Custom Firmware
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.
List of Custom Firmwares
| AmberELEC | ||
|---|---|---|
| ||
| Latest version | 
| |
| Download | ⬇️ GitHub | |
| Documentation / FAQ | Getting Started Guide | |
| Hotkeys | Controls & Hotkeys Reference | |
| 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 |
| |
| CrossMix-OS | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Latest version | 
|
| Download | ⬇️ GitHub |
| Documentation / FAQ | CrossMix-OS Wiki |
| Hotkeys | Shortcuts |
| Officially Supported Devices |
|
| KNULLI | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Latest version | 
|
| Download | ⬇️ GitHub |
| Documentation / FAQ | KNULLI Homepage |
| Hotkeys | Hotkey Shortcuts |
| Officially Supported Devices | |
| muOS (MustardOS) | ||
|---|---|---|
 | ||
| Latest version | muOS 2502.0 Pixie | |
| 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 |
| |
| 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 and older Firmwares
| Name | Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| cHAos | GitHub | AmberELEC fork for gameMT E6 / Game Console R50S |
| DesktopOS | GitHub | Desktop Environment for H700 devices |
| 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) |
| Lakka | Website | Lightweight Linux distribution that uses RetroArch as front-end |
| MiyooCFW | GitHub | CFW for BittBoy, PocketGo, PowKiddy V90-Q90-Q20 |
| Onion OS | Website | OS overhaul for Miyoo Mini and Mini+ |
| 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 |
| RetroOZ | GitHub | Custom firmware for OGS, OGA, RGB10Max and RGB10Max2 |
| RetroFW | GitHub | CFW for devices with the JZ4760 SoC (system on a chip) |
| XFCE for H700 devices | GitHub | Desktop Environment for H700 devices |
Installing Custom Firmware
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
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
The card size(s) depend on your game list. The firmwares usually take around 5GB-12GB of space. 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
Firmware Flashing Guide (Windows)
Software needed
Firmware flashing tool like Rufus, Raspberry Pi Imager or Win32 Disk Imager
In this guide the portable version of Rufus has been used.
Step-by-Step Guide
1) Select your new SD card, the firmware image and click on start
2) Click OK to confirm. Make sure you selected the correct drive/SD card.
3) Wait till the flashing process is finished.
4) Close Rufus
5) Remove USB safely
6) First boot up
Insert the SD card into your device and press the power button. Rom folders and other stuff will now be generated. This process usually takes about 5 minutes (wait till the menu is loaded). Now the SD card is ready and you can add your game files and roms.
7) Gaming time
Have fun playing!
Firmware Flashing Guide (Android)
Hardware Needed
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Good SD card | Use a SD card that is compatible with your device |
| SD card reader | 
|
| USB-A to USB-C OTG adapter | 
|
Apps Needed
| Tool | App Name | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Browser | Firefox |  Firefox on Google Play
|
| Zipping Tool | RAR |  RAR on Google Play
|
| Flashing Tool | EtchDroid |  EtchDroid on Google Play
|
Step-by-Step Guide
1) Make a Backup of your original SD card
Backup the contents in the 📁BOOT partition. Below is shown this process with the Huawei Filemanager.
2) Download the firmware image
Download a custom firmware image that is compatible with your device.
3) Unzip the downloaded file
Open RAR and follow the steps below.
4) "Flashing" the firmware to the SD card
Open EtchDroid and follow the steps below.
5) First boot up
Insert the SD card in your device and press the power button. Rom folders and other stuff will now be generated. This process usually takes about 5 minutes (wait till the menu is loaded). Now the SD card is ready and you can add your roms.
6) Gaming time
Have fun playing!
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