As someone who was around when most of these games we’re emulating were originally released, I find myself drawn more to the devices that are doing more-with-less than I am to the next technological behemoth. When I first tried the Game Console R36S, I was blown away by how something this capable could be had for so little money. My childhood was reborn in one conveniently low-priced portable cloned package.
Game Master XGB36
Ever since its release, I’ve been chasing after what could be the next diamond in the rough. For now, though, it appears that the demand for that diamond has just spawned a cottage industry of clones. The XGB36 from Game Master is one of the latest, and while it’s certainly no diamond, I’d give it marks as a decent enough cubic zirconia. It’s another knockoff, but it plays the part well.
Game Master XGB36: Specs
Specs are in Spanglish?
I’m going to list these specs as they appear on the box, but without a full teardown, I can’t verify some of them as listed here as the system information has been conveniently edited to remove details like the CPU model.
- OS: Linux EE ES 4.7
- CPU: RK3326a+ (I don’t know whether the a+ is meant to convey a newer model, overclocking, or is just added BS)
- GPU: Mali-G31MP2(520mhz)
- RAM: 1GB of DDR3L
- Display: 3.5″ IPS Screen @ 640×480
- Battery: 3550MAH
- Other: Single Switch-style Analog Stick w/ accent LED. Removable battery compartment
Positives
An up-close controls comparison (Left: R36S; Right: XGB36)
It’s becoming increasingly difficult to find things to say about yet another RK3326 device. The listed “a+” at the end of the processor spec is likely down to marketing, as I was unable to find any information about a variant of that name. It may have been overclocked, but that hasn’t been reflected in the OS. Having said that though, I did notice a slight uptick in playability on PSP titles.
It certainly wouldn’t be my first choice, but GTA: Vice City Stories was entirely playable if you’re willing to deal with some frame skips. Everything else was in line with what we’ve come to expect from this chipset. While it might not be very interesting or exciting for someone who is up close to the hobby, it’s worth remembering that this is still a great chipset option for a lot of experiences, and the devs seem to have it dialed in at this point.
The reason I picked this clone up was almost entirely because I like the shade of blue/purple on offer. The hardware design is slightly more squared off around the corners when sat next to the 36S, but is otherwise pretty close to a direct body copy of the Anbernic 40XXV, despite the internal differences. The plastic on the body does a better-than-expected job of hiding smudges and palm grease and is plenty comfortable in the hand.
Controls are entirely solid, and I think the face buttons are a definite upgrade from those on the original R36S. The D-pad is similar but lacks the center divot found on the Game Console device. The argument for the need to have dual sticks on a device like this isn’t very strong, and as such I think the one offered here serves its purpose just fine. What is lost in a second stick is gained in a front-firing speaker which was never an issue for my thumb. Nothing that’s going to set the world on fire, but is entirely serviceable at the end of the day.
Gripes
A custom OS image and a mystery CPU
I haven’t been able to figure out where to adjust the analog stick LED, so while navigating the menus it flashes and cycles between colors and can be very distracting. In gameplay, it seems to stay a solid color, so that has been less of a concern. I’m sure there’s a control function buried in the menus somewhere, but it’s still a minor annoyance.
Speaking of annoyances, the triggers on the XGB36 are as obnoxiously loud as they have ever been, and I was left with the sense that they surely could have made a slight effort to rectify them in both feel and sounds, but alas it was not meant to be. If you are looking for this device to smooth out that little speed bump, you’ll have to keep waiting.
Conclusions
LTR: The R36S, XGB36, and K36S
Unless you’ve never had an RK3326 device or just happen to really like this form factor, I can’t really think of a reason to recommend the XGB36. The Anbernic 40XXV is an obvious choice over this device if you like the design style. So who is it for, then? That’s where things are starting to get muddy. The XGB36 does what it advertises at a decent price (I paid $38 on the 11:11 sale) and does it well. It’s not a bad device at all. It’s just that it’s a copy of other devices we’ve already seen over and over again.
While the XGB36 might not be the ideal daily driver for hardcore gamers, it’s still a solid value. Casual gamers and kids will find plenty to enjoy, while degenerate collectors like me can appreciate its unique blue/purple color scheme up on the shelf.
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