How to copy to device

Arcade Help
1

Hi

I’m a complete beginner.

I made a test game and saved it to my computer as a file.

I have this device

MakeCode says I can copy it to my device using the file explorer but I don’t find how to do this :blush:

2 Likes
2

Hey!

If you have connected your device, it should pop up on the left (if it doesn’t, you might need to turn it on, or press the refresh button to get it into the right mode where it shows it’s ready to deploy).

Once you find that, just drag and drop the file you downloaded for the game and it should restart and play

drag-and-drop

3 Likes
3

Hello, @arcadegirl! Welcome to the forums. While @jwunderl’s plan works, you can also do this on the website yourself.

Step 1

In the Editor, click on the blue download option.

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Step 2

Select the device you want to upload your game to.

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Step 3

Do the download.

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Step 4

Follow the rest of the manual’s instructions to help get the game to your device. Enjoy!

3 Likes
4

Hi

I use a Apple MacBook and for some reason both ways don’t work.

I also don’t see the device in Finder.

I have bought another USB-C to USB-C cable because I don’t have USB-A on my computer.

However the device turns on when connected to my computer.

Maybe more things I can try?

1 Like
5


x_User101_Indo_x

Why Your Arcade Doesn’t Show Up in Finder

It is incredibly frustrating when you plug something in and it lights up, proving the cable works, but your computer acts like nothing is there.

The reason your ELECFREAKS Retro Arcade is powering on but not appearing in Finder comes down to one simple, technical hurdle: It’s not in the right mode for data transfer.

Think of it this way:

  • When you plug it in, it’s in “Play Mode” or “Run Mode.” It’s happy to take power and run whatever game was last loaded. Your Mac is treating it like an inert power source, like a phone charger, not a flash drive.

  • To accept a new game, it needs to be in “Download Mode” (or “Bootloader Mode”). This is the special state that makes the device temporarily disguise itself as a tiny, dedicated flash drive so your Mac will mount it and you can drag your .hex file onto it.

Since you’re on a modern MacBook with USB-C, we actually have two great ways to force this connection.

1. The “Push-the-Magic-Button” Fix (The Drive Method)

This is the standard fix for any MakeCode device that won’t show up. You have to manually force it into Download Mode.

  • The Problem: Your Mac doesn’t see the tiny flash drive.

  • The Solution: You have to tell the arcade: “Hey, stop playing! Act like a drive right now.”

How to Do It:

  1. Plug it in: Connect the USB-C cable to the Arcade and your MacBook.

  2. Find the Small Button: Locate the tiny, recessed RESET button on the back or side of the arcade unit.

  3. The Combination:

    • Hold Down the little RESET button.

    • While holding RESET, press and release one of the main buttons (A or B).

    • Continue to hold RESET for about 3–5 seconds after pressing the other button. The screen should go dark or flash.

    • Release RESET.

If you’ve done it correctly, a new drive icon should immediately pop up in your Finder sidebar, usually named something like ARCADE. You can then drag your .hex file right onto it.

2. The “Modern Browser Connect” Fix (The WebUSB Method)

This is often the most reliable way to download games on a Mac, as it completely bypasses the Finder/drive issue and goes straight from the website to the hardware.

  • The Problem: The Mac’s operating system (Finder) is fussy about mounting foreign drives.

  • The Solution: Use the web browser (Chrome works best) to talk to the device directly.

How to Do It:

  1. Go to [https://arcade.makecode.com/\](https://arcade.makecode.com/) and finish your game.

  2. In the MakeCode editor (bottom left), click the three dots (…) next to the big Download button.

  3. Choose the Connect Device (or Device Pairing) option.

  4. Your browser will pop up a list of USB devices. Look for one that says Arcade or DAPLink. Select it and click Connect.

  5. Now, when you click the main Download button, the program is sent straight to the arcade through the USB-C cable. You’ll see a quick progress bar, and no files will appear in Finder.

If it Still Doesn’t Work (The Cable Question)

Since the cable provides power, we know it’s physically plugged in. If neither of the methods above work, the problem is almost certainly your USB-C to USB-C cable.

  • The Power Trap: Many USB-C cables are designed only to carry high-speed power for charging, but they skimp on the internal wires needed for high-speed data transfer.

  • The Fix: You need a high-quality cable that is certified for both. If you have another USB-C cable that you know works for data (e.g., one that transfers files to an external hard drive or a newer phone), try that.

The ideal approach is to use the “Modern Browser Connect” method (2). If that fails, it’s time to swap the cable for one you know is good for data.

Note : Please Reply To Me If It Working !