What systems can RetroDECK emulate?

RetroDECK is an all-in-one emulation solution designed primarily for Linux systems like the Steam Deck, but it works on any Linux PC. It consolidates multiple emulators under a unified interface (EmulationStation) and manages configurations seamlessly. Here's a breakdown of its supported systems and performance tiers:

📊 Officially Supported Systems

(Stable, pre-configured, and optimized in RetroDECK)

System Performance Tier Note
3DO ★★★★☆ Requires BIOS
Arcade ★★★★★ MAME/FBNeo cores
Atari 2600 ★★★★★
Atari 7800 ★★★★★
ColecoVision ★★★★★
Game Boy / Color ★★★★★
Game Boy Advance ★★★★★
Game Gear ★★★★★
Genesis / Mega Drive ★★★★★
Master System ★★★★★
Neo Geo ★★★★★ MAME/FBNeo
Neo Geo Pocket ★★★★★
NES / Famicom ★★★★★
Nintendo 64 ★★★★☆ Vulkan/OpenGL optimized
Nintendo DS ★★★★☆ Touchscreen support
PC Engine / TurboGrafx ★★★★★ CD-ROM support
PlayStation (PS1) ★★★★★ Enhanced resolution, no BIOS required
PlayStation Portable (PSP) ★★★★☆ Great for 2D, some 3D slowdowns
Saturn ★★★☆☆ Demanding; requires strong CPU
SNES ★★★★★ Includes chip-enhanced games (FX/SA1)
Sega CD / Mega CD ★★★★★
Wonderswan ★★★★★

⚙️ Experimental/Community-Tested Systems

(Work but may need manual config)

  • Amiga (via PUAE)

  • Commodore 64 (VICE)

  • DOS (DOSBox-Pure)

  • Dreamcast (Flycast) – Requires Vulkan

  • GameCube / Wii (Dolphin) – Steam Deck: ★★★☆☆

  • MSX

  • PS2 (PCSX2) – Steam Deck: ★★☆☆☆ (light 2D games only)

  • ScummVM (point-and-click classics)

  • ZX Spectrum

🚫 Notable Exclusions / Poor Performance

  • Xbox (Original)

  • PS3 / Xbox 360

  • Nintendo Switch

  • 3DS (too demanding)

🔧 Key Features Beyond Emulation

  1. Unified Library: All games in one launcher.

  2. Cloud Saves: Sync via Syncthing or cloud services.

  3. Controller Autoconfig: Supports Xbox, DualShock, Switch Pro controllers.

  4. Shader Presets: CRT filters, upscaling, scanlines.

  5. Steam Deck Optimized: Runs natively in SteamOS gaming mode.

⚠️ Performance Notes

  • Steam Deck: Handles PS1/N64/PSP perfectly; GameCube/PS2 are playable at 1–2x resolution.

  • Linux PCs: Performance scales with hardware (e.g., Dreamcast/Wii need ≥4-core CPU).

  • BIOS Requirements: Some systems (3DO, Saturn, PS2) need user-provided BIOS files.

🧩 Legal & Ethical Considerations

  • RetroDECK does not include games/BIOS. Users must supply their own.

  • Only use ROMs you legally own (self-dumped or purchased).

  • Pre-loaded ROM packs = piracy.

💻 Setup at a Glance

  1. Install: Via Discover Store (Steam Deck) or Flatpak.

  2. Add ROMs: Place in ~/retrodeck/roms/{system_folder}.

  3. BIOS: Add files to ~/retrodeck/bios.

  4. Launch: Through SteamOS "Gaming Mode" or desktop.

✅ Ideal For:

  • Steam Deck owners wanting retro games in SteamOS.

  • Linux users tired of configuring RetroArch.

  • Ethical emulation (no piracy hardware).

❌ Avoid If:

  • You want "plug-and-play" piracy (e.g., R36S).

  • You use Windows/macOS (try EmuDeck instead).

🌐 Resources

RetroDECK turns the Steam Deck into the ultimate legal emulation machine – no more juggling standalone emulators! 🎮✨