Custom Firmware: Difference between revisions
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|image=handheldswikilogojune2025.png | |image=handheldswikilogojune2025.png | ||
|title={{PAGENAME}} | |title={{PAGENAME}} - {{SITENAME}} | ||
|description=Everything you beed to know about {{PAGENAME}} on Retro Handhelds | |description=Everything you beed to know about {{PAGENAME}} on Retro Handhelds | ||
|keywords=handheld, retro, gaming, cheap, specs, video, review, cfw, firmware, download, compatibility}}{{TOC|limit=1}}{{Movetotop}}{{SectionStyleStart}} | |keywords=handheld, retro, gaming, cheap, specs, video, review, cfw, firmware, download, compatibility}}{{Handheld Wiki page navigation}}{{TOC|limit=1}}{{Movetotop}} | ||
{{SectionStyleStart}} | |||
== Introduction == | == Introduction == | ||
'''Custom Firmware (CFW)''' refers to a modified or alternative operating system installed on a device. It adds features like improved emulator support, performance tweaks, and custom themes. Most CFWs are based on Linux, offering flexibility and open-source support. Installing CFW usually involves flashing a microSD card and booting from it. | '''Custom Firmware (CFW)''' refers to a modified or alternative operating system installed on a device. It adds features like improved emulator support, performance tweaks, and custom themes. Most CFWs are based on Linux, offering flexibility and open-source support. Installing CFW usually involves flashing a microSD card and booting from it. | ||
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== List of Custom Firmwares == | == List of Custom Firmwares == | ||
<div class="responsive-table-2col-container"> | <div class="responsive-table-2col-container"> | ||
{{CFW:AmberELEC}} | |||
{ | |||
{{CFW:AndR36oid}} | |||
{{CFW:ArchR}} | |||
{{CFW:ArkOS}} | |||
{{CFW:ArkOS - R3XS}} | |||
{{CFW:ArkOS - K36}} | |||
{{CFW:arkos4clone}} | |||
{{CFW:CrossMix-OS}} | |||
{{CFW:dArkOS}} | |||
{ | |||
{{CFW:dArkOSRE}} | |||
{ | |||
{ | |||
{{CFW:GammaOS Next}} | |||
{ | |||
{ | |||
{{CFW:KNULLI}} | |||
{ | |||
{ | |||
{{CFW:muOS}} | |||
{ | |||
{{CFW:MinUI}} | |||
{ | |||
{ | |||
{{CFW:MyMinUI}} | |||
{ | |||
{ | |||
{{CFW:Onion}} | |||
{ | |||
{ | |||
{{CFW:PAN4ELEC}} | |||
{ | |||
{ | |||
{{CFW:ROCKNIX|nocat=1}} | |||
{ | |||
| | |||
{{CFW:SpruceUI / SpruceOS }} | |||
{ | |||
{{CFW:UnofficialOS}}</div></div> | |||
{ | |||
</div> | </div> | ||
| Line 504: | Line 56: | ||
{{SectionStyleStart}} | {{SectionStyleStart}} | ||
== Other | == Other or older Firmwares == | ||
<div style="overflow-x: auto;"> | <div style="overflow-x: auto;"> | ||
| Line 511: | Line 63: | ||
! style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | Link | ! style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | Link | ||
! style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | Notes | ! style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | Notes | ||
|- | |||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | Adam image | |||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | [https://github.com/eduardofilo/RG350_adam_image GitHub] | |||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | CFW for Anbernic RG350, RG350P, RG350M, RG280M, RG280V, RG300X, PlayGo, PocketGo 2, PowKiddy Q80, GCW-Zero | |||
|- | |||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | Allium | |||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | [https://github.com/goweiwen/Allium GitHub] | |||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | Custom launcher for the Miyoo Mini, Miyoo Mini Plus, and Miyoo Mini Flip | |||
|- | |||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | Anbernic StockOS Modifikation | |||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | [https://github.com/cbepx-me/Anbernic-H700-RG-xx-StockOS-Modification GitHub] | |||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | Anbernic RG35xx, RGG35xx 2024, RG35xx H, RG35xxSP, RG28xx, RG40xx H, RG40xx V, RGcube XX, RG34xx, RG34xx, SP RG35xx PRO | |||
|- | |||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | Carl OS | |||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | [https://github.com/CarlosPix/CarlOS GitHub] | |||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | StockMod of Miyoo Flip OS | |||
|- | |- | ||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | cHAos | | style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | cHAos | ||
