Get help
Let's get it sorted. Most problems have a quick fix, so we'll go through them one at a time. What's happening?
Charge it properly
Plug the supplied USB-C cable into a low-voltage source, such as a laptop or PC USB port or a basic 5V 1-2A plug. Don't use a fast mobile phone charger plugged into the mains.
The two USB-C ports look the same, but only one charges, so try the other port if nothing happens. Leave it at least 30 minutes, then press power. A completely flat battery can take a while to respond, and the charging light doesn't show on every unit, so give it the full time even if you see no light.
Restart it with the power button
Hold the power button down for 10 seconds or more. That forces a full shutdown, even if the screen looks frozen or dark. Let go, wait a few seconds, then press power once to start it again.
Reseat the games SD card
Power off and remove the games SD card. Check the card and the slot are free of dust, then push the card back in firmly until it clicks, and power on. A card that has worked loose in transit is the most common cause of a dark screen or missing games.
Check it's the right card, in the right slot
The games card goes in the bottom slot, marked TF1. If you've swapped in a different card, power off, put the original card that came with the console back in the bottom slot, and power on.
Check the controls in the menu and another game
Try the buttons and sticks in the main menu and in a different game. If they work there, it's that one game's control settings rather than the console.
A single sticky button is usually dirt: clean around it with a cotton bud lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol and let it dry fully. If a stick drifts, run the calibration tool in the system settings.
Check the brightness and volume
No sound? Turn the volume up with the volume buttons, make sure nothing is plugged into the headphone socket, and check whether the menu has sound as well as the game. If the menu has sound but one game doesn't, it's that game's emulator rather than the console.
Screen too dark? In a game, hold FN and press the volume buttons to change the brightness.
Brilliant, glad it's sorted!
Thanks for letting us know. Enjoy your games, and if anything else comes up, we're here.
Handy next reads: the R36S setup guide (hotkeys and saving), the game library and our consoles.
Sorry it's still not working. Tell us what's happening
Thanks for trying those. Tell us what the console does (or doesn't do): the more detail you give, the quicker we can sort it for you.
Send us a message
We usually reply within 24 hours (UK).
Prefer email? support@gamebro.co.uk
What to Expect
Most emails answered within 24 hours, often much faster.
Real people, not bots. We understand the UK market.
We use these consoles daily and know them inside out.
🚀 Quick Start Guide
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1
Charge Your Console
Connect the USB-C cable and charge for 2-3 hours before first use.
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2
Power On
Hold the power button for 3 seconds. The GameBro logo will appear.
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3
Choose a System
Use D-pad to navigate. Select a console (NES, SNES, PS1, etc.) and press A.
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4
Play!
Browse games, select one, and start playing. It's that simple!
Controls Guide
Confirm / Select / Action
Back / Cancel
Pause / Menu
Quick Menu / Options
Pro Tip: Hold Select + Start together to access save states and quick menu in-game!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I save my game progress?
Most games save automatically to the SD card. For games that don't have built-in saves, you can use save states: press Select + Start during gameplay, then choose "Save State" from the menu. You can create multiple save slots!
Can I add my own games?
Yes! Connect your console to a computer via USB or remove the SD card. Copy ROM files to the appropriate console folder (e.g., /ROMS/NES/ for NES games). The console will detect them automatically.
How long does the battery last?
The R36S lasts approximately 6 hours on a full charge. Battery life varies depending on screen brightness and the system being emulated (N64/PSP use more power than NES/SNES).
Can I connect to a TV?
The R36S doesn't have HDMI output. However, the R36Max and R36Ultra models support TV output. Check our Consoles page for a full comparison.
What delivery options do you offer?
Next Day Delivery by Royal Mail Tracked 24 is available for £4.99 and you choose it on the payment page. Standard Delivery is free on every UK order: Royal Mail Tracked 48, arriving in 2-3 working days. Both services are tracked and every order is dispatched from UK stock.
What's your return policy?
We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you're not satisfied, contact us and we'll arrange a return. All consoles also include a 12-month warranty against defects.
My console isn't turning on. What should I do?
First, charge it for 2-3 hours with the supplied cable from a low-voltage source, such as a laptop or PC USB port or a basic 5V 1A plug, not a fast mobile phone charger plugged into the mains. Then check the games SD card: power off, remove it, make sure the card and slot are free of dust, and push it back in firmly until it clicks. You can also hold the power button for 10+ seconds for a hard reset. If issues persist, contact us at support@gamebro.co.uk and we'll help troubleshoot or arrange a replacement.
Are the games legal?
The console runs open-source emulators. We recommend using it to play games you already own. The legality of ROMs varies by country and depends on whether you own the original games.
Advanced Settings
Screen Settings
Adjust brightness, enable scanlines, change aspect ratio (4:3 or stretched).
Audio Settings
Volume control, enable/disable sound effects, audio sync options.
Button Mapping
Customize button layouts for different emulators and personal preference.
Performance
Adjust frame skip, enable fast forward, configure per-game settings.