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expiredRevOne | Staff posted Jun 22, 2024 06:46 PM
expiredRevOne | Staff posted Jun 22, 2024 06:46 PM

Retro Emulation Handhelds: R36S (3.5" 480p, RK3326, 1GB RAM, 64GB microSD)

(Existing Customers Only) & More

$22

$87

74% off
AliExpress
181 Comments 103,894 Views
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Deal Details
Cutesliving Store via AliExpress has select Retro Emulation Handhelds on sale below when you apply promo code ETA9 or OZTALKS9 during checkout valid for Existing Customers Only. Shipping is free.

Thanks to Deal Editor RevOne for sharing this deal.

Available (prices below are after code ETA9 or OZTALKS9):
  • R36S w/ 64GB microSD Card from $21.61
    • 3.5" 640x480 IPS display
    • Rockchip RK3326 chipset
    • 1GB DDR3 RAM
    • Dual joysticks
    • 3200mAh removable battery
    • 2x USB-C ports
    • 2x microSD card slots
    • 3.5mm headphone jack
    • Linux operating system (ArkOS)
    • No WiFi / Bluetooth
  • Anbernic RG35XX H w/ 64GB microSD Card + 128GB microSD Card from $37.90 -> now $36.90
    • 3.5" 640x480 IPS display
    • Allwinner H700 chipset
    • 1GB DDR4 RAM
    • Dual joysticks
    • 2x micro SD card slots
    • 2x USB-C ports
    • Mini HDMI port (for output to TV/monitor)
    • 802.11ac WiFi 5 |Bluetooth 4.2
      • (for connecting Bluetooth controllers only, does not support Bluetooth audio)
    • 3300mAh battery
  • TrimUI Smart Pro from $42.57
    • 4.96" 1280x720 IPS HD display
    • Allwinner A133Plus processor
    • 1GB DDR4 RAM
    • 8GB built-in storage (for the firmware)
    • Dual joysticks w/ RGB LED lighting
    • microSD card slot (for the games)
    • Stereo speakers
    • 3.5mm headphone jack
    • 2.4GHz WiFi / Bluetooth
      • (w/ Bluetooth headphone/speaker support now an added function on the latest 1.4 firmware)
    • USB-C port
    • 5000mAh battery
    • Linux operating system

Factory Direct Collected Store via AliExpress also has TrimUI Smart Pro Retro Emulation Handheld (various colors) on sale from $41.76 when you apply promo code ETA9 or OZTALKS9 during checkout valid for Existing Customers Only. Shipping is free.

Editor's Notes

Written by SaltyOne | Staff
  • This price for the R36S is ~$5.20 Lower than our recent Frontpage Deal.
  • Offer valid for a limited time only / while supplies last.
  • Please see the original post for additional details & refer to the forum thread for discussion.

Original Post

Written by RevOne | Staff
Community Notes
About the Poster
Deal Details
Community Notes
About the Poster
Cutesliving Store via AliExpress has select Retro Emulation Handhelds on sale below when you apply promo code ETA9 or OZTALKS9 during checkout valid for Existing Customers Only. Shipping is free.

Thanks to Deal Editor RevOne for sharing this deal.

Available (prices below are after code ETA9 or OZTALKS9):
  • R36S w/ 64GB microSD Card from $21.61
    • 3.5" 640x480 IPS display
    • Rockchip RK3326 chipset
    • 1GB DDR3 RAM
    • Dual joysticks
    • 3200mAh removable battery
    • 2x USB-C ports
    • 2x microSD card slots
    • 3.5mm headphone jack
    • Linux operating system (ArkOS)
    • No WiFi / Bluetooth
  • Anbernic RG35XX H w/ 64GB microSD Card + 128GB microSD Card from $37.90 -> now $36.90
    • 3.5" 640x480 IPS display
    • Allwinner H700 chipset
    • 1GB DDR4 RAM
    • Dual joysticks
    • 2x micro SD card slots
    • 2x USB-C ports
    • Mini HDMI port (for output to TV/monitor)
    • 802.11ac WiFi 5 |Bluetooth 4.2
      • (for connecting Bluetooth controllers only, does not support Bluetooth audio)
    • 3300mAh battery
  • TrimUI Smart Pro from $42.57
    • 4.96" 1280x720 IPS HD display
    • Allwinner A133Plus processor
    • 1GB DDR4 RAM
    • 8GB built-in storage (for the firmware)
    • Dual joysticks w/ RGB LED lighting
    • microSD card slot (for the games)
    • Stereo speakers
    • 3.5mm headphone jack
    • 2.4GHz WiFi / Bluetooth
      • (w/ Bluetooth headphone/speaker support now an added function on the latest 1.4 firmware)
    • USB-C port
    • 5000mAh battery
    • Linux operating system

Factory Direct Collected Store via AliExpress also has TrimUI Smart Pro Retro Emulation Handheld (various colors) on sale from $41.76 when you apply promo code ETA9 or OZTALKS9 during checkout valid for Existing Customers Only. Shipping is free.

