How to Use R36S: Step-by-Step Guide
The R36S Retro Console is a portable ticket to gaming’s past, featuring thousands of games ranging from arcade classics like
Street Fighter II (Capcom CPS1) to epic adventures like Final Fantasy VII (PlayStation). With support for legendary platforms like the NES, SNES, Neo Geo, and PSP, this compact console is a retro fan’s paradise. If it’s your first time using an emulator, it may seem like a challenge, but this ( How to Use R36S ) step-by-step guide will take you from opening the box to enjoying Sonic the Hedgehog (Sega Mega Drive) or Pokémon Emerald (Game Boy Advance) in minutes. With clear instructions, a table of compatible emulators, and practical tips, you’ll be mastering your R36S like an expert, no matter your technical expertise.
What Do You Need to Get Started? (
How to Use R36S )
Before diving into the R36S’s vast library, which includes systems like Nintendo 64 and Dreamcast, ensure you have the essentials:
R36S Console: Includes a microSD card loaded with games for platforms like MAME, PC Engine, and more, sometimes with a protective case.
USB-C Cable: For charging the 3500mAh battery.
USB Charger: Use a standard charger (5V/2A); avoid fast chargers to protect the device.
Headphones (optional): The built-in speaker is functional, but headphones enhance soundtracks like Chrono Trigger (SNES) or Metal Slug (Neo Geo).
Spare microSD Card (optional): A reliable 64GB or 128GB card (SanDisk, Samsung) is ideal for adding PSP or Nintendo DS ROMs.
Computer (optional): Useful for managing Game Gear ROMs or updating firmware to optimize Capcom CPS3.
With these ready, it’s time to unlock the retro potential of your R36S!
Step 1: Unbox and Charge the Console (How to Use R36S )
Opening your R36S box reveals a world of classics from platforms like PlayStation and TurboGrafx-16. Follow these initial steps:
- Check the contents: Ensure the console is in good condition and the microSD card, loaded with games from NES to PSP, is in its slot (usually on the bottom or side).
- Charge the battery: Connect the USB-C cable to the console and a USB charger. The indicator light (if present) will turn on. Charge for about 2 hours for 6–8 hours of playtime, ideal for sessions of The Legend of Zelda (NES) or Resident Evil (PlayStation).
- Power on the console: Hold the power button (typically on the top or side) for 2–3 seconds. The 3.5-inch IPS screen will light up, displaying the menu with access to systems like Capcom CPS2 and Nintendo DS.
Tip: Fully charge the battery before playing to avoid interrupting a Sonic Adventure (Dreamcast) session.
Step 2: Navigate the Main Menu ( How to Use R36S )
La R36S usa un sistema basado en Linux (como ArkOS o similar), con un menú intuitivo que organiza plataformas como SNES, Nintendo 64, y Neo Geo. Aquí te explicamos cómo moverte:
The R36S uses a Linux-based system (like ArkOS or similar) with an intuitive menu organizing platforms like SNES, Nintendo 64, and Neo Geo. Here’s how to move around:
- Initial interface: On startup, you’ll see options like “Emulators,” “Games,” “Favorites,” and “Settings.” Use the D-pad or left joystick to navigate.
- Select a platform: Choose a system, like “MAME” for arcades or “Game Boy Advance” for Metroid: Zero Mission, by pressing “A” (the rightmost of the four face buttons). This opens the game list.
- Basic controls:
- D-pad/Joystick: Moves the cursor.
- A: Selects/Confirms.
- B: Cancels/Goes back.
- Start/Select: Opens in-game menus for saving or exiting.
- L1/R1: Switches between platforms or pages.
Tip: Spend a few minutes exploring the menu. Each emulator, like RetroArch for Game Boy Color or Final Burn Alpha for Capcom CPS1, follows similar logic, but systems like PSP may have unique tweaks.
