R36S Netplay Guide: Online Multiplayer Retro Gaming Setup
RetroArch's built-in Netplay feature lets you play classic multiplayer games online with friends — no emulator matching or third-party software required. This guide shows you how to configure Netplay on R36S, host and join sessions, and get the best performance from your connection.
What is RetroArch Netplay?
Netplay is a peer-to-peer multiplayer system built into RetroArch. Both players run the same ROM on their own device, and Netplay synchronizes inputs in real time so the game state stays identical on both machines.
Because Netplay syncs controller inputs rather than video streams, it uses very little bandwidth — typically less than 50KB/s — making it viable even on modest WiFi connections.
⚠️ Important Prerequisites
Both players must use the exact same ROM file (same filename, same CRC checksum) and the same RetroArch core version. Even minor differences can cause desyncs. Agree on the ROM and core before starting.
Requirements for R36S Netplay
- WiFi connection — The R36S does not have built-in WiFi on all models. Check your firmware's network settings to confirm WiFi is active.
- RetroArch updated — Ensure you're on a recent RetroArch version (check Main Menu → Information → System Information).
- Matching ROMs — Both players need the same exact ROM file.
- Same core — Both players must use the same emulator core (e.g., both using Mupen64Plus-Next for N64).
Enabling WiFi on R36S
On ArkOS: Go to Options → Wi-Fi → enable and connect to your network.
On Rocknix: Go to System Settings → Network → enable WiFi and select your SSID.
💡 Pro Tip
For lowest latency, position your R36S within 3 meters of your WiFi router. A 5GHz WiFi connection will have lower latency than 2.4GHz if your network supports it.
Setting Up Netplay: Hosting a Session
The "host" player runs the game locally and waits for others to connect.
Step 1: Configure Netplay Settings
- Open RetroArch main menu (outside any game).
- Go to Settings → Netplay.
- Set Netplay Username to something your friend will recognize.
- Enable Use Relay Server — this is critical for most home connections as it bypasses NAT issues without port forwarding.
Step 2: Start Hosting
- Load your game normally (launch the ROM).
- Open the RetroArch Quick Menu (Select + X).
- Go to Netplay → Start Netplay Host.
- RetroArch will display a connection address (relay server address + room ID).
- Share this address with your friend.
Joining a Netplay Session
- Load the same game and core as the host.
- Open RetroArch Quick Menu → Netplay → Connect to Netplay Host.
- Enter the host's address (relay address + room ID they shared).
- Press Connect — the game will sync and both players will see the same screen state.
Using the Netplay Lobby
RetroArch also has a public Netplay Lobby where you can find strangers to play with.
- In RetroArch main menu: Netplay → Refresh Netplay Lobby List.
- Browse available sessions, filtered by core/game.
- Select a session to join directly.
✅ Key Takeaway
The public lobby works best for games with an established community (Street Fighter II, Mario Kart 64, Super Bomberman). Less popular games will have few or no active hosts in the lobby.
Best Games for R36S Netplay
| Game | System | Players | Netplay Stability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Street Fighter II Turbo | SNES | 2 | Excellent |
| Super Mario Kart | SNES | 2 | Excellent |
| Super Bomberman 2 | SNES | 2–4 | Excellent |
| Mortal Kombat II | SNES / Genesis | 2 | Very Good |
| Mario Kart 64 | N64 | 2–4 | Good |
| GoldenEye 007 | N64 | 2–4 | Moderate |
| Pokémon Stadium | N64 | 2 | Good |
Reducing Netplay Input Lag
Netplay adds some latency since inputs must be synchronized over the network. You can minimize this:
Input Delay Setting
In Settings → Netplay → Input Delay Frames: this setting adds artificial delay to mask network jitter. A value of 2–4 is typical for most connections. Increase if you experience desyncs; lower if the game feels unresponsive.
Spectate Mode
If you want to watch without playing: Settings → Netplay → Netplay Mode → Spectate. Spectators can join any hosted session without affecting gameplay.
Troubleshooting Netplay Issues
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Can't connect to host | Enable relay server on both sides; check firewall settings |
| Game desyncs after a minute | Verify both players use the same ROM CRC; disable run-ahead |
| High latency / input lag | Increase input delay frames; switch to 5GHz WiFi; reduce network congestion |
| "Core mismatch" error | Both players update to the same core version |
| Audio crackling during netplay | Set audio latency to 128ms or higher; disable audio synchronization |
🚨 Critical Warning
Never use Run-Ahead or Frame Delay reduction features while playing Netplay. These features cause immediate desyncs because they manipulate the emulation frame timeline in ways incompatible with synchronized Netplay.
Local Multiplayer (Same Device)
The R36S supports local multiplayer through the USB-C port with OTG adapters. Connect a second USB controller and both players can use the same R36S screen:
- Connect a USB hub via USB-C OTG adapter.
- Plug in a second USB or Bluetooth controller.
- In RetroArch: Settings → Input → verify Player 2 controller is detected.
- Launch a multiplayer game — both controllers are active automatically.