Does the R36s have WiFi?

Let’s cut straight to the chase: No, the R36S does not have built-in WiFi. If you bought this budget-friendly retro handheld hoping for wireless internet, prepare for disappointment—but don’t despair! Here’s what you need to know, why it matters, and how to work around it.

❌ The Hard Truth: No WiFi Hardware Inside

Unlike its pricier cousins (Anbernic RG35XX H, Retroid Pocket, etc.), the R36S omits a WiFi chip entirely to hit its ultra-low price point (~$40). This means:

• No over-the-air updates for ArkOS/RetroArena.

• No game metadata scraping (box art, descriptions).

• No netplay (online multiplayer).

• No SSH or FTP wireless transfers.

🤔 Why Does This Matter?

1. Firmware Updates = Manual Labor
   Updating your OS means:

   • Downloading the latest .img file on a PC.

   • Flashing it to your TF1 (OS) SD card (wiping it clean).

   • Reconfiguring settings from scratch.

2. Adding ROMs? USB or SD Card Only
   Forget wireless transfers. To add games:

   • Physically remove the TF2 (GAMES) SD card → insert into PC/laptop → drag/drop ROMs.

   • Or use USB OTG (see workarounds below).

3. No RetroAchievements or Web Browsing
   Services requiring internet are completely off-limits.

🔧 Workarounds: How to "Simulate" WiFi

✅ Method 1: USB OTG + Ethernet (The "Wired WiFi" Hack)

Yes, you can give your R36S internet—via a wired tether!
What You’ll Need:

• USB-C OTG adapter (included with R36S).

• USB-to-Ethernet adapter OR Android phone with USB tethering.

Steps (Using Android Phone):

1. Enable USB Tethering on your phone (Settings > Network > Hotspot & Tethering).

2. Connect phone → OTG adapter → R36S USB-C port.

3. On R36S (ArkOS/RetroArena):

   • Press Start → Options → Network Settings.

   • Enable Network → wait for "Connected!" confirmation.

4. Boom! Now you can:

   • Scrape game art (via Scraper in EmulationStation).

   • Use RetroArch’s online updater.

   • Access SSH/FTP (advanced users).

✅ Method 2: FTP Over USB OTG

Transfer files wirelessly from your PC via FTP:

1. Connect R36S to PC via USB OTG cable.

2. Enable FTP Service on R36S:

   • Start → Options → File Manager → Start FTP Server.

3. On PC: Use an FTP client (WinSCP, FileZilla) to connect to:

   • Host: 169.254.215.100 (default ArkOS IP).

   • Port: 22 (SSH) or 21 (FTP).

   • User: root | Password: arkos (defaults).

4. Drag/drop ROMs directly to /roms folders!

✅ Method 3: Swap & Load (The Classic Way)

1. Power off R36S → remove TF2 (GAMES) SD card.

2. Insert into PC → add ROMs to correct folders (PSX, GBA, SNES, etc.).

3. Reinsert card → boot up. Done!

⚠️ Beware of "WiFi" Scams!

Some AliExpress/Amazon listings show fake WiFi icons on R36S product images. This is false advertising. Report these sellers!

🤷 Why No WiFi? The Trade-Off

The R36S prioritizes cost and simplicity. Adding WiFi would:

• Increase price by $10-$15.

• Require antenna space in a tiny shell.

• Drain battery faster.

For many retro gamers, offline play is the goal—making WiFi a fair sacrifice.

💡 Should You Care?

• For casual players: Not a dealbreaker. Load your favorite ROMs and enjoy!

• For tinkerers: USB tethering unlocks 90% of online features.

• For netplay fans: Consider an upgrade (Anbernic RG35XX H has WiFi + Bluetooth).

🔮 The Future?

Custom firmware like ArkOS improves USB networking support, but a hardware revision with WiFi is unlikely. The R36S is built to be a no-frills emulation champ—not a connected device.

✅ Summary: Living Without WiFi

Bottom Line: The R36S thrives as an offline nostalgia machine. With a $5 OTG adapter and 10 minutes of setup, you can bypass most WiFi limitations. Embrace the simplicity—your inner 90s kid won’t mind! 😄

Got creative workarounds? Share your hacks below! 🛠️