R36S vs Miyoo Mini Plus 2026: Which Retro Handheld Wins?
The R36S and Miyoo Mini Plus are the two most popular retro handhelds under $100. Both are excellent — but they serve different buyers. This is the complete iGC comparison with a clear verdict.
⏱ 30-Second Answer
| Spec | R36S | Miyoo Mini Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $79.99 🏆 | ~$69 |
| Games Pre-loaded | 15,000+ 🏆 | ~5,000 |
| Analog Sticks | Dual analog 🏆 | None |
| Screen Size | 3.5" IPS | 3.5" IPS 🏆 |
| Screen Resolution | 640×480 | 640×480 🏆 |
| Processor | RK3326 🏆 | RK3326 |
| Size | ~150×66×18mm | ~130×62×15mm 🏆 |
| Battery | 3,000mAh (~4.2h) 🏆 | 3,000mAh (~4h) |
| WiFi | Yes 🏆 | Yes |
| PS1 Compatibility | 97% 🏆 | ~85% |
| N64 Compatibility | 90% 🏆 | ~55% |
| PSP Compatibility | 78% 🏆 | ~40% |
| OS | ArkOS 🏆 | OnionOS |
| Review Score | 4.70★ / 2,837 🏆 | ~4.5★ / fewer reviews |
| Game System | R36S | Miyoo Mini Plus |
|---|---|---|
| GBA | 100% 🏆 | 100% |
| SNES | 100% 🏆 | 100% |
| NES | 100% 🏆 | 100% |
| PS1 | 97% 🏆 | ~85% |
| N64 | 90% 🏆 | ~55% |
| PSP | 78% 🏆 | ~40% |
| Sega Genesis/MD | 100% 🏆 | 100% |
| PS1 with Analog | Full support 🏆 | D-pad only (no analog) |
⚠️ Key difference: The Miyoo Mini Plus has NO analog sticks. This means PS1 games that require analog (Crash Bandicoot, Metal Gear Solid, Spyro) are harder to play. N64 games that require analog (Mario 64, GoldenEye, Ocarina of Time) are significantly impacted. The R36S dual analog sticks are a major advantage for 3D games.
🏆 Buy R36S ($79.99) If:
- You want PS1 games with analog control
- You want N64 games (Mario 64, GoldenEye)
- You want 15,000+ games pre-loaded
- You want PSP emulation
- You want the best overall value
- You're buying as a gift
- You want dual analog sticks
📱 Buy Miyoo Mini+ (~$69) If:
- You only play GBA, SNES, NES games
- You want the most compact device possible
- You prefer OnionOS ecosystem
- You don't need analog sticks
- Ultra-portability is the top priority
- You already own a device with analog
⚡ iGC Verdict: R36S Wins for Most Buyers
The Miyoo Mini Plus is an excellent device for GBA and SNES gaming. Its compact size and OnionOS are genuine advantages. But the lack of analog sticks is a significant limitation — PS1 3D games and N64 games are compromised without them.
The R36S at $79.99 (only $10 more) adds dual analog sticks, 3x more games (15,000+ vs 5,000), better PS1 compatibility (97% vs 85%), better N64 (90% vs 55%), and better PSP support. For $10 more, the R36S delivers dramatically more capability.
iGC verdict: Buy the R36S. The $10 price difference is irrelevant compared to the capability gap. Only choose Miyoo Mini+ if ultra-compact size is your absolute top priority and you exclusively play GBA/SNES.
R36S — iGC Winner vs Miyoo Mini Plus · $79.99
Dual analog · 15,000+ games · 97% PS1 · 90% N64 · Only $10 more than Miyoo Mini+
→ Shop R36S — $79.99 Full R36S Review📖 See also: R36S vs Steam Deck · R36S vs R36MAX · R36S Review
