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RetroDECK: Userdata Folder Structure

This page provides an overview of the RetroDECK folder structure for userdata, showing where configuration files, roms, saves, states, bios and other things are stored.


Main Folders

Folder Path Folder Name / Description Description
retrodeck/ userdata Folder Contains all RetroDECK user data. Location is dynamic and chosen by the user.
~/.var/app/net.retrodeck.retrodeck/ Flatpak Root Folder Exposes configuration, cache, and system data from the Flatpak environment.
~/.var/app/net.retrodeck.retrodeck/cache/ Cache Folder Stores cache files and temporary data for RetroDECK components.
~/.var/app/net.retrodeck.retrodeck/config/ Config Folder Stores configuration files for RetroDECK components.
~/.var/app/net.retrodeck.retrodeck/config/retrodeck/ RetroDECK Config Folder Contains the main retrodeck.cfg configuration file.
~/.var/app/net.retrodeck.retrodeck/data/ Data Folder Stores data structures used by RetroDECK components.

Userdata Folder - retrodeck/

Folder Path Folder Name / Description Description (Note: Each folder supports different components)
retrodeck/bios BIOS Folder BIOS files (RetroArch structure).
retrodeck/borders Borders Folder Borders/Bezels images.
retrodeck/cheats Cheats Folder Cheat files.
retrodeck/ES-DE ES-DE Folder User data and configuration files from ES-DE.
retrodeck/logs Logs Folder Log files (debugging and tracking).
retrodeck/mods Mods Folder Mods and extra content.
retrodeck/roms ROMs Folder Games and ROMs.
retrodeck/saves Saves Folder Save files.
retrodeck/screenshots Screenshots Folder In-game screenshots captured during emulation.
retrodeck/storage Storage Folder Miscellaneous files like DLC and installations.
retrodeck/shaders Shaders Folder Shader files for graphical enhancements.
retrodeck/states States Folder Save states.
retrodeck/texture_packs Texture Packs Folder Texture packs for graphical improvements.
retrodeck/videos Videos Folder In-game videos captures.

ES-DE Folder

Folder Path Folder Name / Description Description
collections Collections Folder Stores custom ES-DE collections.
custom_systems Custom Systems Folder Contains user-defined or extra systems.
downloaded_media Downloaded Media Folder Holds media assets like images, videos, and metadata.
gamelists Gamelists Folder Contains ES-DE gamelist.xml files for system organization.
screensavers Screensavers Folder Stores screensavers for the ES-DE interface.
scripts Scripts Folder Stores custom scripts for the ES-DE interface.
themes Themes Folder Contains themes for the ES-DE interface.

BIOS Folder

Most BIOS files are put in the root of the folder.

Folder Path System Name / Folder Name Description
cemu Cemu Wii U emulator; stores BIOS files for specific games.
citra Citra Nintendo 3DS emulator; stores required BIOS files.
Databases Databases Stores emulator and system database files.
dc Dreamcast Sega Dreamcast emulator BIOS files.
fbneo Final Burn Neo Arcade emulator BIOS files.
gzdoom GZDoom Doom source port; stores configuration and IWAD files.
Machines Machines BIOS files for various emulated machines.
mame-sa MAME Standalone Standalone MAME emulator BIOS files.
Mupen64plus Mupen64Plus Nintendo 64 emulator BIOS files for accurate emulation.
np2kai Neko Project II Kai PC-9801 and Japanese computer emulator BIOS files.
pico-8 Pico-8 Fantasy console emulator; stores cartridge and system files.
PPSSPP PPSSPP PlayStation Portable emulator BIOS files.
quasi88 Quasi88 NEC PC-8801 emulator BIOS files.
rpcs3 RPCS3 PlayStation 3 emulator BIOS files and firmware.
switch Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch emulator BIOS files and firmware.
Vita3K Vita3K PlayStation Vita emulator BIOS files and firmware.

ROMs Folder

RetroDECK Follows the ES-DE ROMs Folder Structure.

