Your R36S came with thousands of games preloaded, which is fantastic. But eventually, you'll want to add specific titles that aren't included, or maybe you want to clean up the library and keep only what you actually play.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about managing your R36S game library, even if you've never done anything like this before.
What You'll Need
Before we start, grab these things:
- A computer: Windows, Mac, or Linux all work
- A USB-C cable: The one that came with your R36S is perfect
- Your R36S console
- Optional: A larger memory card if you want to add more games than the internal storage can hold
Understanding R36S Storage
The R36S has internal storage that holds the operating system and preloaded games. Most units come with 64GB or 128GB total, but a good chunk of that is used by the system itself.
When you connect your R36S to a computer, you'll see several folders. Here's what each one does:
- ROMS: This is where your games live. It's organised by system (PS1, N64, SNES, etc.)
- BIOS: System files that help emulators run properly. Don't mess with these unless you know what you're doing
- Saves: Your game save files and save states
- Themes: Custom interface themes if you want to change how things look
Connecting Your R36S to a Computer
- Turn on your R36S and navigate to the home screen
- Plug in the USB-C cable to both your R36S and your computer
- Select "File Transfer" or "USB Device" mode on the R36S when prompted
- Wait a moment for your computer to recognise the device
- The R36S should appear as a removable drive, just like a USB stick
If your computer doesn't recognise the device, try a different USB port or cable. Some cheaper cables are charge-only and can't transfer data.
Adding Games: Step by Step
1. Organise Your ROMs First
Before transferring, make sure your game files (ROMs) are properly organised. Each system has its own folder within the ROMS directory:
- ROMS/PS1/ for PlayStation games
- ROMS/N64/ for Nintendo 64 games
- ROMS/SNES/ for Super Nintendo games
- ROMS/GBA/ for Game Boy Advance games
- And so on...
2. Copy Games to the Correct Folder
Simply drag and drop your ROM files into the appropriate system folder. The R36S will automatically scan for new games when you disconnect it from the computer.
Important: Make sure your ROM files are in compatible formats. Most systems use standard file extensions like .iso, .bin, .z64, .smc, etc. Compressed files like .zip or .7z usually work too, but check your emulator settings.
3. Safely Disconnect
Always use your computer's "Eject" or "Safely Remove" function before unplugging the USB cable. This prevents data corruption that could damage your files.
4. Refresh Your Game Library
Once you've unplugged the R36S, go to the main menu and look for a "Refresh" or "Rescan" option. This will update your game library to show the newly added titles.
Firmware Updates: Why and How
Occasionally, you might want to update your R36S firmware. This can improve performance, fix bugs, and add new features. However, be careful – firmware updates can sometimes go wrong, so only do this if you're experiencing specific issues.
Before Updating Firmware:
- Backup your saves: Copy the SAVES folder to your computer
- Charge your device: A dead battery during an update can brick your console
- Download from trusted sources: Only use firmware from official or well-known community sources
The Update Process:
- Download the firmware file (usually a .zip or specific update file)
- Copy it to the root directory of your R36S (not inside any folders)
- Safely disconnect the device
- Navigate to the firmware update option in settings
- Follow on-screen instructions and don't interrupt the process
Organising Your Library
With thousands of games available, finding what you want can be overwhelming. Here are some organisation tips:
Create Favourites: Most R36S interfaces let you mark games as favourites, creating a quick-access list of your most-played titles.
Delete Unwanted Games: If you know you'll never play a particular sports game from 1997, delete it. This frees up space and reduces clutter.
Use Descriptive Names: Some ROMs have cryptic filenames. You can rename them to be more descriptive, making them easier to find.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Game won't load: Check that the ROM file isn't corrupted. Try redownloading it or testing it on a different emulator.
Slow performance: Some games are simply more demanding than others. You can try adjusting emulator settings like frame skipping or display resolution.
Save won't load: Make sure you're loading the save from the correct slot. Some games use in-game saves, while others use emulator save states.
Using a Memory Card for More Storage
If you're running out of space, a TF memory card is a great investment. Here's how to set it up:
- Insert the memory card into your R36S
- The console should ask if you want to format it for use – say yes (this will erase existing data on the card)
- Once formatted, you can move games from internal storage to the card
- The system will treat both storage locations as one big library
Need More Help?
If you run into issues that this guide doesn't cover, check out our FAQ page or contact us directly. We've helped countless customers get their R36S set up exactly how they want it, and we're happy to help you too.
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