You are immersed in an epic session of your favorite classic game on your R36S retro console, and suddenly, you need to pause or turn off the device! How do you ensure that all your progress isn’t lost?
The R36S, like most retro handheld consoles running on Linux systems (such as the R36H, R36 PRO, or R40S), offers two main methods to save your progress far beyond the internal in-game saves: Save States and Quick Saves. Here we explain how to use them so you never lose a game.
Method 1: Quick Save (Save State)
Save States allow you to “freeze” the game at any exact moment, saving its complete status on the console. This is incredibly useful for those critical moments or when you simply have to stop playing unexpectedly.
- During Gameplay: While playing, press the button combination to open the emulator’s quick access menu. This combination is usually:
- Quick Access Menu: Upon pressing the combination, a small menu will appear on the screen.
- Select “Save State”: Look for the option that says “Save State” and select it.
- Choose a Slot: You will be presented with a list of save slots (e.g., “Slot 0”, “Slot 1”, etc.). Choose an empty slot or one you want to overwrite.
- Confirmation: You will see an on-screen confirmation that the state has been saved.
Method 2: Loading a Quick Save (Load State)
To continue your game exactly where you left off:
- During Gameplay: Press the button combination again to open the emulator’s quick access menu (“SELECT” + “R2”).
- Select “Load State”: Look for the “Load State” option in the menu.
- Choose the Saved Slot: Select the same slot where you previously saved your game.
- Confirmation: The game will instantly load at the exact point where you left it.
Method 3: Saving and Loading via Emulator Main Menu
Some emulators allow you to access these functions through a more comprehensive menu, usually activated with another button combination (often “SELECT” + “X” or “SELECT” + “Start”). Once in this menu, look for “Save State” or “Load State” options. This method is useful for systems like SNES or NES if the quick combination doesn’t work.
Additional Tips for Safe Saving:
- Don’t Rely on Just One Slot: It’s good practice to use different save slots for the same game, especially at critical points, to avoid progress loss if a save file becomes corrupted.
- In-Game Native Saving: Don’t forget that many retro games also have their own save systems (passwords, in-game save points). It is always recommended to use both if possible, as an internal save is more robust if you move the ROM or change emulators.
- Secure your SD Card: To avoid any issues with your saves, ensure that your console’s SD card is in good condition and do not remove it while the console is on or games are running.
Video Tutorial: How to Save Your Progress on the R36S
Mastering these saving methods will allow you to enjoy your R36S console (and similar models like the R36H, R36 PRO, or R40S) without worries. If you have more questions, visit our Guides and Tutorials for retro consoles section for more tips and tricks.
