R36S Custom Firmware: Difference between revisions

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  |title=R36S Custom Firmware
  |title=R36S Custom Firmware
  |description=Available custom firmware options for the R36S Handheld
  |description=Available custom firmware options for the R36S Handheld
  |keywords=R36S, Clone, K36, handheld, Custom Firmware, firmware, cfw, r36s cfw, arkos, amberelec, rocknix, pan4elec, p4elec, unofficialos, emuelec}}{{R36S Handheld Wiki page navigation new}}{{TOC|limit=1}}  
  |keywords=R36S, Clone, K36, handheld, Custom Firmware, firmware, cfw, r36s cfw, arkos, amberelec, rocknix, pan4elec, p4elec, unofficialos, emuelec}}{{R36S Handheld Wiki page navigation new}}{{TOC|limit=1}}{{SectionStyleStart}}
{{SectionStyleStart}}
{{Notice|Refer to the [[R36S Guides Tutorials HowTos|Guides]] section or the provided links below for help with installing / flashing these firmwares.}}
{{Notice|Refer to the [[R36S Guides ‐ Tutorials ‐ How‐To's|Guides]] section or the provided links below for help with installing / flashing these firmwares.}}
{{Notice|The recommended Firmwares with the best community support are '''ArkOS R3XS''', '''dArkOSRE''' and '''arkos4clone'''. Some users also like to run '''PAN4ELEC''' or '''ROCKNIX'''.}}
{{Notice|The recommended Firmwares are '''Community Maintained ArkOS''' and '''AmberELEC'''.}}
{{R36S sd card}}
{{R36S sd card}}


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{{SectionStyleEnd}}
{{SectionStyleEnd}}
{{SectionStyleStart}}
{{SectionStyleStart}}
== dArkOSRE ==
A new dArkOS fork with added features and support for multiple R36S versions. The new recommended firmware by the R36S community. Use this if your device is supported.
{{CFW:dArkOSRE}}
{{SectionStyleEnd}}
{{SectionStyleStart}}
== arkos4clone ==
ArkOS adapted for lots of different devices in the R36S and clones family.
{{CFW:arkos4clone}}
{{SectionStyleEnd}}
{{SectionStyleStart}}
== Custom Firmware for the EmuELEC Clone ==
== Custom Firmware for the EmuELEC Clone ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; max-width:100%;">
<div style="overflow-x:auto; max-width:100%;">
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|-
|-
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center; padding: 15px; background-color:#f9f9f9;" |  
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center; padding: 15px; background-color:#f9f9f9;" |  
[[File:20240904 110931cropped.jpg|400px|link=https://handhelds:wiki/R36S_Clones|alt=Custom Firmware for EmuELEC Clone]]
[[File:R36S_original_vs_clone_highlighted_RAM_chips.jpg|400px|link=[[R36S Clones]]|alt=Custom Firmware for EmuELEC Clone]]
|-
|-
! style="width: 50%; background-color:#ecf0f1; padding: 15px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; white-space: normal;" | Description
! style="width: 50%; background-color:#ecf0f1; padding: 15px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; white-space: normal;" | Description
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{{SectionStyleEnd}}
{{SectionStyleEnd}}
{{SectionStyleStart}}
{{SectionStyleStart}}
 
<span id="ArkOS Community Maintained Image"></span>
== ArkOS Community Maintained Image ==
== ArkOS R3XS ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; max-width:100%;">
<div style="overflow-x:auto; max-width:100%;">


