ROMReady ArkOS Guide — ArkOS 2.0 Handhelds (R36S / RG353VS / RG353PS)

Step-by-step setup for all ArkOS 2.0 handhelds — plus dual-boot instructions for RG353V / RG353P.

R36S RG353VS RG353PS ArkOS 2.0 RG353V (Dual Boot) RG353P (Dual Boot)

Introduction

This guide applies to all handhelds running ArkOS 2.0 — including the R36S, RG353VS, and RG353PS. Devices like the RG353V and RG353P can dual boot between ArkOS and Android. The first half of this guide covers ArkOS setup (for all models), while the final section explains how to use Android mode on dual-boot devices.

Prepare Your ROMs Folder (On Your PC)

Before inserting your cards, structure your ROMs folder on your computer to match the OS layout. Create a main Roms folder, then sub-folders by platform (e.g., nes, snes, gba). Place each system’s games inside its folder using supported file types.

Tip: If a platform’s games don’t appear, verify folder names match ArkOS expectations and refresh your game list.

System Setup (ArkOS 2.0)

  1. 1
    Turn off your device and remove any original cards.
  2. 2
    Insert the 32 GB ArkOS card in slot 1 and the 128 GB games card in slot 2. Power on and wait for installation to complete.
  3. 3
    Once the main menu appears with game lists, ArkOS 2.0 is installed.

Installing / Switching to Games SD

  1. 1
    Turn off device, insert the 128 GB games card in slot 2, then power on.
  2. 2
    Go to Options → Advanced → Switch to second SD for Roms.
  3. 3
    Wait for process to finish — games will appear organised by system.
  4. 4
    Press SELECT → Update Game List or restart emulators.

Extras

  • To power off: START → QUIT → Shutdown System.
  • To update ArkOS: Options → Update (requires Wi-Fi).

Emulator Change (RetroArch)

Heavier titles like DC, PSP, PS1 and N64 may run smoother using RetroArch. Press START → Emulator Settings and set the default emulator per platform.

PSP Performance Settings (PPSSPP)

Launch a PSP game, press the right analog stick to open PPSSPP menu, then apply these settings:

Graphics

  • Backend: OpenGL (linux since vulkan is not supported)
  • Rendering Resolution: Auto (1:1) or 1x PSP
  • Display resolution: Native
  • Frame skipping: Off
  • Auto frameskip: Off
  • Skip buffer effects: Off
  • Skip GPU Readbacks: On
  • Vertex Cache: On
  • Lazy texture caching: On
  • Spline/Bezier curves quality: Low
  • Render duplicate frames to 60hz: Off
  • Buffer graphics command: Up to 2
  • Hardware transform: On
  • Software skinning: On
  • Hardware tessellation: On
  • Upscaling: Off
  • Anisotropic filtering: Off

System

  • Fast memory → On
  • Ignore bad memory access → On
  • I/O timing → Fast
  • Emulated CPU clock → Auto
  • Force real clock → On
  • Enable Cheats → On (for 30 FPS fixes)
Tip: For God of War, set CPU clock 222 MHz and enable “FPS fixed 30” cheat.

Screen Aspect Ratio (Full Screen)

Open RetroArch menu while in game to adjust aspect ratio or enable full screen.

RG353V / RG353P — Dual Boot (Android & ArkOS)

These models can dual boot between ArkOS and Android.

  • To boot Android: Remove the slot 1 (32 GB) ArkOS card and power on normally.
  • To return to ArkOS: Power off the device and reinsert the ArkOS card before turning it back on.

Once in Android, follow these steps to detect your TF2 (game) card:

  1. 1
    Tap the Anbernic icon.
  2. 2
    Under Emulators, hold X for 3 seconds, then tap Confirm TF2 Settings.
  3. 3
    Wait around 3 minutes for setup to complete. Repeat for each console if required.

If that doesn't work, try this alternative method below:

You need repeat this for all consoles ( Nintendo, Sega, playstation etc).

Console Notes

Amiga

  • Mouse → L2 + R2
  • Keyboard → hold START + A to type letters

Championship Manager

  • Start → L2 or B
  • Change disks → R1/L1. A small message shows current disk.
  • Keyboard → SELECT
  • Mouse → right joystick

PICO-8

If a Pico-8 game doesn’t start properly and displays the following screen...

PICO-8

...open START → Emulator Settings → Pico-8 Emulator and change Auto to Fake08.

Troubleshooting / FAQ

  • If games don’t appear, ensure “Switch to second SD for ROMs” was run and the list refreshed.
  • Verify ROM folder names exactly match ArkOS expected format.
  • On dual-boot devices, remember Android won’t auto-detect ArkOS cards unless reinserted.
  • See the ArkOS FAQ — RG353V for advanced help.