[Bug]: [R50S] RetroArch Hard Freeze (Black Screen) on ArkOS Clone

[rsalvarenga]

Pre-submission checklist

• I am using the latest version of the project
• I have searched existing issues to make sure this is not a duplicate

Version

20260313

Bug Description

Device Information

• Device: R50S (RK3326 Clone)
• OS: ArkOS Clone (Fresh Install)
• Storage: Single SD Card Setup (SanDisk)

Description of the Issue

I am experiencing a total system freeze (Hard Freeze / Black Screen) when attempting to launch RetroArch on my R50S. This happens both when trying to open RetroArch through the "Options" menu and when launching any game.

Observed Behavior

• EmulationStation UI: Works perfectly.
• File Manager: Opens and works normally.
• RetroArch/Games: When launched, the screen goes black and the console becomes completely unresponsive. No button combinations (FN+X, Select+Start) work, requiring a physical reset.
• Troubleshooting already done: I have tried deleting the retroarch.cfg file via File Manager, but the issue persists.

Steps to Reproduce

1. Boot the R50S with ArkOS.
2. Navigate to "Options" -> "RetroArch" (or launch a GBA game).
3. The screen turns black and the device freezes.

Additional Context

Since the File Manager works, it seems the display driver (DTB) is functional for the OS, but RetroArch fails to initialize the video on this specific hardware revi

DTB file:
rk3326-r50s-linux[dtb].TXT

sion of the R50S.

[ricardoalvarenga101]

I also had the same problem with the r50s, attached is the original DTB of the system that is currently running (PocketBOY EmulationStation).

rk3326-r50s-linux.zip

[NguyenTruongAnLab]

You can use the first release that support R50s, I still used that version when it first came out. I did not make any updates since then. Working perfect for me, so no reason to update

[rsalvarenga]

You can use the first release that support R50s, I still used that version when it first came out. I did not make any updates since then. Working perfect for me, so no reason to update

realease: 20251213 ??

[ricardoalvarenga101]

@NguyenTruongAnLab I used the image 20260109, however, whenever I try to open RetroArch, it crashes. See the video.

2026-03-22.at.13.30.21.mp4

[ricardoalvarenga101]

@NguyenTruongAnLab I used the image 20260109, however, whenever I try to open RetroArch, it crashes. See the video.

2026-03-22.at.13.30.21.mp4

Perhaps it's the RetroArch version that was updated to 1.22 @lcdyk, I'll do a test with the first version 20251213 released compatible with R50s.

[ricardoalvarenga101]

@NguyenTruongAnLab I used the image 20260109, however, whenever I try to open RetroArch, it crashes. See the video.
2026-03-22.at.13.30.21.mp4

Perhaps it's the RetroArch version that was updated to 1.22 @lcdyk, I'll do a test with the first version 20251213 released compatible with R50s.

test in 20251213 fail :(

[NguyenTruongAnLab]

You can use the first release that support R50s, I still used that version when it first came out. I did not make any updates since then. Working perfect for me, so no reason to update

realease: 20251213 ??

Yes https://github.com/lcdyk0517/arkos4clone/releases/tag/20251213

[NguyenTruongAnLab]

@NguyenTruongAnLab I used the image 20260109, however, whenever I try to open RetroArch, it crashes. See the video.
2026-03-22.at.13.30.21.mp4

Perhaps it's the RetroArch version that was updated to 1.22 @lcdyk, I'll do a test with the first version 20251213 released compatible with R50s.

test in 20251213 fail :(

I made the fresh installed with https://github.com/lcdyk0517/arkos4clone/releases/tag/20251213 when it was released. Wifi working, everything working for me. Maybe check if your SD card is valid or not. I install for my R50s and R36S with that version. Both work

[ricardoalvarenga101]

@NguyenTruongAnLab muito estranho, estou utilizando um cartão da sandisk original. Tentei duas vezes e nenhuma das imagens ele instala fica só na tela de carregando, tem alguma sugestão? Poderia me enviar o seu dtb?

[ricardoalvarenga101]

@NguyenTruongAnLab o dtb que veio nele indica que não é compatível, queria ver o seu dtb se da a mesma mensagem.

[NguyenTruongAnLab]

Very strange, I'm using an original SanDisk card. I tried twice and none of the images it installs is only on the loading screen, do you have any suggestions? Could you send me your dtb?

I will try will the new update to see if it works or not and let you know

[ricardoalvarenga101]

segue log de erros para atualização utilizando a versão 20260323

clone_log.txt

boot.log

[RafexLira]

o meu também fica travado

[ricardoalvarenga101]

@NguyenTruongAnLab @RafexLira até que tenhamos uma versão estável do arkos4clone para r50s, consegui compilar algumas modificações do amberelec para nos atender, tenho testado e até então está bem fluida.

https://github.com/ricardoalvarenga101/PIPBOY/releases/tag/20260410