How To Add Games To Anbernic Rg35Xx

To add games to your Anbernic RG35XX, you’ll need to transfer game files (ROMs) onto the device’s SD card, usually within specific folders matching each supported system.

So, you’ve got your hands on the cool Anbernic RG35XX and you’re itching to play some games? That’s great! But how do you actually get those games onto the device? It’s simpler than you might think and I’m going to explain the process.

This article guides you on how to add games to Anbernic RG35XX. We will cover the basic steps, which includes getting the files ready and placing them correctly. Let’s get started, and get you gaming.

How to Add Games to Anbernic RG35XX

So, you’ve got your shiny new Anbernic RG35XX, and you’re ready to play some awesome retro games! That’s fantastic! But, the device itself doesn’t magically come loaded with all your favorite titles. You need to know how to add them. Don’t worry; it’s easier than you might think. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about putting games onto your RG35XX, even if you’re not a super techy person. We’ll explore different methods, what types of files you need, and some helpful tips to make the whole process smooth and enjoyable. Let’s jump right in!

Understanding ROMs and Emulators

Before we start adding games, it’s important to understand two key things: ROMs and emulators. Think of it this way: ROMs are like the game cartridges of the past, but in digital file form. They contain the actual game data. Emulators, on the other hand, are like the old game consoles you used to play on. The Anbernic RG35XX has built-in emulators that let it pretend to be those consoles. So, to play a game, you need both a ROM and a compatible emulator. The RG35XX comes with many of these emulators pre-installed. It’s compatible with game files from a wide range of retro consoles.

What are ROM Files?

ROM files are essentially copies of the game cartridges or discs from classic systems. These files are stored on your device like any other file and, when opened by an emulator, will run the game. ROM files come in different file formats based on the console the game is from. For example, games from the original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) usually have a .nes extension, and Super Nintendo (SNES) games typically use .sfc or .smc extensions. It’s super important to remember that you need to own a physical copy of a game to legally have its ROM. Downloading games that you haven’t purchased is against copyright laws.

What are Emulators?

Emulators are the software programs that allow your RG35XX to run the game ROMs. These emulators mimic the hardware of old consoles, such as the PlayStation 1, Gameboy, or Atari. The RG35XX uses a custom operating system, typically based on Linux. It has many emulators pre-configured, so you usually don’t need to worry about installing any additional emulators. However, understanding that the emulator does the “heavy lifting” of allowing you to play the games helps in understanding the complete picture.

Preparing Your RG35XX and SD Card

Okay, before we can start putting games onto your RG35XX, you need to make sure everything is set up correctly. This primarily involves preparing the SD card that will store the game files. The RG35XX comes with a pre-formatted SD card, but for the best results, you might want to reformat it or use a new one. Here’s what you need to do:

Choosing the Right SD Card

The Anbernic RG35XX uses a microSD card to store its operating system and your game files. When choosing a card, here are some important things to keep in mind:

Size: A 64GB or 128GB card is a great starting point. You can even go higher if you want to store a large library of games.
Speed: Look for a card with a good speed rating, usually noted as a “Class” rating on the card. Class 10 or higher cards are recommended for smooth performance.
Brand: Go with a reputable brand that you trust, like Samsung, Sandisk, or Kingston. This can help you avoid problems with your card down the road.

Formatting Your SD Card

A clean format of your SD card is always a great idea for preventing problems. Formatting erases all of the data and sets the card up with the right format. Here’s how to do it using a computer:

Backup Your Data: If you are using a previously used SD card, make sure to copy the data from your card to your computer first to prevent data loss.
Connect Your SD Card: Use an SD card reader to connect your SD card to your computer.
Open Disk Utility (Mac) or Disk Management (Windows):
- Mac: You can find the “Disk Utility” by searching for it using the Spotlight function.
- Windows: Right click the Start button and choose “Disk Management.”
Select the SD Card: Be very careful here! You need to select the SD card and not any other drives on your computer.
Format: Select “Erase” (on Mac) or “Format” (on Windows).
Choose a File System: Select “FAT32” (or “MS-DOS (FAT)” for Mac users).
Name the Drive: You can give the card a label if you like.
Click “Erase” or “Format” to begin formatting: A message will pop up, asking you to confirm that you want to format the drive, and if that is what you want to do, click “Erase” or “Format”.

Understanding the Directory Structure

It’s good to know how the files are set up on the RG35XX. The folder organization makes it easy for the system to know where to find your games. Here is a general idea of what you will find on your SD card after you format it and connect it to the RG35XX:

bios: This folder contains system files for some emulators. You usually won’t need to add any files to this folder, but it’s good to know it exists.
roms: This folder is where you will place your game ROM files. Inside you’ll see sub-folders for each system, like “nes”, “snes”, “gb”, “gba”, etc. Make sure to put the right game files into the right subfolder. For example, put the .nes games into the “nes” folder.
saves: This folder contains the saved games.
themes: This folder contains custom themes for your RG35XX.