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|-
|-
! style="background-color:#ecf0f1; padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; white-space: normal;" | Download
! style="background-color:#ecf0f1; padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; white-space: normal;" | Download
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | [https://github.com/AeolusUX/ArkOS-R3XS/releases ⬇️ GitHub Releases]
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | [https://github.com/AeolusUX/ArkOS-R3XS/releases ⬇️ GitHub Releases]
<br />
|-
[https://mega.nz/folder/Vlxz0aRD#VdoTDuBSDUoN1JTpcEujPQ ⬇️ Older Versions on Mega]
! style="background-color:#ecf0f1; padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; white-space: normal;" | Additional steps to get it working
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | Follow the "Panel Picker" steps in the GitHub Releases page. If your R36S has Panel 4 it should work out of the box without additional steps.
|-
! style="background-color:#ecf0f1; padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; white-space: normal;" | Older Versions
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | [https://mega.nz/folder/Vlxz0aRD#VdoTDuBSDUoN1JTpcEujPQ ⬇️ Old Releases on Mega]
|-
|-
! style="background-color:#ecf0f1; padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; white-space: normal;" | Wiki / Documentation / FAQ / How-To
! style="background-color:#ecf0f1; padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; white-space: normal;" | Wiki / Documentation / FAQ / How-To
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{{SectionStyleEnd}}
{{SectionStyleEnd}}
{{SectionStyleStart}}
{{SectionStyleStart}}
== MyMinUI ==
== MyMinUI ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; max-width:100%;">
<div style="overflow-x:auto; max-width:100%;">
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! style="background-color:#ecf0f1; padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; white-space: normal;" | Download
! style="background-color:#ecf0f1; padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; white-space: normal;" | Download
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | [https://github.com/AmberELEC/AmberELEC-prerelease/releases/ ⬇️ GitHub Pre-release Downloads]
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | [https://github.com/AmberELEC/AmberELEC-prerelease/releases/ ⬇️ GitHub Pre-release Downloads]
|-
! style="background-color:#ecf0f1; padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; white-space: normal;" | Additional steps to get it working
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | Try the different files from here: [https://github.com/tech4bot/r35s/tree/main/new_displays ⬇️ screen specific dtb files]
|-
|-
! style="background-color:#ecf0f1; padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; white-space: normal;" | Documentation / FAQ
! style="background-color:#ecf0f1; padding: 10px; font-weight: bold; white-space: normal;" | Documentation / FAQ
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{{SectionStyleEnd}}
{{SectionStyleEnd}}
{{SectionStyleStart}}
{{SectionStyleStart}}
== PAN4ELEC ==
== PAN4ELEC ==
<div style="overflow-x:auto; max-width:100%;">
<div style="overflow-x:auto; max-width:100%;">
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|}
|}
</div>
</div>
<big>'''Additional info'''</big>
ssh login = root
ssh password = pan4elec
syncthing login = root
syncthing password = amberelec
DTB file for original Panel devices: https://www.mediafire.com/folder/pwc8gbedfzgce/PAN4ELEC_dtb_for_OG_panel (for devices with the [[R36S_Overview#R36S-V12_2023-08-18|R36S-V12_2023-08-18]] mainboard)
{{SectionStyleEnd}}
{{SectionStyleStart}}
== dArkOS ==
<youtube width="400">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1rPcoIHKVQ</youtube>
{{CFW:dArkOS}}


{{SectionStyleEnd}}
{{SectionStyleEnd}}
{{SectionStyleStart}}
{{SectionStyleStart}}
== ArkOS ==
== ArkOS ==
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; max-width:800px;"
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; max-width:800px;"
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|-
|-
! Latest version
! Latest version
| [https://github.com/christianhaitian/arkos https://raster.shields.io/github/v/release/christianhaitian/arkos.png]
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | [https://github.com/christianhaitian/arkos https://raster.shields.io/github/v/release/christianhaitian/arkos.png] (use the RG351MP version)
|-
|-
! style="text-align:center;" | Download
! style="text-align:center;" | Download
| [https://github.com/christianhaitian/arkos/wiki#download-links ⬇️ Official GitHub Download Page]   
| [https://github.com/christianhaitian/arkos/wiki#download-links ⬇️ Official GitHub Download Page]   
[https://www.reddit.com/r/SBCGaming/comments/18kztju/r36s_arkos_image_12152023/ ⬇️ Reddit Announcement & Download Info]
[https://www.reddit.com/r/SBCGaming/comments/18kztju/r36s_arkos_image_12152023/ ⬇️ Reddit Announcement & Download Info]
|-
! Additional steps to get it working
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | Try the different files from here: [https://github.com/AeolusUX/R36S-DTB ⬇️ screen specific dtb files]
|-
|-
! Documentation / FAQ
! Documentation / FAQ
| [https://github.com/christianhaitian/arkos/wiki ArkOS Wiki & Setup Guide]
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | [https://github.com/christianhaitian/arkos/wiki ArkOS Wiki & Setup Guide]
|-
|-
! Hotkeys
! Hotkeys
| [https://github.com/christianhaitian/arkos/wiki/Frequently-Asked-Questions---RG351MP#q-what-are-the-global-event-keys-and-emulator-event-keys-in-arkos Global & Emulator Hotkeys]
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | [https://github.com/christianhaitian/arkos/wiki/Frequently-Asked-Questions---RG351MP#q-what-are-the-global-event-keys-and-emulator-event-keys-in-arkos Global & Emulator Hotkeys]
|}
|}


