R36H vs Anbernic RG35XX H
The RG35XX H uses an Allwinner H700 chip against the R36H's RK3326, and adds WiFi while running GarlicOS or ROCKNIX. Through the PlayStation era performance is comparable. The two sit in a similar bracket, with the R36H including a card pre-loaded with 15,000+ games.
Quick Verdict
🏆 RG35XX H has the faster chip; R36H competes on price.
Both devices emulate the 8-bit, 16-bit and PlayStation eras at full speed, so the decision rests on ergonomics, controls and the newest system you actually intend to play.
The Closest Genuine Rival
Anbernic's RG35XX H is the most direct comparison the R36H faces. Both are horizontal, both have dual analog sticks, both use a 3.5-inch 640×480 IPS panel, and both target the same buyer. The meaningful difference is underneath: the RG35XX H uses an Allwinner H700 built on Cortex-A53 cores, while the R36H uses the RK3326 with Cortex-A35 cores. A53 is a performance-oriented design and A35 is an efficiency-oriented one, so the Anbernic device has a real computational advantage.
Where That Advantage Actually Shows
Not where most people expect. Through the PlayStation era both devices are already running everything at full speed, so the extra performance changes nothing you would notice. The difference appears exactly at the boundary — Nintendo 64, Dreamcast and PSP — where the RG35XX H turns some titles from unplayable into borderline, and some borderline titles into playable. It does not transform those platforms; it moves the line modestly. Anbernic also has a stronger reputation for build quality and a larger custom firmware community.
| R36H | RG35XX H | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Rockchip RK3326 (Cortex-A35) | Allwinner H700 (Cortex-A53) |
| Layout | Horizontal | Horizontal |
| Analog sticks | Two | Two |
| Up to PlayStation | Full speed | Full speed |
| N64 / Dreamcast | Limited | Somewhat better, still limited |
Which Is The Better Buy
On technical merit the RG35XX H is the stronger device, and if the two are close in price it is the more sensible purchase. The R36H's case rests on costing less while delivering an identical experience across the platforms most people spend most of their time on. That is a legitimate argument rather than a consolation — if your library is 16-bit and PlayStation, you would be paying for headroom you never use.
Neither device changes the outcome for PSP
Both are below the threshold where PSP emulation becomes genuinely enjoyable. If that is your target, look at a higher tier rather than choosing between these two.
How To Decide
Handhelds in this class are separated by three things far more than by raw specifications: the shape you are comfortable holding, the software you are willing to maintain, and the newest system you genuinely intend to play. Deciding those three in advance narrows the field faster than any spec sheet comparison, because most devices at this level emulate everything up to PlayStation competently and differ mainly in how pleasant they are to live with.
Get the R36H Today
15,000+ retro games, dual microSD slots, replaceable battery.