Adding ROMs to Your RG35XX

Now for the fun part – actually adding the games! There are a couple of ways you can do this: either connecting the SD card to your computer or using the RG35XX to transfer files directly. Let’s look at both:

Method 1: Using Your Computer and SD Card Reader

This is the most common and easiest method. It involves taking the SD card out of your RG35XX and using a reader to connect it to your computer.

Safely Remove the SD Card: Turn off your RG35XX, and then carefully remove the SD card.
Connect the SD Card to your Computer: Connect the SD card to your computer using an SD card reader.
Locate the ‘roms’ folder: Once the SD card is connected, open the storage area on your computer that represents the SD card. Go to the “roms” folder on the SD card.
Copy the ROM Files: Find the ROM files that you wish to add to your RG35XX on your computer. Be sure you have the legally required physical game for any ROMs that you place on the SD card. Drag or copy the files into the corresponding folder within the “roms” folder. For example, if you’re adding a Nintendo Entertainment System game, place the .nes file in the “nes” folder.
Eject the SD Card Safely: After the games are copied, safely eject the SD card from your computer, just like you would a USB drive.
Insert the SD Card Back Into Your RG35XX: Put the SD card back into your RG35XX.
Turn on Your RG35XX: Your games should now be available in the game menu on the RG35XX.

Method 2: Connecting the RG35XX Directly to Your Computer

Another option is to connect the RG35XX directly to your computer using a USB cable. This option avoids having to remove the SD card each time, making transferring files easier, but in some cases can be slower.

Connect RG35XX to your computer: Use a USB-C cable to connect your RG35XX to your computer.
Power on the RG35XX: Turn on the RG35XX.
Select “USB Storage”: When connected, your RG35XX will likely show a prompt asking you what to do with the connection. Select the “USB Storage” option.
Access the SD card on your computer: Your computer will now recognize the RG35XX like a USB drive or external hard drive. You’ll see the folders and files on the SD card.
Locate the ‘roms’ folder: Open the storage area on your computer that represents the SD card. Go to the “roms” folder on the SD card.
Copy the ROM Files: Locate the ROM files on your computer that you want to add. Be sure you have the legally required physical game for any ROMs that you place on the SD card. Drag or copy the files into the correct system folder within the “roms” folder on the RG35XX.
Eject the SD Card Safely: After copying the files, safely eject the drive from your computer.
Power off your RG35XX and Power on again: Your RG35XX will reload with the new list of games that you have added.

Tips for Finding ROMs and Troubleshooting

Finding ROMs can be tricky. Remember that you need to own a physical copy of a game to legally possess the ROM file. Here are some points to keep in mind:

Finding Legal ROMs

The safest and most legal way to acquire ROMs is to extract them from your own physical cartridges or discs using special hardware. However, this method can be more involved and requires additional equipment. The second option is purchasing games from websites that sell legal ROMs of classic games, such as GOG.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, things might not work perfectly the first time. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

Game not showing up: Make sure the game files are in the correct folders and use the proper format. The file extension needs to be correct (e.g., .nes for NES games, .smc or .sfc for SNES games). Restart the RG35XX, as sometimes that alone will fix issues.
Game crashing: The emulator might not be compatible with the game. Also make sure you are using the appropriate version of the operating system on your SD card. Sometimes corrupt rom files can cause this issue. Also make sure the files are named correctly.
Laggy Performance: Certain games might be more demanding. Check to see that your RG35XX is set to use a more optimized version of the emulator. Also, using a fast SD card is extremely important for proper performance.
SD Card Not Recognized: Make sure your SD card is formatted correctly. FAT32 is the required format. Clean the SD card reader and try again, if necessary.

Other Helpful Tips

Organize your ROMs: Create folders to keep your games tidy. You can add subfolders to the game rom folders as needed.
Use a Good ROM Set: Try to download a complete and verified game set, as it will reduce the chance of experiencing issues.
Check Online Forums and Communities: There are many online communities where you can ask for help.

Adding games to your Anbernic RG35XX is a straightforward process. With these instructions, you’ll be able to load your favorite retro games in no time and begin enjoying some great nostalgic gaming moments. Remember to always use legally obtained game files and to be sure your SD card is formatted correctly, and you should be able to have hours of retro gaming fun!

RG35XX Adding game ROMS

Final Thoughts

To add games, connect your RG35XX to a computer using a USB cable. Then, navigate to the appropriate folder for your desired system. Finally, copy your game ROM files into that folder.

You should now see the games appear on your Anbernic RG35XX. Remember to use the correct file extensions. That is how to add games to anbernic rg35xx.