BIG Starter Guide R36S | Handheld R36S Update ArkOS REVIEW & UNBOXING

 

Welcome to the ultimate starter guide for the R36S handheld console, crafted to help both newcomers and seasoned retro gaming enthusiasts get the most out of this remarkable device. Whether you’ve just unboxed your first R36S or you’re looking to master its features, this comprehensive article will walk you through everything from initial setup to advanced functionalities, including the latest ArkOS update, SD card management, and how to unlock the full potential of your console.

With insights inspired by Blogoodf’s detailed walkthroughs, you’ll gain valuable tips and step-by-step instructions to transform your R36S into the perfect retro gaming machine. Let’s dive in and explore the exciting world of the R36S handheld console!

Table of Contents

• About R36S 🎮
• R36S Unboxing and Review 📦
• Download ArkOS ⬇️
• Settings menu in ArkOS ⚙️
• How to add Options to the Main Screen in ArkOS 🔧
• How to add Favorites and All Games to the Main Screen in ArkOS ⭐
• Game Covers 🖼️
• Function Button and Hot Keys ⌨️
• About SD cards 💾
• Update ArkOS 🔄
• PortMaster & Half-Life on R36S 🎮
• Video summary 📝

About R36S 🎮

The R36S is an exciting handheld console designed for retro gaming lovers who want a versatile, portable device capable of running a vast array of classic games. It’s a Linux Ubuntu-based device running the ArkOS operating system, which offers excellent emulator support and customization options.

One of the standout features of the R36S is its extensive game library capability, with memory card slots supporting thousands of games. The console is available in three stunning colors: transparent black, transparent purple, and white — with the white variant being a popular choice due to its clean, modern look.

In terms of hardware, the R36S includes:

• Power and reset buttons conveniently located on the side.
• Two memory card slots: one preloaded with about 15,000 games and the other dedicated to the ArkOS operating system.
• Volume buttons on the opposite side for easy access.
• Two USB Type-C ports at the bottom — one for charging and the other for connecting accessories like Wi-Fi adapters or Android smartphones to share internet via USB.
• Four additional triggers on the back, enhancing gameplay for titles that use extra buttons, such as those on the PSP.

This combination of thoughtful hardware design and powerful software makes the R36S a compelling choice for retro gamers looking for an all-in-one solution.

R36S Unboxing and Review 📦

Unboxing the R36S reveals a straightforward, budget-friendly packaging approach. Inside, you’ll find the console itself, a USB Type-C charging cable, and a screen protector that’s already applied — a thoughtful touch to protect your screen from scratches right out of the box.

Right after powering on the console, you’ll be greeted by a splash screen followed by the ArkOS loading screen. From there, you’re presented with a diverse range of emulators supporting classic systems such as:

• Nintendo (NES, Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64)
• GameBoy
• Sega, including Sega Dreamcast
• PlayStation and PlayStation Portable (PSP)

This variety ensures you can enjoy a wide selection of retro games spanning multiple decades and platforms.

One common concern for new users is the absence of some key sections on the main screen, like the Options section. Fortunately, this is easily fixable by diving into the settings, which we’ll cover next.

Download ArkOS ⬇️

ArkOS is the backbone operating system for the R36S, offering a Linux Ubuntu-based environment tailored for retro gaming. If you want the latest features and bug fixes, keeping ArkOS updated is crucial.

Downloading and installing ArkOS can be done with ease, and there are plenty of resources available to guide you through the process. For MacBook or Apple computer users, there’s a detailed step-by-step tutorial that simplifies reinstalling ArkOS on a new micro SD card — a useful skill if you want to maintain system stability or experiment with different setups.

Beyond ArkOS, you can also explore alternative operating systems like AmberElec, which some users prefer for its unique features. Regardless of your choice, the community offers plenty of support and tutorials to help you get started.

Settings menu in ArkOS ⚙️

Accessing the settings menu is simple: just press the Start button on your R36S console. This menu is where you can customize many aspects of your device to better suit your preferences.

The first section you encounter is Screen Brightness, but it’s the second menu item, UI Settings, that holds most of the customization power.

Inside UI Settings, you’ll find options such as:

• Theme Selection: Change the look and feel of your interface by selecting from various themes. If you only see the default theme, there are many downloadable themes available online, and you can customize them further. Themes are stored on the SD card, making it easy to swap them out.
• Visible Systems: This is critical — here, you choose which emulators and game collections appear on your main screen. You can toggle visibility for different systems and collections to keep your interface clean and organized.
• Options Section Display: Often disabled by default, this can be enabled in the Visible Systems menu to bring back the Options section on your main screen, giving you quick access to important settings.

To navigate within the menus, press the A button to enter or confirm, and the B button to exit or cancel.

How to add Options to the Main Screen in ArkOS 🔧

Many new R36S owners notice that the Options section is missing from their main screen, which can be frustrating when you want to tweak settings or update your system quickly.