{{SectionStyleEnd}}
{{SectionStyleEnd}}
{{SectionStyleStart}}
{{SectionStyleStart}}
== Arch R ==
{{CFW:ArchR}}
{{SectionStyleEnd}}
{{SectionStyleStart}}
== ROCKNIX ==
== ROCKNIX ==
{{CFW:ROCKNIX|nocat=1}}
{{SectionStyleEnd}}
{{SectionStyleStart}}
== UnofficialOS ==
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; max-width:800px;"
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; max-width:800px;"
|-
|-
! colspan="2" style="background-color:#2c3e50; color:#ecf0f1; font-size: 1.4em; padding: 10px; text-align:center; border-radius: 8px 8px 0 0;" | ROCKNIX for the R36S
! colspan="2" style="background-color:#2c3e50; color:#ecf0f1; font-size: 1.4em; padding: 10px; text-align:center; border-radius: 8px 8px 0 0;" | UnofficialOS for the R36S
|-
|-
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center; padding: 15px; background:#f9f9f9;" | [[File:345426124-486c32e2-ee2f-491f-9205-24d8bc6fc075.png|300x300px|link=https://rocknix.org/|alt=ROCKNIX Logo|center]]
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center; padding: 15px; background:#f9f9f9;" | [[File:345426647-c9272deb-5e12-499d-82ae-b19ed63de5fb.png|300x300px|link=https://github.com/RetroGFX/UnofficialOS|alt=UnofficialOS Logo|center]]
|-
|-
! Latest version
! Latest version
| [https://github.com/ROCKNIX/distribution https://raster.shields.io/github/v/release/ROCKNIX/distribution.png]
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | [https://github.com/RetroGFX/UnofficialOS https://raster.shields.io/github/v/release/RetroGFX/UnofficialOS.png]
|-
|-
! Download
! Download
| [https://github.com/ROCKNIX/distribution/releases ⬇️ GitHub Releases]
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | [https://github.com/RetroGFX/UnofficialOS/releases ⬇️ GitHub Releases]
|-
! Additional steps to get it working
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | Follow the instructions on the [https://github.com/RetroGFX/UnofficialOS/wiki/Clone-and-R3xS-Instructions UnofficialOS Wiki]
|-
|-
! Documentation / FAQ
! Documentation / FAQ
| [https://rocknix.org/devices/unbranded/game-console-r35s-r36s/ ROCKNIX Wiki & Setup Guide]
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | [https://github.com/RetroGFX/UnofficialOS/wiki View the Wiki]
|}
|}


{{SectionStyleEnd}}
{{SectionStyleEnd}}
{{SectionStyleStart}}
{{SectionStyleStart}}
== UnofficialOS ==
 
== R36S Multiboot ==
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; max-width:800px;"
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; max-width:800px;"
|-
|-
! colspan="2" style="background-color:#2c3e50; color:#ecf0f1; font-size: 1.4em; padding: 10px; text-align:center; border-radius: 8px 8px 0 0;" | UnofficialOS for the R36S
! colspan="2" style="background-color:#2c3e50; color:#ecf0f1; font-size: 1.4em; padding: 10px; text-align:center; border-radius: 8px 8px 0 0;" | R36S Multiboot
|-
|-
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center; padding: 15px; background:#f9f9f9;" | [[File:345426647-c9272deb-5e12-499d-82ae-b19ed63de5fb.png|300x300px|link=https://github.com/RetroGFX/UnofficialOS|alt=UnofficialOS Logo|center]]
! Latest version
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | [https://github.com/R36S-Stuff/R36S-Multiboot/releases https://raster.shields.io/github/v/release/R36S-Stuff/R36S-Multiboot.png]
|-
|-
! Latest version
! Description
| [https://github.com/RetroGFX/UnofficialOS https://raster.shields.io/github/v/release/RetroGFX/UnofficialOS.png]
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | AmberELEC, ArkOS, PAN4ELEC, ROCKNIX, UnofficialOS, Andr36oid and Armbian Linux in one image. You can choose the OS versions you want to be included.
|-
|-
! Download
! Download
| [https://github.com/RetroGFX/UnofficialOS/releases ⬇️ GitHub Releases]
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | [https://github.com/R36S-Stuff/R36S-Multiboot/releases ⬇️ GitHub Releases]
|-
|-
! Documentation / FAQ
! Documentation / FAQ
| [https://github.com/RetroGFX/UnofficialOS/wiki View the Wiki]
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | [https://github.com/R36S-Stuff/R36S-Multiboot GitHub]
|}
|}


