GarlicOS 2.0.1 (Public Alpha)
Added 2023-11-14 17:57:43 +0000 UTCIntroduction
Last year, I released GarlicOS 1.0 as an early Christmas present to express my gratitude for all the support people have shown me over the years.
A lot has happened since then, but the core message stays the same:
Thank you all for enabling me to build amazing things like these!
What is GarlicOS?
GarlicOS is a game-first, config-second, retro-game emulation system with a focus on cross-platform support.
What are the differences between GarlicOS 1.X and 2.X?
GarlicOS 1.X is the (now feature-frozen) RG35XX-specific precursor to GarlicOS 2.X.
GarlicOS 2.X, on the other hand, tries to be as decoupled from hardware as it can be in the hopes of providing a somewhat identical experience across all supported devices.
Which devices are currently supported?
With countless more being worked on, including the original RG35XX and other fan favorites.
How to install GarlicOS?
All GarlicOS 2.X devices run off the same operating system image, booted by a custom, device specific bootloader.
The process can differ slightly from device to device, but, for the most part, the process is always the same:
- Install one of the available bootloaders on your device
- Prepare a GarlicOS MicroSD card and plug it into your device
- Boot into GarlicOS using your device's MicroSD card boot button combination (if it has one)
For exact step by step instructions, please consult your device's bootloader repository README.
Comments
Following up - anybody have time to try this yet?
Brandon Tweed
2024-02-07 15:52:51 +0000 UTCI can’t wait for this to hit the beta!!!I can’t wait to ditch the stock OS.
Jon Emmet
2024-02-05 01:09:34 +0000 UTCThanks for writing this guide, can you please clarify where do you get the init file to put on the boot folder on tf2? I googled it and found this https://github.com/GarlicOS/init_template?tab=readme-ov-file I created a text document, copied the code on that link, and saved it without extension in the boot folder but I had no success, when I put the tf1 and tf2 cards on my xxplus it just loaded the stock OS I think I did something wrong on that last "init" file step.... not sure If that's the right code or if I should just name the file "init"?
Horacio
2024-01-19 18:30:21 +0000 UTCSame!!! I just dove head first into retro gaming and I just picked up the RG35XX+ and would love to run this OS on it.
Jon Emmet
2024-01-15 03:51:35 +0000 UTCStrange D pad Input behavior on RG35XX Plus...can someone test on their device for me? I recently got Garlic up and running on a couple different RG35XX Plus systems (so, believe I'm ruling out the hardware here). When quickly moving the D pad from right to left, the player stays still, ignoring the left input. So, I go from right to left, and can keep holding down left and the player will not move. Try it. Load up literally any platforming or action game (just tried on Contra 3). If I'm holding right, then rock back to left (and keep holding left), the player stops. When I try this same action using the stock OS there is no trouble what so ever. Any ideas?
Brandon Tweed
2024-01-07 21:47:01 +0000 UTCWill garlicos be coming to the rg353vs
dale summers
2024-01-07 18:08:56 +0000 UTCDo you have a list on what systems are being worked on?
Christopher Davies
2023-12-23 16:24:23 +0000 UTCJust subbed as you are doing some legendary stuff and deserve the money! Look forward to using 2.0 on the RG35XX+!
Alex Sparks
2023-12-15 13:05:45 +0000 UTCI just became a paid member because the RG35XX Plus desperately needs better software. Any updates would be greatly appreciated! I hope the programming is going smoothly. Cheers!
Casey Rose
2023-12-15 00:44:57 +0000 UTCConsidering that your last commit and your last communication about Garlic 2 was 3 weeks ago, I would like to know if the project continues to evolve.
Bruno Kawakami
2023-12-14 04:22:18 +0000 UTCI wasn't able to put the image on the SD card with Phoenix Card/Rufus etc either, it may be missing something or the creation was corrupted somehow before it was uploaded. But the manual steps you wrote should work.. If done that way, all you need to do is power it on, but you'll have to hold it for a bit longer than your previous attempt. It usually takes between 3-5 seconds before it boots up (the led at the top will turn solid green). Edit: I should clarify that it will only work if you add the bootloader files to the TF1 card with the Anbernic files on there as well. You can download those again from the Anbernic website and then reflash the SD card (or a new one) if you accidentally formated the TF1 card.
Swe downhill
2023-12-11 17:39:33 +0000 UTCI've got a RGXX35+ and have followed the guides and comments on this post without luck. - I can't get to burn the .img provided to the sd card, tried phoenix card, etcher, rufus. All throw errors as it seems the .img is corrupted. - Tried below manual steps: - fresh exfat format to sd card that will go to TF2 slot - create boot folder at root level - created "init" file inside boot folder (made sure not to have any file extension) - unzipped the armhf.7z inside the boot folder - unzipped the bootloader for RGXX35+ to the TF1 sd card at root level - tried many different ways of booting up like press power for 1.5s and then press power + menu I am hoping someone can provide any suggestions.
Caio Trevisan
2023-12-11 07:24:41 +0000 UTCIt's working in 35xxplus automatically. You have not to hold any button.
Rafał Kowalczyk
2023-12-10 20:14:49 +0000 UTCI think it will be possible eventually, if it isn't already. I just don't know how to do it yet. We have to remember that this is still an alpha, so I think we can expect additional features and improved install methods once the OS reaches a stable build.
