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How-to: Install RetroDECK on the Steam Deck

Note

Depending on what language you have set in Desktop Mode, things might be named differently.

Before you begin start here

Want to use your SD Card for RetroDECK?

Check the FAQs SD Card section.

Read here:

RetroDECK: FAQ.

Step-by-Step Guide to Install RetroDECK on the Steam Deck

Start here:

Switch to Desktop Mode:

Steam button → Power → Switch to Desktop

Install RetroDECK via Discover.

KDE Discover app logo

Open Discover.

Search for RetroDECK and click Install.

Launch RetroDECK for the first time in Desktop Mode

After installation from Discover

Launch RetroDECK from Discover or the KDE Program Menu under Games → RetroDECK.

Choose where to create the retrodeck/ folder

Choose between:

  • Internal Storage
  • SD Card If you plan to install it on your SD Card, check the FAQ link above.
  • Custom Location

RetroDECK first-run setup dialog showing storage location options: Internal Storage, SD Card, and Custom Location

RetroDECK setup screen showing firmware installation in progress

When asked, we recommend that you select: Yes.

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

RetroDECK setup prompt asking whether to add RetroDECK to 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

Steam ROM Manager 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.

RetroDECK setup screen for Steam synchronization showing enable/disable option

Installation Complete: Return to Desktop or Start RetroDECK

RetroDECK setup completion screen with Return to Desktop and Start RetroDECK buttons

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 Frontend 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:

Return to Game Mode

  • Go back into Game Mode by pressing the Return to Game Mode icon on the desktop.

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.

RetroDECK entry visible in the Steam library under Non-Steam games

(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 .

Steam controller layout Templates selection screen

Additional Tips

Explore the Community

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