Complete Beginner's Guide - R36S Game Console

In this beginner’s guide to the R36S , I’ll walk you through how to get the most out of this budget-friendly retro gaming laptop. Whether you got it as a gift or this is your first Linux laptop, this beginner’s guide will walk you through the setup process and everything you need to know to use the device to its full potential. Let’s get started!

Index:

• R36S Specifications
• How to add games to R36S
• Set up one card
• Prepare two cards
• How to exit games on R36S
• How to turn off R36S
• How to configure emulators on R36S
• How to update R36S
• How to connect to Wifi on R36S
• R36S Accessories

R36S Specifications

• Processor : RK3326
• RAM : 1GB
• Screen : 3.5 inch IPS screen with 640*480 resolution
• Battery : 3200 mAh

How to add games to R36S

The R36S allows for dual SD card configuration, allowing you to use one card for the operating system and the other for games.

It is highly recommended to configure your device for dual card configuration for several reasons:

1. Easy System Swap : In a dual-card configuration, you can easily swap out the system card to install custom firmware while maintaining your game library.
2. Save games and data : If your system card is damaged, you can keep your game data if it is saved on a separate card.

Set up one card

If you are using one card for the system and games, you can take the SD card out of the TF-OS slot and put it into the computer. On Windows, new drives will appear, one named "BOOT" and another named "EASYROMS".

If "EASYROMS" does not appear, you can manually assign a drive letter from the hard disk settings.

Prepare two cards

To set up two cards, insert a blank SD card into the TF2-GAME slot. Then turn on the device and go to Options > Adanced > Switch to Second SD for ROMS .

After that, you can copy the game files into the appropriate folders for each game's emulator.

How to exit games on R36S

To exit games, press the "Start" and "Select" buttons together to return to the main menu. On emulators based on Retroarch, you may need to press the same buttons twice.

How to turn off R36S

To shut down, press the Start button to open the main menu, then choose Quit > Shutdown System to ensure the settings are saved and the device is safely shut down.

How to configure emulators on R36S

Emulators come pre-configured, and it is not recommended to change the settings unless you are an expert. To change the emulator, you can select the settings from Main Menu > Emulator Settings .

How to update R36S

The device comes with an old version of ArkOS. It must be manually updated by installing the latest version on the SD card to improve performance.

How to connect to Wifi on R36S

Although there is no internal WiFi connection, you can connect external WiFi via a USB adapter. Connect the dongle, then go to Options > Wifi to connect to the network.

R36S Accessories

• Controller Covers : Controller covers for the Switch Lite can be used.
• Protective Case : Most 2.5" hard drive enclosures fit inside the device for protection on the go.
• WiFi Dongle : Use a USB A to USB C adapter to connect to WiFi.