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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.