Tutorial · Retro handhelds
R36S: set up a second microSD card for games (TF2)
First check that the system card boots alone, back up TF2 data, then prepare the second card using the wiki for your dArkOSRE version.
At a glance
TimeVaries with the copies and checks required
DifficultyIntermediate (LODEX estimate)
ConsoleR36S
SystemdArkOSRE-R36
Compatible devices
Compatible consoles
R36S with a working system card and identified dArkOSRE-R36 version.
What you need
Required — Second TF2 microSD card, computer, card reader and backup storage before any formatting.
When to use TF2
A second card separates games, BIOS files and extra data from the system card. It simplifies migration without making TF1 optional. Start only after confirming the system card boots on its own.
This procedure follows the dArkOSRE wiki rechecked on 4 October 2026. Menus or scripts may change in future releases.
Equipment, only if you need it
Keep your current reader if it already works. This accessory is for your computer, not for plugging extra storage into the R36S.
UGREEN USB-C microSD reader
An option for a computer with a compatible USB-C port. The offer includes variants: check the selected connector before ordering.
Seller image supplied through AliExpress. Check the selected variant, delivered price and return conditions before ordering.
MicroSD: select the exact reference
Check the capacity, model and compatibility with your console before ordering. A price shown for several variants does not necessarily apply to the card you want.
Affiliate link: LODEX may earn a commission if you buy through this link. Compare the selected variant, delivered price and return conditions.
Choose and prepare the card
Back up an existing card first: formatting erases its contents. The dArkOSRE wiki specifies exFAT, an MBR scheme on macOS and a unique label such as ROMS; it advises against EASYROMS, already associated with the main card.
On Windows or macOS, double-check the selected disk. SD Association’s formatter can restore standard formatting but does not prove actual capacity or console compatibility.
- Delete old partitions only after backing up.
- Create an exFAT partition with default settings.
- Give it a unique label, such as ROMS.
- Copy the existing EASYROMS structure or the template specified in official documentation.
Safe insertion sequence
- Shut down the R36S completely.
- Insert TF2 into the correct slot.
- Start the console.
- Never remove the card during writing or while the console is running.
Switch the game folders
In EmulationStation, open START → Options → Advanced → Switch to SD2 for Roms. Let the script finish, then shut down before removing TF2. Copy your legally obtained games and authorised BIOS files into the created folders.
Current documentation keeps tools mounted from the system card; do not move their folder using an advanced command without a verified need.
Check mounting and ROMs
- The console boots with TF2 inserted.
- The expected folders exist on TF2.
- A test game appears under the correct system.
- The game starts with any required BIOS.
- After a clean restart, the card remains active.
Return to TF1
To return to primary storage, use the wiki’s “Switch to Main SD for Roms” script, then power off before removing TF2. Do not simply remove the card while the system still expects /roms2.
TF2 not detected
If the card is unmounted, folders are not created or ROMs remain missing, use the TF2 diagnostic guide. Do not repeatedly format: some releases fixed SD2 mounting for specific panels, including R36S-V12 Panel 0 and Panel 4 in the device pack associated with release 03082026.
Sources
- dArkOSRE-R36 — official repository — https://github.com/southoz/dArkOSRE-R36
- dArkOSRE-R36 — Firmware Installation — https://github.com/southoz/dArkOSRE-R36/wiki/Firmware-Installation
- dArkOSRE-R36 — official releases — https://github.com/southoz/dArkOSRE-R36/releases
- ArkOS — official wiki — https://github.com/christianhaitian/arkos/wiki
- SD Association — SD Memory Card Formatter — https://www.sdcard.org/downloads/formatter/
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