⚙   R36S SOFTWARE

CUSTOM
FIRMWARE FOR YOUR R36S

Explore ArkOS and dArkOS for the R36S. Compare the established ArkOS experience with the newer dArkOS alternative, then follow our guides to download, install and configure the operating system that suits your console.

VIEW FIRMWARE ↓ INSTALLATION GUIDE
R36S retro handheld game console for ArkOS and dArkOS firmware
ArkOS Ready
dArkOS Compatible
R36S OPERATING SYSTEMS

Choose Your Firmware

For the R36S, ArkOS and dArkOS are the two operating systems we recommend considering. ArkOS is the established operating system traditionally associated with the R36S, while dArkOS provides a newer R36-focused alternative.

ORIGINAL R36S OS
⚡

ArkOS

THE ESTABLISHED R36S OPERATING SYSTEM

ArkOS is the Linux-based retro gaming operating system most closely associated with the R36S. Most R36S consoles have traditionally shipped with an ArkOS-based operating system already installed on the included MicroSD card.

✓ Traditionally Shipped With The R36S The exact preinstalled ArkOS version can vary depending on the seller, production batch and hardware revision.
  • Established R36S firmware platform
  • RetroArch and standalone emulator support
  • EmulationStation gaming interface
  • Extensive R36S community documentation
  • Themes and emulator configuration
  • PortMaster support on compatible builds
VIEW ARKOS GUIDE →
NEWER OPTION
dA

dArkOS

MODERN R36S FIRMWARE OPTION

dArkOS is a newer Linux-based retro gaming operating system. For R36S hardware, dArkOSRE-R36 provides an R36-focused implementation designed around the different R36S models, display panels and compatible hardware variants.

✦ R36S-Focused Development dArkOSRE-R36 includes device-specific configuration and tools designed around modern R36S hardware and compatible variants.
  • R36S-focused firmware environment
  • R36 Control Centre
  • RetroArch and standalone emulator support
  • Device-specific hardware profiles
  • Function button integration
  • Ongoing R36S-focused development
VIEW dArkOS GUIDE →
i
Which R36S operating system should you choose?

If your R36S is already running ArkOS correctly, there is no requirement to replace it. ArkOS remains an established choice with extensive documentation and a large R36S user base. dArkOS is worth considering if you want a newer, R36-focused firmware environment with device-specific tools and support for a wider range of R36S hardware variants.

!
Back Up Your Original R36S MicroSD Card First

Before installing ArkOS, dArkOS or making any firmware changes, create a complete backup of the original R36S MicroSD card. Different R36S production batches can use different display panels, motherboard revisions and boot files, so your original card can be extremely useful if you ever need to restore the console.

INSTALLATION

Firmware Installation

The exact installation process varies slightly between ArkOS and dArkOS, but both follow the same basic workflow. Always follow the dedicated firmware guide before flashing your MicroSD card.

01

Back Up Your Card

Create a complete image backup of your original R36S MicroSD card and save its boot files before making any firmware changes.

02

Choose Your Firmware

Decide whether you want to use ArkOS or dArkOS and download the correct image for your exact R36S hardware where required.

03

Flash The MicroSD

Write the downloaded firmware image to a reliable MicroSD card using a compatible disk-imaging program.

04

Boot Your R36S

Insert the new system card into your R36S and allow the firmware to complete its first-boot configuration.

BEFORE YOU START

What You'll Need

Having everything ready before you begin makes installing ArkOS or dArkOS much easier and gives you a safe recovery path if something goes wrong.

▣
Compatible MicroSD Card

Use a reliable branded MicroSD card for your new firmware installation.

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MicroSD Card Reader

Connect the MicroSD card to your Windows, macOS or Linux computer.

↓
Firmware Image

Download the appropriate ArkOS or dArkOS image for your R36S.

↻
Original Card Backup

Keep a complete backup of the original system card and its boot files.

ARKOS VS dARKOS

Which Firmware Is Right For You?

Both operating systems can provide an excellent R36S experience, but they appeal to slightly different users.

CHOOSE ARKOS IF...

You Want The Established Option

ArkOS is the operating system most closely associated with the R36S and has years of guides, configuration information and community knowledge available. If your console already runs ArkOS correctly and you are happy with it, there may be little reason to change.

CHOOSE dARKOS IF...

You Want The Newer R36-Focused Option

dArkOSRE-R36 is designed around the expanding range of R36S hardware variants and provides R36-specific configuration tools. It is a strong option for users who want a newer firmware environment designed specifically around the R36 family of handhelds.

SUPPORT

Firmware FAQ

Common questions about R36S firmware, ArkOS and dArkOS.

Most R36S consoles traditionally ship with an ArkOS-based operating system preinstalled on the included MicroSD card. The exact firmware version can vary depending on the seller, production batch and hardware revision.

ArkOS is a Linux-based operating system designed for retro gaming handhelds. It provides the gaming interface, emulator management, system configuration and MicroSD storage structure used by many R36S consoles.

dArkOS is a newer Linux-based retro gaming operating system. For the R36S, dArkOSRE-R36 provides a firmware environment with R36-specific hardware profiles and configuration tools.

ArkOS is the established option and has extensive R36S documentation. dArkOS is a newer option with more R36-focused development. If your current ArkOS installation works well, changing firmware is optional rather than necessary.

No assumption should be made that every R36S uses identical hardware. Different motherboard and display revisions exist, so always check the installation instructions and compatibility information for the firmware you plan to install.

Using a separate quality MicroSD card for a new firmware installation is recommended. Keep the original card intact whenever possible and create a full backup before making any changes.

If you created a complete image backup of your original MicroSD card before changing firmware, you can normally restore that image to a suitable card and return to the original configuration.

Yes. Writing or flashing a firmware image normally overwrites the selected MicroSD card. Always double-check the selected drive and back up anything important before flashing.

Ready To Choose Your R36S Firmware?

Read our complete ArkOS and dArkOS guides for downloads, installation instructions, setup information and R36S troubleshooting.

ARKOS GUIDE dARKOS GUIDE