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Cemu - General Guide

Cemu logo

Cemu is a Wii U emulator that is able to run most Wii U games and homebrew.

Resource Link
Cemu Compatibility Guide Link
Cemu Github Link
Cemu Webpage Visit
Cemu Wiki Link

Where to put the games?

WiiU games should be put under the retrodeck/roms/wiiu/ directory.

What file formats are supported?

File Format Description
.wud Encrypted Wii U disc image
.wux Compressed Wii U disc image
.wua Decrypted Wii U disc image (Recommended)
.rpx Wii U executable file

Does Cemu require BIOS or Firmware?

File Name Required For Description
keys.txt Running encrypted game files Contains the necessary decryption keys that allow Cemu to load and run encrypted Wii U titles.
otp.bin Online functionality (optional) A system dump containing one-time programmable console data used to properly emulate online services.
seeprom.bin Online functionality (optional) Stores console-specific data needed for accurate online communication and identity emulation.

Where to put the BIOS / Firmware files?

retrodeck/bios/cemu

Directory structure

Type Directory Comment
BIOS retrodeck/bios/Cemu/ Contains usr and sys folders
Config ~/.var/app/net.retrodeck.retrodeck/config/Cemu/ settings.xml, gameProfiles folder, controllerProfiles folder
Data ~/.var/app/org.retrodeck.retrodeck/data/Cemu/
ROMs retrodeck/roms/wiiu/
Saves retrodeck/saves/wiiu/cemu/
Shaders retrodeck/shaders/Cemu/transferable/ Cemu/shaderCache/transferable
Texture Packs retrodeck/texture_packs/Cemu/graphicPacks/ Cemu/graphicPacks

Installing and Using Graphic Packs

Automatic Install

  1. Open Cemu.
  2. Go to Options → Graphic Packs.
  3. Click Download latest community graphic packs.

Manual Install

  • Place downloaded packs in the retrodeck/texture_packs/Cemu/graphicPacks/ folder.

Enabling Graphic Packs

  1. Open Cemu.
  2. Go to Options → Graphic Packs.
  3. Check the boxes next to the packs you want to enable. Note: Packs only apply to their matching game IDs, so you can enable multiple packs safely.
  4. Exit Cemu.
  5. Launch the game via ES-DE.

Check if a Graphic Pack Is Active

  1. Open Cemu and start your game.
  2. Go to Options → Graphic Packs.
  3. A green pack name indicates the pack is currently active.

Language Settings

UI Language

  1. Open Cemu from the RetroDECK Configurator.
  2. Go to Options → Interface → Language.
  3. Choose your preferred language.
  4. Exit and restart Cemu.

In-Game Language

  1. Open Cemu from the RetroDECK Configurator.
  2. Go to Options → Console Language.
  3. Choose your preferred language.
  4. Exit Cemu.

Installing DLC and Updates

NOTE:

Do not keep DLC and Update files in: retrodeck/roms/wiiu/

Instructions:

  1. Open the Configurator and Open Cemu
  2. Press File → Install game title, update, or DLC...
  3. Navigate to where you have your files.
  4. Choose the DLC or Update file and press Open and it will install.
  5. Repeat for each DLC / Update you want to install.

How make .wua files and install the games

NOTE:

  • Encrypted ROMs can't be converted to .wua.
  • Before you make the .wua install any updates or DLC first to the base game.

Instructions:

  1. Open the Configurator and Open Cemu
  2. Press Tools → Title Manager
  3. Search for the game you want to convert and check so the Type colum says: base.
  4. Right click and press the Convert to compressed Wii U archive.
  5. Verify in the prompt that everything you want is there: base game, updates and DLC.
  6. Select the output target folder: retrodeck/roms/wiiu/.

Pretendo Account for online play

To create a Pretendo Network account.

  1. Use the provided link to register:

Pretendo: Register Account.

  1. Then, follow the instructions to log in with your Pretendo Network account on a Wii U.

Pretendo: Install WiiU

  • Note: Existing NNIDs are not usable on Pretendo Network, so you must create a Pretendo account.

  • Follow the guide to generate and dump the required user files for your Pretendo Account:

Cemu: Online Play Guide

RetroDECK specific file locations:

  • Wii U User Account’s usr and sys folders

    • Located in the MLC Path configured in RetroDECK Configurator → Open Cemu → Options → General settings (default: retrodeck/bios/cemu)

  • otp.bin and seeprom.bin:

    • Located at ~/.var/app/org.retrodeck.retrodeck/data/Cemu.