Anbernic RG Cube (incl. Carry Case)

Anbernic handhelds can run Linux, Android or, on some models, both. The right system depends on the games you want to play and your preferred setup.

Linux

Linux firmware usually starts directly in an emulator-focused interface, making it convenient for classic retro games. Actual performance also depends on the processor, graphics drivers and emulators.

Android

Besides emulators, Android can run native Android games and apps. Many handhelds provide better 3D support under Android, which is why demanding emulators for newer systems are often primarily developed for Android. This does not automatically make Android faster on every device.

Custom firmware

Community-developed alternatives such as muOS, KNULLI and ROCKNIX for Linux-based handhelds, or GammaOS Next for certain Android models, may provide more polished interfaces, newer emulators and better defaults. They can improve usability or performance but results vary by device.

We do not ship custom firmware preinstalled. We asked the developers, who requested that retailers do not preinstall their firmware. We respect that decision. Customers may install a compatible alternative themselves.

Installation matters: Many Linux handhelds boot from microSD, so an alternative system can often be written to a separate card while the original system card remains untouched as a fallback. Android custom firmware such as GammaOS may instead replace the system on internal storage, wipe data and risk making the device unusable if the wrong files are flashed. Always check the exact model and official installation instructions.

Our muOS beginner video demonstrates the process step by step (in German). See the individual handheld's product FAQ for compatible firmware projects.

No. DragonBox Anbernic handhelds are shipped without preinstalled games. We deliberately do not include collections of commercial ROMs, which can raise serious copyright issues without the required permissions.

Everything else is prepared: Our devices already include the operating system, the necessary emulators and the usual game folders. You simply copy your own, lawfully usable game files in the correct format into the appropriate directories.

Some emulated systems also need separate BIOS files, which cannot always be included due to licensing restrictions. The exact locations and formats depend on the model and firmware.

See our other FAQ for ways to obtain compatible games or extract them from your own cartridges.

Anbernic handheld emulators generally use the same game files as their corresponding PC emulators. Supported systems depend on the hardware and firmware.

Dump your original cartridges: Hardware such as the Retrode with suitable adapters can read supported cartridges that you own. Be sure to follow applicable copyright rules, especially those concerning copy protection.

New games for retro systems: Developers still release new games for Game Boy, NES, Mega Drive, Amiga and many other classic platforms. Some offer authorized free downloads or demos; others sell inexpensive digital versions. Obtain files from authorized sources.

Recommendations and sources: The English-language BrewOtaku magazine covers and reviews new retro games and often tells readers where to get them. DragonBox offers BrewOtaku in digital and printed editions, with several digital issues available free of charge.

Important: Just because a ROM is available for download does not mean it can be legally downloaded. Owning the original game does not automatically authorize downloads of copies from unrelated ROM sites.

The community project GammaOS Next officially lists the Anbernic RG Cube as supported and offers alternative Android firmware for it.

Installation: The official GammaOS Next installation guide covers this device family. Installation typically requires a Windows PC. Unlocking the bootloader and flashing the firmware erase data and modify Android on internal storage; simply replacing a microSD card will not install it. Back up your data and saves first, and verify the exact device name on the project site.

Warning: The Android RG Cube is not the Linux-based RG CubeXX. CubeXX images are not compatible.

We do not ship custom firmware preinstalled.

Our Anbernic handhelds already include emulators and the expected game folders. Games are not included; you can add your own game files that you are entitled to use.

1. Check the format: Depending on the emulator, supported files may include ROM files, ZIP archives or disc images such as CHD and matching BIN/CUE files.
2. Transfer your files: Linux handhelds often allow access via microSD or network services. Android models may support USB file transfer, a file manager or microSD storage.
3. Use the correct folder: On muOS, games go under ROMS; on KNULLI, they belong in roms in user storage. Android paths depend on the emulator and frontend.
4. Refresh the game list: If a game is missing, rescan the folder or assign a suitable emulator/core.

Important: Never format or overwrite the system card just to copy game files. Back up existing files first.

BIOS files contain part of a console or computer’s original system software. Some emulators require them to start, while others work without a BIOS or use one optionally for better accuracy.

Why are they not all preinstalled? Many BIOS files are copyrighted. They are not automatically included with an emulator and cannot simply be redistributed without permission.

Where do they go? The location depends on the firmware. On muOS, use MUOS/bios and its BIOS checking feature. On KNULLI, use the bios folder on user storage; Missing BIOS check helps identify missing or mismatched files. On Android, the required folder depends on the emulator.

Important: The exact filename, version and sometimes checksum matter. Follow the emulator’s documentation and only use BIOS files you are legally entitled to use.

There are two different ways to save progress on a retro handheld:

• Normal in-game saves: Use the game’s own save function, just like on the original console. These files often work with other emulators for the same system, but may need renaming or conversion.
• Save states: The emulator saves a snapshot of the running game so you can resume at almost any point. These files often depend on the exact emulator/core and sometimes even its version.

Our recommendation: Use in-game saving whenever possible for long-term progress. Save states are useful extras but should not replace normal saves and backups. Updating or switching emulators can make old save states incompatible.

Where are the files? This depends on firmware and emulator. KNULLI keeps them under saves in user storage. On muOS, saves and other user files are kept in the MUOS directory structure. On Android, RetroArch and standalone emulators can use different locations.

Before changing firmware: Back up both normal game saves and save states to a PC or another drive. Do not copy only the game files. Moving saves between handhelds requires compatible games, emulators, filenames and save formats.

On many Anbernic handhelds, yes. The procedure depends on whether the microSD card stores only games or also contains the operating system. Not every model has two card slots, and some Android devices boot from internal storage.

• Game-only storage: After making a backup, copy the games and any required data to a compatible, appropriately formatted larger card, keeping the folder structure intact.
• Linux system card: If the operating system is on the microSD card, simply copying visible files is usually not enough. The new card must be prepared with the correct system image, or the original card must be cloned completely. Partition layout and actual card capacity also matter.
• Two card slots: Depending on firmware, the system and game data can be stored on separate cards. On KNULLI, the second card has to be selected as the user-data drive. The two storage areas are not automatically combined.

FAT32, exFAT or ext4? The firmware determines the correct filesystem. KNULLI, for example, supports exFAT and ext4 for user storage. Windows normally cannot read ext4 without additional software. Never format a card just because Windows prompts you to!

Before replacing a card: Back up games, BIOS files, normal saves, save states and personal settings separately. Test the new card completely before erasing the old one.

A firmware update is different from updating an emulator. Firmware includes the operating system and its configuration. Depending on the platform, emulators and cores can also receive separate updates.

Linux handhelds: Follow the instructions for the firmware actually installed on your device. muOS / MustardOS generally recommends backing up your data and flashing a fresh system image for major version changes. KNULLI supports different update methods depending on the release, including smaller updates, over-the-air updates or a newly flashed image. Major upgrades may require a clean installation. On devices with two microSD slots, keeping user data on a separate card can make the process easier, but it is not a substitute for a backup.

Android handhelds: For normal system updates, use only the updater or official firmware files intended for the exact model. Apps and emulators can often be updated separately. Installing alternative Android firmware such as GammaOS Next is a different flashing procedure that can change internal storage and erase data.

Before any major update: Back up game saves, save states, BIOS files, personal settings and, if appropriate, the entire system card. Verify the exact device model and release notes, download only from official sources and keep the device powered reliably. Never interrupt a flash or update procedure.

If your system already works well: There is no need to install every update immediately. Read the release notes for fixes, new features and known issues that matter to your device.