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|- | |- | ||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | DesktopOS | | style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | DesktopOS | ||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | [https://github.com/game-de-it/rg35xx/releases GitHub] | | style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | [https://github.com/game-de-it/rg35xx/releases/tag/RG35xx_H700_DesktopOS_0.2 GitHub] | ||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | Desktop Environment for H700 devices | | style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | Desktop Environment for H700 devices | ||
|- | |||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | FunKey OS | |||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | [https://github.com/DrUm78/FunKey-OS GitHub] | |||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | DrUm78's custom build of FunKey OS for FunKey S, Anbernic RG Nano, PowKiddy Q36 Mini, GBA Mini | |||
|- | |||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | GammaOS | |||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | [https://github.com/TheGammaSqueeze/GammaOS GitHub] | |||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | LineageOS based firmware for Anbernic RG405M / RG405V / RG505 | |||
|- | |||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | GammaOS Next | |||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | [https://github.com/TheGammaSqueeze/GammaOSNext/ GitHub] | |||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | LineageOS based firmware for Anbernic RG556 / RG-CUBE / RG406V / RG406H, AYANEO Pocket Micro, Retroid Pocket 4 PRO, Retroid Pocket Classic, KT Pocket KT-R1, ZPG Unicorn A1, GameMT E6 MAX | |||
|- | |||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | GarlicOS | |||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | [https://www.patreon.com/posts/76561333 Website] | |||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | CFW for the Anbernic RG35XX (original version) that is similar to OnionOS | |||
|- | |- | ||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | JelOS | | style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | JelOS | ||
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| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | [https://github.com/AnonLinuxOS/KOLOS GitHub] | | style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | [https://github.com/AnonLinuxOS/KOLOS GitHub] | ||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | JELOS fork for RK3566 devices (Anbernic RG353P/M/V/VS, RG503, Powkiddy RK2023, RGB30, RGB10 and Max 3) | | style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | JELOS fork for RK3566 devices (Anbernic RG353P/M/V/VS, RG503, Powkiddy RK2023, RGB30, RGB10 and Max 3) | ||
|- | |||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | Koriki | |||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | [https://github.com/Rparadise-Team/Koriki GitHub] | |||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | SimpleMenu frontend for the Miyoo Mini and Miyoo Mini Plus | |||
|- | |- | ||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | Lakka | | style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | Lakka | ||
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| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | CFW for BittBoy, PocketGo, PowKiddy V90-Q90-Q20 | | style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | CFW for BittBoy, PocketGo, PowKiddy V90-Q90-Q20 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | | | style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | NextUI | ||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | [https:// | | style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | [https://github.com/LoveRetro/NextUI GitHub] | ||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | | | style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | CFW for Trimui Brickand Trimui Smart Pro based of MinUI | ||
|- | |||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | PakUI | |||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | [https://github.com/tenlevels/PakUI GitHub] | |||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | This is like an addon for MinUI which adds lots of features and enhancements (for TrimUI Brick and TrimUI Smart Pro) | |||
|- | |||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | Powkiddy X39Pro / X45 / X51 / X70 Custom Firmware | |||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | [https://github.com/scooper540/powkiddy-X39-X45-X51-X70-cfw/ GitHub] | |||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | Powkiddy X39Pro/X45/X51/X70 Custom Firmware | |||
|- | |||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | Quark | |||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | [https://quark.cobaltonline.net/ Website] | |||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | CFW for the Trimui Smart (not Pro) | |||
