Micro Center is selling a counterfeit version of the popular R36S handheld emulator for $29.99. This device offers a cheaper alternative to the genuine Boyhom unit but comes with significant hardware compromises that affect performance. Buyers seeking a budget retro gaming handheld should verify the internal specifications before purchasing.
Counterfeit handheld uses single-channel memory and questionable storage
The clone system runs the EmuELEC operating system instead of the official ArkOS or dArkOS found on authentic models. Micro Center appears to be using this software choice to distance itself from potential legal issues associated with the original device. The internal circuit board is marked as the G80CA variant, which differs from the standard R36S configuration.
Specifications
- SoC: RK3326
- RAM Configuration: Single channel (1x SK Hynix chip)
- RAM Capacity: 512MB (Total 512MB)
- Included Storage: 100GB Micro-SD Card
- Storage Type: FAT32 formatted, likely defective/reclaimed
The most critical difference lies in the memory architecture. The genuine R36S uses two 512MB RAM chips in a dual-channel setup to provide 1GB of total memory. This clone contains only a single SK Hynix chip, resulting in just 512MB of single-channel RAM. The system is powered by the RK3326 system-on-a-chip, which is common in budget handhelds.
The device ships with a 100GB micro-SD card formatted in FAT32. This storage capacity is non-standard for this class of device and suggests the card may contain reclaimed or defective memory chips. The lack of dual-channel RAM will negatively impact performance on 3D emulators like the Nintendo 64 and Dreamcast compared to the genuine model.
The unit costs $29.99 USD (around $29.99) and is available in US stores. The author of the hands-on report advises against buying this specific clone due to its inferior specs and questionable storage. Genuine R36S units offer better performance and official software support for the same price range.
Source: RetroHandhelds
