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RetroDECK v0.10.0b - Dastardly Dansband

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Release date: 2026-01-18

Short summary:

⚠️ Important: Ponzu does not work with RetroDECK 0.10.0b ⚠️
Rewrote Everything from the Ground Up
New Emulator: XROAR
New Emulator: Azahar
New Emulator: Ryubing
New Engine: OpenBor
Lahrs Folder Icons & Iconsets
Storage directory
All Components are updated

⚠️ Important: Ponzu does not work with RetroDECK 0.10.0b ⚠️

The new layered flatpak system and Ponzu’s temporary solution for installing legacy emulators cannot operate within this new architecture.

We’re shipping two components that cover the most common use-cases previously handled by Ponzu:

Azahar and Ryubing.

What you can do:

  • Keep your existing RetroDECK installation if you rely on Ponzu.
  • Avoid upgrading to 0.10.0b until you’re ready to move away from Ponzu
  • You can always downgrade via Flathub if you need the older version, but this is Not Recommended!

Read more:

Ponzu Archive

⚠️ Important: Backup! ⚠️

This is a huge update we do recommend you take a backup before doing it on your important data.

Rewrote Everything from the Ground Up

More then 2300+ commits later, the changes are too extensive for line-by-line patch notes, so here’s a high-level overview:

Read more:

RetroDECK Blog - November 2025 and even more blogposts.

This is a Simple Flatpak

This is the New RetroDECK in 0.10.0b

Core Architecture

RetroDECK Framework Logo

  • Rebuilt component interactions Completely rebuilt how all components interact within RetroDECK and RetroDECK itself.
  • Introduced a modular component system, with each component isolated in its own sub-sandbox.
  • Upgraded to org.kde.Platform 6.10 removing previous passive-aggressive terminal errors.
  • Refactored the net.retrodeck.retrodeck.yml configuration file for improved structure, easier maintenance and made it very pretty.
  • Added granular, purpose-driven permission descriptions with explicit rationales for each in the net.retrodeck.retrodeck.yml (yay transparency!).

RetroDECK Assembler

RetroDECK Assembler Icon

  • Complete build pipeline overhaul: Each component is now built independently, and the resulting artifacts are then assembled into the final RetroDECK system.
  • Reduced total application size: Through library decoupling and the removal of obsolete files, the overall application footprint was reduced by 800 MB, despite the inclusion of new components.

RetroDECK Alchemist & The Component System

RetroDECK Alchemist Icon

  • Introduced the RetroDECK Alchemist to the build pipeline. Each component is now defined and sourced via a component_recipe file managed by the RetroDECK Alchemist.
  • Added component ingredient files that instruct the RetroDECK Framework on the details and requirements of each component.
  • Redesigned library and dependency management, ensuring that each component retrieves only the resources it requires.
  • In simple terms: RetroDECK now provides a streamlined and standardized method for integrating most application formats, including Flatpak, AppImage, standalone binaries, and source-built applications. Provided the required component files are available, thus simplifying and expanding the process of adding or updating applications. We are also investigating future support for additional architectures such as AARCH64 (Linux ARM) via this modular system. Note: the RetroDECK team retains final authority over the approval and inclusion of all components.

Read more:

Creating Components

RetroDECK API

RetroDECK API Icon

We’ve introduced a brand-new RetroDECK API. It powers several core internal functions today, and it’s fully open for external developers to play with.

Read more:

RetroDECK API

New Components

We added some new goodies.

Added: A new Emulator: XRoar

Xroar Tano64 logo

XRoar is an open-source emulator that recreates the classic 8-bit Tandy/Dragon computers.

It supports tape, disk, and cartridge images, providing a faithful recreation of the original hardware and its peripherals.

  • Tandy Color Computer (CoCo)
  • Dragon Data Dragon 32 / 64
  • Tano Dragon

Read more:

XRoar: Guide

Questions / Comments:

Mr.ImCoKeMaN:

Gee willikers! RetroDECK Team, this is a mighty fine system! Now I can finally do my taxes on Home Finance (1983), the premier platform for fiscal responsibility!

RetroDECK Team:

We’re glad to hear that you’re enjoying it. And thank you for contributing so many x86-64 ports to PortMaster.

Added: A new Emulator: Azahar

Azahar logo

Azahar is a lightweight, high-performance emulator for Nintendo 3DS (N3DS) titles.

It will also serve as the new default emulator for N3DS.

Read more:

Azahar: Guide

Questions / Comments:

Mrs. A. User:

Gosh darn! RetroDECK Team, will you move the data during the upgrade? From those old-timey legacy Citra-Standalone-via-Ponzu folders?