|- | |- | ||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | R36S-Xorg | | style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | R36S-Xorg | ||
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| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | [https://www.recalbox.com/download/stable/ Website] | | style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | [https://www.recalbox.com/download/stable/ Website] | ||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | CFW for Anbernic RG353M/V/P, RG351M/V/P, GPiCase 2W, Raspberry Pi, ODROID Go Advance, ODROID Go Super, PIBOY DMG | | style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | CFW for Anbernic RG353M/V/P, RG351M/V/P, GPiCase 2W, Raspberry Pi, ODROID Go Advance, ODROID Go Super, PIBOY DMG | ||
|- | |||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | RetroFW | |||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | [https://github.com/retrofw/retrofw.github.io/releases GitHub] | |||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | CFW for devices with the JZ4760 SoC (system on a chip) | |||
|- | |- | ||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | RetroOZ | | style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | RetroOZ | ||
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| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | Custom firmware for OGS, OGA, RGB10Max and RGB10Max2 | | style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | Custom firmware for OGS, OGA, RGB10Max and RGB10Max2 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | | | style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | StarkOS | ||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | [https:// | | style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | [https://archive.org/details/stark-os-rg-353-ps-v-1-20240424.img Website] | ||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | | | style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | Preconfigured ArkOS fork for Anbernic RG353M/P/PS with simplified interface ([https://retrogamecorps.com/2024/04/28/setting-up-a-handheld-for-children-or-adult-children/ DIY guide]) | ||
|- | |- | ||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | | | style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | Surwish OS | ||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | [https:// | | style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | [https://surwish.com/surwish-os/ Website] | ||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | CFW for | | style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | CFW for the Miyoo Flip | ||
|- | |- | ||
| style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | XFCE for H700 devices | | style="padding: 10px; white-space: normal;" | XFCE for H700 devices | ||
| Line 574: | Line 178: | ||
{{Notice|The "flashing" process is basically the same for all firmwares, but there may be some additional steps to get it working for your specific device.}} | {{Notice|The "flashing" process is basically the same for all firmwares, but there may be some additional steps to get it working for your specific device.}} | ||
{{Clickable button 3|[[Firmware Flashing Guide|↪ Firmware Flashing Guide]]}} | |||
=== Choosing the right micro SD card === | === Choosing the right micro SD card === | ||
| Line 581: | Line 187: | ||
=== Recommended SD card sizes === | === Recommended SD card sizes === | ||
The card size(s) depend on your game list | The firmwares usually take around 5GB-12GB of space. The card size(s) depend on your game list. This is only a reference point for smaller curated game lists up to PS1. | ||
1 card Setup: 128GB | 1 card Setup: 128GB | ||
| Line 591: | Line 197: | ||
{{SectionStyleEnd}} | {{SectionStyleEnd}} | ||
{{SectionStyleStart}} | {{SectionStyleStart}} | ||
== | == DTBVault == | ||
[[File:Dtbvault.png|thumb|right|300px|DTBVault]] | |||
'''[https://dtbvault.com DTBVault]''' is a community-driven archive for .dtb files, which are needed to boot. This archive is useful if you need to obtain a .dtb file that was corrupted in your handheld. | |||
{{ | {{DTBWarning}} | ||
{{ | {{Notice|If you can, please upload .dtb files that have not yet been uploaded.}} | ||
{{SectionStyleEnd}} | {{SectionStyleEnd}} | ||
Latest revision as of 14:29, 11 June 2026
Introduction[edit]
Custom Firmware (CFW) refers to a modified or alternative operating system installed on a device. It adds features like improved emulator support, performance tweaks, and custom themes. Most CFWs are based on Linux, offering flexibility and open-source support. Installing CFW usually involves flashing a microSD card and booting from it.
