Can the R36s play PlayStation games?

Absolutely! The R36S is a PS1 emulation powerhouse.
Thanks to its quad-core CPU and optimized firmware, it handles 99% of PlayStation 1 games flawlessly at full speed. Here’s everything you need to know:

✅ PS1 on R36S: The Essentials

Aspect Details
Performance Full speed (60 FPS) for most games, even with enhancements.
Compatibility Near-perfect (Tekken 3, FF7, Metal Gear Solid, Crash Bandicoot, etc.).
Best Emulator PCSX ReARMed (default in ArkOS/RetroArena) or DuckStation (for widescreen hacks).
Controls Perfect mapping: △○×□, shoulder buttons, analog sticks (via thumbstick).
Save States Yes! Save/load anywhere.
Multi-Disc Games Supported (e.g., Final Fantasy IX). Use .m3u files or convert to .pbp.

📁 How to Set It Up

  1. Add PS1 ROMs:

    • Format: .bin/.cue, .img, .pbp (recommended), or .chd (compressed).

    • Folder: TF2/roms/psx/

  2. BIOS File (Mandatory!)

    • Required file: scph5501.bin (PS1 BIOS).

    • Place it in: TF1/bios/
      (No BIOS = black screen or crashes!)

  3. Refresh Game List:
    Restart EmulationStation → PS1 games appear!

🎮 Controller Mapping

The R36S mimics a PS1 controller:

text
Copy
Download 
    Front Buttons            Shoulders/Triggers
   ┌───────────────┐        ┌─────────────────┐
   │ Y = △  B = ○  │        │ L1 = L      R1 = R │
   │ X = □  A = ×  │        │ L2 = L2     R2 = R2│
   └───────────────┘        └─────────────────┘

  • Analog sticks: Enable in RetroArch:
    Settings → Input → Port 1 Controls → Analog to Digital Type = Left Analog

⚙️ Enhance Your Experience

  • Upscale Graphics:
    In RetroArch: Quick Menu → Options → Internal GPU Resolution (2x or 3x).

  • Widescreen Hacks:
    Enable in Options → Widescreen Mode (works for Tony Hawk, Resident Evil).

  • Fast-Forward:
    Assign a hotkey (e.g., Select + R2) to turbo through slow scenes.

⚠️ Troubleshooting PS1 Games

Issue Fix
Black screen Missing BIOS! Add scph5501.bin to /bios.
No audio/crashes Convert ROMs to .pbp or .chd (better compatibility).
Slowdown Disable Enhanced Resolution in emulator options.
Disc swap fail Create .m3u playlist file: Guide
Controls unresponsive Remap buttons in RetroArch: Settings → Input → Port 1 Controls.

💾 Game Recommendations

The R36S nails classics like:

  • Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

  • Silent Hill

  • Gran Turismo 2

  • Spyro the Dragon

  • Suikoden II

❌ Limitations

  • No PS2/PSP: Hardware too weak.

  • CD Audio Tracks: Some games (e.g., Ridge Racer Type 4) require .cue files for music.

  • Analog Precision: The thumbstick isn’t pressure-sensitive—fine for most games, but impacts Metal Gear Solid’s aiming.

🛠️ Pro Tip: Convert to .PBP!

Use PSX2PSP (Windows/Mac) to:

  • Compress multi-disc games (e.g., FF7) into one .pbp file.

  • Save space + simplify disc swaps!

The R36S resurrects the golden age of PS1 gaming in your pocket.
Load up your memory cards and relive the classics—no demo discs required! 😄

Questions? Favorite PS1 game? Share below! 👇