ArkOS Setup Guide for Anbernic and Powkiddy RK3326/RK3566 Handhelds

ArkOS is one of the most respected custom firmware projects in the retro handheld scene. It is a lean, stable, Linux-based system built around EmulationStation and RetroArch. For older Rockchip handhelds, especially the RK3326 and RK3566 families, ArkOS is often the best firmware you can run. It boots fast, supports a huge range of devices, and just works.

This guide explains which devices ArkOS supports, how to flash it, and how to get your games and WiFi running. We frame all of this around playing games you already own and preserving your personal collection.

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Is ArkOS Right for Your Device

ArkOS targets older Rockchip chipsets, not the newer Allwinner H700 handhelds that run muOS and KNULLI. If you own one of these chip families, ArkOS is a strong choice.

RK3326 devices

• Anbernic RG351P, RG351M, RG351V, RG351MP
• Powkiddy RGB10, RGB10 Max, RGB20S
• Odroid Go Advance and Go Super

RK3566 devices

• Anbernic RG353 series, RG503
• Powkiddy RGB30, RGB20SX

Always check the official ArkOS documentation for the exact build that matches your device. There is a separate image for each chip family, and using the wrong one will not boot.

ArkOS vs Other Firmware

If you own a newer Allwinner H700 Anbernic device instead, see our muOS vs KNULLI vs Onion OS guide. For a wider firmware overview, our Linux vs Android handhelds guide explains the bigger picture.

What You Need

• A compatible RK3326 or RK3566 handheld
• A microSD card, 32GB or larger, for the operating system
• A second microSD card for your games, which is optional but recommended
• A microSD card reader and a computer
• The ArkOS image for your exact device
• A flashing tool such as Balena Etcher or Rufus

Step 1: Download the Correct Image

Go to the official ArkOS download page and find the image that matches your device and chipset. Double check the device name. The RK3326 and RK3566 builds are not interchangeable, and within each family some devices need a specific variant.

Step 2: Flash the OS Card

Insert your OS microSD card into your computer. Open Balena Etcher, select the ArkOS image, select your card, and flash it. This erases the card, so make sure it does not hold anything you need.

When the flash finishes, the card is ready. Do not be alarmed if your computer only shows a small partition. That is normal. ArkOS expands to fill the card on first boot.

Step 3: First Boot

Put the card in the OS slot of your handheld and power on. The first boot takes a little longer than usual while ArkOS expands the file system and sets things up. After it lands on the EmulationStation menu, you are running ArkOS.

Step 4: Set Up WiFi

WiFi unlocks scraping, updates, and network transfers. In the ArkOS Options menu, find the WiFi setting, enable it, and connect to your network. Once connected, note the IP address shown on screen. You will use it to transfer games over the network.

Step 5: Add Your Games

You have two options for storing games.

Single card setup. ArkOS creates an easyroms partition on the OS card. Put your games into the matching system folders there.

Two card setup. Insert a second card into the game slot. ArkOS detects it and uses it for games. This keeps your collection separate from the OS, which makes future updates safer.

Drop your games into folders named for each system, such as snes, genesis, or psx. Place any required BIOS files in the bios folder. You supply all of these from hardware you own. Our how to organize ROMs and BIOS files guide covers the folder layout in detail.

Step 6: Scrape Box Art

ArkOS supports scraping through the built-in Scraper or the Skraper tool on your computer. Box art and metadata make the EmulationStation menus look great. Our how to scrape box art guide walks through both methods.

Troubleshooting

Device will not boot. You likely flashed the wrong image for your chipset. Re-download the exact build for your device.

WiFi will not connect. Some RK3326 devices use add-on WiFi dongles. Confirm your device has working WiFi hardware and that the dongle is seated.

Games do not appear. Check that they are in the correct system folder and that you restarted EmulationStation or rebooted after adding them.

Recommended Handhelds

ArkOS shines on the devices it was built for. The

is a great RK3566 device with a lovely square screen that runs ArkOS well. If you are buying new and want the latest H700 hardware instead, the is a strong pick, though it runs muOS or KNULLI rather than ArkOS.

For more setup help, see our KNULLI setup guide and muOS setup guide.