List of Custom Firmwares[edit]
| AmberELEC | ||
|---|---|---|
| Latest version |
| |
| Download | ⬇️ GitHub | |
| Documentation / FAQ | Getting Started Guide | |
| Hotkeys | Controls & Hotkeys Reference | |
| Officially Supported Devices |
| |
| Arch R | ||
|---|---|---|
| Latest version |
| |
| Download | ⬇️ Official GitHub Download Page | |
| Documentation / FAQ | Arch-R FAQ | |
| Officially Supported Devices |
| |
| ArkOS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Latest version |
| |
| Download | ⬇️ GitHub | |
| Documentation / FAQ | ArkOS Wiki & Setup Guide | |
| Hotkeys | Global & Emulator Hotkeys | |
| Officially Supported Devices |
| |
| ArkOS - R3XS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Latest version |
| |
| Download | ⬇️ GitHub | |
| Documentation / FAQ | ArkOS Wiki & Setup Guide | |
| Hotkeys | Global & Emulator Event Keys | |
| Officially Supported Devices |
| |
| ArkOS - K36 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Latest version |
| |
| Download | ⬇️ GitHub | |
| Documentation / FAQ | ArkOS Wiki & Setup Guide | |
| Hotkeys | Global & Emulator Event Keys | |
| Officially Supported Devices |
| |
| arkos4clone (ArkOS for clones) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Latest version |
| |
| Download | ⬇️ GitHub Releases | |
| Documentation / FAQ | Github readme | |
| Info | Based on the ArkOS R3XS community maintained firmware. | |
| Officially Supported Devices |
| |
| CrossMix-OS | |
|---|---|
| Latest version |
|
| Download | ⬇️ GitHub |
| Documentation / FAQ | CrossMix-OS Wiki |
| Hotkeys | Shortcuts |
| Officially Supported Devices |
|
| dArkOS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Latest version |
| |
| Download | ⬇️ GitHub | |
| Documentation / FAQ | dArkOS Wiki & Setup Guide | |
| Hotkeys | Global & Emulator Hotkeys | |
| Officially Supported Devices |
| |
| dArkOSRE | ||
|---|---|---|
| Latest version |
| |
| Download | ⬇️ GitHub | |
| Documentation / FAQ | dArkOSRE Wiki & Setup Guide | |
| Hotkeys | RetroArch Hotkeys | |
| Officially Supported Devices |
| |
| GammaOS Next | |
|---|---|
| Latest version |
|
| Download | ⬇️ GitHub |
| Documentation / FAQ | GammaOS Next Wiki & Setup Guide |
| Hotkeys | Wiki - Controller and Hotkeys |
| Officially Supported Devices | |
| KNULLI | |
|---|---|
| Latest version |
|
| Download | ⬇️ GitHub |
| Documentation / FAQ | KNULLI Homepage |
| Hotkeys | Hotkey Shortcuts |
| Officially Supported Devices | |
| muOS (MustardOS) | ||
|---|---|---|
![]() | ||
| Latest version | MustardOS 2601.1 Funky Jacaranda | |
| Download | ⬇️ muOS Homepage | |
| Documentation / FAQ | muOS Homepage | |
| Hotkeys | Handy Hotkeys | |
| Officially Supported Devices |
| |
| MinUI | |
|---|---|
| Latest version |
|
| Download | ⬇️ GitHub |
| Documentation / FAQ | Instructions are included in the download |
| Hotkeys | Instructions are included in the download |
| Officially Supported Devices | |
| MyMinUI | ||
|---|---|---|
| Latest version |
| |
| Download | ⬇️ GitHub | |
| Documentation / FAQ | Instructions are included in the download | |
| Hotkeys | Instructions are included in the download | |
| Officially Supported Devices |
| |
| Onion | |
|---|---|
| Latest version |
|
| Download | ⬇️ GitHub |
| Documentation / FAQ | Onion Homepage |
| Hotkeys | Onion Docs |
| Officially Supported Devices | |
| PAN4ELEC | |
|---|---|
| Latest version |
|
| Download | ⬇️ GitHub |
| Documentation / FAQ | Getting Started Guide |
| Hotkeys | GitHub and AmberELEC Controls & Hotkeys Reference |
| Officially Supported Devices | |
| SpruceUI / SpruceOS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Latest version |
