ArkOS vs OnionOS 2026: Which Firmware is Best for Your Retro Handheld?
ArkOS and OnionOS are the two most popular retro handheld custom firmware (CFW) options. But they're designed for different devices. Here's exactly which one you should use — and why.
⏱ 30-Second Answer
❌ Critical: OnionOS Does NOT Work on R36S
OnionOS is designed exclusively for the Miyoo Mini and Miyoo Mini+. It will NOT install or run on the R36S. If you have an R36S, you need ArkOS (or JELOS). The iGC R36S Definitive Edition ships with ArkOS pre-configured — no action needed.
| Feature | ArkOS | OnionOS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| R36S Compatibility | ✅ Full support | ❌ Not compatible | 🥇 ArkOS |
| Miyoo Mini+ Compatibility | ❌ Not compatible | ✅ Full support | 🥇 OnionOS |
| GBA / SNES / PS1 | ✅ Perfect 60fps | ✅ Perfect 60fps | 🥉 Tie |
| N64 Emulation | ✅ 25-30fps | ❌ Not supported | 🥇 ArkOS |
| PSP Emulation | ✅ 35-55fps | ❌ Not supported | 🥇 ArkOS |
| WiFi Support | ✅ Full | ✅ Mini+ only | 🥉 Tie |
| Bluetooth | ✅ Supported | ❌ No | 🥇 ArkOS |
| UI Design | Functional, clean | Beautiful, polished | 🥇 OnionOS (prettier) |
| Beginner Friendly | ✅ iGC pre-configures | ⚠️ Requires setup | 🥇 ArkOS (iGC edition) |
| Community Size | Large, active | Large, active | 🥉 Tie |
| Standalone Emulators | ✅ Supported | ⚠️ Limited | 🥇 ArkOS |
ArkOS is built on Ubuntu Linux and optimized specifically for RK3326-based devices like the R36S. It supports RetroArch for most emulation plus standalone emulators for demanding systems like N64 (Mupen64Plus) and PSP (PPSSPP). The result is better performance than any other CFW option on the R36S.
The iGC R36S Definitive Edition ships with ArkOS pre-configured by our lab team. Boot time: 28 seconds. All 15 systems pre-loaded. WiFi and Bluetooth configured. Save states enabled. You don't need to touch the firmware — it's already optimized.
OnionOS is a custom firmware built specifically for the Miyoo Mini and Miyoo Mini+. It features a beautiful, polished UI, excellent GBA/SNES/PS1 performance, and a thriving community. If you own a Miyoo Mini+, OnionOS is the best firmware available — period.
However, OnionOS is hardware-specific. It will not install on the R36S. The chips are different, the architecture is different, and attempting to install OnionOS on an R36S will result in a bricked device. Do not attempt this.
Beyond ArkOS, R36S users have two other firmware options:
- JELOS (Just Enough Linux OS): Community-maintained, excellent stability, slightly less performance than ArkOS on N64/PSP. Good alternative for advanced users.
- GarlicOS: Lightweight and fast for GBA/SNES/PS1. Less support for N64 and PSP. Good for users who only play 16-bit era games.
- Stock firmware: The default firmware that ships with most R36S units. Functional but not optimized. iGC replaces this with ArkOS for better performance.
🏆 iGC Verdict: ArkOS for R36S, OnionOS for Miyoo Mini+
The answer is simple: use ArkOS on your R36S, use OnionOS on your Miyoo Mini+. They're not interchangeable. The iGC R36S Definitive Edition ships with ArkOS pre-configured — you don't need to do anything. Just plug in and play.
💡 Already Have an R36S with Stock Firmware?
If your R36S came with stock firmware and you want to upgrade to ArkOS, visit our R36S Setup Guide for step-by-step instructions. Or simply buy the iGC Definitive Edition — it ships with ArkOS already installed and configured.
Get the R36S with ArkOS Pre-Configured
Skip the firmware setup. iGC ships the R36S with ArkOS already installed — plug in and play in 60 seconds.
→ Shop R36S — From $79.99 Our Testing Process📖 New to retro gaming terms? Visit the iGC Retro Handheld Glossary — definitions for ArkOS, CFW, SoC, RetroArch, and 50+ more terms.
