GarlicOS — Features, Setup & Handheld Compatibility
GarlicOS, developed by prolific firmware author Black-seraph, was the defining software release for the original Anbernic RG35XX in late 2022. The initial release single-handedly rescued the RG35XX from Anbernic's clunky stock firmware, introducing Onion-inspired fast state resumption, clean 640x480 typography, and robust RetroArch core bindings.
Designed with an austere, distraction-free aesthetic, GarlicOS focuses purely on rapid game launching and low latency. Its vertical menu system allows users to browse recents, favorites, and console categories with zero animations or shader overhead.
Following the release of GarlicOS 1.x, Black-seraph initiated GarlicOS 2.0, a complete ground-up rewrite engineered to run portably across modern 64-bit ARM architectures, including the Allwinner H700 and Rockchip RK3566.
Key Features & Capabilities
- Instant state saving on power off and resume on boot
- Micro-second input latency via direct Linux framebuffer rendering
- Dynamic CPU overclocking and underclocking profiles (Underclock, Normal, Overclock, Overclock+)
- Dual-TF card slot support (TF1 for OS/firmware, TF2 for game libraries)
- Integrated RetroArch 1.14+ core backend with custom scaling filters
- GarlicOS 2.0 cross-platform rewrite targeting H700 and RK3566 devices
Default Hotkeys & Navigation Shortcuts
Standard button combinations in GarlicOS across supported handhelds:
- Menu button: quick exit to GarlicOS launcher with automatic state save
- Power button: instant sleep or safe shutdown
- Select + Volume: on-the-fly screen brightness
- Select in Launcher: cycle CPU performance profiles (- -, -, Normal, +, ++)
Architecture & System Design
GarlicOS 1.x is constructed around a custom Linux kernel running on the Actions ATM7039S SoC. To maximize memory efficiency within 256MB of DDR3 RAM, the launcher utilizes direct double-buffered blitting to the display controller without an intermediate window server.
The system implements five distinct CPU frequency steps controlled via simple button toggles. Users can throttle the processor down to save power during Game Boy sessions or boost CPU clocks to eliminate audio stutter in demanding PlayStation 1 titles.
Installation & Storage Setup
GarlicOS supports both single-card and dual-card setups. In a dual-card configuration, the primary SD card holds the bootloader and root filesystem, while the secondary card houses ROMs and BIOS folders, allowing users to flash firmware updates without touching their game saves.
Custom boot logos, system themes, and TrueType fonts can be swapped by replacing assets in the `/misc` partition.
Compatible Gaming Handhelds (1 Devices)
Gaming handhelds verified to run GarlicOS or officially supported by the community: