Essential accessories, protective gear, replacement parts, and hardware modifications for your R36S retro gaming handheld.
Quality microSD cards - stock cards will fail!
Screen protector, case, joystick caps
Wi-Fi dongle, grip mods, replacement parts
Priority: Buy Immediately - The stock SD card will fail, causing data loss and boot issues.
The micro-SD cards included with the R36S are universally described as low-quality, unreliable, and prone to failure. Multiple guides and community posts emphasize replacing stock SD cards immediately. They often fail within days, causing corrupted file systems, lost saves, and boot failures.
Fast, reliable, and widely praised by RK3326 handheld owners. Excellent performance and longevity.
Commonly used and reliable. Note: Some Panel 4 R36S devices have had compatibility issues with certain SanDisk cards, but these are rare.
Affordable yet dependable. Confirmed to work even in the picky TF2 slot.
Lesser-known brand that works well in both slots.
HP mx330, Patriot EP – Budget options confirmed compatible with the TF2 ROM slot.
Single-Card Setup:
Dual-Card Setup (Recommended):
Use Class 10 or UHS-I (U1/U3) cards for best performance. Faster cards reduce loading times and improve menu responsiveness.
Before loading ROMs and setting up your device, test new micro-SD cards for authenticity and errors:
These tools write data to the entire card and verify its integrity. Counterfeit cards often report false capacity (e.g., a 128 GB card that's actually 16 GB), and testing will reveal this before you lose data.
The TF2/TF-GAME slot is notoriously picky about which cards it accepts. Confirmed working brands for TF2 include:
If your card doesn't work in TF2, try it in TF1 and use a different brand for TF2, or switch to a single-card setup.
| Brand | Reliability | TF2 Compatible | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung EVO Plus | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ | $$ | Best overall |
| SanDisk Ultra | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⚠️ Sometimes | $ | Budget option |
| Kingston Canvas | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ | $ | TF2 reliability |
| Samsung Pro Plus | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ | $$$ | Performance |
| Stock SD Card | ❌ | ❌ | - | Replace immediately! |
💡 Tip: For best compatibility, choose Samsung EVO or Kingston Canvas for TF2 slot.
Priority: Optional - Only needed for online features, RetroAchievements, and network file transfers.
Not all USB Wi-Fi adapters work with Linux-based firmware. Stick to these proven chipsets:
If your dongle isn't recognized automatically:
Priority: Recommended - Protect your investment and improve comfort during extended play sessions.
The R36S measures approximately 13 × 8.3 × 3.5 cm. Look for compatible cases:
The R36Plus has a larger 4-inch screen and requires slightly bigger cases.
The R36H has a horizontal layout; choose cases designed for horizontal handhelds.
The stock R36S can be uncomfortable during extended play sessions. Grip options include:
A tempered glass screen protector guards the 3.5-inch IPS screen against scratches and drops.
Recommendations:
The R36S analog sticks are small and can feel slippery. Replaceable caps improve grip.
The R36S uses the same joysticks as the Nintendo Switch, meaning Switch-compatible stick caps fit perfectly.
Several community tutorials describe swapping stock button membranes for softer or quieter versions:
Priority: Optional - Keep these in mind for future repairs and upgrades.
The R36S is designed to be easily opened and repaired:
Since the R36S uses Nintendo Switch joysticks, replacements are widely available and inexpensive.
Replacement procedure:
The removable 3.7V Li-ion battery (type 804066, 3000–3200 mAh) is one of the easiest components to replace.
Battery specifications:
Replacement procedure:
Warning: Connecting the battery backward can damage the device. Double-check polarity before plugging in.
Disassembling the shell allows access to button membranes and contact pads:
Both card slots are external and hot-swappable (though it's safer to power off before swapping):
Priority: Optional (Advanced Users Only) - These modifications require soldering skills and void any warranty.
Enthusiast communities have experimented with numerous hardware upgrades:
Replacing the potentiometer-based analog sticks with hall-effect sensors eliminates drift issues. Hall-effect sticks use magnetic sensors instead of physical contact, providing longer lifespan and more precise input.
Some users add aftermarket heatsinks to the RK3326 chip to reduce thermal throttling during intensive emulation (Dreamcast, PSP).
Adding vibration motors requires soldering to the mainboard and programming support into the firmware. Some community builds include experimental rumble support.
Advanced modders have soldered internal Wi-Fi chips to eliminate the need for external dongles. This mod is complex and risks damaging the board.
Replacing the stock shoulder button switches with quieter tactile switches improves the overall user experience, especially for L2/R2 which are notoriously loud.
Some users design and 3D-print custom shells with improved ergonomics, transparent panels to show internal components, or additional button placements.
Looking for recommended sellers and current prices?
→ Check our Where to Buy guide for accessories
Includes recommendations for SD cards, Wi-Fi dongles, cases, screen protectors, and more.
Now that you know what accessories you need, here's what to do next:
Find trusted sellers on AliExpress and Amazon, plus tips on avoiding clones and fake accessories
View Buying Guide →Step-by-step setup guide including SD card replacement, firmware installation, and adding games
View Setup Guide →Quick fixes for boot issues, performance problems, audio crackling, and battery optimization
View FAQ →Have questions about accessories or modifications? We'd love to hear from you!
Email: abc@r36s.org
We typically respond within 24-48 hours. Your questions might become part of our guides to help others!