ArkOS
ARKOS: DOWNLOAD, INSTALL & SETUP GUIDE
Learn what ArkOS is, how ArkOS works, where to download ArkOS for the R36S, how to install it on a MicroSD card, complete the first boot and correctly set up your games, BIOS files and emulators.
ArkOS is a Linux-based operating system designed for retro handhelds.
ArkOS manages emulators and libraries for many classic systems.
The operating system and game storage are managed through MicroSD cards.
Change themes, emulator options, settings and game configurations.
What Is ArkOS?
ArkOS is a Linux-based operating system created for portable retro gaming devices. The name originally stood for “Another rockchip Operating System,” reflecting its focus on handhelds using Rockchip processors.
Instead of functioning like a traditional desktop operating system, ArkOS is designed around gaming. When the handheld boots, ArkOS launches a game-focused interface where systems, games, emulators, settings and tools can be accessed using the console controls.
For compatible R36S consoles, ArkOS has become a popular firmware choice because it provides a flexible environment for organizing retro games, changing emulator settings, using themes and managing MicroSD-based storage.
ArkOS itself is not an emulator. It is the operating system that brings together the interface, emulator cores, standalone emulators, tools, scripts and storage structure used by the handheld.
ArkOS In Simple Terms
Think of ArkOS as the software platform that sits between your R36S hardware and your retro gaming library. It boots the handheld, organizes systems, launches compatible emulators and provides the menus used to configure the device.
How Does ArkOS Work?
ArkOS combines a Linux operating system, a game-focused front end and multiple emulator technologies into a single environment designed for handheld retro gaming.
The operating system is stored on a bootable MicroSD card. When the R36S powers on, the device loads ArkOS from that card.
A controller-friendly interface organizes games into systems such as NES, SNES, Game Boy, PlayStation and other supported platforms.
ArkOS uses RetroArch cores and compatible standalone emulators to launch supported game files.
Game files and BIOS files can be managed on the accessible ROM storage partition using Windows, macOS or Linux.
The original ArkOS project was archived at the end of 2025. Its developer has moved ongoing development to dArkOS. ArkOS images and documentation still remain available, and community-maintained R36S builds continue to exist. This guide therefore distinguishes between the original ArkOS project and R36S-specific community images.
Where To Download ArkOS
Download ArkOS only from reputable project or community sources. R36S consoles can use different display panels and hardware revisions, so an R36S-specific image is usually the safer starting point than selecting a random firmware image.
Original ArkOS Project
The original ArkOS GitHub repository and Wiki remain online as an archive containing documentation, historical downloads and information about how ArkOS works.
OPEN ARKOS WIKI →The original ArkOS repository is archived and is no longer actively maintained.
Community ArkOS For R36S
R36S-specific community builds provide images for the R33S, R35S and R36S and include separate downloads for different screen panels such as Original Screen, Panel 3 and Panel 4.
R36S ARKOS DOWNLOAD →Check your R36S display or hardware revision before choosing an image. A mismatched panel configuration can result in a blank or incorrect display.
R36S consoles exist in multiple hardware and screen revisions. Before installing ArkOS, make a complete image backup of the original MicroSD card and keep a copy of the original boot/DTB files. These files may be important if your new ArkOS installation boots with a black screen or incorrect display.
What You Need To Install ArkOS
Prepare everything before flashing the firmware so you can keep the original R36S installation safe.
Use a reliable branded MicroSD card rather than overwriting your only original card.
You need a computer and card reader capable of reading and writing the MicroSD card.
Download the firmware image that matches your R36S hardware and screen configuration.
Keep a full backup and the original boot files before making any firmware changes.
How To Install ArkOS On R36S
The exact R36S procedure can vary between hardware revisions, but the following process covers the normal ArkOS installation workflow.
Back Up Your Original R36S MicroSD Card
Insert the original MicroSD card into your computer and create a complete image backup before making changes. Also copy the contents of the visible BOOT partition to a safe folder. This gives you access to the original R36S boot and display files if you need them later.
Identify Your R36S Screen / Hardware Revision
R36S production batches can use different display panels. Check the documentation supplied with the community image and, where possible, identify your display using the files from your original card or an R36S panel-identification tool. Do not assume that one DTB works with every R36S.
Download The Correct ArkOS Image
Download an ArkOS image compatible with your device. For an R36S, use an R36S-specific community release and select the correct screen variant where one is provided.
Extract The Firmware Image
ArkOS downloads are commonly compressed. Extract the archive until you have the flashable image file. Programs such as 7-Zip can extract common compressed firmware formats on Windows.