RetroDECK Team:

All data from the Citra-Standalone (via Ponzu) will be migrated. The RetroArch Citra Core data will remain unchanged, as users will still have the option to use it. Nothing will affect the RetroArch data.

However, please note that save states are not compatible between the old Citra-Standalone (via Ponzu) and Azahar. We strongly recommend using in-game saves only, as we do for all systems and always backup first.

The current default Citra RetroArch Core will remain available for those who prefer it. The new default, however, will be Azahar. To switch back to the Citra core, you will need to select it under Alternative Emulators in ES-DE.

Additionally, Azahar does not support the .3ds format (read more on the wiki link above).

Added: A new Emulator: Ryubing

Ryubing logo

Ryubing was later removed in 0.10.4b

Added: A new Engine: OpenBor

Openbor logo

OpenBOR (Open Beats of Rage) is a flexible 2-D fighting-game engine.

It comes it's own RetroDECK wrapper that handles: .bor and .openbor files for easier adding of games into RetroDECK (kinda like we are doing with GZDoom).

Read more:

OpenBOR: Guide

Added: A new System: Flips

Flips logo

Flips (Floating IPS) is a lightweight, patcher that supports both .ips and .bps formats, allowing users to apply and create ROM hack patches.

You will find Flips inside the RetroDECK Configurator as its own component.

Read more:

Flips: Guide

New Features

Added: Folder Iconset Support & Lahrs Folder Iconset

Introducing our first-ever Folder Iconset, designed by RetroDECK team member Lahrs.

This update also includes handy tools to re-add or remove the iconset (perfect for those who like to keep things minimal and are allergic to icons).

Plus, we've laid the groundwork for easy future iconset swaps, so the community can contribute new designs down the line.

Added: Storage directory

A new retrodeck/storage directory has been added as a centralized location for miscellaneous data, making it easier for users to access and manage.

Some data is already exposed, with additional content planned to be migrated from internal Flatpak locations in future updates based on community feedback.

What type of Data are you thinking about?

  • DLC / Patches
  • Downloaded Game Data
  • Future DOS emulator - environments for installed: Windows 3.1, 95, 98.
  • Assets - quick access to things like FM banks, soundfonts (for U​ZDoom) and DAT files, GameOver screens etc.. (for MAME).
  • Other

Added: Videos directory

A new retrodeck/videos directory was added to store video recordings generated by supported components.

This prevents video files from being mixed with screenshots in retrodeck/screenshots (it was kinda stupid).

RetroDECK Framework

RetroDECK Framework Logo

Changes:

  • Dialogs: Fully rewritten all pop-up dialogs for greater clarity and usability.
  • First Install: Merged the Add to Steam and Add Controller Templates prompts, since one is unnecessary without the other.

Added:

  • First Install: Improved retrodeck data folder location options that adapt to the device type RetroDECK is being installed on.
  • First Install: Introduced a new prompt to enable Steam Sync during setup.
  • Steam Sync: Added Steam Flatpak Version support.
  • Iconset Swaps: Added a framework for future iconset swaps if the community contributes new sets.

RetroDECK Configurator

RetroDECK Configurator Icon

Changes:

  • Overhauled and refined nearly all configurator dialogs to provide a smoother user experience.

Added:

  • New tool to remove or re-add the iconsset via the configurator.
  • BIOS Checker comes with additional BIOS/Firmware entries and clearer descriptions.

Note:

Our long-term plan remains to develop a Godot version of the Configurator. The new API introduced in this update is a foundational step toward that goal.

Components: Emulators / Engines / Systems / Ports / Clients

All components have been updated to a more up to date version:

  • All Clients
  • All Emulators
  • All Multi-Emulators (Retroarch & Cores, MAME, Etc..)
  • All Engines
  • All Systems

The following are the highlighted changes that go beyond a regular update:

Cemu

Cemu logo

Fixed

  • The intended BIOS path retrodeck/bios/cemu/ should now function as expected.
  • A config error that caused it to revert to OpenGL from Vulkan and turn off Async Shader Compile.

Added:

  • Exposed Cemu/graphicPacks to retrodeck/texture_packs/Cemu/graphicPacks for direct access to textures.
  • Exposed Cemu/shaderCache/transferable to retrodeck/shaders/Cemu/transferables for direct access to shader caches.

Dolphin

Dolphin logo

Fixed:

  • Corrected hotkey binding for: Increase Emulation Speed.
  • Updated the configuration for GameCube players 2-4, which previously rendered them unavailable if the user did not turn them on in the Dolphin GUI.

