The R36S uses a familiar two-hand control layout, so most players can start without a long setup process. The D-pad handles classic movement, ABXY handles actions, the shoulder buttons handle system-specific controls, and the Menu button works with other buttons for useful emulator shortcuts such as saving and loading states.
The five-minute control answer
Use the D-pad for classic movement, A/B for the main action buttons, X/Y for secondary actions, and Menu + R1 to create a save state. Use Menu + L1 to load one. The exact mapping can vary by emulator core or firmware, but the physical layout stays familiar across the retro systems.
R36S button layout at a glance
| Control | Primary job | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| D-pad | Four-way movement | Platformers, RPG menus, arcade games |
| A / B | Primary and confirm actions | Jump, attack, select, confirm |
| X / Y | Secondary actions | Cancel, special move, item, or game-specific action |
| Start / Select | Pause, menu, or system-specific functions | Pause, map, inventory, two-player options |
| L1 / R1 | Shoulder actions | PS1 actions, page changes, save-state hotkeys |
| L2 / R2 | Secondary shoulder actions | PS1 triggers, camera, fast-forward or game-specific controls |
| Left / right joysticks | Analog movement where supported | Compatible 3D and PS1-style games |
What does the D-pad do on R36S?
The D-pad is the main control for classic 2D games. Use it to move left and right, climb, select menu options, navigate maps, and control characters in games designed around a digital four-way pad. For NES, SNES, Genesis, Game Boy, GBA, and many arcade games, the D-pad is usually the control you will use most.
In RPG menus, the D-pad moves the highlight and the A button usually confirms. The exact confirm and cancel buttons can change between regions and game systems, so follow the on-screen prompt when a game displays one.
What do A, B, X, and Y do?
The four face buttons are arranged in the familiar diamond used by many classic controllers. Their exact in-game actions are determined by the game and emulator mapping, but the general pattern is easy to learn:
- A: commonly confirm, jump, attack, or the main action.
- B: commonly cancel, run, dodge, or the secondary action.
- X: commonly opens a secondary action, item, or special move.
- Y: commonly performs another special action, dash, or item command.
Do not assume every system uses the same arrangement. A SNES game, a Genesis game, and a PS1 game may assign the same physical button different actions. The R36S hardware provides the controls; the game and emulator core decide how each title uses them.
What do Start and Select do?
Start and Select are central system buttons used for pause screens, game menus, inventory, maps, player selection, or system-specific functions. In many older games, Start pauses the action and Select changes a mode or opens a secondary menu. Some games use both together for two-player selection or a special menu.
If you are unsure, press Start once and look for a pause or menu response. Avoid holding buttons randomly during a critical game moment. For a new title, check the game’s own instructions or tutorial screen first.
What do L1, L2, R1, and R2 do?
The shoulder buttons are especially important for PS1 and other systems with more than four main actions. L1 and R1 are often used for switching targets, changing pages, strafing, or selecting a weapon. L2 and R2 may act as triggers for camera movement, braking, aiming, or other game-specific actions.
On the R36S, shoulder buttons also participate in emulator shortcuts. That means a button combination can affect the emulator rather than the game itself. Use the shortcut deliberately and avoid pressing Menu combinations by accident if you are in the middle of a difficult section.
What does the Menu button do?
The Menu button is the R36S shortcut modifier for common emulator actions. The exact shortcut list can vary by firmware and emulator core, but the standard R36S ArkOS mapping commonly uses:
| Shortcut | Common function | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| Menu + R1 | Create a save state | Wait briefly for the save to finish |
| Menu + L1 | Load a save state | Load the same game and slot |
| Menu + R2 | Commonly activates fast-forward | Availability depends on the core and mapping |
If a shortcut does not respond, do not assume the hardware is broken. Open the RetroArch menu and check the hotkey or input settings for the active core. Firmware versions and emulator mappings can change, and the on-device mapping is the final authority.
How to start playing R36S in five minutes
- Power on the R36S and wait for the game system menu.
- Use the D-pad to choose a console or game category.
- Press A to open the category or confirm a selection.
- Choose a game and press A to launch it.
- Play normally, then use Menu + R1 if you want a quick save state.
- When finished, exit the game and shut down through the normal system option.
Start with a familiar NES, SNES, GBA, or Genesis game before experimenting with more complicated systems. Once the D-pad, A/B buttons, Start, Select, and Menu shortcuts feel natural, the rest of the library is much easier to navigate.
Are R36S controls good for beginners?
Yes. The physical layout is familiar, the device is designed for offline plug-and-play use, and the controls do not require a touchscreen or account setup. Beginners mainly need to learn three things: D-pad movement, A/B confirmation and cancellation, and the Menu shortcuts for saving and loading.
The R36S is less suitable if you specifically need modern touch controls, a large number of analog inputs, wireless controller pairing, or a device designed around current PC games. For classic handheld and console games, its simple physical controls are part of the appeal.
R36S controls 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.
On the standard mapping, hold Menu and press L1 to load a save state from the same game and slot.
The D-pad handles four-way movement, menu navigation, maps, and classic games designed around digital controls.
Yes. The familiar D-pad, ABXY, Start, Select, shoulder buttons, and simple emulator shortcuts are easy to learn without an account or touchscreen setup.
The active emulator core or firmware may use a different mapping. Check the RetroArch hotkey and input settings for the game you are playing.