Flash ArkOS To The New MicroSD Card
Insert your new MicroSD card into the computer. Use a compatible disk-imaging tool such as USB Image Tool, Win32 Disk Imager, Rufus or Raspberry Pi Imager to write the firmware image to the card. Make absolutely sure you select the correct drive, because flashing erases that card.
Check The BOOT Partition
After flashing, inspect the BOOT partition if the instructions for your R36S image require a specific panel or DTB file. If you need the original R36S display file, use the backup created before installation and follow the exact instructions for that firmware release.
Insert The Card And Complete The First Boot
Safely eject the MicroSD card, place it in the R36S system-card slot and power on the console. The first boot can take longer than a normal boot while partitions are expanded and initial configuration is completed. Do not interrupt the process unnecessarily.
Wait For EmulationStation
Once setup is complete, ArkOS should load its gaming interface. You can then verify the screen, controls, audio and basic menu navigation before adding or restoring your game library.
ArkOS First Setup
Once ArkOS boots successfully, confirm the important hardware functions before spending time customizing the system.
Navigate the ArkOS menus and verify the D-pad, ABXY buttons, analog sticks, Start, Select and shoulder controls.
Make sure the display looks normal and the speaker works. A blank or incorrect display can indicate a panel/DTB mismatch.
Once the basic hardware is working, add your legally obtained game and BIOS files to their appropriate folders.
Where Do ROMs & BIOS Files Go In ArkOS?
ArkOS keeps game content on an accessible ROM storage partition, making it straightforward to manage your library from a computer.
ROM Files
Games are normally placed inside the system-specific folders on the ROM or EASYROMS partition. Each supported system has its own folder.
For example, Game Boy Advance content typically goes into the GBA folder, while PlayStation content goes into its PlayStation system folder.
BIOS Files
Systems that require BIOS or firmware files generally look for them inside the BIOS directory under the ROM storage partition.
Only use BIOS, firmware and game files that you are legally entitled to use.
What Can You Do With ArkOS?
ArkOS provides far more than a simple game launcher. Its tools and configuration options give compatible handhelds a flexible retro gaming environment.
Use RetroArch cores and compatible standalone emulators across many classic gaming platforms.
Change the appearance of the EmulationStation interface with compatible themes.
Change emulator and configuration options for individual systems where supported.
Use the accessible EASYROMS partition to manage compatible game and BIOS files from a computer.
ArkOS contains tools for configuration, backups, network functions and other supported system operations.
Compatible handhelds can also use ports and tools such as PortMaster where supported by the device and software.
Common ArkOS Installation Problems
Most R36S ArkOS problems after a fresh installation relate to the MicroSD image, display configuration or hardware revision.
A black screen can indicate that the firmware is booting with the wrong display configuration or DTB. Check the exact panel instructions for your R36S revision and compare them with your original BOOT files.
Recheck that the correct image was downloaded, extracted properly and flashed to a healthy MicroSD card. If necessary, reflash from the beginning.
Confirm that the files are in the correct system folder and use a supported file format. Some systems also require BIOS files.
Emulation performance varies by system and game. More demanding platforms such as N64, Dreamcast and PSP may require different emulators or settings and will not run every game perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions About ArkOS
Quick answers to common questions about downloading, installing and using ArkOS on an R36S.
ArkOS is a Linux-based operating system for compatible retro gaming handhelds. It combines a game-oriented interface with emulators, configuration tools and MicroSD-based game storage.
ArkOS originally referred to “Another rockchip Operating System,” reflecting its use on handheld devices built around Rockchip processors.
Compatible R36S handhelds can run ArkOS-based community firmware. However, multiple R36S hardware and screen revisions exist, so you should confirm compatibility before installing an image.
The archived original ArkOS project is available through the Christian Haitian ArkOS GitHub Wiki. For an R36S, use a reputable R36S-specific community image and select the screen variant appropriate for your console.
The original ArkOS project was archived in December 2025. The developer has moved ongoing work to dArkOS. Community ArkOS builds for devices such as the R36S may have their own maintenance schedules.
You can technically flash compatible firmware to a suitable card, but using a separate quality MicroSD card is strongly recommended so the original factory card can remain intact as a backup.
R36S handhelds use different display panels and hardware revisions. A black screen after flashing can be caused by a mismatched DTB or display configuration. Check the firmware's panel instructions and your original BOOT backup.
ROM files are generally stored in their system-specific directories on the ROM or EASYROMS partition.
BIOS files are generally placed in the BIOS directory on the ROM/EASYROMS partition. The required files vary by emulated system.
No. ArkOS is the operating system and software environment. It launches and manages separate emulator cores and standalone emulators that actually emulate the gaming hardware.
Get More From Your R36S
Continue learning about R36S firmware, supported emulators, MicroSD management and setup with our complete R36S guides.