News

Can the R36S Play Xbox Games? The Brutal Truth
Let’s cut through the hype: No, the R36S cannot play original Xbox games. Not natively, not via emulation, not even with black magic ✨. Here’s why—and what you can play instead. ❌ Why Xbox Emulation Is Impossible on R36S Hardware Limitations: The OG Xbox (2001) had a 733MHz CPU + 64MB RAM—far more complex than PS1/N64. The R36S’s 1.5GHz quad-core ARM + 128MB RAM is too weak to mimic Xbox architecture. No Working Emulators: The only viable Xbox emulator, Xemu, requires: A x86 PC (Windows/Linux) 4+ GB RAM + Dedicated GPU(The R36S runs ARM Linux—no Xemu port exists!) Zero Developer Support: Custom firmware (ArkOS/RetroArena) does not... Read more...
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.... Read more...
Can l watch videos on R36s?
While the R36S is primarily designed for retro gaming, you can technically watch videos on it—but with significant limitations and workarounds. Here’s a realistic breakdown: ❌ No Native Video Player The R36S runs lightweight Linux-based firmware (ArkOS/RetroArena) focused on gaming. It lacks: Dedicated video playback apps (like VLC or MPV). Hardware-accelerated video decoding. Optimized codec support (H.265/4K will choke it). ⚙️ Workarounds (Advanced Users Only) 1. Via FFplay (Command Line) Requires SSH or keyboard access (see previous guide). Transfer videos to the SD card (e.g., /roms/videos). In the terminal, run: bash Copy Download ffplay -fs /roms/videos/your_video.mp4 Cons: No audio/video sync (stutters often).... Read more...
How to update R36s console?
Updating your R36S is essential for stability, new features, and emulator improvements—but it requires manual steps since the device lacks Wi-Fi. Here’s how to do it safely, based on your firmware (ArkOS or RetroArena): ⚠️ Before You Begin: Critical Prep Backup Saves & ROMsCopy everything from your TF2 (GAMES) SD card to a PC. Use Quality SD CardsReplace stock cards with reputable brands (SanDisk/Samsung). Note Your FirmwareCheck in EmulationStation > System Settings > System Info. 🔄 Method 1: Full OS Reflash (Recommended) Best for major updates or corrupted systems. Steps: Download Latest OS Image: ArkOS: GitHub Releases (select R36S image). RetroArena: Official Wiki. Flash the... Read more...
What does it mean when it says game mode is turned on by your gaming console?
When your TV displays a message like "Game Mode is turned on by your gaming console," it means your console (PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, etc.) has triggered your TV to automatically switch to its low-latency "Game Mode" via an HDMI feature called HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) or HDMI-LLC (Low Latency Mode). Here’s what that means and why it matters: 🔧 How It Works: HDMI Handshake:When you power on your console, it sends a signal over the HDMI cable to your TV, saying: "Hey, I’m a gaming device! Switch to your fastest response mode!" Auto-Switching:If your TV supports HDMI-CEC/ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode),... Read more...
How to access console mode?
Accessing the console mode (Linux terminal) on your R36S is essential for advanced troubleshooting, file management, or system configuration. Here’s how to do it safely: 🖥️ Method 1: Direct Access via Keyboard (No Network Needed) Requirements: USB-C OTG adapter (included with R36S). USB keyboard. Steps: Connect the keyboard: Plug the OTG adapter into the R36S’s USB-C port (bottom edge). Connect the USB keyboard to the OTG adapter. Open the terminal: While in EmulationStation, press Ctrl + Alt + F1–F6 (usually F1 or F4 works). The screen will switch to a black-and-white Linux terminal. Log in: Username: root Password: arkos (default for ArkOS) or ra (for RetroArena). Done! You... Read more...
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... Read more...
How to fix R36s black screen?
That moment of dread: you press the power button on your beloved R36S, but instead of the cheerful boot logo... nothing. Just an empty, lifeless black screen. Before you declare it dead, know this: black screens are incredibly common on the R36S, and 95% of the time, they're fixable! Let's resurrect your handheld. 🔍 Step 1: Diagnose the Symptoms Completely Dead? No light, no sound, no screen flicker at all? Backlight Only? Screen is lit but completely black? Boot Logo Then Black? Shows the ArkOS/RetroArena logo then dies? After Sleep/Wake? Went to sleep and never woke up? The Usual... Read more...
Can you connect a controller to the R36s?
Absolutely! The R36S supports both wired (USB) and wireless (Bluetooth) controllers, making it perfect for more comfortable couch gaming or multiplayer sessions. Here's how to connect them: 🎮 Method 1: Wired USB Controller (Easiest & Most Reliable) Get an OTG Adapter:You need a USB-C OTG (On-The-Go) adapter (often included with the R36S or cheap to buy).*→ Plug this into the R36S’s USB-C port (bottom edge).* Connect Your Controller:Plug your USB controller (PS4, PS5, Xbox, 8BitDo, etc.) into the OTG adapter. No power? Use a powered USB hub if the controller draws too much power. Auto-Detection:The R36S should recognize the controller instantly in EmulationStation & RetroArch.... Read more...
How to turn off game console model R36s?
Turning off your R36S retro handheld correctly is crucial to prevent data corruption (especially on the SD card) and save battery life. Here's how to do it properly, plus key troubleshooting: 🔌 Method 1: Normal Shutdown (Recommended) Exit your game: Press the Select + Start buttons together (or Menu + Select depending on your firmware) to safely exit back to the main EmulationStation menu. Navigate to "Quit": Scroll down to the "Quit" option in the main menu (usually near the bottom). Select "Shutdown System": Press A to enter the Quit menu. Select "Shutdown System" and press A again. Wait: The screen will go black, and any LED light (if visible) will... Read more...
How to turn on game console model R36S?
So you've snagged an R36S – that colorful, pocket-sized portal to retro gaming heaven! Congratulations! But now it's sitting in front of you, and you press the power button... and nothing happens? Don't panic! Powering on the R36S isn't always as straightforward as a modern console, but it's simple once you know the secrets. Let's get your gaming journey started! Step 1: Locate the Power Button (It's Not Obvious!) Look at the TOP edge: Forget the front face. Your power button lives on the top edge of the device, towards the right-hand side (if you're... Read more...
Which handheld gaming console has the best battery life?
If you're looking for long-lasting handheld gaming, these are the top contenders based on actual battery performance: 🥇 Steam Deck OLED 🔋 Battery Life: Up to 12 hours 💡 Why It’s Great: The OLED version of Valve’s Steam Deck features a more power-efficient display and updated internals, letting you enjoy indie and retro games all day long. 🛒 Buy on Steam 🥈 ASUS ROG Ally X 🔋 Battery Life: Around 8–10 hours (light use), ~4–6 hrs for AAA games 💡 Why It’s Great: With an upgraded 80Wh battery in 2025,... Read more...