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How-to: Install RetroDECK on the Linux Desktop

Before you begin start here

TIP: Game Mode on Linux PCs

Steam Deck's Game Mode can be used on some Linux distributions. It helps:

  • Mitigate Input issues.
  • Provide the best RetroDECK experience.
  • Allow seamless Steam controller support.

Here is a list of some distributions that support Game Mode:

Bazzite

Chimera OS

Nobara

Prerequisites - Linux Desktop

(Optional) Add to Steam

It's recommended to add and launch RetroDECK via Steam to utilize Steam Input for external controllers during installation.

Flatpak Support

Ensure Flatpak is installed on your Linux system. Follow the official guide for your distribution: Flatpak Setup Guide

Steam: steam-devices Package

Note: Not required for SteamOS-based devices (e.g., Steam Deck) or gaming distributions like Bazzite, Chimera, Nobara, etc.

  • The steam-devices package is usually included with Steam on most distributions.
  • Required for Steam to detect controllers.
  • Steam will warn you if it is missing.
  • Install via your distribution's package manager if needed.

Enable Steam Input for Controllers

Note: Not required for SteamOS-based devices (e.g., Steam Deck) or gaming distributions like Bazzite, Chimera, Nobara, etc.

  1. Open Steam and click the Steam menu.
  2. Navigate to Settings → Controller.
  3. Enable Steam Input for all controllers: Xbox, PlayStation, Switch Pro, Generic.
  4. Close Settings.

Step-by-Step Guide to Install RetroDECK on the Linux Desktop

For your:

  • HTPC
  • Gaming PC
  • PC-Console (Steam Machine)
  • Desktop

Install RetroDECK

Discover logo

Via an App Store

  1. Open your Flatpak-supported software manager (e.g., GNOME Software, KDE Discover, Bazaar).
  2. Search for RetroDECK and click Install.

From the Terminal

Run the following command:

flatpak install net.retrodeck.retrodeck

Launch RetroDECK for the first time

After installation from Discover / Bazaar / Gnome Software.

Launch RetroDECK from Discover / Bazaar / Gnome Software or the Software / Program Menu under Games → RetroDECK.

Choose where to create the retrodeck/ folder

Choose between:

  • Home Directory
  • Custom Location

When asked, we recommend that you select: Yes.

RetroDECK will appear in Game Mode under Library → Non-Steam

(Optional) Download Firmware

RetroDECK can download firmware only from officially distributed sources.

An active internet connection is required.

After the firmware installation is complete, be sure to close the component’s window or it's pop-ups to finish the process.

(Optional) Enable Steam Synchronization

Srm logo

This prompt appears only if RetroDECK has been added to Steam.

Enabling Steam synchronization will scan your game library for any 🌟 Favorited 🌟 titles in ES-DE and automatically add them to your Steam library as individual entries.

Installation Complete: Return to Desktop or Start RetroDECK

Press Return to Desktop or Start RetroDECK.

If you have added RetroDECK to Steam: you will need to restart Steam for the changes to take effect.

Adding ROMs / Games / Ports

Add your games following ES-DE’s clean and organized folder structure. This ensures that systems appear correctly in the frontend.

Put ROMs / Games in the matching system folder under:

retrodeck/roms/

Examples:

  • retrodeck/roms/nes/ExampleNESGame.nes
  • retrodeck/roms/doom/DOOM.WAD
  • retrodeck/roms/openbor/He-Man.openbor

For Ports

RetroDECK’s PortMaster component manages native ports. You can:

  • Browse and download a variety of ports.
  • Install FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) ports directly.
  • Some ports require purchased game files.

You will find PortMaster inside the ES-DE interface or in the Configurator.

Read more:

Adding BIOS & Firmware

Place required BIOS/Firmware files in (if the component require it):

retrodeck/bios/

Read more:

Learn ES-DE Frontend

Es De logo

ES-DE is the graphical interface where you browse, select, and launch your games that RetroDECK uses. Understanding its basics will help you customize themes, scrape metadata, manage playlists, and more.

Read more:

Learn RetroDECK’s Hotkeys

RetroDECK uses Steam Input, and each emulator has consistent hotkeys for save states, menus, fast-forward, screenshots, and more.

Read more:

Play!

Go to RetroDECK on the Steam Grid under Library → Non-Steam → RetroDECK.

Start RetroDECK.

Any system with valid ROMs / Games should now appear in ES-DE and be ready to play.

(Optional) Apply templates to external controllers.

(This is usually automatic but for some hardware you might need apply it manually.)

  • Navigate to RetroDECK Library -> Non-Steam.
  • Go to 🎮 Controller 🎮 Controller Settings -> Controller Layouts -> Templates .

Additional Tips

Explore the Community

RetroDECK is community-driven-explore, learn, or join in!