Fixing gpSP Not Showing Up on Anbernic RG35OM: Complete Guide (2025)

1. Introduction

The Anbernic RG35OM is a powerful handheld emulator device known for running a variety of retro gaming systems. Among the most popular Game Boy Advance emulators on this system is gpSP, valued for its smooth performance and low resource usage.

However, users often encounter a frustrating issue—gpSP not showing up on Anbernic RG35OM. This guide explores why this problem happens and how you can resolve it with simple yet effective steps.

2. Understanding the Problem

If you’ve booted up your RG35OM and noticed that gpSP isn’t listed among your available emulator cores or doesn’t launch when expected, you’re not alone. This issue can stem from several causes including misconfigured folders, missing files, outdated firmware, or BIOS errors.

The signs typically include:

• gpSP not appearing in the emulator list.
• GBA games defaulting to another emulator like mGBA.
• Launch failures or black screens when attempting to run GBA games.

Understanding these symptoms is the first step in troubleshooting the problem effectively.

3. Firmware and Core Compatibility

The Anbernic RG35OM runs custom firmware such as GarlicOS or Batocera, and the availability of emulator cores like gpSP often depends on the version you’re using. Some updated versions of these operating systems have removed gpSP by default in favor of other emulators, especially on devices where performance isn’t an issue.

In the case of GarlicOS, it’s known to automatically associate specific folders with certain cores. If gpSP is not integrated into your system version or has been replaced, you’ll either need to manually reintroduce it or adjust your file structure to ensure the system recognizes it.

Here’s a quick compatibility table:

4. Correct Folder Structure

One of the most overlooked reasons for gpSP not showing up on Anbernic RG35OM is incorrect folder naming. GarlicOS uses folder names to assign emulator cores. If you want to force it to use gpSP for your Game Boy Advance games, you must create a dedicated folder named GPSP (in all caps).

Steps:

1. Insert your SD card into your computer.
2. Open the “ROMS” directory.
3. Create a new folder named GPSP.
4. Move your .gba ROM files into this folder.
5. Reinsert the SD card into the RG35OM and boot up.

Once this is done, the system should automatically associate these ROMs with the gpSP core, assuming it is installed.

5. BIOS File Requirements

Even if everything else is correctly set up, gpSP will not function without a valid Game Boy Advance BIOS file. This file is required for the emulator to mimic the original GBA hardware accurately.

The BIOS file must:

• Be named exactly: gba_bios.bin
• Be placed in the appropriate BIOS folder on your SD card.
• Be exactly 16 KB in size (anything larger or smaller won’t work).

Without this file, gpSP may refuse to launch entirely or display a black screen.

BIOS File Placement:

6. Configuration File Adjustments

For advanced users, modifying the configuration files can ensure gpSP functions correctly. Some tweaks allow you to enhance performance or load behaviors like autosaving or state-loading.

You can edit:

• es_systems.cfg – to prioritize gpSP over mGBA
• settings.cfg – to enable fast boot and autosave
• retroarch-core-options.cfg – to fine-tune emulator settings

Editing these files can seem intimidating, but using a simple text editor like Notepad++ makes it manageable. Always back up your files before making any changes.

7. Updating GarlicOS

Another common solution to fix gpSP not showing up on Anbernic RG35OM is updating your firmware. An outdated version of GarlicOS might lack the latest compatibility or features required for gpSP to work properly.

To update GarlicOS:

1. Visit the official RG35XX or GarlicOS GitHub repository.
2. Download the latest firmware package.
3. Backup your SD card data.
4. Flash the new OS following the instructions provided.
5. Restore your ROMs and BIOS files.

New firmware may also include a new version of gpSP or better integration with your system’s hardware.

8. Troubleshooting Steps

If gpSP still doesn’t show up after following the above steps, consider these troubleshooting actions:

• Double-check your folder structure and BIOS file.
• Try placing a test .gba file in the GPSP folder and rebooting.
• Reinstall GarlicOS or switch to another custom firmware like MiniUI if needed.
• Download a freshly compiled gpSP core and manually add it to the emulator directory.

Common Mistakes:

9. Community Insights and Solutions

Several users across Reddit, Discord, and other forums have faced this same issue and shared their solutions. Here are a few verified methods reported by the community:

• Using the “Arcade” folder workaround to trigger core detection.
• Replacing the mGBA core with gpSP manually.
• Creating symbolic links to trick the system into loading gpSP.

Joining forums like r/ANBERNIC or Discord channels for RG35XX users can provide more real-time help and updated fixes.

10. Conclusion

The problem of gpSP not showing up on Anbernic RG35OM can be resolved through a series of steps including adjusting folder structures, ensuring the BIOS is correctly installed, and verifying core compatibility. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a retro enthusiast, following this guide will help you enjoy Game Boy Advance games seamlessly on your device.

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