Saving on the R36S is simple once you know the difference between a normal in-game save and a RetroArch save state. For most games, use the standard game save when the game provides one. For quick progress anywhere, use a save state. The default R36S ArkOS shortcut is typically Menu + R1 to save and Menu + L1 to load.
The 30-second answer
During gameplay, press Menu + R1 to create a save state, then press Menu + L1 to load it later. Save states are quick snapshots of the exact moment you stopped playing. For long-term progress, also use the game’s own save system whenever possible.
What is the difference between a save state and a normal save?
A normal in-game save is created through the game’s own menu, checkpoint, save point, or password system. It is usually the most compatible way to preserve a campaign because the game itself writes the progress.
A save state is an emulator snapshot. It records the game exactly as it is on screen, including your position, health, inventory, and current battle or level. Save states are especially useful when you need to stop quickly or when a retro game has long sections between official save points.
| Method | Best for | Main caution |
|---|---|---|
| In-game save | Permanent campaign progress | Some games only save at specific points |
| Save state | Quick stops, difficult sections, travel sessions | Do not overwrite your only useful slot by accident |
| Battery-safe shutdown | Protecting the card and saved data | Do not remove power or force shutdown while writing data |
How to create a save state on R36S
- Launch a game and play until you reach the moment you want to preserve.
- Press and hold the R36S Menu button.
- While holding Menu, press R1.
- Wait briefly for the save-state confirmation or visual response.
- Continue playing, or exit the game through the normal menu.
The default hotkey is generally Menu + R1 on R36S devices using the standard ArkOS and RetroArch mapping. If your firmware or core uses a different shortcut, open the RetroArch menu and check the hotkey or input settings rather than repeatedly pressing buttons and guessing.
How to load a save state on R36S
- Open the same game you used when creating the save state.
- Wait until the game has loaded normally.
- Press and hold Menu.
- While holding Menu, press L1.
- Confirm that the game returns to the saved moment.
Use one save state for a quick return and keep a separate in-game save for important progress. Before a difficult boss, multi-disc change, or long travel session, create a fresh state instead of overwriting the only state you trust.
How many save states should you use?
Use separate save-state slots when the game or emulator offers them. A practical approach is to keep one recent slot, one slot before a major decision, and one backup slot at a safe point. The exact number and menu layout can vary by emulator core and firmware, so the important rule is to avoid treating one save state as your only copy of progress.
For RPGs, keep an in-game save before changing discs, entering a major story event, or starting a long dungeon. For platformers and arcade games, a save state is useful for pausing a difficult stage, but an in-game save may not exist at all.
How to save PS1 games on R36S
For PS1 games, use both systems when available. Save inside the game at a real save point, then create a save state before stopping. This gives you a more portable quick resume while preserving a normal campaign save that is less dependent on the exact emulator state.
Multi-disc games require extra care. Before changing discs, make an in-game save at the disc-change prompt if the game provides one. Then use the emulator’s disc-management option to select the next disc. Do not treat a save state from the previous disc as your only backup.
Why did my R36S save state disappear?
The most common causes are loading a different game version, changing the emulator core, selecting a different save slot, using a different ROM filename, or powering off while data is still being written. Save states are associated with the game and emulator environment that created them, so a renamed or replaced file may not show the same state.
Save-state troubleshooting checklist
- Reopen the exact same game entry you used before.
- Check that you are using the same save-state slot.
- Do not rename or replace the game file between saving and loading.
- Confirm that the microSD card is seated correctly.
- Use a normal in-game save as a second backup whenever the game supports it.
- Shut down through the system menu instead of cutting power during a write.
How to shut down R36S without losing progress
After saving, wait a moment before shutting down. Exit the game normally, return to the menu, and use the system’s shutdown option. Avoid pulling the cable, removing the microSD card, or holding the power button while the device is saving. Abrupt power loss is more dangerous for the storage card than simply using the normal shutdown process.
For travel, create a save state before putting the R36S away, then shut it down completely. This is safer than leaving a game running in a bag and makes it easy to continue later.
R36S save and load FAQ
On the standard R36S ArkOS mapping, hold Menu and press R1 to create a save state. Hotkeys can vary by firmware or emulator core, so check RetroArch input settings if the shortcut does not respond.
On the standard mapping, hold Menu and press L1 to load a save state. Load the same game entry and use the same slot that created the state.
They serve different purposes. Save states are faster and work almost anywhere, while normal in-game saves are usually the safer long-term campaign backup. Use both when possible.
Check the game filename, emulator core, save-state slot, and microSD card. Replacing or renaming a game file can make an existing state appear missing.
Yes. Create a save state before putting the handheld away, then use the normal shutdown option. The R36S is designed for offline play, so saving does not require WiFi.
