Custom Firmware

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Revision as of 16:52, 31 December 2025 by CloakTheLurker (talk | contribs) (Undo revision 49049 by CloakTheLurker (talk)now redundant)
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Introduction

Custom Firmware (CFW) refers to a modified or alternative operating system installed on a device. It adds features like improved emulator support, performance tweaks, and custom themes. Most CFWs are based on Linux, offering flexibility and open-source support. Installing CFW usually involves flashing a microSD card and booting from it.

List of Custom Firmwares

AmberELEC
AmberELEC Logo
Latest version AmberELEC-pre-release-badge.png
Download ⬇️ GitHub
Documentation / FAQ Getting Started Guide
Hotkeys Controls & Hotkeys Reference
Officially Supported Devices
Devices list (click to expand)


AndR36oid
AndR36oid Boot Logo
Latest version releases.png
Download ⬇️ GitHub
Documentation / FAQ AndR36oid release notes
Officially Supported Devices
Devices list (click to expand)


ArkOS - R3XS
ArkOS - R3XS
Latest version ArkOS-R3XS.png
Download ⬇️ GitHub
Documentation / FAQ ArkOS Wiki & Setup Guide
Hotkeys Global & Emulator Event Keys
Officially Supported Devices
Devices list (click to expand)
ArkOS - K36
ArkOS - R3XS
Latest version ArkOS-K36.png
Download ⬇️ GitHub
Documentation / FAQ ArkOS Wiki & Setup Guide
Hotkeys Global & Emulator Event Keys
Officially Supported Devices
Devices list (click to expand)
arkos4clone (ArkOS for clones)
arkos4clone
Latest version arkos4clone.png
Download ⬇️ GitHub Releases
Documentation / FAQ Github readme
Info Based on the ArkOS R3XS community maintained firmware.
Officially Supported Devices
Devices list (click to expand)
CrossMix-OS
CrossMix-OS
Latest version CrossMix-OS.png
Download ⬇️ GitHub
Documentation / FAQ CrossMix-OS Wiki
Hotkeys Shortcuts
Officially Supported Devices
MinUI
MinUI
Latest version MinUI.png
Download ⬇️ GitHub
Documentation / FAQ Instructions are included in the download
Hotkeys Instructions are included in the download
Officially Supported Devices
Devices list (click to expand)
MyMinUI
MyMinUI
Latest version MyMinUI.png
Download ⬇️ GitHub
Documentation / FAQ Instructions are included in the download
Hotkeys Instructions are included in the download
Officially Supported Devices
Devices list (click to expand)
PAN4ELEC
PAN4ELEC Logo
Latest version P4ELEC.png
Download ⬇️ GitHub
Documentation / FAQ Getting Started Guide
Hotkeys GitHub and AmberELEC Controls & Hotkeys Reference
Officially Supported Devices
ROCKNIX
ROCKNIX Logo
Latest version distribution.png
Download ⬇️ GitHub
Documentation / FAQ ROCKNIX Wiki & Setup Guide
Hotkeys Check device specific pages
Officially Supported Devices
Devices list (click to expand)


SpruceUI / SpruceOS
SpruceUI
Latest version spruceOS.png
Download ⬇️ Stable Releas - ⬇️ Nightly/Dev build
Documentation / FAQ SpruceOS Wiki
Hotkeys Hotkeys
Officially Supported Devices
Devices list (click to expand)

⠀* In-Development

UnofficialOS
UnofficialOS Logo
Latest version UnofficialOS.png
Download ⬇️ GitHub Releases
Documentation / FAQ UnofficialOS Wiki
Hotkeys Hotkeys and Button Codes
Officially Supported Devices
Devices list (click to expand)

Other or older Firmwares

Name Link Notes
Adam image GitHub CFW for Anbernic RG350, RG350P, RG350M, RG280M, RG280V, RG300X, PlayGo, PocketGo 2, PowKiddy Q80, GCW-Zero
Carl OS GitHub StockMod of Miyoo Flip OS
cHAos GitHub AmberELEC fork for gameMT E6 / Game Console R50S
DesktopOS GitHub Desktop Environment for H700 devices
FunKey OS GitHub DrUm78's custom build of FunKey OS for FunKey S, Anbernic RG Nano, PowKiddy Q36 Mini, GBA Mini
GammaOS GitHub LineageOS based firmware for Anbernic RG405M / RG405V / RG505
GammaOS Next GitHub LineageOS based firmware for Anbernic RG556 / RG-CUBE / RG406V / RG406H, AYANEO Pocket Micro, Retroid Pocket 4 PRO, Retroid Pocket Classic, KT Pocket KT-R1, ZPG Unicorn A1, GameMT E6 MAX
GarlicOS Website CFW for the Anbernic RG35XX (original version) that is similar to OnionOS
JelOS GitHub JELOS development has ended
KOLOS GitHub JELOS fork for RK3566 devices (Anbernic RG353P/M/V/VS, RG503, Powkiddy RK2023, RGB30, RGB10 and Max 3)
Lakka Website Lightweight Linux distribution that uses RetroArch as front-end
MiyooCFW GitHub CFW for BittBoy, PocketGo, PowKiddy V90-Q90-Q20
NextUI GitHub CFW for Trimui Brickand Trimui Smart Pro based of MinUI
Onion OS Website OS overhaul for Miyoo Mini and Mini+
PakUI GitHub This is like an addon for MinUI which adds lots of features and enhancements (for TrimUI Brick and TrimUI Smart Pro)
Quark Website CFW for the Trimui Smart (not Pro)
R36S-Xorg GitHub Xorg on the R36S ArkOs
Recalbox Website CFW for Anbernic RG353M/V/P, RG351M/V/P, GPiCase 2W, Raspberry Pi, ODROID Go Advance, ODROID Go Super, PIBOY DMG
RetroFW GitHub CFW for devices with the JZ4760 SoC (system on a chip)
RetroOZ GitHub Custom firmware for OGS, OGA, RGB10Max and RGB10Max2
StarkOS Website Preconfigured ArkOS fork for Anbernic RG353M/P/PS with simplified interface (DIY guide)
Surwish OS Website CFW for the Miyoo Flip
XFCE for H700 devices GitHub Desktop Environment for H700 devices

Installing Custom Firmware

The process of installing the firmware to the SD card is often called "flashing". It creates a bootable drive.

ℹ️
Info
The "flashing" process is basically the same for all firmwares, but there may be some additional steps to get it working for your specific device.

↪ Firmware Flashing Guide

Choosing the right micro SD card

Lots of devices come with cheap quality micro SD cards. If you don't want to risk loosing your 50 hour Pokemon save due to file corruption, it's recommended to get a card of a known brand.

Recommended SD card sizes

The firmwares usually take around 5GB-12GB of space. The card size(s) depend on your game list. This is only a reference point for smaller curated game lists up to PS1.

1 card Setup: 128GB

2 card Setup:

  • TF1: 16-32GB
  • TF2: 64-128GB
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