Added

  • Exposed dolphin-emu/Shaders to retrodeck/shaders/Dolphin/ for direct shader access.
  • Exposed dolphin-emu/logs to retrodeck/logs/Dolphin/ for direct log access.
  • Exposed dolphin-emu/Dump to retrodeck/storage/Dolphin/Dump for access to dumped textures and related data.

ES-DE

Es De logo

We only list the RetroDECK specific changes here, check the full: ES-DE: Changelog

Changes:

  • Several folders have been hidden because they aren't supported in RetroDECK (e.g., Lutris, Epic, Windows, and others) to avoid confusion.
  • The Desktop folder remains available for various community tinkering experiments.

Added:

  • In es_find_rules.xml, the <emulator name="FLATPAK-SPAWN"> has been added, making it easier for users who want to tinker with RetroDECK and break out of the sandbox (Heretics).
  • The RetroDECK Theme has been updated with all the new features of ES-DE 3.4.0 such as Played Time.

Fixed:

  • A number of alternative emulators that were mistakenly displayed, though unavailable in RetroDECK have now been hidden.

Known Issues:

  • The ES-DE Configurations submenu in RetroDECK's ES-DE does not yet support translations.
  • The ES-DE: Game Importer function (e.g., importing Steam games and such) does not work with RetroDECK and has been disabled.

GZDoom

Gzdoom logo

Note:

The RetroDECK team had planned to update to UZDoom. However, the UZDoom team is still in the process of integrating their own Flatpak into their build pipeline. We have offered our assistance to them if needed.

For this update, we will continue using GZDoom.

Added:

  • Additional FM bank source location: retrodeck/storage/gzdoom/audio/fm_banks for easier access.
  • Additional soundfont source location: retrodeck/storage/gzdoom/audio/soundfonts for easier access.
  • New MIDI gus patches location: retrodeck/storage/gzdoom/audio/midi.

Enhanced .doom file:

  • Now allows spaces in sourced WAD names.
  • Enables mod-specific .ini files.
  • Supports symbolic-linked files.

New IWADs in the RetroDECK wrapper list

ACTION2.WAD # Action Doom 2: Urban Brawl
BLASPHEM.WAD# Blasphemer
DELAWEARE.WAD # Delaweare
HARM1.WAD # Harmony
ROTWB.WAD # Rise Of The Wool Ball
SQUARE1.PK3 # The Adventures of Square

The wrapper now provides full support for all files listed here and more:

TIP - NEW GUIDE: Running DOOM 64 CE in RetroDECK

With the addition of Flips and the newly exposed FM bank and SoundFont directories in retrodeck/storage/gzdoom/audio/, the complete DOOM 64 CE setup process can now be performed mostly within RetroDECK, making it much easier for users to try this excellent mod.

MAME

Mame logo

Added:

MAME plugins

  • Added plugin directories at retrodeck/mods/mame/plugin-data and retrodeck/mods/mame/plugins.

MAME bgfx

  • Added BGFX shader directory at retrodeck/shaders/mame/bgfx.

MAME cheats

  • Added cheats directory at retrodeck/cheats/mame.
  • RetroDECK ships with the MAME cheat file preinstalled.

MAME storage and assets

Added storage directories under retrodeck/storage/mame/ for the following:

Core data

  • Hash data
  • Software lists
  • Comments
  • Shared data
  • DAT files
  • Folders

Artwork and media

  • Artwork
  • Artwork previews
  • Cabinets
  • Control panels
  • PCBs
  • Flyers
  • Titles
  • Ends
  • Marquees
  • Logos
  • Covers

UI and visual assets

  • Fonts
  • Icons
  • UI assets
  • Crosshairs
  • Language files

Gameplay and informational screens

  • Bosses
  • Scores
  • Versus screens
  • Game over screens
  • How-to screens
  • Select screens

PCSX2

Pcsx2 logo

Fixed:

Added:

  • Exposed PCSX2/patches to retrodeck/mods/PCSX2/patches for direct patches access.
  • RetroDECK now ships with the community-maintained pcsx2_patches preinstalled in retrodeck/mods/PCSX2/patches.
  • Exposed PCSX2/videos to retrodeck/videos/PCSX2/ for direct video access.
  • Exposed PCSX2/logs to retrodeck/logs/PCSX2/ for direct log access.

PortMaster

Portmaster logo

Questions / Comments:

RetroDECK Team:

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Captain Klops and the entire PortMaster Team for their efforts in adapting their PortMaster to our new system architecture.

