AISLPC R36 MAX Retro Handheld Game Console User Manual

1. Introduction

The AISLPC R36 MAX is an open-source retro handheld game console designed to provide a nostalgic gaming experience with modern performance. Featuring a 4.0-inch IPS HD screen, a powerful RK3326 CPU, and a Linux operating system, it comes preloaded with over 22,000 classic games and supports more than 30 emulators. Its portable design and long-lasting 4000mAh battery make it ideal for gaming on the go.

2. Package Contents

Ensure all items are present in your package:

• 1x R36MAX Retro Handheld Game Console
• 1x TYPE-C Charging Cable
• 1x Screen Film
• 1x 64GB/128GB TF Card (pre-installed or included separately)
• 1x Storage Case
• 1x User Manual (this document, also available as a PDF: View PDF)

Image: Contents included in the R36 MAX package.

3. Setup

3.1. Initial Power On

To power on the device, press and hold the Power Button for five seconds. Patiently wait for about 20 seconds for the system to boot and enter the operation interface.

3.2. Charging Instructions

When the host's red light is on, please charge the device immediately. Connect the charging cable to the DC interface for charging. When fully charged, the red light will automatically turn off. The charger must not exceed 5V2A. Do not press the restart button during charging.

Image: The R36 MAX console highlighting its 4000mAh battery capacity.

3.3. Adding Games

To add new games:

1. Insert the TF card into your computer.
2. Enter the disk named EEROMS.
3. Place the downloaded game ROMs into the corresponding emulator folder (e.g., NES games into the NES folder).
4. (Optional) Place game images/screenshots into the media/screenshot folder for better display in the menu.
5. Locate the file named game list.xml. You can open it with Notepad.
6. Simulate the existing game information to add your newly added game to the list.
7. Save the game list.xml file.
8. Eject the TF card safely from your computer.
9. Insert the TF card back into the console and start it. The newly added games should now appear.

Note: If your computer does not show the EEROMS disk, go to 'This Computer' on your desktop, right-click, select 'Manage', then 'Disk Management'. Scroll down to 'This Disk', select it, right-click, and assign it a drive letter.

4. Operating Instructions

4.1. Power On/Off

• Power On: Press and hold the Power Button for five seconds, patiently wait for about 20 seconds, then enter the operation interface.
• Shut Down: Press and hold the Power Button for seven seconds to display the shutdown menu. By default, select 'Shutdown Program' and then press the 'A' button to finish the operation.

Attention: Please exit the game before shutting down to prevent data loss.

4.2. Function Shortcut Key Combinations (excluding PSP, NDS)

• Fix System Bug: Hold down the left joystick + L2 + press the Y key 3 times.
• Save Game Progress: SELECT + R1
• Load Saved Game Progress: SELECT + L1
• Exit Game: SELECT + START
• Display FPS: SELECT + B
• Pause Game: SELECT + A
• RA Menu: SELECT + X

4.3. PSP Game Button Instructions

• PSP Menu: SELECT + B
• PSP Save Game: Press SELECT + B to enter the PSP menu and select: 1. settings > 2. system > 3. Auto load savestate > 4. slot 1 > 5. Back > 6. save state save successful > 7. Exit to menu exit > 8. Exit exit menu.

4.4. NDS Game Button Description

• Switch Screen Display: Press R2.
• Display Full Screen: Press the right joystick.
• Enter Game's Backstage Menu: Press the left joystick.

4.5. How to Unlock Child Mode?

Press START, select 'UNLOCK USER INTERFACE MODE', press A, and press A three more times (AAABA) to unlock.

4.6. How to Switch Emulator Core?

If a game cannot run, it may be due to the simulator core not supporting the game. This can be resolved by changing the simulator core. Select the game name with the error in the game list and press and hold the 'A' key. Select the second to last item 'Advanced Game Options', and try to change the first item 'Simulator' to a different core. If all cores in the list cannot run the game, it is likely that there is a problem with the game ROM.

Core Selection Suggestions:

• CPS1, 2, 3: Give priority to the FBAlpha2012 core, followed by the FBNeo core and other FBA cores.
• FBNeo: Give priority to the FBNeo core, followed by FBAlpha2012 and other FBA cores.
• MAME: Give priority to the FBNeo core, followed by MAME2010, and then other cores.
• GBA: MGBA supports key combinations, and GPSP supports game modifications.

4.7. How to Set Global, Individual Simulator, and Individual Game Settings?

The console offers three ways to set up games:

1. Global Settings: Set in the "Game Settings" section of the ES menu.
2. Simulator Settings: Found under "Game Settings - PER SYSTEM ADVANCED CONFIGURATION", corresponding to different models.
3. Individual Game Settings: Press and hold the 'A' button on the game name, and set in the "Advanced Game Options" that appears.

Priority: Individual game settings > Simulator settings > Global settings.

