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How-to: Update RetroDECK

There are several ways to keep RetroDECK up to date. The recommended method is through your distribution’s software manager, but alternative options are also available.

Most distributions automatically manage updates for Flatpak applications, including RetroDECK.

Steam Deck (Optional): Switch to Desktop Mode (Steam Button → Power → Switch to Desktop)

  • Open Discover or your preferred software manager.
  • Navigate to the Updates section.
  • Review available updates.
  • Select Update or Update All to install them.

Terminal

You can update all installed Flatpaks, including RetroDECK, using the command line: flatpak update -y

Steam Deck - Decky Loader: AutoFlatpaks

If you have Decky Loader installed along with the AutoFlatpaks plugin, you can update RetroDECK directly from Game Mode without switching to Desktop Mode.

For additional details, see: Software Recommendations

FAQ: Updating

Question Answer
Updating After a Long Time If you have not updated RetroDECK for an extended period (approximately one year or more), it is recommended to uninstall and reinstall RetroDECK through your software manager rather than performing an in-place upgrade.
Updating Specific Systems in RetroDECK Individual emulators or system components cannot be updated independently within RetroDECK. Updates to these components are only provided as part of new RetroDECK releases.
When I update what happens? During an update, the application files in ~/.local/share/flatpak/app/net.retrodeck.retrodeck/current/active/files/ or /var/lib/flatpak/app/net.retrodeck.retrodeck/current/active/files/ are replaced with the new version, in accordance with Flatpak’s update mechanism.

Additional changes, bug fixes, or new content may also be applied within ~/.var/app/net.retrodeck.retrodeck/ or the RetroDECK user data directory.

User data is not removed during updates. It is only modified when necessary to resolve issues or introduce new features that do not already exist.