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Spreading Files Across Multiple Drives

Symbolic Links (symlinks) allow you to distribute files across multiple storage locations-internal drives, external drives, or NAS-while making them appear as if they reside in a single location. RetroDECK and other software interpret these links as standard folders or files.

Warnings and Best Practices

  • Close RetroDECK before creating symbolic links. RetroDECK loads games at launch, so modifying links while it is open can cause errors.
  • Never disconnect a drive while RetroDECK is running if it contains symbolic links.
  • Organize by system. Create a dedicated folder for each console or system on the target drive, rather than creating links for individual games.
  • Use clear folder names to easily identify the source drive.
  • Subfolder behavior. Each linked folder will appear as a subfolder in RetroDECK's ES-DE interface under the corresponding system.
  • Flexible linking. You can also link individual games, save files, or other data.

Creating Symbolic Linked Folders

Note: You can create multiple symbolic links pointing to subfolders under a main folder to manage large game libraries across several drives.

Example: Linking Wii Games

You have Wii backups on an external drive named 2nddrive in a folder called wii games, and you want them accessible in: ~/retrodeck/roms/wii/

Full path to external folder: /var/mnt/2nddrive/wii games

  1. Navigate to ~/retrodeck/roms/wii/.
  2. Right-click an empty area and select Create New → Link to File or Folder.
  3. Click the file browser button and choose Folder.
  4. Locate /var/mnt/2nddrive/wii games, highlight it, and click OK.

Result:

The symbolic link will appear in the ES-DE interface as a subfolder: wii games All games in the external folder will now be accessible through RetroDECK.

Disclaimer: This approach is not recommended unless you are experienced. RetroDECK updates may break links.

Use Case

Instead of linking individual subfolders, you can replace a complete system folder (e.g., ~/retrodeck/roms/wii/) with a symbolic link pointing to an external drive: /var/mnt/2nddrive/wii games to ~/retrodeck/roms/wii/wii games.

This stores all Wii games on the external drive permanently and maintains a seamless experience within RetroDECK. Only attempt this if you are comfortable managing symlinks and handling potential update conflicts.