Step 3: Choose and Play a Game ( How to Use R36S )
Con hasta 20,000 juegos en modelos de 128GB, la R36S ofrece clásicos de Capcom CPS3, Sega Mega Drive, y más. Aquí te mWith up to 20,000 games on 128GB models, the R36S offers classics from Capcom CPS3, Sega Mega Drive, and more. Here’s how to start:
- Select a platform: Pick, for example, “NES” for Super Mario Bros. or “PlayStation” for Metal Gear Solid.
- Find a game: Scroll through the alphabetical list with the D-pad. Some menus include search—press “Select” or check the manual.
- Launch the game: Highlight a title, like Street Fighter III (Capcom CPS3), and press “A”. The game loads quickly.
- In-game controls: Emulators assign buttons automatically:
- NES/Game Boy: A/B for jumping or shooting.
- SNES/GBA: X/Y for extra actions.
- PS1/PSP: Joysticks for movement, X/Square for actions.
Tip: Try games from various platforms. R-Type (PC Engine) is great for quick action, while Chrono Trigger (SNES) invites deep immersion.
Step 4: Use Advanced Features
La R36S mejora la expeThe R36S enhances the retro experience with tools for systems like Nintendo DS or Neo Geo:
- Save States: Save at any moment, ideal for Final Fantasy (PlayStation):
- Press “Start + Select” (or the emulator’s combo) to open the menu.
- Select “Save State” and pick a slot (1–4). Use “Load State” to resume.
- Rewind: Lost a life in Castlevania (NES)? Rewind:
- Hold “L1” or enable the option in the emulator menu.
- Favorites: Mark games like Sonic Chaos (Game Gear) for quick access:
- Highlight the title, press “Select,” and add to “Favorites.”
- Screen Adjustments: Optimize N64 or PSP games:
- Adjust “Aspect Ratio” in the menu for systems like TurboGrafx-16.
Tip: Use save states for long games like Pokémon Black (Nintendo DS) to progress stress-free.
Step 5: Customize Controls and Settings
Si los controles para CapcomIf controls for Capcom CPS2 or Sega Game Gear feel off, tweak them:
- Access the emulator menu: Press “Start + Select” during a game.
- Configure controls:
- Go to “Settings” > “Input” > “Port 1 Controls.”
- Map buttons (e.g., make “X” the attack in The King of Fighters on Neo Geo).
- Optimize graphics: For systems like N64 or PSP:
- In “Settings” > “Video,” lower resolution or enable “Bilinear Filtering” for games like GoldenEye 007 (N64).
- Save changes: Select “Save Configuration.”
Tip: Set up joysticks for PS1 or PSP games, like Crisis Core, for precise control.
Step 6: Add Your Own Games
Amplía la biblioteca con ROMs para cualquier Expand the library with ROMs for any supported system:
- Prepare a microSD card:
- Use a 64GB or 128GB card, formatted in FAT32 or exFAT.
- Obtain legal ROMs:
- Only use ROMs for games you own or from legitimate sources (like homebrew for PC Engine).
- Organize into folders (“NES,” “Capcom CPS1,” “PS1,” etc.).
- Transfer ROMs:
- Insert the microSD into your computer.
- Copy folders to the root or “ROMS” directory (check the manual).
- Load games:
- Insert the card, power on, and select “Scan Directory” in the emulator (e.g., “Game Boy” for .gb files).
Tip: Use short names for ROMs (e.g., “Zelda.sfc” for SNES) to avoid issues.