{{SectionStyleEnd}}
{{SectionStyleEnd}}
{{SectionStyleStart}}
{{SectionStyleStart}}
== AndR36oid (LineageOS 18.1) ==
{{CFW:AndR36oid|nocat=1}}
dtb files / sound fix:  [https://www.mediafire.com/file/ma8czx4408fotym/rk3326-r36s-android-panel5.dtb/file BATLEXP G350 Panel 5 sound fix] (thanks to S1eepy from discord)
{{SectionStyleEnd}}
{{SectionStyleStart}}
== Lakka ==
== Lakka ==
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; max-width:800px;"
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; max-width:800px;"
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| <blockquote>''The JELOS project has come to an end, however the sources will continue to be made available. Binaries are no longer provided.''</blockquote>
| <blockquote>''The JELOS project has come to an end, however the sources will continue to be made available. Binaries are no longer provided.''</blockquote>
|-
|-
! Continuation
! Download
| '''ROCKNIX''' is a continuation of JELOS.
| '''ROCKNIX''' is a continuation of JELOS, so use [[R36S_Custom_Firmware#ROCKNIX|this]] firmware.
|-
|-
! Source Code
! Source Code
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{{SectionStyleEnd}}
{{SectionStyleEnd}}
{{SectionStyleStart}}
{{SectionStyleStart}}
== Xorg ==
== Xorg ==
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; max-width:800px;"
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; max-width:800px;"
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| [https://www.reddit.com/r/R36S/comments/1cz27iq/gentoo_for_r36s_status_update/ Gentoo for R36S Status Update & How-To]
| [https://www.reddit.com/r/R36S/comments/1cz27iq/gentoo_for_r36s_status_update/ Gentoo for R36S Status Update & How-To]
|}
|}
{{SectionStyleEnd}}
{{SectionStyleStart}}
== muOS ==
Not released yet The dev has already posted videos on discord (August 12th, 2025)
{{CFW:muOS}}
{{SectionStyleEnd}}
{{SectionStyleStart}}
== Batocera.linux ==
Early preview build: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1nQu6hC2AoubDZNWxhtZpEgyHUP9v7DU0?usp=drive_linkFor
Reddit thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/R36S/comments/1p714qo/batocera_testing_r36s_support_from_their_discord/
Discord invite link: https://discord.gg/ndyUKA5
Discord link: https://discord.com/channels/357518249883205632/1443005393898049586
<youtube width="400">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vaH0HmXIm0</youtube>
{{SectionStyleEnd}}
{{SectionStyleStart}}
== Knulli ==
{{CFW:KNULLI}}
<youtube width="400">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtK6RDIVD9M</youtube>


{{SectionStyleEnd}}
{{SectionStyleEnd}}
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== Firmware and SD Card Test ==
== Firmware and SD Card Test ==


A short test that compares the boot time and GBA/SNES performance of various firmwares and SD cards. I am too lazy to copy over the site, so here's a link to the old R36S Wiki on GitHub:
Old test that compares the boot time and GBA/SNES performance of various firmwares and SD cards. I am too lazy to copy over the site, so here's a link to the old R36S Wiki on GitHub:


https://github.com/manster-zz/R36S-LINKS/wiki/Firmware-and-SD-Card-Test
https://github.com/manster-zz/R36S-LINKS/wiki/Firmware-and-SD-Card-Test

Latest revision as of 04:01, 12 May 2026

ℹ️
Info
Refer to the Guides section or the provided links below for help with installing / flashing these firmwares.
ℹ️
Info
The recommended Firmwares with the best community support are ArkOS R3XS, dArkOSRE and arkos4clone. Some users also like to run PAN4ELEC or ROCKNIX.

