- 04 Feb 2026
- by AFI
- Digital literacy
đź’Ž This post contains an affiliate offer, I may get a commission at no cost to you. See offer
The R36S has become a popular retro handheld thanks to its price, performance, and open-source friendliness. But once you start searching for where to buy it, things can get confusing fast — especially with dozens of similar-looking websites and listings.
My personal experience
I currently own two devices:
- R36S
- R36Max
Both were ordered from Temu, and I can honestly say I had no issues at all:
- Devices arrived as described
- Packaging was fine
- Consoles worked out of the box
So from my experience, Temu has been a reliable option for these devices.
Be careful with “official-looking” websites
While researching alternatives, I also came across a website that:
- Looked professional
- Claimed to be registered in the UK
- Appeared at first glance to be a legitimate standalone store
However, when clicking the Buy button, the checkout redirected directly to AliExpress.
That’s not necessarily a scam — but personally, I don’t find that setup very transparent. If a site presents itself as an independent retailer but simply forwards you to a marketplace listing, it’s something buyers should be aware of before ordering.
My personal preference is to buy directly from a known marketplace, rather than through an intermediary site that just redirects elsewhere.
Recommended option + discount
If you’re looking to buy the R36S and want a discount, you can use my link or code to get up to 30% off your order.
👉 Use my link or enter my code at checkout: alc301146
(affiliate link — I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you)
This is the same route I’d recommend to friends who want:
- A competitive price
- Buyer protection
- Clear checkout flow
Final thoughts
The R36S is a great little retro console, but where you buy it matters. Based on my own experience:
- âś… Temu worked well for both my R36S and R36Max
- ⚠️ Be cautious with sites that redirect without being upfront
- đź’ˇ Always compare prices and checkout transparency
If you want the console at a lower price, using a trusted marketplace + a discount link is, in my opinion, the safest way to go.