Folder Path System Name Description
3do 3DO 32-bit home console known for multimedia capabilities and high-quality graphics.
adam Coleco Adam Home computer and game console hybrid released by Coleco.
amiga Amiga Family of personal computers known for advanced graphics and sound capabilities.
amiga1200 Amiga 1200 Advanced model of Amiga with improved graphics, sound, and processing power.
amiga600 Amiga 600 Compact version of Amiga with fewer expansion options.
amigacd32 Amiga CD32 CD-ROM based game console version of the Amiga computer.
amstradcpc Amstrad CPC 8-bit home computer series popular in Europe.
apple2 Apple II One of the first highly successful mass-produced microcomputers.
apple2gs Apple IIgs Advanced Apple II model with improved graphics and sound.
arcade Arcade Coin-operated entertainment machines found in public places.
arcadia Arcadia Lesser-known 8-bit console with a small library of games.
archimedes Acorn Archimedes Family of personal computers developed by Acorn Computers.
arduboy Arduboy Handheld game console based on Arduino hardware.
astrocde Astrocade Second-generation home video game console released by Emerson Radio.
atari2600 Atari 2600 One of the first widely successful home video game consoles.
atari5200 Atari 5200 Follow-up to the Atari 2600 with improved graphics and sound.
atari7800 Atari 7800 Backward-compatible console with enhanced graphics over predecessors.
atari800 Atari 800 8-bit home computer known for gaming capabilities.
atarijaguar Atari Jaguar 64-bit home console with a limited library of games.
atarilynx Atari Lynx Handheld game console with color display.
atarist Atari ST Family of home computers known for MIDI and productivity capabilities.
atarixe Atari XE 8-bit home computer similar to Atari 800.
atomiswave Atomiswave Arcade system board developed by Sammy Corporation.
bbcmicro BBC Micro Series of microcomputers developed by Acorn for educational use.
c64 Commodore 64 One of the best-selling 8-bit home computers of all time.
cdimono1 Philips CD-i Mono-I Multimedia CD-ROM console developed by Philips.
cdtv Commodore CDTV Multimedia platform based on Amiga computers.
chailove ChaiLove Retro game framework for creating games in Lua.
channelf Fairchild Channel F Second-generation home video game console.
coco Tandy CoCo Color Computer line of home computers by Tandy/Radio Shack.
colecovision ColecoVision Second-generation home video game console known for arcade ports.
consolearcade Console Arcade General folder for home consoles that play arcade-style games.
cps Capcom CPS Capcom arcade system boards used in numerous arcade titles.
cps1 Capcom CPS-1 First version of Capcom's arcade system board.
cps2 Capcom CPS-2 Second version with improved graphics and encryption.
cps3 Capcom CPS-3 Third-generation arcade system board with advanced 3D graphics.
crvision VTech CreatiVision Hybrid home computer and game console.
daphne Daphne Emulator for laserdisc-based arcade games.
desktop Desktop Folder for .desktop and misc files in Linux/SteamOS.
doom DOOM Folder containing files related to the classic first-person shooter.
dos DOS Microsoft Disk Operating System, widely used for early PC games.
dragon32 Dragon 32 Home computer released in the UK with 8-bit architecture.
dreamcast Sega Dreamcast 128-bit home console with innovative online features.
easyrpg EasyRPG Open-source RPG engine compatible with RPG Maker 2000/2003 games.
electron Acorn Electron Budget 8-bit home computer developed by Acorn.
emulators Emulators Software that mimics other systems or consoles.
famicom Nintendo Famicom Japanese version of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES).
fba Final Burn Alpha Arcade emulator for CPS, Neo Geo, and other boards.
