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RetroDECK: Games Compressor

The RetroDECK Compression Tool

The RetroDECK Compression Tool allows you to compress game files into .chd, .zip, or .rvz formats. Compressed files are saved alongside the original games in your ROM directories, with the option to delete the originals automatically.

Information

  • RetroDECK will skip games that have already been compressed in the selected format.
  • If a game has no compatible compression formats, it will be skipped.
  • For .cue files, associated .bin files must exist for CHD compression to succeed.
  • Logs will indicate progress, warnings, and errors throughout the compression process.
  • Compression may take a long time depending on the number of games, file sizes, and your hardware.

Supported Compression Formats

Format Description Supported Systems / Notes
CHD Compresses ISO, CUE, or GDI disk images. Best for PS2, PSP, and similar systems. CUE/BIN validation required for certain systems.
ZIP Standard archive compression. Ideal for ROMs with individual files. Only specific systems and file extensions are supported.
RVZ Dolphin-compatible compressed GameCube/Wii images. .iso or .gcm files only.

Using the RetroDECK Compression Tool

  1. Open RetroDECK Configurator.
  2. Navigate to Data Management Tools → Compress Games.

  3. Choose one of the following options:

  4. Compress a Single Game: Select one game file to compress.

  5. Compress All Compatible Games: RetroDECK will scan all ROM folders and compress all compatible files automatically.

Compressing from CLI

If you for some reason don't want to use the GUI CLI is also an option.

Single Game

Launch the CLI with flatpak run net.retrodeck.net --compress-one <full_path_to_game>.

Confirm whether you want the original file removed after compression.

Press Enter to start compression:

  • RetroDECK validates compatibility of the game.
  • Compresses the game if possible.
  • Compress compatible files while respecting system CPU limits for parallel processing.

All Games

Launch the CLI with flatpak run net.retrodeck.net --compress-all <format>, where <format> can be chd, zip, rvz, or all.

Confirm whether you want the original files removed after compression.

Press Enter to start compression.

  • Scan ROM directories for compatible games.
  • Validate each file.
  • Compress compatible files while respecting system CPU limits for parallel processing.