Step 7: Update Firmware (Optional)
The R36S uses emulators to run its platforms. Here are the most common ones included:
Platform | Main Emulator | Notes |
Capcom CPS1 | Final Burn Alpha (FBA) | Ideal for arcades like Street Fighter II. |
Capcom CPS2 | Final Burn Alpha (FBA) | Supports Marvel vs. Capcom with high accuracy. |
Capcom CPS3 | Final Burn Alpha (FBA) | Street Fighter III may need tweaks for smoothness. |
MAME (Arcade) | MAME | Perfect for Metal Slug and Pac-Man. |
NES | Nestopia / FCEUX | Great for Super Mario Bros. and Zelda. |
SNES / Super Famicom | Snes9x | Chrono Trigger and Super Metroid run smoothly. |
Nintendo 64 | Mupen64Plus | Ocarina of Time may need tweaks for better performance. |
Nintendo DS | Drastic / DeSmuME | Mario Kart DS works well; dual screens adapt to R36S. |
PC Engine / TurboGrafx-16 | Mednafen PCE | R-Type and Bonk’s Adventure with high fidelity. |
Game Boy | Gambatte | Pokémon Yellow with vibrant colors. |
Game Boy Color | Gambatte | Link’s Awakening DX runs flawlessly. |
Game Boy Advance | mGBA | Pokémon Emerald and Metroid: Zero Mission with excellent performance. |
Sega Mega Drive / Genesis | Genesis Plus GX | Sonic 2 and Streets of Rage run smoothly. |
Sega Game Gear | Genesis Plus GX | Sonic Chaos with vivid color support. |
Sega Dreamcast | Flycast | Sonic Adventure can be demanding; adjust settings. |
Neo Geo | Final Burn Neo | Metal Slug 3 and King of Fighters with great quality. |
PlayStation (PS1) | PCSX-ReARMed | Final Fantasy VII and Metal Gear Solid with solid performance. |
PSP | PPSSPP | God of War: Chains of Olympus may need tweaks for smoothness. |
Note: Emulators may vary by firmware (ArkOS, AmberElec, etc.). Check the settings menu for details.es.
Table of Basic Controls
Quick reference for standard controls:
Button | General Function | System Example |
D-pad / Joystick | Move cursor/character | Run in Sonic (Mega Drive) |
A | Confirm/Main action | Jump in Super Mario (NES) |
B | Cancel/Secondary action | Shoot in Metal Slug (Neo Geo) |
X / Y | Additional actions | Cast magic in Final Fantasy (SNES) |
Start | Menu/pause | Pause in Resident Evil (PS1) |
Select | Secondary options | Switch weapon in R-Type (PC Engine) |
L1 / R1 | Switch pages/functions | Rotate in GoldenEye (N64) |
Start + Select | Emulator menu | Save in Pokémon (GBA) |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Minor issues may arise with systems like PSP or MAME:
- Game won’t load: Check the microSD. Use a quality card if errors occur.
- Lag on N64/PSP: Adjust resolution in emulators like Mupen64Plus or PPSSPP.
- Controls not working: Reassign in “Settings” > “Input” or restart.
- Battery not charging: Try another USB-C cable or 5V/2A charger.
Tip: Forums like r/R36S offer fixes for emulators like Flycast (Dreamcast) or Final Burn Alpha (CPS3).es para emuladores como Flycast (Dreamcast) o Final Burn Alpha (CPS3).
Where to Get More Help
Resources for setting up emulators and more:
Resource | Details | Link |
R36S.co.uk | Manual and basic support | consolar36s.net |
Retrohandhelds.de | Emulator and firmware guides | consolar36s.net |
R36SHandheld.com | Tutorials for configuring systems | consolar36s.net |
r/R36S Forum (Reddit) | Community Tips | reddit.com/r/R36S |
Contact the seller for specific questions.

Your Gateway to Retro Gaming
With this guide, you’re ready to master the R36S and its library, from Street Fighter (Capcom CPS1) to Mario Kart DS (Nintendo DS). With emulators like mGBA for Game Boy Advance and PCSX-ReARMed for PlayStation, customizing controls and adding ROMs is a breeze. For $30–$90, this console connects you to classics from NES, Sega Mega Drive, Neo Geo, and more, all in a portable package.
Power on your R36S, pick an SNES or PSP game, and dive into nostalgia. What will be your first classic? Share it in the comments and join the retro adventure!