This ultra-affordable Game Boy-style handheld just got an upgraded successor

Source: Android Authority

TL;DR

• Game Console’s R36 Max 2 has been teased with a larger 4.5‑inch 4:3 display and a new layout.
• The Game Boy‑style retro device keeps the same RK3326 chip as the original budget R36 Max.
• Pricing and availability haven’t been confirmed yet, but it’s expected to remain a low‑cost handheld.

Background

Game Boy‑style vertical handhelds are enjoying a resurgence. Premium Android machines such as the ANBERNIC RG 477V and the AYANEO Pocket VERT push serious performance in nostalgic shells, but they come with price tags of $200 or more. For those looking for a cheaper, Linux‑based option, a new device is on the horizon.

A post on X by Retro Gaming With Deadfred (via NotebookCheck) teased the Game Console R36 Max 2. The teaser highlighted several differences from the original R36 Max, including improved sticks and a larger display, while confirming that the device retains the Rockchip RK3326 chipset used in last year’s model.

Original R36 Max

The original R36 Max launched last year as a sub‑$40 vertical handheld. Its key specs were:

• 4‑inch IPS screen with a 1:1 aspect ratio (720 × 720 px)
• Rockchip RK3326 SoC (four Cortex‑A35 cores + Mali‑G31 GPU)
• Suitable for 8‑ or 16‑bit gaming and light emulation

R36 Max 2 Specifications

• Display: 4.5‑inch panel, 4:3 aspect ratio, 1,024 × 768 px resolution – a better fit for many classic systems.
• Controls: D‑pad and left joystick have swapped positions; the joystick is now an arcade‑style version.
• SoC: Same RK3322 6 chipset as the original, prioritizing cost and stability over raw performance.

What’s unchanged

Aside from the larger screen and control layout, the internal hardware remains the same. The RK3326 continues to be the go‑to chip for ultra‑budget retro consoles, offering sufficient power for low‑resolution gaming while keeping the device inexpensive.

Pricing and Availability

No official pricing or launch date has been announced. Given the original’s sub‑$40 price point, the R36 Max 2 is expected to stay in the low‑cost segment rather than compete with higher‑end vertical handhelds. Retail‑style images are already circulating, suggesting a release on typical marketplaces in the near future.