Two retro game consoles, both promising a 20000+ game library, are sitting at similar prices. One connects to your TV with an HDMI cable and a 2.4G wireless controller. The other is a handheld with a 3.5-inch IPS screen you can carry anywhere. Your call comes down to where you want to play rather than which one has more games. That's the decision this head-to-head is here to simplify.
Quick verdict
Choose the GameStick X2 if you want a TV-ready setup with a wireless controller and a lower listed price. Choose the R36S if you want a handheld with a built-in screen and the option of 64GB or 128GB storage.
GameStick X2 vs R36S at a glance
| Feature | R36S Retro Handheld | GameStick X2 Retro Console |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | USD 30.99 | USD 28.49 |
| Price bar | ||
| Form | Handheld with 3.5" IPS screen | TV console with HDMI output |
| Controller | Built-in portable design | 2.4G wireless controller |
| Storage | 64/128GB option | 64GB |
| Connectivity | USB | HDMI |
| Game library | 20000+ | 20000+ |
Where each product wins
R36S wins if portability matters
- Take the library with you: the handheld shape and 3.5-inch IPS screen make it easy to play away from the TV.
- Storage flexibility: listed in 64GB and 128GB configurations.
- Language support: the description lists a wide range of menu languages, which helps if you don't game in English.
GameStick X2 wins if you want a couch console
- TV-friendly: HDMI output means it's built to plug into your display.
- Controller included: a 2.4G wireless controller comes in the box.
- New-in-box listing with a 1-year warranty for extra peace of mind.
Product notes
R36S Retro Handheld Video Game Console
With the R36S, the screen is always attached to the controller. The 3.5-inch IPS display puts the action right in front of you, and the handheld format is easy to slip into a bag. You can pick the storage option that matches your library, with both 64GB and 128GB configurations listed. The console also supports many menu languages, from Japanese and English to French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, and more, so it can feel more comfortable if you don't game in English. The catch is that the USB connectivity points to a device meant to be used on its own rather than as a TV-connected hub. If you want retro titles on a commute or in bed, that trade-off is usually worth it.
GameStick X2 Retro Game Console
The GameStick X2 takes the opposite approach: it's a home console that plugs into your TV. You don't have to buy a controller separately because a wireless 2.4G pad is included, and the internal storage is set up for the bundled game collection. The listing describes a new-in-box unit with a 1-year warranty, which adds a little peace of mind. It also carries the lower listed price of the two, making it the easy pick if you want to keep the upfront cost down. What you give up is portability. There's no built-in screen here, so gaming sessions need to happen in front of the TV. That's a fair trade if the couch is your usual spot.
Final choice by use case
- Living-room retro nights: GameStick X2.
- On-the-go gaming: R36S.
- Bigger storage option: R36S, if you want 128GB.
- Couch comfort with a wireless controller: GameStick X2.
If you're still torn, think about your default seat. If it's a couch, the GameStick X2 makes sense. If it's a bus, train, or bed, the R36S fits better.
