Is 64GB Enough for the R36S Retro Handheld Game Console?

When considering a retro handheld gaming console like the R36S, one important factor to think about is storage. The R36S, like other emulation consoles, allows you to load and play games from various retro systems. The amount of storage you need depends on several factors, including the size of the games you want to play, the number of games you want to store, and your overall preferences.

Storage Needs for the R36S

The R36S typically comes with a microSD card for storage, and a 64GB card is a common option. But is 64GB enough? Let’s break it down.

1. Game Size:

Retro games typically take up a fraction of the storage compared to modern AAA titles. For example:

• NES, SNES, and Game Boy games: These games are quite small, typically ranging from a few KBs to a few MBs each. Even with hundreds of games, they won't take up much space.
• PlayStation 1 and PSP games: These tend to be larger, with PS1 games averaging 200MB to 700MB. PSP games can range from 500MB to 2GB. A single large game like Final Fantasy VII can take up more space, but even several PSP games should fit comfortably on a 64GB card.
• N64 and Dreamcast games: These are the largest of the retro systems supported by the R36S. N64 games average around 10MB to 100MB, while Dreamcast games can range from 400MB to 1GB or more. While you may need to be selective with the number of Dreamcast games you store, 64GB can still accommodate a good number.

2. Other Files:

Aside from games, the R36S may store other files, such as save data, emulation software, and custom ROMs. These files are generally small, but it’s worth considering that your total storage usage will increase over time.

Is 64GB Enough?

For casual retro gamers, 64GB should be more than enough. You can store hundreds of NES, SNES, and Game Boy games, as well as several PS1, PSP, and Dreamcast games. If you’re a more serious gamer and want to store a huge library of larger games, 64GB could start to feel limiting, especially if you're planning to download and store a large number of PSP or Dreamcast titles.

Fortunately, the R36S supports expandable storage, meaning you can easily swap out the microSD card for a higher-capacity one, such as 128GB or 256GB, if needed. This gives you the flexibility to store as many games as you like.

How to Maximize Your Storage:

1. Prioritize Your Favorite Games: Since the R36S supports many classic systems, you’ll want to focus on your top games and perhaps keep some others as backups on your computer or external storage.

2. Choose Compressed ROMs: Some ROMs are available in compressed formats, which can reduce file size. You can also find smaller versions of larger games that still provide a similar experience.

3. Regularly Backup Your Library: Since you can load custom ROMs onto the R36S, it’s a good idea to back up your game library regularly to prevent any loss of data.

Conclusion:

For most users, 64GB is sufficient for storing a large variety of retro games on the R36S. However, if you’re planning to play a vast library of PSP and Dreamcast titles, you might want to consider upgrading to a larger capacity microSD card. Regardless, the expandable storage option ensures that you have plenty of flexibility to suit your gaming needs.

For more information on microSD cards and how to optimize storage on the R36S, check out the official product page here.