How to Add Games to the R36S: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Choose a quality card: Generic cards included with the R36S can corrupt. Opt for a 32GB, 64GB, or 128GB microSD from a reputable brand.
2. Format the card:
   • Connect the card to your computer using an adapter or reader.
   • Use FAT32 (recommended for compatibility) or exFAT (for large files, like PSP games). On Windows, right-click the card, select “Format,” and choose FAT32. On macOS, use Disk Utility.
   • Warning: Formatting erases all data, so back up any important files.
3. Create a folder structure:
   • In the card’s root, create folders named for each platform (e.g., “NES,” “SNES,” “PS1,” “Capcom CPS1,” “Neo Geo”).
   • Some ArkOS versions use a “ROMS” folder for these subfolders. Check your R36S manual or system menu to confirm.

Tip: A 64GB card holds thousands of NES, SNES, or Game Boy games, but go for 128GB if you plan to add many PSP or Dreamcast titles, which take up more space.

Step 2: Obtain Legal ROMs

To add games, you need ROM files compatible with the R36S’s emulators (like Final Burn Alpha for Capcom CPS2 or mGBA for Game Boy Advance). Here’s how to do it right:

1. Extract ROMs from your games:
   • If you own NES, SNES cartridges, or PS1 discs, use a device like Retrode or a disc reader to create backups. This requires extra hardware and technical know-how.
2. Use legal sources:
   • Download free homebrew or demos for systems like PC Engine or Neo Geo from authorized sites.
   • Some communities offer legal fan translations for games on Super Famicom or Sega Mega Drive.
3. Verify formats:
   • Each platform uses specific extensions (e.g., .nes for NES, .iso for PS1). See the emulator table below for details.

Warning: Avoid pirated ROM sites. Besides being illegal, they may contain malware that can damage your microSD card or console. de ROMs piratas. Además de ser ilegal, pueden contener malware que daña tu tarjeta microSD o consola.

Step 3: Organize ROMs on the microSD Card

Con los RWith ROMs ready, organize them so the R36S recognizes them:

1. Connect the card to your computer: Use the adapter or card reader.
2. Copy the ROMs:
   • Place each file in the corresponding folder:
     • Super Mario Bros. (.nes) → “NES” folder
     • Sonic the Hedgehog (.md) → “Sega Mega Drive” folder
     • Final Fantasy VII (.iso) → “PS1” folder
     • Metal Slug (.zip) → “Neo Geo” folder
   • For arcade systems like Capcom CPS1, CPS2, or CPS3, use the “Arcade” or “MAME” folder if your firmware requires it.
3. Use clear names:
   • Keep file names short and avoid special characters (e.g., “Zelda.sfc” instead of “Zelda – A Link to the Past [USA].sfc”).
   • This prevents issues with emulators like Genesis Plus GX (Mega Drive) or PPSSPP (PSP).

Tip: Create a “Favorites” folder for your most-played ROMs, though you’ll need to add them to the R36S menu from the console (see Step 5).

Step 4: Transfer ROMs to the R36S

AhoNow, bring the games to your console:

1. Safely eject the card:
   • On Windows, right-click the card and select “Eject.” On macOS, drag the icon to the trash.
2. Insert the card into the R36S:
   • Locate the microSD slot (usually on the bottom or side).
   • Insert the card carefully until it clicks.
3. Power on the console: Hold the power button for 2–3 seconds. The 3.5-inch IPS screen will display the main menu.

Tip: If using the R36S’s original card, back it up to your computer before modifying it, in case you need to restore pre-installed games.

Step 5: Load and Play New Games

Una vez insOnce the card is inserted, make the R36S recognize your ROMs:

1. Access the main menu: Use the D-pad or joystick to navigate.
2. Select the platform:
   • Go to the corresponding emulator (e.g., “NES” for .nes, “Game Boy Advance” for .gba, “PlayStation” for .iso).
   • If you don’t see your games, select “Scan Directory” or “Refresh ROMs” (may be under “Options” or by pressing “Select”).
3. Choose a game:
   • Scroll through the updated list and highlight a title, like Pokémon Yellow (Game Boy) or Shenmue (Dreamcast).
   • Press “A” to start.
4. Add to Favorites (optional):
   • Highlight a game, press “Select,” and mark it as a favorite for quick access from the main menu.

