Tutorial · Retro handhelds
R36S: add games and BIOS files to dArkOSRE
Copy only files you are entitled to keep into the system folder on the active TF1 or TF2 card, then check they appear on the console.
At a glance
TimeVaries with the copies and checks required
DifficultyIntermediate (LODEX estimate)
ConsoleR36S
SystemdArkOSRE-R36
Compatible devices
Compatible consoles
R36S with dArkOSRE-R36 and identified hardware profile; paths vary by TF1 or TF2 configuration.
What you need
Required — Active microSD card, computer and card reader; legally held game and BIOS files.
Prepare legally obtained files
Use only game copies and BIOS files you are entitled to keep. Fully shut down the R36S before removing a card. Do not rename or delete existing folders without checking their purpose.
An expected extension does not prove a file is valid. Keep the original on your computer until testing is complete.
Choose TF1 or TF2
Identify the card currently holding games. In a one-card setup, folders are on TF1’s data partition. If switched with “Switch to SD2 for Roms”, use TF2. Do not randomly copy the same game to both cards.
If TF2 needs setup first, follow the dedicated guide; this page does not repeat its preparation.
Copy into the system folder
- Shut down and remove the active card.
- Open the games partition on the computer.
- Identify the system folder from the dArkOSRE/ArkOS reference matching your installed version.
- Copy the legally obtained file without rebuilding the folder structure.
- Safely eject the card, return it to the same slot and restart.
Add required BIOS files
Some systems need a BIOS, others do not. Use the per-system reference and respect the required name, location and checksum where provided. Do not put every BIOS into every folder “just in case”.
A missing BIOS can prevent launch without preventing a game from appearing: distinguish listing from execution.
Refresh the game list
After restarting, open the relevant system. If the interface offers a list refresh, use it; otherwise a clean EmulationStation restart is often sufficient after a correct copy.
Check one test file before transferring a large library.
Missing game: quick checks
- Is the correct card actually active for ROMs?
- Is the file in the correct system folder?
- Does the configured emulator or core support its extension?
- Should the archive stay compressed or be extracted according to the reference?
- Did copying finish without error, and was the card safely ejected?
If all of TF2 disappears or its folders are not created, move to the TF2 diagnostic guide; this is no longer a single-game addition issue.
Folder, format and BIOS reference
The detailed systems, folders, extensions and exceptions list stays on the dedicated reference page. This action guide does not duplicate it, avoiding two tables that could diverge.
Sources
- ArkOS — official wiki — https://github.com/christianhaitian/arkos/wiki
- Libretro — Change Directories — https://docs.libretro.com/guides/change-directories/
- Libretro — Import Content — https://docs.libretro.com/guides/import-content/
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