Troubleshooting Guide: GPSP Not Showing Up on Anbernic RG35OM

Anbernic’s RG35OM is one of the most popular retro gaming handheld devices, praised for its versatility, large screen, and ability to emulate a wide range of classic gaming consoles. However, users sometimes encounter issues when trying to run certain emulators, one of the most common being the Game Boy Advance emulator, GPSP. This article explores why GPSP may not be showing up on your RG35OM, and provides solutions to get it up and running smoothly.

Understanding the Problem

The issue of GPSP not showing up or failing to load on the RG35OM is more common than one might think. Many users find that even after installing the emulator, it either doesn’t appear in the system’s list of emulators or it doesn’t function properly when trying to open it. The problem usually arises from one or more of the following reasons:

• Incorrect installation of GPSP emulator files
• Missing or corrupt BIOS files
• Improper configuration or file structure
• Unsupported or incompatible firmware

Let’s take a closer look at each potential cause and how to troubleshoot it.

1. Verify the Installation of GPSP Emulator Files

Before diving deeper, it’s essential to check whether the GPSP emulator has been correctly installed on your RG35OM.

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Check the SD card: Open the file explorer in your device and navigate to the SD card where emulators are stored (usually found under /emulators/ or /apps/).
• Locate the GPSP folder: Ensure that there is a folder specifically named gpsp. If it’s missing, the emulator is not installed or has been placed in the wrong directory.
• Reinstall if necessary: If the files seem out of place or incomplete, delete the existing GPSP folder and try reinstalling it. You can download GPSP from trusted sources or forums dedicated to the Anbernic community.

2. BIOS Files: The Common Culprit

Another reason GPSP might not show up or work on the RG35OM is due to missing or corrupt BIOS files. Most emulators, including GPSP, require the appropriate BIOS file to function correctly.

What is the BIOS?

A BIOS file (Basic Input/Output System) acts as the bridge between the emulator and the game you’re trying to run. Without the correct BIOS, the emulator will fail to initialize, and GPSP may not appear in your list of emulators.

How to Fix Missing BIOS Files:

• Find the correct BIOS file: For GPSP, you will need the gba_bios.bin file, which is specific to Game Boy Advance emulation.
• Placement: After downloading the BIOS, place the file in the correct directory on your SD card. The typical path is /bios/ or inside the GPSP emulator folder itself.
• Check the BIOS file integrity: The gba_bios.bin file should have a size of 16 KB and match the checksum a860e8c0b6d573d191e4ec7db1b1e4f6. If the file is larger, smaller, or has a different checksum, it might be corrupted or incompatible.

3. Ensure Proper File Structure

Incorrect file organization can also cause GPSP not to show up or run. Emulators like GPSP require a specific directory structure to operate smoothly.

Correct File Structure for GPSP:

• The gpsp folder should be inside your emulator directory (for instance, /emulators/gpsp/).
• The BIOS file (gba_bios.bin) should either be in the /bios/ folder or inside the gpsp folder itself.
• Make sure your Game Boy Advance ROMs (games) are placed in the /roms/gba/ folder. If GPSP cannot find any ROMs, it may not show up in the emulator list.

If your directory structure doesn’t match the above, reorganize the files accordingly and restart your device.

4. Update or Reinstall Firmware

If you’ve verified the GPSP files and BIOS are correctly installed but the emulator still doesn’t show up, the issue may lie with the firmware on your RG35OM.

Steps to Fix Firmware Issues:

• Check for Firmware Updates: Visit the official Anbernic website or user forums for the latest firmware updates for your RG35OM. Sometimes newer firmware versions fix compatibility issues with certain emulators.
• Reflash the Firmware: If your device is running an outdated or buggy firmware, consider reflashing it with the latest stable version. Make sure to back up your data before proceeding.
• Alternative Firmware Options: Some users prefer installing third-party custom firmware like “ArkOS” or “351ELEC,” which offer better compatibility with certain emulators. Switching to one of these alternatives could resolve the GPSP issue if it’s caused by firmware limitations.

5. Check for Compatibility and Emulator Alternatives

If the above steps don’t work, GPSP might simply be incompatible with your current system configuration or firmware version. In this case, trying an alternative GBA emulator for your RG35OM could be a good option.

Recommended Alternatives:

• mGBA: This is a well-regarded alternative to GPSP, known for its high compatibility and stable performance on retro handheld devices like the RG35OM.
• RetroArch with GPSP core: If standalone GPSP isn’t working, you can try running GPSP as a core within the RetroArch platform, which tends to offer better compatibility across multiple devices.

Conclusion

Running into problems with GPSP not showing up on your Anbernic RG35OM can be frustrating, but most issues can be resolved with a bit of troubleshooting. Ensure that the emulator is correctly installed, the necessary BIOS files are in place, and the firmware is up to date. If problems persist, switching to an alternative GBA emulator may be the easiest solution. With a little patience, you’ll be playing your favorite Game Boy Advance games in no time!