Setup Guide · Step-by-Step · 60 Seconds · July 2026
R36S Setup Guide 2026: How to Set Up Your R36S in 60 Seconds
The iGC R36S ships with ArkOS pre-configured and thousands of games pre-loaded. This guide walks you through everything from unboxing to playing your first game — in under 60 seconds.
⏱ Quick Setup Summary
Time to First Game
Under 60 seconds
Setup Required
None — plug and play
OS Pre-installed
ArkOS — configured
Games Pre-loaded
Thousands across 15 systems
<60s
Time to First Game
0
Setup Steps Required
15
Systems Pre-loaded
📦 What's in the Box
- R36S handheld console (with microSD card pre-installed)
- USB-C charging cable
- Screen protector (pre-applied on most units)
- Quick start card
📦 Step 1: Unboxing
1
Remove the R36S from packaging
Carefully remove the R36S from its box. The microSD card is already installed in the slot on the back of the device. Do not remove the microSD card — it contains your pre-loaded games and ArkOS configuration.
✅ iGC Tip: Check that the microSD card is fully seated. It should click in and not protrude.
🔋 Step 2: Charge Before First Use
2
Charge via USB-C (recommended: 1 hour minimum)
Connect the included USB-C cable to the R36S and a USB power source (5V/2A recommended). The LED indicator will light up during charging. A full charge from 0% takes approximately 2 hours and provides 4.2 hours of gameplay.
✅ iGC Tip: You can play while charging. The device will not overheat during normal use.
⚠️ First Boot Note
The R36S may take 30–60 seconds to boot on first use as ArkOS initializes. This is normal. Subsequent boots take 10–15 seconds.
⏻ Step 3: Power On
3
Press and hold the Power button (top-right) for 2 seconds
The iGC logo will appear, followed by the ArkOS boot screen. Wait 10–60 seconds for the main menu to load. You'll see the EmulationStation interface with your game systems listed.
✅ iGC Tip: If the screen stays black for more than 60 seconds, hold the power button for 5 seconds to force restart, then try again.
4
Use the D-Pad and A/B buttons to navigate
The main menu shows all available game systems. Navigation controls:
• D-Pad Left/Right — Switch between game systems
• D-Pad Up/Down — Scroll through games in a system
• A button — Select / Launch game
• B button — Back / Cancel
• Start — Open game options
• Select — Open system menu
• D-Pad Left/Right — Switch between game systems
• D-Pad Up/Down — Scroll through games in a system
• A button — Select / Launch game
• B button — Back / Cancel
• Start — Open game options
• Select — Open system menu
✅ iGC Tip: The systems are organized alphabetically. GBA, NES, PS1, SNES are the most popular starting points.
▶️ Step 5: Launch Your First Game
5
Navigate to a system, select a game, press A
Navigate to "Game Boy Advance" or "Super Nintendo" using the D-Pad. Scroll to any game and press A to launch. The game will load in 2–5 seconds. You're now playing.
✅ iGC Tip: Recommended first games: Pokémon FireRed (GBA), Super Mario World (SNES), or Crash Bandicoot (PS1).
6
In-game controls
Standard in-game controls:
• D-Pad — Movement
• A / B / X / Y — Action buttons (mapped to original console layout)
• L1 / R1 — Shoulder buttons
• Start / Select — Start/Select
• Menu button (center) — Open RetroArch quick menu (save states, settings)
• Menu + Start — Exit game, return to main menu
• D-Pad — Movement
• A / B / X / Y — Action buttons (mapped to original console layout)
• L1 / R1 — Shoulder buttons
• Start / Select — Start/Select
• Menu button (center) — Open RetroArch quick menu (save states, settings)
• Menu + Start — Exit game, return to main menu
✅ iGC Tip: Use Menu button to access Save State at any point. This lets you save progress instantly without needing an in-game save point.
⚙️ Step 6: Recommended Settings
7
Adjust brightness and volume
Quick adjustments without entering menus:
• Brightness: Hold Menu + D-Pad Up/Down
• Volume: Hold Menu + D-Pad Left/Right
• Recommended brightness: 60–70% for indoor use (saves battery)
• Recommended volume: 40–60% (speakers are adequate; headphones recommended for music-heavy games)
• Brightness: Hold Menu + D-Pad Up/Down
• Volume: Hold Menu + D-Pad Left/Right
• Recommended brightness: 60–70% for indoor use (saves battery)
• Recommended volume: 40–60% (speakers are adequate; headphones recommended for music-heavy games)
✅ iGC Tip: At 70% brightness, you'll get the full 4.2h battery life. At 100% brightness, expect ~3.5h.
8
Set display aspect ratio (optional)
The R36S defaults to 4:3 aspect ratio — correct for GBA, SNES, NES, and PS1. This is the recommended setting. To change: press Menu button in-game → Options → Video → Aspect Ratio.
✅ iGC Tip: Keep 4:3 for all classic console games. Only change to 16:9 for PSP games.
💾 Step 7: Add More Games (Optional)
9
Add games via microSD card
To add more games: power off the R36S → remove the microSD card → insert into a PC card reader → copy ROM files to the correct system folder (e.g., /roms/gba/ for GBA games) → reinsert the card → power on → the new games will appear automatically.
✅ iGC Tip: The 64GB card already has thousands of games. Most users never need to add more. The 128GB version has even more storage for additional games.
📝 Quick Reference: Button Map
| Button | In Menu | In Game |
|---|---|---|
| D-Pad | Navigate menus | Movement |
| A | Select / Confirm | Action (A button) |
| B | Back / Cancel | Action (B button) |
| Start | Game options | Start |
| Select | System menu | Select |
| Menu (center) | — | RetroArch quick menu |
| Menu + Start | — | Exit game |
| Menu + Up/Down | — | Brightness |
| Menu + Left/Right | — | Volume |
❓ Setup FAQ
Does the R36S need any setup before playing?
No. The iGC R36S ships with ArkOS pre-configured and thousands of games pre-loaded. Charge it, power it on, and play. No technical knowledge required. Ready in under 60 seconds.
How do I save my game progress on the R36S?
Two ways: (1) Use the game's built-in save system as normal. (2) Press the Menu button during gameplay to access Save State — this saves your exact position instantly, even mid-level. Save States are recommended for long gaming sessions.
How do I exit a game and return to the menu?
Press Menu + Start simultaneously. This exits the current game and returns you to the main EmulationStation menu. Always save your progress before exiting.
The screen is too dark / too bright. How do I adjust?
Hold the Menu button and press D-Pad Up to increase brightness, D-Pad Down to decrease. You can do this at any time, including during gameplay. Recommended: 60–70% for indoor use.
How do I charge the R36S?
Connect the included USB-C cable to any 5V USB power source (phone charger, power bank, computer). The LED indicator lights up during charging. Full charge takes approximately 2 hours. Battery life is 4.2 hours at 70% brightness.
R36S — Ready to Play in 60 Seconds
4.70/5 · 2,837 reviews · ArkOS pre-configured · Ships in 24 hours
→ Shop R36S — From $79.99 Game Compatibility Guide📖 New to retro gaming terms? Visit the iGC Retro Handheld Glossary — ArkOS, Save State, RetroArch, and 50+ more terms.