Editor's Notes

Written by SaltyOne | Staff
  • This price for the R36S is ~$5.20 Lower than our recent Frontpage Deal.
  • Offer valid for a limited time only / while supplies last.
  • Please see the original post for additional details & refer to the forum thread for discussion.

Original Post

Written by RevOne | Staff

Community Voting

Deal Score
+78
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Top Comments

RevOne
20911 Posts
34217 Reputation
Check the pinned comment on Russ' video, in case you hadn't gotten the chance to see it yet. He added an update later because the TrimUI Smart Pro has a switch located on the bottom-left of the device that toggled Power-Saving mode on/off. He happened to have his turned on during testing, which impacted his review.

In the new 1.0.4 firmware update (can be downloaded from either TrimUI's site directly but it's slow or from GitHub, which is faster), the switch isn't set up to control Power-Saving mode by default. You can actually go into a dedicated app called "FNkey settings" and assign a different function to it like CPU Performance mode or set it to toggle the RGB lights on the joysticks on/off, etc..
TechDweeb mentions the switch (and how having Power-Savimg mode toggled on impacts performance on the higher end) in his review of this device.

This individual (below) uploaded a video with the latest 1.0.4 update applied and showed what settings he uses for PSP, as well as showcases a number of games (some work better than others). It doesn't have the horsepower to run every single game from the PSP library, but the video highlights a few examples of how certain titles ran after a bit of tweaking with a few settings in the PSP emulator app (PPSSPP):
https://youtu.be/PKljx1EGJDo?si=MtIXRCVkHBzHanpl

I think for (mostly, with some exceptions) no-compromise PSP emulation with the ability to even upscale some games, the T618 chipset devices (RG505, RG405V, Retroid Pocket 3+, etc.) are probably a safer bet. But if you're someone who already owns a TrimUI Smart Pro, applying the 1.0.4 update and using the settings in that video above can help to get the most that's possible out of that device (when it comes to running PSP on that particular hardware). For anyone that may apply to, just be sure to check the settings for what firmware version your unit is on when it arrives; in the event they may be manufacturing them with the latest firmware already installed.
RevOne
20911 Posts
34217 Reputation
Hi sarcasmogratis ๐Ÿ˜ŠยŠ If I may, I can't speak for anyone else on SD (staff or non-staff), but I think I can probably help clear up a bit why it is that I personally have been posting Cutesliving Store in the frequency with which I have in recent months.

In this particular case, the main store (AliExpress) is hosting a sitewide (what they're calling) "Summer Sale" that's running from 6/17 through tonight at 12am PT.
When it comes to AliExpress, I only post this specific category of products (retro handhelds) from their website; mostly because it's one of the places in the retro handheld scene where people can usually find the lowest prices.
Given the Summer Sale has so many of these items at a decent discount even before coupons are factored in, I try to find the lowest possible price I can, but - as SD staff - that isn't the only factor I take under consideration.

I try to find the balance between limiting what I post to certain parameters:
- the store(s) that have the lowest price
- have at least a 95% (or higher) customer feedback rating
- have been open for at least a few years
- Are AliExpress "Choice" offers (AliExpress fulfills the order, kind of like third-party seller goods that are marked "Fulfilled by Amazon" on Amazon). I allow one exception for something not being a Choice offer: if it's the manufacturer's official AliExpress storefront (Powkiddy for instance doesn't do "Choice" offers, they ship direct to the customer themselves).
- Finally, is not a store with the naming scheme "Shop" or "Store" followed by a bunch of random numbers. These are not always, but at times in the past have been, associated with potential scams (the seller ships something that isn't the item your ordered).

If the store meets that criteria, it's fair game to me (no loyalty to keeping it limited to Cutesliving Store whatsoever). For example, I've come across another store in the past day named "Factory Direct Collected Store" that appears to have prices on these that rival Cutesliving's and falls into the criteria outlined above, so I'll likely start posting them as well.

Since Cutesliving Store had already been posted on SD prior to when I began posting them and people seem to have reported mostly positive results with them, if I see another store that is a Choice offer and has the same/close price to Cutesliving Store but has a lower customer feedback rating, I'll go with posting Cutesliving.
But I'll also post from other stores on AliExpress that sell these; like Anbernic Official Store, Powkiddy Official Store, Anbernic Direct Store, and so on. Whoever has the best price but also isn't a seller with like a sub-94% feedback rating or other factor that gives me pause. Since these ship from overseas, and even Cutesliving Store isn't perfect, I just try to play it as safe as possible with what I post from AliExpress.

