TOP 10 MUST-PLAY GAMES
You've got the handheld. Now what do you actually play on it? These are the titles that make the RK3326 chip sing — tested, verified, and running at full speed on the R36S and K36.
The RK3326 is the chip inside the R36S, K36, and a handful of other budget handhelds that have taken the retro gaming world by storm. It handles 8-bit and 16-bit systems without breaking a sweat — but its real sweet spot goes a lot further than Mario and Sonic.
This list is built for the player who just got their first handheld and wants to know what to actually put on it. We're covering PS1 classics that run at locked 60fps, arcade titles that the K36 absolutely destroys via Final Burn Neo, and a handful of PortMaster ports — yes, full PC indie games — that run natively on the R36S and completely change what you thought a $40 device could do.
Why PS1 is the sweet spot: The RK3326 runs PlayStation 1 games through PCSX-ReARMed, an ARM-optimized emulator that achieves full speed on virtually every PS1 title. No overclocking, no frame skipping — just native performance. You get the full library of one of gaming's greatest eras in your pocket.
If there's one PS1 game that belongs on every handheld, it's this one. SOTN is practically designed for portable play — short exploration sessions, satisfying progression, and a baroque gothic world that holds up completely. The RK3326 renders it perfectly: stable 60fps, no audio issues, instant save states for quick sessions on the go.
The benchmark for PS1 3D performance and a stone-cold classic. THPS2 runs flawlessly — all levels, all music, all tricks. This is one of the first games to hand to anyone skeptical about what a budget handheld can do. Five minutes in and they'll understand. The two-minute run format is perfect for handheld sessions.
One of the most visually impressive PS1 RPGs, and a genuine test of the emulator. Chrono Cross runs beautifully on the RK3326 — pre-rendered backgrounds, smooth battle transitions, and the full 70+ hour experience. For JRPG players, this is the dream: a massive game that saves anywhere and fits in a pocket.
The definitive PS1 fighting game, and one of the best demonstrations of what this chip can do. Tekken 3 runs at a locked 60fps with zero dips — every combo, every cinematic, every victory screen flawless. Show this to anyone who says budget handhelds "can't do 3D" and watch the conversation end immediately.
Why the K36 excels at arcade: Final Burn Neo (FBNeo) is a lightweight, highly optimized arcade emulator that the RK3326 handles with headroom to spare. The K36's default EmuELEC setup actually comes pre-configured for FBNeo, making arcade one of the strongest use cases for this device right out of the box. CPS1, CPS2, Neo Geo — all at full speed.
Widely considered the greatest 2D fighting game ever made. 3rd Strike runs perfectly on FBNeo — every frame of animation, every parry window, the iconic jazz-funk soundtrack intact. The depth of this game is essentially infinite; it rewards hundreds of hours of play. A must-have for any fighting game fan.
The pinnacle of run-and-gun action and one of the best-looking 2D games ever created. Metal Slug 3 on FBNeo is reference-perfect — the sprite animation, the chaos, the branching level paths. On a handheld screen the pixel art looks absolutely gorgeous. Short enough to finish in a sitting, deep enough to replay for years.
The best beat-em-up ever made, and one of the most underrated games in arcade history. Shadow over Mystara runs flawlessly on FBNeo with full 4-player support. Multiple character classes, branching paths, loot, spells — this is essentially a full RPG in arcade form. Most people have never played it. They should.
What is PortMaster?
PortMaster is a community-built tool that runs natively on ArkOS (and some EmuELEC builds) and lets you install full PC indie games directly on your handheld. These are not emulated — they're native Linux ports of games that have been adapted specifically for ARM hardware like the RK3326.
Many of these games are completely free. Some require you to own the original game files (which you likely already do if you bought them on Steam). The result is a library of modern indie classics that feel purpose-built for handheld play.
To install: In ArkOS, navigate to PortMaster from the main menu, browse the catalog, and install with one button. It's that simple.
R36S advantage: PortMaster works best on ArkOS, which ships as the default OS on the R36S. If you're on a K36 with EmuELEC, flash ArkOS first then enjoy the full PortMaster library.
The most-installed PortMaster title by a wide margin, and for good reason. Stardew Valley runs natively on the R36S at full speed — the full game, every season, every character, every mine level. This is genuinely one of the best handheld gaming experiences you can have in 2024, on a device that costs $40. Requires the game files from your Steam purchase.
A precision platformer that was practically born for handheld play. Celeste runs via the open-source Everest engine on PortMaster — and a free, fully playable "Classic" version is available without purchasing anything. The full commercial version can be installed with your Steam files. Tight controls, a surprisingly emotional story, and some of the best level design in modern gaming.
The original "it runs DOOM" benchmark — except here, it runs beautifully. PortMaster installs DOOM via GZDOOM, a modern source port that adds widescreen support, high framerate rendering, and mod compatibility. The original IWADs are required, but free shareware versions work for the first episode. Then load up Brutal DOOM and lose the rest of your afternoon.
Quick Reference
All 10 games, their core, and performance rating at a glance.
| # | Game | Category | Core / Method | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Castlevania: Symphony of the Night | PS1 | PCSX-ReARMed | Full Speed |
| 02 | Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 | PS1 | PCSX-ReARMed | 60fps Locked |
| 03 | Chrono Cross | PS1 | PCSX-ReARMed | Full Speed |
| 04 | Tekken 3 | PS1 | PCSX-ReARMed | 60fps Locked |
| 05 | Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike | Arcade | Final Burn Neo | Full Speed |
| 06 | Metal Slug 3 | Arcade | Final Burn Neo | Full Speed |
| 07 | D&D: Shadow over Mystara | Arcade | Final Burn Neo | Full Speed |
| 08 | Stardew Valley | PortMaster | Native Port | Native Speed |
| 09 | Celeste | PortMaster | Everest Engine | Native Speed |
| 10 | DOOM + DOOM II | PortMaster | GZDoom | Native Speed |
READY TO PLAY?
Pick up an R36S or K36 and start building your library. Every game on this list is waiting for you.
Shop Handhelds →