How to Remove Bundled ROMs from an Anbernic Handheld

Updated 6 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

This guide shows you how to clear the pre-loaded games from an Anbernic retro handheld and replace them with your own ROM collection. You’ll end up with a cleaner menu, more storage space, and a library that only contains games you actually want. Before starting, back up any save files or settings you care about, and make sure you have a computer with a microSD card reader.

What You’ll Need

Anbernic handheld (most models use a microSD card for games)
Computer with a microSD card slot or USB adapter
MicroSD card reader (if your computer lacks a built-in slot)
Your own ROM files (legally obtained from games you own)
Optional: a fresh microSD card if you want to keep the original intact

Step-by-Step

Power off the handheld. Hold the power button until the screen turns off, then wait a few seconds.
Locate the microSD card slot. On most Anbernic models, the game card slot is on the side or bottom, often labeled “TF1� or “Game.� The other slot (TF2) is typically for the firmware/system card.
Remove the microSD card. Gently push the card in until it clicks, then release – it should pop out. If it doesn’t, use a fingernail or a plastic tool to pull it out. Do not force it.
Insert the card into your computer. Use the card reader or adapter. Wait for the computer to recognize it as a removable drive.
Open the card’s file system. On Windows, open File Explorer and click the drive letter. On macOS, it appears on the Desktop or in Finder. On Linux, it’s usually in /media/yourusername/.
Find the ROM folders. The card typically has folders like roms, games, or Roms. Inside, you’ll see subfolders for each system (e.g., gba, snes, psx).
Delete the bundled ROMs. Select all files inside each system folder and delete them. You can also delete the entire system folders if you plan to recreate them later. Be careful not to delete any system files or BIOS files that may be in a separate folder.
Create new folders (if needed). If you deleted the system folders, create new ones with the correct names (e.g., gba, snes, nes). Consult your device’s manual or online resources for the exact naming convention.
Copy your ROMs to the card. Drag and drop your ROM files into the appropriate system folders. Make sure the file format is supported (e.g., .gba for Game Boy Advance, .sfc for SNES, .zip for many consoles).
Safely eject the card. On Windows, right-click the drive and select “Eject.� On macOS, drag it to the Trash. On Linux, use the “Safely Remove� option. Wait for the confirmation message.
Reinsert the card into the handheld. Push it in until it clicks. Power on the device.
Refresh the game list. The handheld may automatically rescan the card on boot. If not, go to the game launcher menu and look for an option like “Refresh� or “Rescan.� On some models, you may need to restart the launcher.

Common Mistakes

Deleting system files. The card may contain essential folders like system, bios, or retroarch. Deleting these can break emulation. Only delete ROM files and folders.
Using the wrong card slot. Removing the firmware card can brick the device. Always remove the game card (TF1), not the system card (TF2).
Not backing up saves. Some games store save files in the same folder as the ROMs. If you delete them, you lose progress.
Copying ROMs with unsupported formats. Each emulator expects specific file types. Check the manual or online list before copying.
Ejecting without unmounting. This can corrupt the card and make it unreadable.

Tips

Use a fresh card. If you want to keep the original games, copy the entire card to your computer first, then use a new card for your own ROMs.
Organize by system. Keep each console’s games in its own folder – it makes the menu cleaner and easier to navigate.
Check for BIOS files. Some systems (like PS1) require BIOS files. If your card had them, keep them. If not, you may need to add them for certain games to work.
Test one game first. After copying, insert the card and test a single game before adding hundreds. This confirms the format and folder structure are correct.
Use a card reader with a USB 3.0 port. Copying large ROM collections is much faster.

Troubleshooting

Games don’t appear in the menu. Check that the ROMs are in the correct folder and have the right extension. Try refreshing the game list in the launcher. If that fails, restart the device.
Device says “No games found.� The card may not be seated properly. Remove and reinsert it. Also verify that the card is not write-protected (some adapters have a lock switch).
Games show up but won’t launch. The ROM file might be corrupted, or the emulator may need a BIOS file. Test a known-good ROM from a different source.
Card is not recognized by the computer. Try a different card reader or USB port. If the card is corrupted, you may need to format it (FAT32 or exFAT) – but this will erase everything, so only do it as a last resort.
System boots to a black screen. You may have accidentally deleted system files. If you have a backup of the original card, restore it. Otherwise, you may need to reflash the firmware – check the Anbernic support page for your model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will deleting the bundled ROMs void my warranty?

Generally, no – the warranty covers hardware defects, not the contents of the SD card. However, if you damage the card or the device while modifying it, that could be a different story. Check the warranty terms for your specific model.

Can I add ROMs without removing the card?

Yes, if your handheld supports USB data transfer. Connect it to your computer via USB cable, and it should appear as a storage device. The process is the same as with a card reader.

What file formats are supported?

It varies by system. Common formats include .nes, .snes/.sfc, .gb/.gbc, .gba, .zip (for many consoles), .iso/.bin/.cue for PS1, and .nds for Nintendo DS. Check your device’s manual or the emulator’s documentation.

Do I need to keep the original card?

No, but it’s a good idea to keep a backup. You can copy the entire card to your computer as a safety net. If you ever want to restore the original games, you can just copy them back.

Will adding my own ROMs affect performance?

No, performance depends on the emulator and the game itself. Adding more ROMs won’t slow down the device, but a full card might take longer to scan on boot.

Can I use a larger microSD card?

Yes, most Anbernic devices support cards up to 256GB or more. Just make sure to format it as FAT32 or exFAT, and copy the folder structure from the original card.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.