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xemu - General Guide

Xemu logo

A free and open-source application that emulates the original Microsoft Xbox game console.

Resource Link
xemu - Compatibility Guide Link
xemu - FAQ Link
xemu - Github Link
xemu - Webpage Link

⚠️ Bleeding-Edge Component ⚠️

Warning: This component is under rapid development and may be unstable.

  • Performance may vary across hardware configurations.
  • Some standard features available in other components may not yet be supported.
  • Controllers or other input devices may require manual configuration.
  • Compatibility may vary across the supported game library.
  • Functionality, performance and compatibility may change as development progresses.

Where to put the games

Xbox games should be put under the retrodeck/roms/xbox/ directory.

What file formats are supported?

File Format Description
.iso (formatted as xiso) Standard ISO disc image formatted as Xbox ISO

What is xiso's and how to create them?

Read more here: xemu - Disc Images

Does xemu require BIOS or Firmware?

Yes

File Name Description
mcpx_1.0.bin Main Xbox MCPX (Media Communications Processor) firmware.
Complex_4627v1.03.bin Xbox security/complex firmware required for system initialization and game compatibility.

Where to put the BIOS and Firmware?

Directly into the folder

retrodeck/bios/

Directory structure

Type Directory Comment
BIOS retrodeck/bios/
Config ~/.var/app/net.retrodeck.retrodeck/config/xemu/xemu.toml
Data ~/.var/app/net.retrodeck.retrodeck/data/xemu/
Saves retrodeck/saves/xbox/xemu/
Shaders retrodeck/shaders/xemu/ data/xemu/shaders

Enable Multiplayer

  1. Open RetroDECK Configurator → xemu
  2. Navigate to Machine → Settings → Input
  3. Each controller port 1 to 4 has it's drop-down menu.
  4. Enable the ports you want and select the corresponding controllers in each port that you want to use.

If you are using Steam Input the selection would be:

Player 1: Steam Virtual Gamepad 1
Player 2: Steam Virtual Gamepad 2
Player 3: Steam Virtual Gamepad 3
Player 4: Steam Virtual Gamepad 4

LithiumX - Xbox Manager

LithiumX is a simple dashboard Xbox Manger with various features. It can allow you to browse your savefiles and have other features.