The retro gaming community has received an exciting update with the release of muOS "Refried Beans," a highly refined custom firmware for Anbernic’s RG35XXSP and RG28XX handhelds. This update brings a slew of new features and improvements, making it one of the most compelling custom firmware solutions available for these devices.
What’s New in "Refried Beans"?
The "Refried Beans" update, officially known as muOS 2405.1, introduces several significant enhancements and new features:
- Added Support for RG35XXSP and RG28XX: Full support for these popular devices, including the ability to fully utilize the “lid-sleep feature” of the RG35XXSP.
- Sleep and Shutdown Modes: Improved power management with new sleep and shutdown modes.
- HDMI Enhancements: Added HDMI audio output and resolution change options, allowing for resolutions up to 1080p 60Hz.
- UI and System Improvements: Enhanced visual options, fixed global configuration issues, and improved network stability. Themes are now easier to manage with placement in the SD1 (MUOS/theme/active) directory.
- Device Agnostic: The reliance on hardcoded paths is reduced by 90%, making it easier to support more devices in the future.
- Updated RetroArch and More: RetroArch updated to 1.19.1, along with multiple core updates, secret mode enhancements, and a more responsive menu.
These changes, along with community feedback and private testing, make muOS "Refried Beans" a robust and user-friendly firmware option for retro gaming enthusiasts.
How to Install muOS "Refried Beans" on Your Anbernic Handheld
If you own an Anbernic RG35XXSP or RG28XX and are eager to experience the new features of muOS "Refried Beans," follow this step-by-step installation guide.
Required Items
- A compatible handheld device
- A high-quality microSD card
- A computer with a microSD card reader
- A USB formatting utility (Rufus, Win32 Disk Imager, BalenaEtcher)
Installation Steps:
1. Prepare Your microSD Card
- Avoid using the microSD card that came with your handheld
- Insert your microSD card into your computer.
2. Download muOS
- Visit the official muOS website.
- In the sidebar, under "Release," select your handheld.
- Click the "Download" hyperlink under "Current Release."
- Download and extract the muOS ZIP file.
3. Flash the microSD Card
- Open your USB formatting utility.
- Select the extracted muOS Disc Image and flash it to your microSD card.
- Once the process is complete, remove the card from your PC.
4. Initial Setup on Your Handheld
- Insert the flashed microSD card into your handheld and power it on.
- Wait for muOS to boot for the first time.
- Select your device from the "Device Type" screen, set your Time Zone, and enter the Time and Date.
- Power off your handheld and reconnect the microSD card to your PC.
5. Configure the microSD Card on Your PC
- Open Disk Management on your PC.
- Locate the microSD card and right-click the ROMS partition.
- Select "Change Drive Letter and Paths…" and assign a drive letter.
- This makes the ROMS partition accessible for transferring games.
6. Add Games and BIOS Files
- Organize your ROMs into system-specific folders (e.g., ROMs/NES, ROMs/SNES).
- For multi-disc games, use .m3u or .chd formats and place discs in a hidden subfolder.
- Transfer your organized ROMs and BIOS files to the microSD card.
7. Final Setup
- Safely eject the microSD card and reinsert it into your handheld.
- Enjoy the enhanced features and improved performance of muOS "Refried Beans."
Conclusion
muOS "Refried Beans" is a game-changer for Anbernic handheld users, offering a host of new features and improvements. Whether you're looking to take advantage of the new lid-sleep feature on the RG35XXSP or enjoy enhanced HDMI output, this update has something for everyone. Remember, if you don't have a compatible device, you can buy bot the RG35XXSP and the RG28XX at our shop!