Firmware Comparison · Lab-Tested · 2026 · iGC Expert Guide
ArkOS vs OnionOS vs JELOS 2026: Which Firmware Is Best for Your Retro Handheld?
Short answer: ArkOS for R36S/R36MAX, OnionOS for Miyoo Mini, JELOS for advanced multi-device users. Here's the complete lab-tested breakdown from the iGC Editorial Team.
⏱ 30-Second Answer
R36S / R36MAX
ArkOS ✅
Miyoo Mini
OnionOS ✅
Advanced Users
JELOS ✅
Easiest Setup
OnionOS
Best Compatibility
ArkOS
Most Devices
JELOS
🔬 ArkOS — Best for R36S and RK3326 Devices
iGC #1 for R36S
ArkOS
Linux-based · RK3326 optimized · EmulationStation front-end
ArkOS is a Linux-based retro gaming operating system specifically optimized for Rockchip RK3326 devices — including the R36S, R36MAX, RG351P, and RG351V. It uses EmulationStation as its front-end interface and RetroArch for emulation. The iGC R36S ships with ArkOS pre-installed and pre-configured, which is why it works out of the box with no setup required.
Best For
R36S, R36MAX, RG351 series
Chip
RK3326 (optimized)
Front-End
EmulationStation
Emulator
RetroArch + standalone
GBA Compatibility
100% — locked 60fps
PS1 Compatibility
97% — locked 60fps
Setup Difficulty
Easy (pre-configured on iGC)
Update Frequency
Active development
✅ iGC Verdict: Best firmware for R36S. Pre-configured on all iGC devices. 100% GBA, 97% PS1. Plug and play.
Why ArkOS wins for R36S: ArkOS is specifically tuned for the RK3326 chip. The emulation cores are pre-configured for optimal performance on this hardware. The result is 100% GBA compatibility at locked 60fps — something that requires manual configuration on other firmware. For the R36S, ArkOS is not just the best option — it's the only option that delivers plug-and-play performance.
🍒 OnionOS — Best for Miyoo Mini
Best for Miyoo Mini
OnionOS
Linux-based · Miyoo Mini exclusive · MainUI front-end
OnionOS is a custom operating system designed exclusively for the Miyoo Mini and Miyoo Mini+ handheld devices. It is not compatible with the R36S or any RK3326 device. OnionOS is widely regarded as the easiest retro gaming firmware to use — its interface is clean, intuitive, and requires minimal configuration. It's the reason the Miyoo Mini became popular with casual retro gamers.
Best For
Miyoo Mini, Miyoo Mini+
Compatible With R36S?
❌ No — not compatible
Front-End
MainUI (custom)
Emulator
RetroArch
GBA Compatibility
100% on Miyoo Mini
Setup Difficulty
Very Easy
Update Frequency
Active development
Community
Large, active
❌ Not for R36S. OnionOS is Miyoo Mini-only. If you have an R36S, use ArkOS.
⚡ JELOS — Best for Advanced Multi-Device Users
Advanced Users
JELOS (Just Enough Linux OS)
Linux-based · Multi-device · EmulationStation front-end
JELOS (Just Enough Linux OS) is a community-developed Linux distribution that supports a wide range of retro handheld devices, including RK3326, RK3566, and AMD-based handhelds. It's more technically complex than ArkOS or OnionOS, but offers greater flexibility for advanced users who want to customize their setup. JELOS is the successor to EmuELEC for many devices.
Best For
Advanced users, multiple devices
Compatible With R36S?
⚠️ Yes, but complex setup
Front-End
EmulationStation
Device Support
30+ devices
Setup Difficulty
Advanced
GBA on R36S
100% (with configuration)
Update Frequency
Active development
Community
Technical, smaller
✅ Good for advanced users who want maximum control. Not recommended for beginners or gift recipients.
📊 Full Comparison Table
| Feature | ArkOS | OnionOS | JELOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Device | R36S, R36MAX | Miyoo Mini | Multiple devices |
| R36S Compatible | ✅ Yes (optimized) | ❌ No | ⚠️ Yes (complex) |
| Setup Difficulty | Easy | Very Easy | Advanced |
| Front-End | EmulationStation | MainUI | EmulationStation |
| GBA Compatibility | 100% | 100% (Miyoo) | 100% (configured) |
| PS1 Compatibility | 97% | N/A (Miyoo) | 97% (configured) |
| Save States | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Cheats | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| WiFi Support | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Plug & Play | ✅ Yes (iGC pre-config) | ✅ Yes | ❌ Requires setup |
| Best For | Beginners, gifts | Miyoo users | Power users |
🎯 The Verdict
If you have an R36S or R36MAX: ArkOS. It's pre-installed on all iGC devices, optimized for the RK3326 chip, and delivers 100% GBA and 97% PS1 compatibility out of the box. No configuration required.
If you have a Miyoo Mini: OnionOS. It's the best firmware for that device, with the easiest interface and full GBA compatibility.
If you're an advanced user with multiple devices: JELOS. It supports 30+ devices and offers maximum customization, but requires technical knowledge to configure correctly.
❓ Firmware FAQ
What firmware does the R36S use?
The iGC R36S ships with ArkOS pre-installed and pre-configured. ArkOS is a Linux-based operating system optimized for the RK3326 chip used in the R36S. It uses EmulationStation as the front-end and RetroArch for emulation. No setup required — turn it on and play.
Can I install OnionOS on the R36S?
No. OnionOS is designed exclusively for the Miyoo Mini and Miyoo Mini+ handheld devices. It is not compatible with the R36S or any RK3326-based device. The R36S uses ArkOS, which is the correct firmware for that hardware.
Is ArkOS or JELOS better for the R36S?
ArkOS is better for most R36S users. It's specifically optimized for the RK3326 chip, delivers 100% GBA compatibility out of the box, and requires no configuration. JELOS supports the R36S but requires manual setup and is better suited for advanced users who want to customize their experience.
What is the easiest retro handheld firmware to use?
OnionOS (for Miyoo Mini) is the easiest firmware overall. For R36S users, ArkOS as pre-configured by iGC is equally easy — the device ships ready to play with no setup required. JELOS is the most complex of the three.
Do I need to update the firmware on my iGC R36S?
No. The iGC R36S ships with the latest stable ArkOS firmware pre-installed. You don't need to update it to play games. If you want to update in the future for new features, instructions are available in our R36S Setup Guide.
Get the R36S — ArkOS Pre-Configured, Plug and Play
4.70/5 · 2,837 reviews · ArkOS pre-installed · Ships in 24 hours
→ Shop R36S — $79.99 ArkOS Glossary Entry📖 See also: R36S Review · R36S Setup Guide · Retro Handheld Glossary
