the size of the preloaded microSD card — and therefore the number and variety of games included. Performance, screen, battery, and build quality are completely identical.
🎮 What Games Are Included in Each Version?
Both versions include a professionally curated game library. The 128GB version includes everything in the 64GB version, plus a significantly expanded selection of larger-file-size games:
| Platform | 64GB | 128GB |
|---|---|---|
| NES | ✅ Full library | ✅ Full library |
| SNES | ✅ Full library | ✅ Full library |
| Game Boy / GBC | ✅ Full library | ✅ Full library |
| GBA | ✅ Full library | ✅ Full library |
| Sega Genesis | ✅ Full library | ✅ Full library |
| PlayStation 1 | ✅ Major titles | ✅ Expanded library |
| Nintendo DS | ✅ Selected titles | ✅ More titles |
| Nintendo 64 | ✅ Selected titles | ✅ More titles |
| PSP | ⚡ Limited selection | ✅ Significantly more |
| Free space for your games | ~8–12GB | ~20–30GB |
💡 Why PSP and N64 Games Take More Space
NES, SNES, and GBA games are tiny — a full GBA game is typically 4–32MB. PS1 games are 300MB–700MB per disc. PSP games are 500MB–1.8GB each. N64 games are 32–64MB. This is why the 128GB version can include significantly more PSP, PS1, and N64 titles — these platforms simply require more storage space per game.
📊 Side-by-Side: 64GB vs 128GB
| Factor | 64GB — $79.99 | 128GB — $89.99 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $79.99 | $89.99 |
| Hardware | Identical | Identical |
| NES / SNES / GBA games | ✅ Full library | ✅ Full library |
| PS1 games | ✅ Major titles | ✅ More titles |
| PSP games | ⚡ Limited | ✅ Significantly more |
| N64 games | ✅ Selected titles | ✅ More titles |
| DS games | ✅ Selected titles | ✅ More titles |
| Free space for your games | ~8–12GB | ~20–30GB |
| Expandable? | ✅ Yes — swap microSD | ✅ Yes — swap microSD |
| iGC recommendation | Budget buyers | Most buyers 🏆 |
✅ Who Should Buy the R36S 64GB ($79.99)?
The 64GB version is the right choice if:
- You mainly play NES, SNES, GBA, or GBC games — the 64GB version includes the complete library for all these platforms. You will never run out of games.
- Budget is your primary concern — $79.99 is the lowest price for an iGC Lab-Tested R36S. The 64GB version delivers the same hardware quality as the 128GB.
- You plan to add your own games — if you have your own ROM collection, the 64GB version's ~8–12GB of free space is sufficient for most NES/SNES/GBA additions.
- You're buying as a gift for a child — the 64GB version includes thousands of age-appropriate games. Children playing NES, SNES, and GBA games will never exhaust the 64GB library.
- PSP gaming is not a priority — if you don't plan to play PSP games, the 64GB version's limited PSP selection is not a meaningful limitation.
🏆 Who Should Buy the R36S 128GB ($89.99)?
The 128GB version is the right choice if:
- You want the most complete experience — the 128GB version includes everything in the 64GB plus significantly more PSP, PS1, N64, and DS titles. More games, more variety, more value.
- You want to play PSP games — PSP games are large files (500MB–1.8GB each). The 128GB version includes a much larger PSP library than the 64GB version.
- You're buying for an adult gamer — adult retro gamers typically want access to PS1 RPGs, PSP titles, and N64 games. The 128GB version's expanded library covers these platforms more comprehensively.
- You want more free space for your own games — the 128GB version has ~20–30GB of free space vs ~8–12GB on the 64GB. More room to add your own collection.
- The $10 difference is not a concern — for $10 more, you get a meaningfully larger game library. This is the best $10 upgrade in retro gaming.
- You're buying as a gift for a serious gamer — the 128GB version is the premium gift option. More games, more platforms, more value.
🔄 Can I Upgrade the Storage Later?
Yes. The R36S uses a standard microSD card for storage — you can replace it at any time with a larger card. This means:
- You can buy the 64GB version now and upgrade to a 256GB or 512GB microSD card later
- A 256GB microSD card costs approximately $15–25 from reputable brands (Samsung, SanDisk)
- Upgrading requires copying the existing game library to the new card and adding your own games
- The process takes approximately 30–60 minutes and requires a computer with a microSD card reader
⚠ Important: If you upgrade the microSD card yourself, you will need to source your own ROM files for any games beyond the iGC preloaded library. iGC only provides the preloaded game library on the original microSD card. The iGC preloaded library cannot be re-downloaded.
iGC Recommendation on Upgrading
If you think you might want more storage in the future, buy the 128GB version now rather than upgrading later. The 128GB version costs $10 more than the 64GB — significantly less than the cost of a new microSD card plus the time required to set it up. The iGC preloaded 128GB library is also professionally curated — you won't replicate that quality by sourcing games yourself.
🏆 Final Verdict: Which R36S Version Should You Buy?
iGC RECOMMENDED
R36S 128GB
$89.99
Best for: Most buyers, PSP gamers, adult gifts, complete experience
Buy 128GB →The iGC recommendation: For $10 more, the 128GB version delivers a meaningfully larger game library — especially for PSP, PS1, N64, and DS titles. If you can spend $89.99, buy the 128GB. If $79.99 is your limit, the 64GB version is still an exceptional device with thousands of preloaded games.
Either version is iGC Lab-Tested, backed by 2,837 verified reviews at 4.70/5, and covered by our 30-day return policy. You cannot make a wrong choice — only a better one.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between R36S 64GB and 128GB?
The only difference is the size of the preloaded microSD card and therefore the number of games included. The hardware — processor, RAM, screen, battery, and build quality — is completely identical. The 128GB version includes a significantly larger PSP, PS1, N64, and DS game library for $10 more.
Is the R36S 128GB worth the extra $10?
Yes, for most buyers. The 128GB version includes significantly more PSP, PS1, N64, and DS games, plus ~20–30GB of free space for your own additions vs ~8–12GB on the 64GB. For $10, this is excellent value. If you mainly play NES, SNES, and GBA games, the 64GB version is fully sufficient.
Does the R36S 64GB have enough games?
Yes. The 64GB R36S includes thousands of preloaded games across NES, SNES, GBA, GBC, PS1, N64, Sega Genesis, and more. For NES, SNES, and GBA gaming specifically, the 64GB version includes the complete library — you will never run out of games on these platforms.
Can I upgrade the R36S from 64GB to 128GB?
Yes. The R36S uses a standard microSD card that can be replaced with a larger card. However, you would need to source your own ROM files for any games beyond the iGC preloaded library. The iGC preloaded library cannot be re-downloaded. For most buyers, purchasing the 128GB version upfront is simpler and more cost-effective than upgrading later.
Which R36S version is better for PSP games?
The 128GB version is significantly better for PSP gaming — it includes a much larger PSP library than the 64GB version. PSP games are large files (500MB–1.8GB each), so the extra storage makes a meaningful difference in how many PSP titles are preloaded.
Which R36S version should I buy as a gift?
For a child: the 64GB version is excellent — thousands of age-appropriate NES, SNES, and GBA games. For an adult gamer: the 128GB version is the better gift — more PSP, PS1, and N64 titles, and a more complete overall library. Both versions ship ready to play with no setup required.
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