ArkOS R36S Download & Complete Setup Guide
ArkOS is the most popular custom firmware for the R36S. It transforms your handheld into a properly configured retro gaming machine with RetroArch, correct core assignments, and a polished interface. This guide walks you through the full download and installation process.
> Bought a rebranded clone instead of an R36S-labeled unit? See our ArkOS on clone handhelds guide — same firmware, a couple of extra checks. Weighing ArkOS against ROCKNIX, DarkOS, or stock? See our R36S custom firmware comparison.
What is ArkOS?
ArkOS (formerly known as 351ELEC's sibling) is a community-built Linux OS optimised for RK3326-based handhelds like the R36S. It runs EmulationStation as a frontend with RetroArch handling emulation.
Why use ArkOS instead of stock firmware?
- Cleaner interface — no adware, no bloat
- Correct emulator cores per console
- Save state support everywhere
- Active community updates
- Better performance tuning
What You Need
- R36S handheld
- MicroSD card — minimum 16 GB, Class 10 / A1 rated (Samsung Endurance or SanDisk Endurance recommended)
- SD card reader
- Computer (Windows, Mac, or Linux)
- Balena Etcher or Rufus (free flashing tool)
Step 1 — Download ArkOS
The official ArkOS releases are on GitHub. For the R36S (RK3326 chip):
1. Go to the ArkOS GitHub releases page
2. Find the latest release
3. Download the file named RG351V or RG351P — both are RK3326 and work on R36S
4. The file will be an .img.gz archive (~800 MB compressed)
> Note: ArkOS doesn't have a dedicated R36S build — use the RG351P/V image. The hardware is compatible.
> "ArkOS 2.0" / newer versions: You may see references to ArkOS 2.0 or other version numbers. There's no separate site or installer to hunt down — always just grab the latest release from the official GitHub link above. That page always serves the current version, so you're getting the newest ArkOS automatically.
Step 2 — Flash ArkOS to SD Card
Using Balena Etcher (recommended)
1. Install Balena Etcher — free, available on all platforms
2. Insert your microSD card
3. Open Etcher → click Flash from file → select the .img.gz you downloaded
4. Select your SD card as the target
5. Click Flash and wait (~5–10 minutes)
Using Rufus (Windows only)
1. Open Rufus, select your SD card
2. Click SELECT and choose the .img.gz
3. Leave all settings at default
4. Click START
Step 3 — First Boot
1. Insert the flashed card into your R36S's TF1 slot (the system slot — top slot on most R36S models)
2. Power on
3. ArkOS will expand the filesystem on first boot — this takes 3–5 minutes, do not power off
4. The system reboots automatically into EmulationStation
Step 4 — Add BIOS Files (Important)
Some systems require BIOS files to work:
| System | Required BIOS | Filename |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 1 | Required | `scph1001.bin` |
| PSP | Not needed | — |
| Neo Geo | Required | `neogeo.zip` |
| Dreamcast | Recommended | `dc_boot.bin`, `dc_flash.bin` |
| PC Engine CD | Required | `syscard3.pce` |
Place BIOS files in the /BIOS folder on your game SD card (TF2 slot).
Step 5 — Add Your Games
1. Remove the game SD card (TF2 slot)
2. Connect to computer — you'll see system folders: PS1, PSP, N64, SNES, GBA, etc.
3. Copy your legally-owned ROMs into the matching folder
4. Safely eject, reinsert, and refresh the game list in EmulationStation (Start → Restart EmulationStation)
ArkOS Key Controls
| Button | Function |
|---|---|
| Menu/Select + Start | Open RetroArch menu in-game |
| Menu/Select + R | Save state |
| Menu/Select + L | Load state |
| Start (on game select) | Game options |
| Select (on game select) | Filter games |
Performance Tips
For N64 Games
- Use Mupen64Plus-Next core
- Set video resolution to 640×480
- Enable Parallel RDP for better compatibility
For PSP Games
- Use PPSSPP core
- Set rendering resolution to 1× for better performance on demanding games
For PS1 Games
- Use PCSX-ReARMed core
- Enable BIOS for best compatibility
Troubleshooting
"Game not found" after adding ROMs
→ Restart EmulationStation or rescan the game list via the Start menu
Screen too dark/bright
→ ArkOS: Start menu → Display Settings → Brightness
Game runs slowly
→ Try a different emulator core. RetroArch → Quick Menu → Core Options
Won't boot after flashing
→ Re-flash the SD card. Ensure you used the correct R36S/RK3326 image.
Summary
ArkOS is the best firmware upgrade you can give your R36S. The installation takes about 20 minutes but dramatically improves the experience. With the right BIOS files and good quality microSD cards, you'll have a reliable retro gaming machine for years.
Browse the complete R36S game library to see what's compatible with your device.
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