4.8. How to Change the Theme?

Press START to open the selection menu, select 'User Interface Settings', press 'A' to enter settings, then 'Background Theme', and switch to your favorite theme.

4.9. Game Display Scale

1. Press START to open the selection menu, select 'Game Settings', press 'A' to enter the settings, scroll down to select 'Game Screen Ratio', and choose the appropriate screen ratio.
2. X/Y: Select based on the screen resolution. For example, if the resolution is 720x720, which is a 1:1 ratio. If 'Game Display Ratio' is set to 1:1, all games will basically display full screen (some games themselves have black edges, which cannot be fully displayed).
3. CORE PROVDEO: This uses the default resolution of the emulator core, corresponding to the default resolution of the game model. This setting ensures the game screen is completely displayed according to the original scale without deformation. For example, if an arcade vertical shooting game is displayed horizontally, it will be stretched to full screen in X/Y mode, causing severe deformation. However, using CORE PROVDEO can ensure that the original scale remains unchanged. This is also useful for GB and GBC games, which can severely deform if you use X/Y full screen.

4.10. How to Add a Game to Your Favorites List?

Select the game you want to collect in the game list, press and hold the 'A' button. A menu will pop up. Select 'Add to Favorites', press the 'A' button to confirm, and the selected game will be added to the favorites list.

4.11. How to Adjust Screen Brightness?

Press the START key to open the selection menu, select 'System Settings', press the 'A' key to enter the System Settings menu, select 'Brightness'. The left key of the cross key reduces the brightness, and the right key increases it.

4.12. How to Switch Language?

Press START to open the selection menu, select 'System Settings', then 'Language', press 'A' to enter the language selection. Select the language that suits you. Press 'A' to confirm. Changing the language requires a restart. After selecting, return to the previous menu, enter the exit option, and select 'RESTART EMULATIONSTATION'.

4.13. How to Set Side B in FDS Game?

Some FDS games require you to set up side B before you can start. If you open the game and are prompted to set up side B, press L1 to set side B and the game will load normally.

Image: Close-up of the Hall joysticks for precise control.

5. Specifications

Image: Detailed view of the 4.0-inch IPS HD screen with 720x720 resolution.

Image: Internal view highlighting the RK3326 CPU and Linux system.

Image: Examples of multiple emulators supported by the R36 MAX.

6. Maintenance

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the console's exterior. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
• Screen Care: Apply the included screen film for protection. Clean the screen with a microfiber cloth.
• Storage: Store the console in the provided storage case when not in use to protect it from dust and scratches.
• Environmental Conditions: Keep the device away from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, and moisture.
• Charging: Always use the provided Type-C charging cable and a charger that does not exceed 5V2A.

7. Troubleshooting

• Console Not Powering On: Ensure the battery is charged. Connect the charging cable and try again. If the red light is on, it indicates charging.
• Game Not Running/Crashing: Try switching the emulator core for that specific game (refer to section 4.6). If the issue persists across all cores, the game ROM might be corrupted.
• TF Card Not Recognized by Computer: If your computer does not show the EEROMS disk, go to 'This Computer' on your desktop, right-click, select 'Manage', then 'Disk Management'. Scroll down to 'This Disk', select it, right-click, and assign it a drive letter.
• Screen Deformation: Adjust the Game Display Scale settings (refer to section 4.9) to 'CORE PROVDEO' for optimal aspect ratio without stretching.
• No Sound: Check the volume button on the right side of the console. Ensure headphones are not plugged in if you expect sound from the speakers.

8. User Tips

• Explore the Game Library: The console comes with thousands of games. Take time to browse through the different emulators and find your favorites.
• Customize Settings: Experiment with global, simulator, and individual game settings to optimize performance and display for different games.
• Screen Rotation: Remember that you can rotate the screen for games that benefit from vertical or horizontal orientation.
• Headphones for Travel: Utilize the headphone jack for private gaming sessions, especially during travel.
• Backup Your SD Card: It's recommended to back up the contents of your TF card to a more reliable SD card or your computer to prevent data loss.
• Community Support: For advanced customization or specific game issues, consider looking for online communities or forums dedicated to open-source retro handhelds.

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: Is GTA available on this console?
  A: The console supports a wide range of classic games and emulators. Whether a specific game like GTA is available depends on the preloaded ROMs and the console's emulation capabilities for that particular title. You can add your own ROMs if not included.
• Q: Can a controller be connected via Bluetooth?
  A: No, the specifications indicate that the device is not Bluetooth-compatible.
• Q: Is Pokémon available as a game?
  A: Given the console supports Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance emulators and includes over 22,000 games, it is highly likely that various Pokémon titles are included.
• Q: How many games are included in this console?
  A: The console comes preloaded with over 22,000 games.
• Q: Does this device have Wi-Fi?
  A: Yes, the R36 MAX console is equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity.

10. Warranty and Support

For any warranty claims, technical support, or further assistance, please contact the seller or manufacturer directly through your purchase platform. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty validation.