StockOS[edit]

StockOS

StockOS Image

Description The R36S is shipped with different versions of ArkOS. Some resellers even have their own boot logo. Not recommended to use.
❌ Cons
  • Outdated
  • Missing features
  • Possible corrupted files because of bad SD card quality

dArkOSRE[edit]

A new dArkOS fork with added features and support for multiple R36S versions. The new recommended firmware by the R36S community. Use this if your device is supported.

dArkOSRE
dArkOSRE Logo
Latest version dArkOS-G80CA-RE.png
Download ⬇️ GitHub
Documentation / FAQ dArkOSRE Wiki & Setup Guide
Hotkeys RetroArch Hotkeys
Officially Supported Devices
Devices list (click to expand)

Clone R36S devices:

  • G80C-MB V1.1-20250319 Panel 8
  • G80C-MB V1.1-20250319 Panel 9
  • G80CA-MB V1.2-20250422 Panel 8
  • G80CA-MB V1.2-20250422 Panel 9
  • G80CA-MB V1.2-20250423 Panel 8
  • G80CA-MB V1.2-20250423 Panel 9
  • G80CA-MB V1.3-20251212 Panel 8
  • R36S-V12 2023-08-18 Variant 1 with EMMC and AMP
  • R36S-V12 2023-08-18 Variant 2
  • R36S-V12 2023-08-18 Variant 3

Genuine R36S devices:

  • R36S-V21 2024-12-18
  • R36XX-V21 2024-12-18

Soysauce R36S devices:

  • Y3506_V04_20250529
  • Y3506_V05_20251215 2551
  • Y3506_V05_20251215 2601

arkos4clone[edit]

ArkOS adapted for lots of different devices in the R36S and clones family.

arkos4clone (ArkOS for clones)
arkos4clone
Latest version arkos4clone.png
Download ⬇️ GitHub Releases
Documentation / FAQ Github readme
Info Based on the ArkOS R3XS community maintained firmware.
Officially Supported Devices
Devices list (click to expand)

Custom Firmware for the EmuELEC Clone[edit]

Custom Firmware for EmuELEC Clone Devices

Custom Firmware for EmuELEC Clone

Description Some R36S clones do not support the standard ArkOS or AmberELEC custom firmware.


For more information and download links, please refer to the R36S Clones section.

↪ Custom Firmware for the EmuELEC Clone

ArkOS R3XS[edit]

ArkOS Community Maintained Image for the R36S

ArkOS R36S Image

Latest version ArkOS-R3XS.png
Download ⬇️ GitHub Releases
Additional steps to get it working Follow the "Panel Picker" steps in the GitHub Releases page. If your R36S has Panel 4 it should work out of the box without additional steps.
Older Versions ⬇️ Old Releases on Mega
Wiki / Documentation / FAQ / How-To ArkOS Wiki


FAQ for RG351MP

Changelogs (includes instructions for added features) R3XS Changelog & Features Update
ArkOS Screenshots / Options / Tools R36S ArkOS Screenshot Gallery
Hotkeys Global & Emulator Event Keys
✅ Pros
  • R36S optimized ArkOS version
  • Very good performance
  • Lots of features
  • Frequent updates
  • Great customization options
  • Fast boot time (~16 seconds)
❌ Cons
  • Overlays need to be manually enabled

MyMinUI[edit]

MyMinUI for the R36S

MyMinUI on R36S

Latest version MyMinUI.png
Download / Instructions ⬇️ GitHub Download & Instructions
Description A simple alternative to EmulationStation (used in ArkOS).

It installs on top of ArkOS and can easily be disabled if you prefer to return to EmulationStation. Instructions are included in the download. Works only on ArkOS devices.

✅ Pros
  • Very minimalistic
  • Easy to install on top of ArkOS
  • Easy to switch back to ArkOS
❌ Cons
  • Lots of missing features
  • Different ROM folder path

AmberELEC[edit]

AmberELEC

AmberELEC Logo

Latest version AmberELEC-pre-release-badge.png
Download ⬇️ GitHub Pre-release Downloads
Additional steps to get it working Try the different files from here: ⬇️ screen specific dtb files
Documentation / FAQ Getting Started Guide


FAQ Page

Hotkeys Controls & Hotkeys Reference
✅ Pros
  • Very good performance
  • Lots of features
  • Overlays are enabled by default
  • Newer EmulationStation
  • Better theme support
  • Most emulator settings can be changed in EmulationStation
❌ Cons
  • No official support for newer screen panels
  • Slower update cycle
  • FN button not mapped for hotkeys
  • Slower boot time (~25 seconds)
  • No easy way to change boot logo and loading screen

PAN4ELEC[edit]

PAN4ELEC (Custom AmberELEC for Panel 4 Devices)

PAN4ELEC Logo

Description Unofficial AmberELEC build by KEgg for the most recent Panel 4 (V5) devices.

Includes additional features and general usability improvements.