PPSSPP

Ppsspp logo

Changes:

  • The application now defaults to OpenGL instead of Vulkan, addressing multiple Wayland crashes with Vulkan. This same issue also occurs in the upstream version of PPSSPP on Flathub.

Added:

  • Exposed ppsspp/PSP/PLUGINS to retrodeck/mods/PPSSPP-SA/PLUGINS for direct plugin access.
  • Exposed ppsspp/PSP/SYSTEM/DUMP to retrodeck/logs/PPSSPP-SA for direct log access.

Primehack

Primehack logo

Added:

  • Exposed primehack/Shaders to retrodeck/shaders/Primehack/ for direct shader access.
  • Exposed primehack/logs to retrodeck/logs/Primehack/ for direct log access.
  • Exposed primehack/Dump to retrodeck/storage/Primehack/Dump for access to dumped textures and related data.

RetroArch

Retroarch logo

Fixed

  • Added a custom Gambatte override that disables the palette swapping bug on quit once and for all.

Added:

  • Exposed recording_output_directory to retrodeck/vidoes/retroarch/ for direct video access.
  • Exposed fbneo/cheats to retrodeck/cheats/retroarch-core/fbneo for FBNeos own cheat db.
  • Exposed fbneo/blend to retrodeck/shaders/retroarch-core/fbneo/blend for adding .bld files.
  • Exposed fbneo/patched to retrodeck/mods/retroarch-core/fbneo/patched for patched rom versions.
  • Exposed fbneo/ips to retrodeck/mods/retroarch-core/fbneo/ips for .ips patches.
  • Exposed fbneo/romdata to retrodeck/mods/retroarch-core/fbneo/romdata for RomData files.
  • Exposed several previously hard-to-find texture pack folders for the following cores: Citra, Dolphin, PPSSPP, and Flycast. These are now available at retrodeck/texture_packs/retroarch-core/<core>. Read more: RetroArch: Texture Packs.

RPCS3

Rpcs3 logo

Added:

  • Exposed rpcs3/captures to retrodeck/storage/rpcs3/captures for direct debug captures access.

Ruffle

Ruffle logo

Fixed

  • Corrected the save path: Flash saves now use the intended location: retrodeck/saves/flash/ruffle
  • Updated configuration to disable weblink clicking inside Flash files
  • Set Vulkan API backend as the default

Added:

  • Exposed Ruffle log to retrodeck/logs/ruffle/.

SRM (Steam Sync)

Srm logo

Added:

Introduced support for Flatpak Steam

Users must still manually adjust Steam’s permissions. Either through Flatseal or via the command line for full functionality.

Read more:

Flatpak Steam

Vita3K

Vita3k logo

Added:

  • Exposed Vita3K/ux0/textures/import to retrodeck/texture_packs/Vita3K/import/ for direct texture access.
  • Exposed multiple installed data folders to retrodeck/storage/Vita3K/<Folders> for easier management.

Other Changes

  • Added more easter egg boot splashes.
  • Several guides on wiki have been updated to reflect the new 0.10.0b structure. Explore the wiki to see the latest changes.
  • AND too many updates to list! - There have been countless changes and bug fixes.

Questions / Comments: RetroDECK Team

Why call the update Dastardly Dansband?

Dansband is a Scandinavian dance music genre blending pop, schlager, country, rock, and folk influences, with catchy melodies and romantic lyrics made for partner dancing.

This update felt exactly like that: a chaotic, emotionally charged dance where everyone had to stay in step just to survive or face extinction.

Without the rewrite, the old method simply wouldn’t have worked anymore.

A dance with death, one that would either end the project or see it reborn like a phoenix.

The name is also an homage to The Seventh Seal (1957) by Ingmar Bergman, where the knight Antonius Block plays a chess match with Death itself.

And finally, Dastardly tips its hat to Dick Dastardly from the Hanna-Barbera cartoons. Keeping things lighthearted, even as it marks a truly dastardly challenging update.

Last words?

We would like to thank the community for their patience while we built this completely revamped RetroDECK.

The best part? You'll hardly notice the changes!

Under the hood, however, we've created something truly unique.

Anything Else?! 
Xargon: RetroDECK stands for "Subscribe to Mr. Sujano!"

Lazorne: Stop watching YouTube and get back to work! We need to plan for 0.11.0b!

Help out with the project?

Do you want to contribute to RetroDECK, read more here:

How to Contribute? ❤️

Donation link:

open collective