One of the biggest frustrations when playing retro video games is losing your progress. Fortunately, retro handheld consoles such as the R36S, R36 PRO, or R40S offer several ways to save and load your games, ensuring you never lose your hard-earned progress.
These devices, which operate on systems like ArkOS or EmuELEC, primarily use the game’s native save system (if available) and RetroArch’s “Savestates” or “Quick Saves.” Mastering the Hotkey button combinations is the key to accessing these functions efficiently.
Below, we explain how to load your saved games, using both native in-game methods and the popular “Savestates.”
Method 1: Loading Native In-Game Saves
This method applies if the game itself has a built-in save option (for example, at a checkpoint, a pause menu, or by interacting with an NPC).
- Save your Game within the Menu:
- Before trying to load, ensure you have saved your game using its own internal system. In an RPG, this might be at an Inn, a Save Point, or through an options menu.
- Restart the Game or Console:
- If you have closed the game and want to resume, simply start the game from the main menu of your R36S/R36 PRO/R40S.
- Load the Save from the Title Screen:
- Once the game starts, navigate to the initial menu and look for “Load Game”, “Continue”, or a similar option.
- Select the save file you wish to load and you’re ready to go!
Pro: This is the most “authentic” method and is usually the most stable for long-term saves. Con: It depends entirely on whether the original game has a functional native save system.
Method 2: Loading Savestates (Quick Saves) using Hotkeys
“Savestates” are a fantastic feature of emulators (mainly RetroArch) that allow you to save the exact state of the game at any moment, like a “snapshot” of your play. They are incredibly useful for saving and loading instantly.
- Identify the “Hotkey” Button:
- On your R36S, R36 PRO, or R40S, the Hotkey is usually the SELECT button.
- Hotkey Combination to Load:
- While in-game, press and hold the SELECT button (your Hotkey).
- While holding SELECT, press the R1 button (the top right trigger).
- The full combination is: SELECT + R1
- Result:
- The game will instantly load back to the exact point where you last used a Savestate. You will see a small confirmation message on the screen.
Pro: Allows you to save and load anywhere, even in games that didn’t originally have a save feature. Con: Occasionally, using Savestates during critical loading points or cutscenes in very demanding games can cause minor glitches.
Method 3: Loading Savestates via the RetroArch Menu
If you prefer a visual interface or if the Hotkey shortcut isn’t working for you, you can manage states through the RetroArch menu.
- Access the RetroArch Menu:
- While in-game, press and hold SELECT (Hotkey) and then press X. This will open the RetroArch Quick Menu.
- Navigate to Save Options:
- In the menu, look for “State Slot”. You can choose which slot you want to load if you have multiple saves.
- Then, find the “Load State” option.
- Select it and press the A button to confirm.
Useful Tips for Managing Your Saves:
- Master the Hotkeys: Memorize
SELECT + R1to Load andSELECT + L1to Save. It will save you a lot of time! - Multiple Slots: RetroArch allows for multiple save slots. Use
Hotkey + D-Pad Left/Rightto change the slot number before saving or loading.
With these methods, you have total control over your progress on your retro handheld, ensuring the fun never has to stop.
Ready for your next adventure?
If you’re looking to upgrade your device or learn more about their features, explore our selection of retro handheld consoles like the powerful R36 PRO or the best-selling R36S.
