Kiumo, Boyhom & "Anbernic" R36H: Are They Different Consoles?
Search for the R36H and you'll find it sold under several brand names. The short answer: they're overwhelmingly the same device — but one of those names is being used incorrectly, and that's worth knowing.
Who Actually Makes the R36H?
The R36H — like the R36S it's derived from — is not the product of a single consumer electronics brand. It's produced by independent factories in Shenzhen and then distributed under a variety of seller labels. There is no central manufacturer website, no official warranty channel, and no controlled product line.
That sounds alarming but is completely normal for this category, and it's why the device is so cheap. It also explains the naming confusion covered below — and why bundle contents and advertised game counts differ so much between listings.
⚠️ Anbernic does not make the R36H
Anbernic is a real, established handheld manufacturer — but its products are the RG line (RG35XX, RG353, RG40XX and so on). The R36S and R36H are not Anbernic devices. "Anbernic R36H" is one of the most common searches for this console, and it reflects a widespread misconception rather than reality. If a listing prominently brands an R36H as Anbernic, treat that as a marketing liberty, not a spec.
If you actually want an Anbernic device, our R36H vs Anbernic RG35XX H comparison covers the real trade-offs.
The Seller Labels You'll See
| Name | What it is |
|---|---|
| Game Console | The brand name printed on the R36H and R36H Pro Max units that Retrohandhelds and Notebookcheck covered. It is the closest thing the R36H has to an origin brand. |
| Kiumo | A seller label applied to R36H units. Same reference hardware; the bundle and support are what you're actually choosing. |
| Boyhom | Another distributor label seen across R36-series devices, including the R36S. |
| Data Frog | A long-standing umbrella label used across many budget retro handhelds. |
| Generic / unbranded | Many listings carry no brand at all, or a randomised storefront name. This is not itself a red flag in this category. |
| "Anbernic" | Misattribution. Anbernic is a different company that does not make the R36H. |
Other Names You May See: R36 H, RG36H, R45H
Search results and listings also use spellings like “R36 H” or “RG36H”. Treat these as the same search, not as confirmed separate models. Check that the listing matches the R36H basics: a horizontal body, a 3.5-inch 640×480 screen, an RK3326 chip and two microSD slots. “R45H” refers to the R36H Pro Max, the larger 4.2-inch model. Inside the standard R36H, reviewers have found two board revisions, V20 and V21. See how to tell which R36H you have.
So What Actually Differs Between Listings?
Since the console itself is broadly consistent, these are the things genuinely worth comparing:
- Bundled microSD capacity and quality. The biggest real difference — and the bundled card is the most common failure point regardless of brand. Plan on replacing it.
- What's in the box. Case, screen protector, spare battery — varies by seller.
- Screen panel revision. Units ship with different panels, which matters when you flash custom firmware. See the screen fix guide.
- Seller reliability. Returns, response to defects and shipping speed are down to the seller, not the brand printed on the box. Recent reviews on the specific listing tell you more than the brand name does.
How to Choose a Listing
Ignore the brand name and evaluate the listing: recent review volume and sentiment, what's actually included, and whether the seller ships from a warehouse near you. The hardware you receive will be substantially the same either way, so you're really buying the seller's service quality.
Our take on whether the device itself is worth buying is in the R36H review, and the R36H wiki covers the full model-naming landscape including R36S, R36 Ultra and Pro Max variants.
See also: what it costs · where to buy · FAQ · all comparisons