How to Add Games to R36S Handheld Console
The R36S handheld console is one of the most powerful and versatile retro gaming devices available today. Preloaded with over 20,000 classic games, it already brings nostalgia to your fingertips — but did you know you can add even more games easily?
If you’ve ever searched “how to add games to R36S”, this is your ultimate guide. We’ll walk you through everything — from file formats to SD card setup — so you can expand your retro gaming library in just a few minutes.
🧩 What You’ll Need
Before adding new games to your R36S, make sure you have:
A microSD card reader (for connecting to your PC or Mac)
A Windows, macOS, or Linux computer
The ROM files of the games you want to add
A USB-C cable (optional if you prefer direct transfer)
⚠️ Important: Only use legally obtained ROMs that you own the rights to.
🔧 Step 1: Locate Your Game Storage SD Card
The R36S comes with two SD cards:
TF1 (System Card): Contains the firmware, emulators, and system files
TF2 (Games Card): Contains your ROMs and game folders
👉 Only use TF2 (usually labeled “Games” or “ROMs”) when adding new titles.
Remove it carefully and insert it into your computer using an SD or USB reader.
🗂️ Step 2: Navigate to the Correct Game Folder
Once the SD card is connected:
Open the drive on your computer.
Inside, you’ll see folders like /roms/, /PSP/, /GBA/, /SNES/, etc.
Choose the emulator folder that matches your game type.
|
System |
Folder Name |
File Extension |
|---|---|---|
|
NES |
/nes |
.nes |
|
SNES |
/snes |
.smc |
|
GBA |
/gba |
.gba |
|
PS1 |
/psx |
.bin / .cue |
|
N64 |
/n64 |
.z64 / .v64 |
|
MAME |
/mame |
.zip |
You can also create new folders if you want to organize your ROMs better (for example: /roms/custom).
💾 Step 3: Add Your Game Files
Simply drag and drop your ROM files into the matching folder.
Each emulator can automatically recognize compatible formats.
Example:
If you want to add “Super Mario World” for SNES, copy SuperMarioWorld.smc into the /snes folder.
Keep your file names clean (no spaces or special symbols) to avoid read errors.
⚙️ Step 4: Safely Eject and Test on R36S
After adding your games:
Eject the SD card safely from your computer.
Insert it back into your R36S handheld console.
Turn on the device and go to the emulator menu.
Select the system where you added the game (e.g., GBA).
Scroll to find your new title — it should appear instantly!
If the game doesn’t show up:
Make sure the ROM file is in the correct folder
Confirm the file extension is supported
Restart the device and refresh the game list
🧠 Pro Tips for Better Organization
Rename games with short, readable titles (e.g., CrashBandicoot_PS1.bin)
Store box art images in /media/ folder if your firmware supports cover art
Backup your SD card before making changes
Use a high-speed Class 10 microSD card (32GB–128GB recommended)
⚡ Optional: Add Games via USB Connection
If you don’t want to remove the SD card:
-
Plug your R36S into your PC with a USB-C cable
-
Select “USB Storage Mode” on the R36S screen
-
You’ll see the ROM folders directly on your computer
-
Drag and drop your games just like before
This method is slower but avoids repeated SD removal.
🛠️ Troubleshooting Common Issues
❓ My new games don’t appear on the R36S menu.
→ Make sure you placed them inside the correct ROM folder (e.g., /roms/snes/). Restart the console after adding.
❓ The game crashes or won’t load.
→ Try using a verified ROM file, or check if your emulator supports that system version.
❓ My SD card isn’t recognized.
→ Format the card to FAT32 (for 32GB or less) or exFAT (for 64GB+), then reinsert it.
🕹️ Bonus: Best Sites for Legal Retro ROMs
You can find legally distributable retro games on:
Remember: Only download games you legally own or that are public domain.
🚀 Final Thoughts
Adding games to your R36S handheld console is simple, fast, and opens up endless possibilities for retro gaming fun.
Once you’ve mastered this process, you can create your own ultimate library of NES, PS1, and arcade classics — all in one pocket-sized device.
So next time someone asks “how do I add games to R36S?”, you’ll know exactly how to do it — and maybe even teach them a trick or two.