FAQ
TL;DR: R36S uses a 1 GB RAM, 3.5-inch 640×480 IPS handheld that emulates 90+ retro platforms; “the possibilities are truly great”. Built on ArkOS with dual microSDs, it’s easy to mod and inspect. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21790179]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps retro gamers choose, set up, and troubleshoot R36S/clone units without wasting money or time.
Quick Facts
- SoC: Rockchip RK3326 (quad‑core Cortex‑A35 up to 1.5 GHz) with Mali‑G31; H9TQ32A4GTMC package combines 4 GB eMMC + 1 GB LPDDR3. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21790179]
- Display/battery: 3.5" IPS OCA, 640×480; 3000 mAh Li‑ion. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21790179]
- Storage/layout: two microSD slots (OS + games); typical bundle includes 32 GB and 128 GB cards. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21790179]
- OS baseline: ArkOS 2.0 (08232024) with update available (11072025); supports 90+ retro platforms and ScummVM. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21790179]
- Pricing snapshot: originals often ~£70–80 on AliExpress promos; some clones as low as ~50 zł. [Elektroda, @GUTEK@, post #21791026]
What exactly is inside the R36S portable console?
It uses a Rockchip RK3326 quad‑core Cortex‑A35 up to 1.5 GHz with Mali‑G31 GPU. Memory is a hybrid H9TQ32A4GTMC package combining 4 GB eMMC and 1 GB LPDDR3. Power delivery and charging are handled by an RK817 PMIC, plus a 4057A charger near the battery connector. You also get a single speaker and a 4:1 multiplexer likely for inputs. The design is a compact, surface‑mount PCB accessible after removing six screws. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21790179]
Which operating systems and platforms does it run?
Out of the box it runs ArkOS 2.0 (08232024) with an upgrade path to 11072025. ArkOS is a Rockchip‑focused OS derived from The Retro Arena, based on Ubuntu 19.10 with 32/64‑bit user spaces. It supports emulation of 90+ retro platforms and includes ScummVM for classic adventure engines. The menu front‑end references EmulationStation during no‑SD boot. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21790179]
How do I safely back up or replace the included microSD cards?
Back up both cards on day one. Copy the contents to your PC, then write them to a quality, name‑brand card. This prevents early failures from low‑grade bundled media. Expert tip: “use a good name brand SD card such as Sandisk, Samsung, or PNY.” [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21790292]
What brands of microSD cards are recommended for reliability?
Use trusted brands like SanDisk, Samsung, or PNY bought from reputable retailers. This reduces file‑system errors when loading thousands of small ROM assets. The guidance comes directly from ArkOS documentation quoted in the thread. “Make sure to buy your SD cards from a trusted retail source.” [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21790292]
How can I tell an original R36S from a clone?
Original boards have dual memory chips on board revisions up to V22 and a footprint for a solder‑in Wi‑Fi module. Current tell: some originals use a green status LED instead of blue (clones may change later). A maintained clones page and shop list exist; one seller noted is the Boyhom store on AliExpress. [Elektroda, @GUTEK@, post #21791026]
Can I add Wi‑Fi to the R36S, and which module works?
Yes. Users have soldered a Realtek RTL8188ETV module to boards that expose a Wi‑Fi footprint. On units without pads, you can attach a USB Wi‑Fi dongle via the USB‑C OTG port. Wi‑Fi mainly helps fetch game covers and themes. If you need built‑in radios or video out, consider other handhelds like Anbernic models. [Elektroda, @GUTEK@, post #21791026]
Does it really include 22,000 games, and how is browsing handled?
Game counts vary by bundle. The unit provides a searchable, platform‑sorted library, and users report finding every classic they looked for. The UI can be confusing at first, and on‑screen text entry requires the D‑pad. ScummVM titles are supported, and cursor control uses the same navigation. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21790179]
What is ScummVM, and why is it included?
ScummVM re‑implements adventure game engines (like SCUMM) to run classics with original logic and visuals on modern systems. It is not hardware emulation; it interprets game scripts for stability and portability. On R36S, it expands the library beyond console ROMs to classic PC adventures. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21790179]
What is PortMaster, and what games can it enable?
PortMaster is a launcher that brings community ports of PC titles to ARM handhelds. Reported examples include Max Payne, GTA III, and Vice City. Install PortMaster on ArkOS, then add supported game data as instructed to run ports natively on the RK3326. [Elektroda, @GUTEK@, post #21791026]
How well do PS1/PS2 and early 3D systems run on the R36S?
PS1 runs well. Demanding 3D titles can struggle on the RK3326, and some users prefer larger screens. One comment notes even PS2 running in limited cases, but overall enjoyment can suffer due to hard plastic buttons and clicky feel. Consider expectations for 3D. [Elektroda, gulson, post #21790925]
Is there video output (HDMI/AV) or wireless connectivity?
The reviewed unit lacks video output and built‑in wireless. Users highlight this as a limitation compared with devices offering HDMI or Wi‑Fi. Some hardware mods add Wi‑Fi, but video‑out is not present on this model. For those features, evaluate other handhelds. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21790179]
What legal considerations apply to “preloaded” game libraries?
A forum moderator warns all preloaded titles are unlicensed, raising legal concerns about such devices. Emulators themselves are legal in many regions, but distributing copyrighted ROMs is not. Load your own legally obtained dumps to stay compliant. [Elektroda, gulson, post #21790925]
Any known edge cases or quality issues with clones?
Yes. A user reported one clone with a paler, yellow‑tinted display that required gamma tweaks. Clone internals also vary; some earlier units used weaker processors or RAM amounts that break ArkOS compatibility. Check board revision, LED color, and seller reputation. [Elektroda, @GUTEK@, post #21791026]
How do I clone the system to a better SD card? (3‑step quick guide)
- Back up both bundled microSDs to your PC immediately.
- Flash the OS card image onto a reputable SD (e.g., SanDisk), then copy your ROMs.
- Verify boot, then archive the original cards as a fallback. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21790304]
What video capabilities does the RK3326 include beyond emulation?
The SoC features hardware decoding up to 1080p at 60 fps (H.265/H.264 and others) and supports displays up to 1920×1080 over common interfaces. This helps front‑end animations and menu video snaps stay smooth despite low power. “Dedicated 2D engine” support is also listed. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21790179]
Can it emulate Amiga, Atari, Commodore, or MS‑DOS systems?
Yes. Users confirm these platforms work on R36S under ArkOS. Many titles need per‑game button mapping because originals relied on keyboards or mice. Open the emulator menu (FN or SELECT+X depending on ArkOS build) to customize controls for each game. [Elektroda, @GUTEK@, post #21791076]