Tip: If a game doesn’t load, check that the format is correct (e.g., .zip for MAME, .pbp for PSP) and it’s in the right folder.

Step 6: Optimize Performance (Optional)

AlgunSome systems, like Nintendo 64, PSP, or Dreamcast, may need tweaks to run smoothly:

1. Access the emulator menu: During a game, press “Start + Select” to open RetroArch, Final Burn Alpha, or another emulator.
2. Adjust settings:
   • For GoldenEye 007 (N64), lower resolution in “Settings” > “Video.”
   • For God of War (PSP), enable “Frame Skipping” in PPSSPP.
3. Try custom firmware:
   • Firmwares like AmberElec or ROCKNIX improve support for Capcom CPS3 or Nintendo DS. Find guides on retrohandhelds.de or r/R36S.
   • Warning: Updating firmware can be risky; follow instructions carefully.

Tip: NES, SNES, or Game Boy games usually run flawlessly, but systems like N64 or PSP benefit from optimized emulators like Mupen64Plus or PPSSPP.

Table of Emulators and Compatible Formats

The R36S uses specific emulators for each platform, each with compatible ROM formats. Here’s a reference

Platform	Main Emulator	ROM Formats	Notes
Capcom CPS1	Final Burn Alpha (FBA)	.zip	Street Fighter II uses compressed files.
Capcom CPS2	Final Burn Alpha (FBA)	.zip	Marvel vs. Capcom requires specific CPS2 ROMs.
Capcom CPS3	Final Burn Alpha (FBA)	.zip	Street Fighter III may need tweaks.
MAME (Arcade)	MAME	.zip	Metal Slug uses compatible MAME ROMs.
NES	Nestopia / FCEUX	.nes	Super Mario Bros. in standard format.
SNES / Super Famicom	Snes9x	.sfc, .smc	Chrono Trigger runs smoothly.
Nintendo 64	Mupen64Plus	.z64, .n64	Ocarina of Time may need tweaks.
Nintendo DS	Drastic / DeSmuME	.nds	Mario Kart DS in native format.
PC Engine / TurboGrafx-16	Mednafen PCE	.pce, .cue	R-Type uses simple files or CD images.
Game Boy	Gambatte	.gb	Pokémon Yellow in standard format.
Game Boy Color	Gambatte	.gbc	Link’s Awakening DX runs without issues.
Game Boy Advance	mGBA	.gba	Pokémon Emerald with excellent compatibility.
Sega Mega Drive / Genesis	Genesis Plus GX	.md, .bin	Sonic 2 in common format.
Sega Game Gear	Genesis Plus GX	.gg	Sonic Chaos uses small files.
Sega Dreamcast	Flycast	.gdi, .cdi	Sonic Adventure requires disc images.
Neo Geo	Final Burn Neo	.zip	King of Fighters uses compressed ROMs.
PlayStation (PS1)	PCSX-ReARMed	.bin, .cue, .iso	Final Fantasy VII in CD image format.
PSP	PPSSPP	.iso, .cso, .pbp	God of War may need compression for better performance.

Note: Formats and emulators may vary by firmware. Check the R36S menu for details.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Añadir Adding games is straightforward, but here are fixes for potential problems:

• Game doesn’t appear: Ensure the ROM is in the correct folder (e.g., “Nintendo DS” for .nds) and select “Scan Directory.”
• Load error: Verify the format matches the emulator (e.g., .z64 for Mupen64Plus on N64). If it fails, try another ROM.
• Slow performance: For PSP or Dreamcast, lower resolution in emulators like PPSSPP or Flycast.
• Card not recognized: Reformat in FAT32 and recopy files. Use a quality card if issues persist.

Tip: Join communities like r/R36S on Reddit or Discord for advice on ROMs for Capcom CPS3 or Nintendo 64.

Where to Get More Help

For additional guides on emulators and ROMs:

Resource	Details	Link
R36S.co.uk	Basic support and folder structure	consolar36s.net
Retrohandhelds.de	Emulator and ROM Guides	consolar36s.net
R36SHandheld.com	Tutorials for adding games	consolar36s.net
r/R36S Forum (Reddit)	Community Tips	reddit.com/r/R36S

Consult the seller (Amazon, AliExpress) for specific questions.