The R36S has more buttons than it looks. D-pad, dual analog sticks, 4 face buttons, 4 shoulder buttons, Start, Select, Menu — plus powerful shortcut combinations. This is the complete reference guide for every button and shortcut on the R36S.
Lab-Tested · Gamer-Verified · Expert-Curated by the iGC Team — www.handheldgameconsoles.games
🕹️ R36S Button Layout — Complete Reference
⚡ All Shortcuts — Memorize These
| Shortcut | Action | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Menu + R1 | Save State | Before every boss, checkpoint |
| Menu + L1 | Load State | After dying, to retry boss |
| Menu + R2 | Fast Forward (2x) | Grinding, text, cutscenes |
| Menu + L2 | Rewind (if enabled) | Undo mistakes |
| Menu + Start | Open RetroArch Menu | Change settings, cores |
| Menu + Select | Exit Game | Return to EmulationStation |
| Select + Vol Up | Brightness Up | Outdoor use, dark rooms |
| Select + Vol Down | Brightness Down | Battery saving, night gaming |
🎮 Button Mapping by Platform
💡 Pro Tips for R36S Controls
Press Menu+R1 before every boss, dungeon, and story branch. This is the single most important habit for retro gaming. Never lose progress again.
Hold Menu+R2 during Pokemon random encounters, FF grinding, and text-heavy cutscenes. Saves 20-30% of total playtime on RPGs.
Select+Vol Up/Down adjusts brightness without entering any menu. Set to 60% for best battery life. Increase for outdoor use.
Menu+Start → RetroArch → Settings → Input → Port 1 Controls to remap any button. Useful for fighting games with custom layouts.
❓ FAQ
Press Menu + R1 to save state on R36S. Press Menu + L1 to load state. Works on all platforms. Save states are instant and work anywhere in the game — not just at save points.
Press Select + Volume Up to increase brightness. Press Select + Volume Down to decrease brightness. Adjust in-game without entering any menu. Recommended: 60% for best battery life.
Press Menu + Select to exit a game and return to EmulationStation. Always save state first (Menu + R1) before exiting to preserve your progress.
Press Menu + Start to open the RetroArch menu while in a game. From here you can change emulator settings, switch cores, adjust video/audio settings, and remap buttons.
Yes. R36S has dual analog sticks (left and right). Both sticks also click (L3/R3). The dual analog sticks enable N64 3D gaming (Mario 64, Zelda OoT) and PS1 3D games (Crash, Tekken). This is R36S's key advantage over cheaper handhelds.
