What games work on R36S?

The R36S handheld console supports a wide variety of retro games thanks to its pre-installed emulators and the ability to run custom operating systems like ArkOS. The types of games that work on the R36S are typically retro games from older consoles, including NES, SNES, PlayStation 1 (PS1), Game Boy series, Genesis, and PSP (and others).

Here’s a breakdown of the types of games that work on the R36S and how to get them running:

Types of Games that Work on the R36S:

1. NES (Nintendo Entertainment System)

• Game Examples:
  • Super Mario Bros.
  • The Legend of Zelda
  • Metroid
  • Contra
  • Mega Man
• Game Files: .nes, .zip
• Emulator: FCEUX, RetroArch (NES core)

2. SNES (Super Nintendo Entertainment System)

• Game Examples:
  • Super Mario World
  • The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
  • Super Metroid
  • Chrono Trigger
  • Street Fighter II
• Game Files: .smc, .sfc
• Emulator: Snes9x, RetroArch (SNES core)

3. Game Boy / Game Boy Color / Game Boy Advance

• Game Examples:
  • Pokémon Red/Blue/Yellow
  • The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
  • Super Mario Bros. Deluxe
  • Pokémon FireRed/LeafGreen
  • Metroid Fusion
• Game Files: .gb, .gbc, .gba
• Emulator: GBA.emu, RetroArch (GBA core)

4. Sega Genesis / Mega Drive

• Game Examples:
  • Sonic the Hedgehog
  • Streets of Rage
  • Shining Force
  • Altered Beast
  • Phantasy Star IV
• Game Files: .gen, .smd
• Emulator: Genesis Plus GX, RetroArch (Genesis core)

5. PlayStation 1 (PS1)

• Game Examples:
  • Final Fantasy VII
  • Crash Bandicoot
  • Metal Gear Solid
  • Tekken 3
  • Gran Turismo
• Game Files: .iso, .bin, .cue
• Emulator: PCSX-ReARMed, RetroArch (PS1 core)

6. PlayStation Portable (PSP)

• Game Examples:
  • God of War: Chains of Olympus
  • Gran Turismo
  • Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions
  • Patapon
  • Daxter
• Game Files: .iso, .cso
• Emulator: PPSSPP

7. Nintendo 64 (N64)

• Game Examples:
  • Super Mario 64
  • The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
  • GoldenEye 007
  • Banjo-Kazooie
• Game Files: .n64, .v64, .z64
• Emulator: Mupen64Plus, RetroArch (N64 core)

8. Neo Geo

• Game Examples:
  • Metal Slug
  • King of Fighters '98
  • Samurai Shodown
  • Fatal Fury
• Game Files: .neo, .zip
• Emulator: FB Alpha, RetroArch (Neo Geo core)

9. Arcade Games (MAME)

• Game Examples:
  • Street Fighter II
  • Pac-Man
  • Donkey Kong
  • Space Invaders
  • Mortal Kombat
• Game Files: .zip, .chd, .rom
• Emulator: MAME

10. DOS Games

• Game Examples:
  • Doom
  • Commander Keen
  • Prince of Persia
  • Wolfenstein 3D
• Game Files: .exe (DOS executables)
• Emulator: DOSBox

Installing Games on the R36S

To play games on the R36S, you'll need to add ROM files to the microSD card. Here's how to do that:

1. Prepare the microSD Card:

   • Make sure the microSD card is properly formatted and has enough space for your game ROMs.
   • Create a folder called ROMs at the root of your microSD card if one doesn't already exist.

2. Organize Your ROMs:

   • Inside the ROMs folder, create subfolders for each console (e.g., NES, SNES, PSP, etc.).
   • Copy the ROM files for each system into the appropriate folder.
   • Supported file formats generally include .iso, .gba, .nes, .smc, etc.

3. Insert the microSD Card into the R36S:

   • After transferring the ROMs, safely eject the microSD card from your computer and insert it into your R36S.

4. Launch Games:

   • Turn on the R36S and navigate to the appropriate emulator through the main menu.
   • Select the console you want to play, and browse through the ROMs for the game you want to launch.

How to Ensure Games Run Smoothly

• Compatibility: Some games may require specific settings in the emulator (e.g., resolution, frame skipping, audio settings). If a game isn’t working well, check the emulator settings for options to improve performance.

• Performance Tuning: The R36S is capable of running many retro games, but more demanding games (like N64 or PSP) may require some tweaks to ensure smooth gameplay. Lowering the resolution or enabling performance settings can help.

• Game Formats: Ensure that the game files are in compatible formats. For example, .gba for Game Boy Advance games or .iso for PS1 and PSP games.

• Use a Good Controller: If you're using Bluetooth controllers or the built-in controls, make sure they are properly configured for each emulator. Sometimes, button mappings need to be adjusted.

Additional Notes:

• ArkOS and RetroArch: If you're using ArkOS (a custom operating system), it supports a wide range of emulators and is continuously updated. ArkOS provides easy ways to install and update emulators, which means more games and better performance over time.

• Custom Game Collections: Some emulators allow you to download or stream games directly from the internet, though you should always make sure you're following legal guidelines when downloading ROMs.

Conclusion:

The R36S can run a large library of retro games, from classic NES, SNES, and Sega Genesis titles to PSP and PlayStation 1 games. By installing the right ROMs and emulators, you can enjoy a wide variety of retro gaming experiences on this handheld console. If you need help with any specific emulator settings or game compatibility issues, feel free to ask!