New to the R36S? This is the complete button and controls guide. Every button mapped, every shortcut explained. Save states, fast forward, screenshots, RetroArch menu — all in one place. Bookmark this page.
Lab-Tested · Gamer-Verified · Expert-Curated by the iGC Team — www.handheldgameconsoles.games
🕹️ R36S Button Layout — Complete Map
| Button/Control | Location | Primary Function |
|---|---|---|
| D-Pad | Left side | Movement (2D games), menu navigation |
| Left Analog Stick | Left side, below D-pad | Movement (3D games), N64/PS1 analog |
| Right Analog Stick | Right side, below ABXY | Camera control (3D games) |
| A / B / X / Y | Right side face buttons | Action buttons (mapped per platform) |
| L1 / R1 | Top shoulder buttons | Shoulder buttons (L/R in games) |
| L2 / R2 | Top trigger buttons | Trigger buttons (ZL/ZR equivalent) |
| Start / Select | Center, right/left of Menu | Start/Select in games |
| Menu Button | Center | RetroArch hotkey (hold = RetroArch menu) |
⚡ Complete Shortcut Reference
| Shortcut | Function | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Menu + R1 | Save State | Saves to current slot instantly |
| Menu + L1 | Load State | Loads from current slot |
| Menu + R2 | Fast Forward (hold) | 2x speed while held |
| Menu + L2 | Slow Motion (hold) | 0.5x speed while held |
| Menu + X | Quick Menu | In-game RetroArch quick options |
| Menu + B | Screenshot | Saves to Screenshots folder |
| Menu + Y | Next Save Slot | Cycle through save slots 0-9 |
| Menu + A | Reset Game | Soft reset current game |
| Hold Menu (2s) | RetroArch Menu | Full RetroArch settings |
| Menu + Start | Exit Game | Return to EmulationStation |
💾 Save States — The Most Important Feature
Unlike in-game saves, save states capture the exact game state — position, health, items, everything. You can save before any boss fight, difficult section, or when you need to stop playing. Never lose progress again.
- Save before every boss fight
- Save before difficult platforming sections
- Save when you need to stop playing
- Use multiple slots (Menu + Y to switch)
- Also use in-game saves for backup
- Don't rely ONLY on save states for long RPGs
- Also use in-game saves as backup
- Save states can corrupt if battery dies mid-save
- Different cores may not share save states
🎮 Button Mapping by Platform
| Platform | A Button | B Button | Special |
|---|---|---|---|
| SNES | A → A | B → B | L1/R1 = L/R shoulder |
| NES | A → A | B → B | Start/Select standard |
| GBA | A → A | B → B | L1/R1 = GBA L/R |
| PS1 | A → ○ (Circle) | B → × (Cross) | Analog sticks active |
| N64 | A → A | B → B | Left stick = N64 analog |
💡 Pro Tips for R36S Controls
Menu + R2 (hold) for 2x speed. Essential for Pokemon grinding, FF random battles, and any repetitive section. Release to return to normal speed.
Menu + B takes a screenshot. Great for capturing high scores, memorable moments, or documenting your progress in long RPGs.
Hold Menu → Settings → Input → Port 1 Controls. You can remap any button for any game. Useful for fighting games or games with unusual layouts.
Volume buttons are on the top of the device. Adjust during gameplay without entering any menu. Set to 50% for comfortable indoor gaming.
Brightness buttons are on the top. Adjust anytime. iGC recommends 60% for indoor gaming (+45 min battery). 100% for outdoor/sunlight.
Menu + L2 (hold) for 0.5x slow motion. Incredibly useful for difficult platforming sections, fighting game combos, or any section requiring precise timing.
❓ FAQ
Press Menu + R1 to save state instantly. This saves your exact game state. To load, press Menu + L1. You can also use in-game saves normally. Use multiple save slots (Menu + Y to switch slots).
Hold Menu + R2 for 2x fast forward. Release to return to normal speed. Essential for Pokemon grinding, FF random battles, and any repetitive section.
Hold the Menu button for 2 seconds during gameplay to open RetroArch. For Quick Menu (in-game options), press Menu + X. From EmulationStation: Start → RetroArch.
Press Menu + B to take a screenshot. Screenshots are saved to the Screenshots folder on the microSD card. You can transfer them to your PC via USB or microSD reader.
Press Menu + Start to exit the current game and return to EmulationStation. Always save state first (Menu + R1) before exiting to preserve your progress.
