Short answer: to set up an R36S, flash a custom firmware such as ArkOS or DarkOS to a microSD card with an imaging tool (Win32 Disk Imager or balenaEtcher), expand the ROM partition, copy your legally-owned games into the matching system folders, then connect Wi-Fi in the network settings and add PortMaster for native game ports. Most units also work fine on the card they ship with — this guide is for upgrading and customising.
What you need
- A quality microSD card (Class 10 / U3, 64GB or larger)
- A microSD card reader and a computer
- An imaging tool — Win32 Disk Imager (Windows) or balenaEtcher (Windows/Mac)
- Your chosen firmware image — ArkOS or DarkOS are the popular choices
- Your own legally-owned game files
Step 1: Flash the firmware
Download your firmware image (ArkOS or DarkOS). Insert the microSD card, open your imaging tool, select the firmware image and the correct drive letter, and write it. Double-check the drive letter before writing — the tool erases whatever card you point it at. When it finishes, safely eject and reinsert the card.
Step 2: Expand the ROM partition
After the first boot, many firmwares offer an option to expand the games partition to fill the whole card, or resize it automatically. If yours does not, you can expand the ROM partition on a computer with a partition tool. This step is what lets you use the full capacity of a large card for games.
Step 3: Add your games
Power off, put the card back in your computer and open the ROMs partition. Copy each game into the folder that matches its system — SNES files into the SNES folder, Genesis into the Genesis folder, and so on. Use only games you legally own. Some systems need a BIOS file placed in the correct folder to run; check your firmware’s documentation for which systems require one.
Step 4: Connect Wi-Fi
Boot the device, open the Options or Network settings, enable Wi-Fi and select your network. Wi-Fi is not required to play offline, but it enables cover-art scraping, RetroAchievements on supported firmware, and downloading add-ons like PortMaster.
Step 5: Install PortMaster
PortMaster is a tool that installs native game “ports” — standalone games built to run directly on the handheld rather than through an emulator. With Wi-Fi connected, install PortMaster from your firmware’s tools or ports menu, open it, and download the ports you want. It dramatically expands what the device can play beyond emulation.
Troubleshooting
Card not booting? Re-flash the image and confirm you wrote to the right drive. Games not appearing? Check they are in the correct system folder and that the firmware has finished refreshing the games list. A system runs but games do not? It likely needs a BIOS file. Wi-Fi not connecting? Re-enter the password and confirm your device supports your network band.
Battery care and replacement
You do not need to replace the battery on a new handheld — these ship with a working lithium cell and no break-in procedure is required. Over years of use, capacity gradually falls, which shows up as shorter play sessions rather than a sudden failure. To slow that down, avoid leaving the device fully drained for long periods and do not leave it on charge permanently.
Some models use a removable, standard-format cell that you can swap yourself; others have an internal battery held in place with a connector and adhesive, which requires opening the shell. Check your specific model before ordering a replacement, and only attempt a swap if you are comfortable working inside the device — a puffed or swollen battery should be handled with care and never punctured.
Buying the right hardware
Setup is smoothest on genuine hardware with the RK3326 chip and 1GB of RAM — clones can behave unpredictably with custom firmware (see how to spot a fake R36S). For a larger screen and drift-resistant sticks, the R36 Max is an easy, well-reviewed choice.
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Choosing a model first? See our R36 Ultra vs R36S vs R36 Max guide.
Frequently asked questions
How do I flash ArkOS or DarkOS onto an R36S?
Download the firmware image, insert your microSD card, and use an imaging tool such as Win32 Disk Imager or balenaEtcher to write the image to the card. Select the correct drive letter carefully — the tool erases whatever card you point it at — then eject, reinsert, and boot the device.
How do I add my own games to the R36S?
Put the ROMs microSD card into a computer and copy each game into the folder matching its system (SNES games into the SNES folder, and so on). Use only games you legally own. Some systems also require a BIOS file placed in the correct folder to run.
How do I connect the R36S to Wi-Fi?
Open the Options or Network settings, enable Wi-Fi and select your network. Wi-Fi is not needed for offline play but enables cover-art scraping, RetroAchievements on supported firmware, and downloading add-ons like PortMaster.
What is PortMaster and do I need it?
PortMaster installs native game "ports" — standalone games built to run directly on the handheld instead of through an emulator. It is optional, but it greatly expands what the device can play. Install it from your firmware's tools menu once Wi-Fi is connected.
Do I have to change the battery on my R36S?
No. A new handheld ships with a working lithium battery and needs no break-in or immediate replacement. Capacity declines gradually over years, showing up as shorter sessions rather than sudden failure. Avoid leaving it fully drained for long periods or permanently on charge.
Can I replace the battery myself?
It depends on the model. Some use a removable, standard-format cell you can swap easily; others have an internal battery secured with a connector and adhesive, requiring you to open the shell. Check your specific model first, and treat any swollen battery with care — never puncture it.
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