Latest version P4ELEC.png
Download ⬇️ GitHub Releases
Documentation / FAQ Reddit Announcement & Guide
✅ Pros
  • R36S optimized AmberELEC version
  • Very good performance
  • Lots of features
  • Overlays are enabled by default
  • Newer EmulationStation version
  • Great standard theme with lots of options
  • Better theme support
  • Most emulator settings can be changed in EmulationStation
❌ Cons
  • Only Screen Panel 4 is supported officially
  • Slower boot time (~25 seconds)
  • No easy way to change boot logo and loading screen

Additional info

ssh login = root

ssh password = pan4elec

syncthing login = root

syncthing password = amberelec

DTB file for original Panel devices: https://www.mediafire.com/folder/pwc8gbedfzgce/PAN4ELEC_dtb_for_OG_panel (for devices with the R36S-V12_2023-08-18 mainboard)

ArkOS[edit]

ArkOS for the R36S
ArkOS Logo
Latest version arkos.png (use the RG351MP version)
Download ⬇️ Official GitHub Download Page

⬇️ Reddit Announcement & Download Info

Additional steps to get it working Try the different files from here: ⬇️ screen specific dtb files
Documentation / FAQ ArkOS Wiki & Setup Guide
Hotkeys Global & Emulator Hotkeys

ROCKNIX[edit]

ROCKNIX
ROCKNIX Logo
Latest version distribution.png
Download ⬇️ GitHub
Documentation / FAQ ROCKNIX Wiki & Setup Guide
Hotkeys Check device specific pages
Officially Supported Devices
Devices list (click to expand)



UnofficialOS[edit]

UnofficialOS for the R36S
UnofficialOS Logo
Latest version UnofficialOS.png
Download ⬇️ GitHub Releases
Additional steps to get it working Follow the instructions on the UnofficialOS Wiki
Documentation / FAQ View the Wiki

R36S Multiboot[edit]

R36S Multiboot
Latest version R36S-Multiboot.png
Description AmberELEC, ArkOS, PAN4ELEC, ROCKNIX, UnofficialOS, Andr36oid and Armbian Linux in one image. You can choose the OS versions you want to be included.
Download ⬇️ GitHub Releases
Documentation / FAQ GitHub

AndR36oid (LineageOS 18.1)[edit]

AndR36oid
AndR36oid Boot Logo
Latest version releases.png
Download ⬇️ GitHub
Documentation / FAQ AndR36oid release notes
Officially Supported Devices
Devices list (click to expand)


dtb files / sound fix: BATLEXP G350 Panel 5 sound fix (thanks to S1eepy from discord)

Lakka[edit]

Lakka on the R36S
Lakka Logo
Description Outdated / lightweight Linux distribution with the RetroArch interface.

Booting directly into RetroArch is also possible on ArkOS (see FAQ).

Download ⬇️ Download from Lakka.tv
Documentation / FAQ Lakka Docs and FAQ

cHAos multi panel R3xS[edit]

cHAos Multi Panel R3xS
cHAos Multi Panel Logo
Description Debug image that supports three different display panels.

It is a fork of AmberELEC.

Download ⬇️ GitHub Releases
Documentation / FAQ AmberELEC Getting Started Guide

JELOS[edit]

JELOS (Just Enough Linux OS)
JELOS Logo
Status

The JELOS project has come to an end, however the sources will continue to be made available. Binaries are no longer provided.

Download ROCKNIX is a continuation of JELOS, so use this firmware.
Source Code GitHub Repository

Xorg[edit]

Xorg on the R36S
Xorg Logo
Description XFCE, LXDE, and LXQT Desktop Environment for the R36S
Latest version R36S-Xorg.png
Download ⬇️ GitHub Releases
Documentation / FAQ View the Wiki
Video Guide
Load video
YouTube

Gentoo[edit]

Gentoo for the R36S
Gentoo Video Thumbnail
How-To Gentoo for R36S Status Update & How-To

muOS[edit]

Not released yet The dev has already posted videos on discord (August 12th, 2025)

Knulli[edit]

Load video
YouTube

Firmware and SD Card Test[edit]

Old test that compares the boot time and GBA/SNES performance of various firmwares and SD cards. I am too lazy to copy over the site, so here's a link to the old R36S Wiki on GitHub:

https://github.com/manster-zz/R36S-LINKS/wiki/Firmware-and-SD-Card-Test

Retrieved from "https://handhelds.wiki/index.php?title=R36S_Custom_Firmware&oldid=50725"