fbneo Final Burn Neo Updated version of Final Burn Alpha with additional features.
fds Famicom Disk System Floppy disk add-on for Famicom in Japan.
flash Adobe Flash Folder containing Flash game or animation files.
fm7 Fujitsu FM-7 8-bit home computer for education and gaming in Japan.
fmtowns Fujitsu FM Towns Series of 16-bit/32-bit home computers for gaming and multimedia.
gamate Gamate Handheld console developed by Bit Corporation.
gameandwatch Nintendo Game & Watch Series of handheld LCD games by Nintendo.
gamecom Tiger Game.com Handheld console with touchscreen and limited library.
gamegear Sega Game Gear Color handheld console competing with Nintendo Game Boy.
gb Nintendo Game Boy Original 8-bit handheld console by Nintendo.
gba Nintendo Game Boy Advance 32-bit handheld console with backward compatibility.
gbc Nintendo Game Boy Color Color version of the original Game Boy.
gc Nintendo GameCube 128-bit home console with small optical discs.
genesis Sega Genesis 16-bit home console known for arcade ports and fast gameplay.
gmaster Watara GMaster Handheld game console.
gx4000 Amstrad GX4000 8-bit/16-bit home console with limited commercial success.
intellivision Mattel Intellivision Second-generation home console with improved graphics.
j2me Java 2 Micro Edition Platform for mobile games and applications.
laserdisc Laserdisc Folder containing laserdisc arcade or media content.
lcdgames LCD Games Folder containing handheld LCD game files.
lowresnx LowResNX Fantasy console for creating low-resolution retro games.
lutro Lutro Lua-based retro-style game framework.
macintosh Macintosh Family of Apple personal computers.
mark3 Sega Mark III Japanese version of the Master System.
mame MAME Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator.
mastersystem Sega Master System 8-bit console with strong 2D graphics.
megacd Sega Mega CD CD-ROM add-on for Sega Genesis/Mega Drive.
megacdjp Sega Mega CD (Japan) Japanese version of the Mega CD.
megadrive Sega Mega Drive International name for Sega Genesis.
megadrivejp Sega Mega Drive (Japan) Japanese release of the Mega Drive.
megaduck Welback Mega Duck Handheld console compatible with some Game Boy games.
mess MESS Multi Emulator Super System for computers and consoles.
model2 Sega Model 2 Arcade board with 3D graphics capabilities.
moto Motorcycle Games Folder for motorcycle racing titles.
msx MSX Standardized 8-bit home computer platform.
msx1 MSX 1 First generation of MSX home computers.
msx2 MSX 2 Second generation of MSX with improved graphics/sound.
msxturbor MSX turbo R Enhanced final generation of the MSX standard.
mugen M.U.G.E.N Customizable 2D fighting game engine.
multivision Samsung Multivision Hybrid console/computer released in South Korea.
n3ds Nintendo 3DS Handheld console with stereoscopic 3D and backward compatibility.
n64 Nintendo 64 64-bit home console using cartridges.
n64dd Nintendo 64DD Disk drive add-on for Nintendo 64.
naomi Sega NAOMI Arcade board based on Dreamcast hardware.
naomi2 Sega NAOMI 2 Upgraded NAOMI arcade hardware.
naomigd Sega NAOMI GD-ROM GD-ROM add-on for NAOMI arcade system.
nds Nintendo DS Dual-screen handheld console.
neogeo Neo Geo AES/MVS Cartridge-based arcade/home console by SNK.
neogeocd Neo Geo CD CD-ROM version of Neo Geo.
neogeocdjp Neo Geo CD (Japan) Japanese release of Neo Geo CD.
nes Nintendo Entertainment System 8-bit home console by Nintendo.
ngp Neo Geo Pocket Monochrome handheld console.
ngpc Neo Geo Pocket Color Color handheld console by SNK.
odyssey2 Magnavox Odyssey² Second-generation console with keyboard for educational titles.
openbor OpenBOR 2D beat ’em up game engine.
palm Palm OS Devices Folder for Palm handheld applications/games.
pc PC / DOS Folder for PC game ports and DOS titles.