It just ends up working out that Cutesliving Store has had a strong showing during this particular (and other recent) sale(s). And since not all the sellers on AliExpress carry these devices, that limits the range of stores that it's possible to post offers for them from. Sometimes, a seller might have good ratings and the base price comes out to less than Cutesliving's, but they're not a Choice offer and charge a shipping cost that effectively "kills" the deal / puts their price above.
In addition, the current $9 off $30 / $25 off $100 coupons are atypical/outliers in that they're higher discounts than the typical coupons from AliExpress ~and~ (for once) aren't limited to new customers only, which isn't all that common.

Thanks for hearing me out. Hope this helps (it's not that SD is/I am "promoting" the seller - I'd like to reassure folks that I am not working with them or AliExpress in any way). Simply posting because of the sales events/stacking coupons based on the criteria above. I've also posted these retro handhelds from Anbernic via eBay, Geekbuying, Powkiddy's official website, etc. These devices are actually a personal hobby of mine ๐Ÿ˜Š I post a range of other things as well; but I'd say video games in general are at the top of the list.
xxswishxx
1689 Posts
193 Reputation
The TrimUI Smart pro has the biggest screen ...4.96" 1280x720 IPS HD display

181 Comments

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Jun 24, 2024 04:56 PM
563 Posts
Joined Aug 2012
sinkingfeelingJun 24, 2024 04:56 PM
563 Posts
Quote from JonK1303 :
I'm pretty sure any brand SD card will work as long as it's formatted FAT32.
Nope, lots of people have had issues with SanDisk. These cheap Chinese handhelds are not always good about compatibility when it comes to SD cards
Jun 24, 2024 04:57 PM
563 Posts
Joined Aug 2012
sinkingfeelingJun 24, 2024 04:57 PM
563 Posts
Quote from MerryPanther3999 :
Has anyone done returns on aliexpress? I ordered the $28 deal from last week it is still in shipment and they won't credit me. I will just order this and return the old one
You have to wait for 65 days before you can apply for a refund generally if it's something you didn't receive. for something you did, just create a return and then you wait until they receive it after you ship it back. honestly not worth the trouble or risk unless you receive a defective product
Last edited by sinkingfeeling June 24, 2024 at 09:59 AM.
Jun 24, 2024 09:21 PM
774 Posts
Joined Jul 2013
JungleJunkieJun 24, 2024 09:21 PM
774 Posts
Quote from sinkingfeeling :
Nope, lots of people have had issues with SanDisk. These cheap Chinese handhelds are not always good about compatibility when it comes to SD cards
I guess I'll find out. I bought the TrimUI Smart Pro and a Sandisk SD card.
Jun 24, 2024 09:57 PM
563 Posts
Joined Aug 2012
sinkingfeelingJun 24, 2024 09:57 PM
563 Posts
Quote from JonK1303 :
I guess I'll find out. I bought the TrimUI Smart Pro and a Sandisk SD card.
Oh, not sure about SanDisk and TSP. I'm talking about r36s specifically that has issues with SanDisk.
Original Poster
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Jun 25, 2024 12:18 AM
20,911 Posts
Joined Jul 2013
RevOneJun 25, 2024 12:18 AM
Original Poster
Pro
Deal Editor
20,911 Posts
Quote from sinkingfeeling :
Oh, not sure about SanDisk and TSP. I'm talking about r36s specifically that has issues with SanDisk.
Add me to the list of fokks who had trouble getting SanDisk cards to work with the R36S ๐Ÿ˜Ÿ I ended up using a Samsung EVO after failing to get two SanDisk cards to work.

I can't speak to compatibility with the TrimUI Smart Pro, however. I ended using TeamGroup card with that one.
Jun 25, 2024 01:24 AM
774 Posts
Joined Jul 2013
JungleJunkieJun 25, 2024 01:24 AM
774 Posts
Quote from RevOne :
Add me to the list of fokks who had trouble getting SanDisk cards to work with the R36S ๐Ÿ˜Ÿ I ended up using a Samsung EVO after failing to get two SanDisk cards to work.

I can't speak to compatibility with the TrimUI Smart Pro, however. I ended using TeamGroup card with that one.
I've read multiple walkthroughs that indicated that the TSP is compatible with Sandisk cards, so I'm pretty sure I'll be good to go. ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿป
Jun 25, 2024 02:28 AM
36 Posts
Joined May 2024
FaithfulFlower6743Jun 25, 2024 02:28 AM
36 Posts
My Trimui came damaged and aliexpress customer support is super frustrating. They're unwilling to give a partial refund or an equivalent exchange. My only options are to either keep the item or return it. Given that the sale is over and prices are much higher right now, I much rather have an exchange or a partial refund but they're unwilling to budge.

