Last updated: 02MAY2021
The ArkOS custom firmware final release has now arrived for the Anbernic RG351P and RG351M devices. Now that development has stopped for these platforms, here is a definitive guide to set up and tweak this powerful operating system to meet your needs.
Installation
To install ArkOS, head over to the ArkOS GitHub page and scroll down to the bottom, where you will see GDrive and Mega links to the final release. Use either link to download the .7z firmware image, which will be about 3GB. Once you have downloaded it, extract the file so that you have the ArkOS_RG351P_Final.img file. Using a flashing tool like Rufus, Balena Etcher, or Win32 Disk Imager, flash the image file to a new SD card. If you are using a Mac, use Balena Etcher or ApplePiBaker v2.
I would also recommend using a 128GB or 256GB card so you have plenty of space for awesome retro games.
Once you have flashed the image to the microSD card, eject the card from your computer and put it into your RG351P or RG351M. Boot up the device, and follow the prompts to finish installation. Once complete, press START and select Quit > Shutdown System, and then eject the SD card and re-insert it into your device.
Loading games and media onto your device
Once you have your card in your device, you can load it up with ROMs and your BIOS files. For more information on how to initially set up your system, check out my RG351P/M Starter Guide or follow the instructions in the video above. If you’re unsure of where to put the ROMs, or what file extension they need to be, check out the ArkOS Emulators and Ports wiki page on their GitHub. Additionally check out the ArkOS FAQ page if you run into any other issues.
One note is that you can load your own loading splash screen to display while booting games. The image must be 480×320 and 24-bit depth, and named “loading.jpg”. Add it to the EASYROMS/launchimages folder. Here is a sample using the launch image from the video above.
I also recommend checking out AnberPorts, a handy tool to install native ports onto your device.
Getting the most out of ArkOS
ArkOS is a powerful operating system, but there are times when it won’t hold your hand. So you will need to have some basic knowledge on how to set up and configure your device. The video above will get you started, but be sure to check out these guides to really get going:
Screen Configuration Guide
Handheld Settings Guide
Skraper Guide
Dreamcast Guide
PSP Guide
Sonic Ports Guide
Changelog
02MAY2021
– Published guide
Retro Game Corps 
this guide says its for arkos but the other guides listed here are for emuelec.
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