pc88 NEC PC-8800 Series 8-bit/16-bit home computer line popular in Japan.
pc98 NEC PC-9800 Series 16-bit Japanese home computers.
pcarcade PC Arcade PC-based arcade games or emulation.
pcengine NEC PC Engine / TurboGrafx-16 8/16-bit home console known for HuCards.
pcenginecd NEC PC Engine CD CD-ROM add-on for PC Engine.
pcfx NEC PC-FX 32-bit home console focusing on FMV games.
pico8 Pico-8 Fantasy console for tiny retro-style games.
plus4 Commodore Plus/4 Successor to VIC-20 with built-in productivity software.
pokemini Pokémon Mini Nintendo handheld console.
portmaster PortMaster Games Folder for PortMaster games/engine.
ports Game Ports Folder for cross-platform ports.
ps2 Sony PlayStation 2 128-bit console with DVD playback.
ps3 Sony PlayStation 3 HD console with Blu-ray support.
psp Sony PlayStation Portable Handheld console with multimedia support.
psvita Sony PlayStation Vita Advanced handheld with OLED/LED display.
psx Sony PlayStation 32-bit home console.
pv1000 Casio PV-1000 Early 8-bit home console.
quake Quake Engine Folder for Quake engine or source ports.
satellaview Satellaview Satellite modem add-on for Super Famicom.
saturn Sega Saturn 32-bit console emphasizing 2D arcade ports.
saturnjp Sega Saturn (Japan) Japanese release with exclusive titles.
scummvm ScummVM Emulator for classic point-and-click adventure games.
scv Epoch Super Cassette Vision Japanese 8-bit home console.
sega32x Sega 32X 32-bit add-on for Genesis.
sega32xjp Sega 32X (Japan) Japanese version of 32X.
sega32xna Sega 32X (NA) North American version of 32X.
segacd Sega CD CD-ROM add-on for Genesis.
snes Super Nintendo Entertainment System 16-bit console.
snesna SNES (North America) North American SNES release.
sfc Super Famicom Japanese SNES release.
solarus Solarus Engine Open-source action-RPG engine.
spectravideo Spectravideo 8-bit computers that influenced MSX design.
stv Sega Titan Video Arcade board with 2D sprite hardware.
sufami Sufami Turbo Super Famicom cartridge add-on.
supergrafx NEC SuperGrafx Enhanced PC Engine with better graphics.
supervision Watara Supervision 8-bit handheld console.
supracan Funtech Super Acan 16-bit console released in Taiwan.
switch Nintendo Switch Hybrid home/handheld console.
symbian Symbian OS Early smartphone platform.
tanodragon Tano Dragon Fantasy/retro gaming system.
tg16 TurboGrafx-16 North American PC Engine.
tg-cd TurboGrafx-CD CD-ROM add-on for TG16.
ti99 TI-99 16-bit home computer by Texas Instruments.
tic80 TIC-80 Fantasy console for retro-style games in Lua.
to8 Thomson TO8 8-bit French home computer.
uzebox Uzebox Open-source 8-bit minimalist retro console.
vectrex Vectrex Vector-based home console with built-in screen.
vic20 Commodore VIC-20 8-bit home computer.
vircon32 Vircon32 32-bit fantasy console.
videopac Magnavox Videopac European Odyssey² console.
virtualboy Nintendo Virtual Boy 3D stereoscopic home console.
vsmile VTech V.Smile Educational console for children.
wasm4 WASM-4 Fantasy console for retro games in WebAssembly.
wii Nintendo Wii Home console with motion controls.
wiiu Nintendo Wii U Home console with GamePad touchscreen controller.
windows3x Windows 3.x Early Windows OS series supporting games.
windows9x Windows 95/98/ME Consumer-oriented Windows OS series.
wonderswan Bandai WonderSwan Monochrome handheld console.
wonderswancolor Bandai WonderSwan Color Color version of WonderSwan handheld console.
x1 Sharp X1 Japanese 8-bit home computer.
x68000 Sharp X68000 High-end Japanese home computer with arcade-quality graphics.
xbox Microsoft Xbox First-generation 128-bit console introducing Xbox Live.
zx81 Sinclair ZX81 Early low-cost 8-bit home computer.
zxspectrum ZX Spectrum Popular 8-bit UK home computer.
zmachine Z-Machine Virtual machine for running text-based interactive fiction.