Swe downhill
2023-12-10 10:48:21 +0000 UTCThank you for your additional information. Does that mean that you will always need the stock OS SD card since it contains the boot loader? I would have hoped to have one SD card with garlic 2.0 and one SD card for roms. This is not possible, right?
dires
2023-12-09 23:36:15 +0000 UTCWill GalicOS improve the hdmi out scaling? Seeing around online that since the 35xx+ is not 16:9 then the image comes out stretched and didn't know if that was an OS issue or not. Would love to be able to "dock" it and not lose any picture quality since the bluetooth makes it more worthwhile.
Garet B
2023-12-09 19:58:18 +0000 UTCHere's a couple of steps describing how I did it. There may be better ways, but at least it is working. 1 - Use the stock OS files on the TF1 card as a starting point (Optional: go ahead and move the image of the Stock OS files to a branded SD card if you want). 2 - Place the bootloader files in the root directory on that same SD card. 3 - Then use a second SD card formatted to exFat. 4 - Create a folder called boot on that second SD card. 5 - Save the GarlicOS init-file inside the boot folder and remove the file extension if there is one (like .txt etc). 6 - Download and extract the armhf file and place it into the boot folder. 7 - Insert both cards (Stock OS in TF1, init+armhf card in TF2) and boot the device once, this will create the folder structure on the second SD card. 8 - Place roms in the appropriate system subfolder in the Library directory of the second SD card. 9 - Insert the card into the RG35xx+ again, boot and enjoy.
Swe downhill
2023-12-08 16:34:40 +0000 UTCCan someone explain the steps for RG35xx Plus? I just got this device and used many of Seraphs builds in the past but out of the Garlicos game until now and finding the steps a bit vaugue and confusing. 1 - Should the files from bootloader zip be installed into the root of the SD card or the whole folder be copied to the SD? I tried both but with the folder copied it just boots into stock, with the files in root the power light comes on then the device turns off. TF1/TF2 - Do you need to do both or they are two different options? Phoenix card fails to format any sd card I use - is it because I am using an sd card reader? I tried 2 readers but don't have sd slot directly built into pc. TF2 - this "init" script - based on a comment I read above I copied the text into a notepad file and saved without an extension and put into the boot folder. I can't get anything to happen except boot to stock. Appreciate any more details people can share.
Dubsmachine
2023-12-08 13:29:17 +0000 UTCThats awesome! My friend has it on his rg35xx and loves it! I have an rgnano so I won’t be able to run it on mine lol
SharkWitchMeruna
2023-12-05 11:48:02 +0000 UTCNever mind - I think I figured it out. I believe you need to power on then hold the Menu button.
Brandon Tweed
2023-12-05 01:14:23 +0000 UTCHas anyone been able to get Garlic running on the RG35XX Plus? I've followed the instructions with no luck. Does this unit have a card boot button combination?
Brandon Tweed
2023-12-05 00:47:23 +0000 UTCwait a sec. RG35XX or RG35XX P-L-U-S? how? you teamed up with anbernic?
ihazcat
2023-11-24 15:52:53 +0000 UTClol no. not even related. anbernic grabbed garlic os 1.x a few months ago and since then they selling a dual boot version. it is not even a new thing. and it is not a different hardware. it's just a solution for those who have no clue about IT stuff but want garlic too.
ihazcat
2023-11-23 13:30:29 +0000 UTCI went on the Anbernic's website to buy a new rg35xx for a gift. They released a new version of the rg35xx with GarlicOs included. This might have something to do with the delay for our unit? Idk
Max
2023-11-23 13:24:23 +0000 UTCIs there a way to implement Syncthing into GarlicOS?
Fabian Zettl
2023-11-21 08:14:39 +0000 UTCThis is really gonna sway me to getting an RG405(m or v) system. I hate Android so much right now after fighting with the R2PS. Hope it gets support too! I'm really pleased with all the work you've put in BlackS.
Jesse LeGood
2023-11-16 01:00:16 +0000 UTCIf anyone manages to get it up on the RG505 please let me know, the app to enable booting from microSD crashes but that could be because I'm on Gamma OS not stock.
D0no
2023-11-15 21:48:33 +0000 UTCThank you Man. You are totally right. I did forgot to put the ini file without any extension. That was my mistake from the beginning. Really appreciate your help.
Venci Haralampiev
2023-11-15 11:04:15 +0000 UTCgreat news :) thanks a lot for your effort. Installation of bootloader was super easy. The "init" script need to be saved without any file-extension (just: init) and copied into the "boot" folder (which need to be created) of a fresh exFat formated SD card. Then extract one of the rootfs.7z files of your supported device with 7-zip in to the same boot folder on your SD card. Insert the card e.g. in your RG405M and press+hold power button for 1.5 sec, then press+hold the home button together with the power button, release both buttons when the anbernic logo pops up. the screen will get a bit dimmed with the bootlogo and GarlicOS 2.0 is running ..... I LOVE IT
waeggy123
2023-11-15 00:03:42 +0000 UTCAmazing work!! But I was not able to boot in to garlic OS on my RG405M. I did follow the instructions, but sadly the device wont boot in to it :/
Venci Haralampiev
2023-11-14 23:54:13 +0000 UTCThanks for the hard work, would be nice to have some custom image for the razer edge wifi, the 6GB ram is a hard limit to run switch emulation and the OS takes like 2.5GB already
Jose Francisco Avelar Diaz
2023-11-14 19:13:03 +0000 UTCThink it'd be possible for it to make it to the flip?
NovaIsTheBot
2023-11-14 18:14:37 +0000 UTCnice. any ETA for rg35xx or rg353m builds? are there any language related textfiles?
ihazcat
2023-11-14 18:03:42 +0000 UTC