Fixing this is straightforward:

1. Press the Start button to open the Settings menu.
2. Navigate to UI Settings.
3. Enter the Visible Systems section.
4. Scroll to the bottom of the list and enable the Options section display.

Once enabled, the Options section will appear on your main screen, giving you instant access to important features like system updates, network settings, and PortMaster.

How to add Favorites and All Games to the Main Screen in ArkOS ⭐

To improve your gaming experience and streamline navigation, you can also add game collections such as All Games, Recent Games, and Favorites to your main screen.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Settings menu by pressing the Start button.
2. Go to Game Collection Settings.
3. Enable the collections you want to see on the main screen, such as All Games, Recent Games, or Favorites.

This way, you can quickly jump to your favorite titles or recently played games without scrolling through lengthy lists.

Game Covers 🖼️

A great way to make your game library visually appealing is by downloading game covers, which display box art and other metadata for your games. This feature is managed through the Scraper section in the settings.

To use this feature, you need to:

1. Connect your R36S console to the internet.
2. Register on the Screenscraper website, which provides access to game cover data.
3. Configure the Scraper settings to download covers for your games.

There are detailed tutorials available that explain how to connect your R36S to Wi-Fi or share internet via an Android smartphone. Additionally, guides show how to set up the Scraper and download game covers effectively.

Having game covers displayed not only enhances the aesthetic of your game library but also makes it easier to identify games at a glance.

Function Button and Hot Keys ⌨️

The R36S features a dedicated Function button used to activate hotkeys — handy shortcuts that improve gameplay and navigation efficiency.

However, in older firmware versions, the Function button might not work correctly. If you encounter this, reinstalling or updating the ArkOS operating system usually resolves the issue.

Here are some essential global hotkeys to remember (you can capture this list for quick reference):

• Take screenshots
• Pause or resume games
• Access quick menu options

For a complete list of hotkeys and detailed explanations, check community resources and the official ArkOS documentation.

About SD cards 💾

One of the most important tips for R36S users is to invest in two high-quality micro SD cards. The default cards included with the console tend to be low quality and prone to failure, risking data loss.

Here’s a recommended setup:

• A SanDisk 32GB micro SD card for the ArkOS operating system.
• A Samsung 64GB micro SD card to store your entire game collection.

Installing ArkOS on a new micro SD card is straightforward, especially if you follow detailed tutorial videos tailored for various operating systems like macOS.

After reinstalling ArkOS, you’ll need to transfer your games from the default SD card to your new game collection SD card. This step ensures smoother, more stable operation of your console.

Community feedback has produced a list of SD cards known to work reliably with the R36S, which is invaluable when choosing replacements. It’s advisable to pause and screenshot this list to avoid compatibility issues.

Update ArkOS 🔄

Keeping your ArkOS system up to date is essential for optimal performance, security, and access to new features. Updating requires an internet connection, which you can achieve by:

• Connecting your R36S to Wi-Fi directly using a compatible adapter.
• Using an Android smartphone as a USB internet source.

Once connected, updating ArkOS is simple:

1. Navigate to the Options menu.
2. Select the Update option.
3. Confirm the update by pressing OK.
4. Use the virtual keyboard to type "OK" and finalize the update.

The system will then download and install the update, restarting automatically once complete. You’ll be ready to dive back into your games with the latest improvements.

PortMaster & Half-Life on R36S 🎮

The most exciting aspect of the R36S, in my opinion, is the ability to install and play full-fledged triple-A retro games through the PortMaster section of ArkOS.

Believe it or not, I managed to complete the first part of the iconic Half-Life game on this handheld console! Beyond Half-Life, you can enjoy classics like:

• GTA 3
• Star Wars Jedi Academy
• Quake
• Serious Sam
• Tomb Raider

To get started with PortMaster:

1. Ensure PortMaster is installed by checking the Options menu.
2. Launch PortMaster and navigate to the All Ports section.
3. Locate the game you want to install (e.g., Half-Life) and press the A button to view details and installation instructions.
4. Follow on-screen prompts to install the required files for the game.

If PortMaster is missing or you need a more detailed installation guide, there are dedicated tutorials available that walk you through the process step-by-step.

Playing these classic PC games on a handheld device like the R36S opens up a whole new world of portable retro gaming possibilities.

Video summary 📝

To wrap up, the R36S handheld console offers an incredible retro gaming experience with its robust hardware and versatile ArkOS operating system. From unboxing to setting up your device, customizing the interface, managing SD cards, downloading game covers, and updating your system, this guide has covered all the essential steps to help you get started and enjoy your new console.

Don’t forget to explore the exciting PortMaster feature for playing classic triple-A games like Half-Life, GTA 3, and more on the go.

If you follow these tips and use the tutorials available, you’ll unlock the full potential of your R36S and dive deep into nostalgic gaming adventures.

Happy gaming!