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Jun 25, 2024 02:53 AM
2,039 Posts
Joined Jan 2004
romodomeJun 25, 2024 02:53 AM
2,039 Posts
Quote from FaithfulFlower6743 :
My Trimui came damaged and aliexpress customer support is super frustrating. They're unwilling to give a partial refund or an equivalent exchange. My only options are to either keep the item or return it. Given that the sale is over and prices are much higher right now, I much rather have an exchange or a partial refund but they're unwilling to budge.
What is the damage?
Jun 25, 2024 03:03 AM
36 Posts
Joined May 2024
FaithfulFlower6743Jun 25, 2024 03:03 AM
36 Posts
Quote from romodome :
What is the damage?
Left analog stick, the top wasn't properly glued on so it has an uneven feeling. Better than the SF2000 that arrived today which had a screen that looks like someone's cat scratched it. R36S is the only one that came in good condition.
Jun 25, 2024 03:32 AM
2,039 Posts
Joined Jan 2004
romodomeJun 25, 2024 03:32 AM
2,039 Posts
Quote from FaithfulFlower6743 :
Left analog stick, the top wasn't properly glued on so it has an uneven feeling. Better than the SF2000 that arrived today which had a screen that looks like someone's cat scratched it. R36S is the only one that came in good condition.
Damn, that sucks. I would return based on that. Don't se show a partial refund would help. Hopefully mine come in fine.
Jun 25, 2024 04:32 AM
389 Posts
Joined May 2007
xchricJun 25, 2024 04:32 AM
389 Posts
I ordered 2 RG35xx during the same promotion period from and today I received two lightbulbs in the package instead. The packaging plastic wrap has RG35xx label on it.

I noticed the weight didn't feel right so I started to record video while I was opening the package. Requested return and refund and I received a label to ship the two lightbulbs back.

I bought them for my two boys and they have been waiting for them and now I feel so bad seeing their disappointed faces. It is not just about wasting time.

This is the first time I got scam like this. I placed 50+ order from Aliexpress so far and they were good until this one.
Last edited by xchric June 25, 2024 at 05:37 AM.
1
Jun 25, 2024 04:57 AM
2,039 Posts
Joined Jan 2004
romodomeJun 25, 2024 04:57 AM
2,039 Posts
Quote from xchric :
I ordered 2 RG35xx during the same promotion period from Cutesliving Store via AliExpress and today I received two lightbulbs in the package instead. The packaging plastic wrap has RG35xx label on it.

I noticed the weight didn't feel right so I started to record video while I was opening the package. Requested return and refund and I received a label to ship the two lightbulbs back.

I bought them for my two boys and they have been waiting for them and now I feel so bad seeing their disappointed faces. It is not just about wasting time.

This is the first time I got scam like this. I placed 50+ order from Aliexpress so far and they were good until this one.
Oh damn. Hopefully it's a blip and not the norm. Prices seemed low. What is the saying. If it's too good to be trueโ€ฆare you sure on the vendor. The OP said they are legit and a lot of people vouched for them in the thread.
Jun 25, 2024 07:02 AM
109 Posts
Joined Dec 2019
StrongCaption298Jun 25, 2024 07:02 AM
109 Posts
Quote from romodome :
Thanks. Got one of each and used the $25 coupon. Just need to find some good microsd cards
Damn at these prices... well at least get 2 of the anbernics... then agian I'm sure they will just keep getting cheaper. I mean wtf you can use these devices as full blown consoles as well very impressive.
Jun 25, 2024 07:10 AM
109 Posts
Joined Dec 2019
StrongCaption298Jun 25, 2024 07:10 AM
109 Posts
Quote from elite-fusion :
Can this thing do something\anything that a switch cant?
Well first of all at this price range and size what these devices can do is impressive but if you got a Switch that's jailbroken and with proper custom firmware you can run everything these devices can plus more it's just a more powerful device... but its bigger and not as portable and if you where to give this to a kid instead of a switch and he ended up braking it at these prices it's nowhere near as a big deal.

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Jun 25, 2024 07:12 AM
109 Posts
Joined Dec 2019
StrongCaption298Jun 25, 2024 07:12 AM
109 Posts
Quote from bsheff :
I trust my citi card to dispute better than PayPal any day. PayPal left me hanging on a $800 GPU I got scammed on when they were nearly impossible to find. My Citi card ended up covering me and disputing it with no problems.
Yeah what I do is use my credit card to pay through paypal... double indemnity Stick Out Tongue

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