R36S Games: Supported File Formats & How to Add Them
Your R36S can play thousands of games across more than 40 systems — but each console uses different file formats, and organising your SD card correctly matters. This guide covers the formats, file sizes, and the exact steps to add games you already own.
Understanding Game Files
ROMs are digital copies of game cartridges or discs. The legal rule is simple: you may legally dump and own copies of games you physically own. Only add files for games you legally own or that are freely distributed (such as homebrew titles or official re-releases).
Supported File Formats by Console
| Console | File Formats |
|---|---|
| NES / Famicom | `.nes` |
| SNES / SFC | `.sfc`, `.smc` |
| Sega Genesis / Mega Drive | `.md`, `.bin`, `.gen` |
| Game Boy / GBC | `.gb`, `.gbc` |
| Game Boy Advance | `.gba` |
| PlayStation 1 | `.bin` + `.cue`, `.iso`, `.pbp` |
| PlayStation Portable | `.iso`, `.cso` (compressed) |
| Nintendo 64 | `.z64`, `.n64`, `.v64` |
| Dreamcast | `.cdi`, `.gdi` |
| Arcade (MAME/FBNeo) | `.zip` (ROM sets) |
| Neo Geo | `.zip` inside `/neogeo/` folder |
How to Add Games to R36S
Step 1: Identify Your Game Card
The R36S has two SD card slots:
- TF1 (top) — System card (ArkOS or stock firmware)
- TF2 (bottom) — Game card (your ROMs)
Remove the TF2 game card and insert it into your computer.
Step 2: Find the Right Folder
Navigate to the console folder that matches your game:
```
📁 SD Card Root
├── 📁 PS1
├── 📁 PSP
├── 📁 N64
├── 📁 SNES
├── 📁 GBA
├── 📁 GBC
├── 📁 GB
├── 📁 NES
├── 📁 MD (Mega Drive/Genesis)
├── 📁 ARCADE
└── 📁 NEOGEO
```
Step 3: Copy Files
Drag your ROM files into the correct folder. For multi-disc PS1 games, keep the .bin and .cue files together.
Step 4: Refresh the Game List
After reinserting the card:
- ArkOS: Start → Restart EmulationStation
- Stock firmware: Games should appear automatically on next boot
File Size Guide
| Console | Typical ROM Size |
|---|---|
| NES | 0.5 – 2 MB |
| SNES | 1 – 6 MB |
| GBA | 4 – 32 MB |
| PS1 | 300 MB – 700 MB |
| PSP | 400 MB – 1.8 GB |
| N64 | 8 – 64 MB |
| Dreamcast | 600 MB – 1.2 GB |
A 128 GB card can hold approximately:
- ~180 PS1 games
- ~70 PSP games
- ~5,000 SNES games
- ~2,000 GBA games
Tips for a Better Game Library
1. Use verified, clean file dumps — avoid files with trainers or hacks added
2. Name files clearly — ArkOS/EmulationStation uses file names for display
3. Compress PSP ISOs — CSO format reduces 1 GB ISOs to ~400 MB with no quality loss
4. Use CHD for PS1 — Merges .bin/.cue into one clean file
5. Backup your saves — Copy the /SAVES folder to your PC regularly
How Many Games Can R36S Run?
The R36S runs over 18,000 games across 40+ systems. See our complete game compatibility list to search the full library — every system, every game, with compatibility ratings for each R36S model.
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