| |
| Download | ⬇️ Stable Releas - ⬇️ Nightly/Dev build | |
| Documentation / FAQ | SpruceOS Wiki | |
| Hotkeys | Hotkeys | |
| Officially Supported Devices |
| |
| UnofficialOS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Latest version |
| |
| Download | ⬇️ GitHub Releases | |
| Documentation / FAQ | UnofficialOS Wiki | |
| Hotkeys | Hotkeys and Button Codes | |
| Officially Supported Devices |
| |
Other or older Firmwares[edit]
| Name | Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adam image | GitHub | CFW for Anbernic RG350, RG350P, RG350M, RG280M, RG280V, RG300X, PlayGo, PocketGo 2, PowKiddy Q80, GCW-Zero |
| Allium | GitHub | Custom launcher for the Miyoo Mini, Miyoo Mini Plus, and Miyoo Mini Flip |
| Anbernic StockOS Modifikation | GitHub | Anbernic RG35xx, RGG35xx 2024, RG35xx H, RG35xxSP, RG28xx, RG40xx H, RG40xx V, RGcube XX, RG34xx, RG34xx, SP RG35xx PRO |
| Carl OS | GitHub | StockMod of Miyoo Flip OS |
| cHAos | GitHub | AmberELEC fork for gameMT E6 / Game Console R50S |
| DesktopOS | GitHub | Desktop Environment for H700 devices |
| FunKey OS | GitHub | DrUm78's custom build of FunKey OS for FunKey S, Anbernic RG Nano, PowKiddy Q36 Mini, GBA Mini |
| GammaOS | GitHub | LineageOS based firmware for Anbernic RG405M / RG405V / RG505 |
| GammaOS Next | GitHub | LineageOS based firmware for Anbernic RG556 / RG-CUBE / RG406V / RG406H, AYANEO Pocket Micro, Retroid Pocket 4 PRO, Retroid Pocket Classic, KT Pocket KT-R1, ZPG Unicorn A1, GameMT E6 MAX |
| GarlicOS | Website | CFW for the Anbernic RG35XX (original version) that is similar to OnionOS |
| JelOS | GitHub | JELOS development has ended |
| KOLOS | GitHub | JELOS fork for RK3566 devices (Anbernic RG353P/M/V/VS, RG503, Powkiddy RK2023, RGB30, RGB10 and Max 3) |
| Koriki | GitHub | SimpleMenu frontend for the Miyoo Mini and Miyoo Mini Plus |
| Lakka | Website | Lightweight Linux distribution that uses RetroArch as front-end |
| MiyooCFW | GitHub | CFW for BittBoy, PocketGo, PowKiddy V90-Q90-Q20 |
| NextUI | GitHub | CFW for Trimui Brickand Trimui Smart Pro based of MinUI |
| PakUI | GitHub | This is like an addon for MinUI which adds lots of features and enhancements (for TrimUI Brick and TrimUI Smart Pro) |
| Powkiddy X39Pro / X45 / X51 / X70 Custom Firmware | GitHub | Powkiddy X39Pro/X45/X51/X70 Custom Firmware |
| Quark | Website | CFW for the Trimui Smart (not Pro) |
| R36S-Xorg | GitHub | Xorg on the R36S ArkOs |
| Recalbox | Website | CFW for Anbernic RG353M/V/P, RG351M/V/P, GPiCase 2W, Raspberry Pi, ODROID Go Advance, ODROID Go Super, PIBOY DMG |
| RetroFW | GitHub | CFW for devices with the JZ4760 SoC (system on a chip) |
| RetroOZ | GitHub | Custom firmware for OGS, OGA, RGB10Max and RGB10Max2 |
| StarkOS | Website | Preconfigured ArkOS fork for Anbernic RG353M/P/PS with simplified interface (DIY guide) |
| Surwish OS | Website | CFW for the Miyoo Flip |
| XFCE for H700 devices | GitHub | Desktop Environment for H700 devices |
Installing Custom Firmware[edit]
The process of installing the firmware to the SD card is often called "flashing". It creates a bootable drive.
Choosing the right micro SD card[edit]
Lots of devices come with cheap quality micro SD cards. If you don't want to risk loosing your 50 hour Pokemon save due to file corruption, it's recommended to get a card of a known brand.
Recommended SD card sizes[edit]
The firmwares usually take around 5GB-12GB of space. The card size(s) depend on your game list. This is only a reference point for smaller curated game lists up to PS1.
1 card Setup: 128GB
2 card Setup:
- TF1: 16-32GB
- TF2: 64-128GB


































