RetroDECK
An all-in-one retro gaming Flatpak for Linux that bundles emulators with the ES-DE frontend.
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1 more ways to get RetroDECK
Package managers
- Flathub
flatpak install flathub net.retrodeck.retrodeck
About RetroDECK
RetroDECK packages emulators, game engines, ports and the ES-DE frontend into a single sandboxed Flatpak for Linux. It targets the Steam Deck and other handheld Linux PCs, desktops, HTPC setups and Linux-based consoles.
Everything is preconfigured, and the RetroDECK Configurator in the ES-DE menu handles presets, BIOS validation, file compression, folder organisation and fixes. Settings can be reset with one click, and because it is a Flatpak, installing and removing it keeps files in one place.
Strengths
- Emulators and frontend preconfigured in one package
- Sandboxed Flatpak keeps files together
- Configurator for BIOS checks, presets and compression
- One-click reset of all settings
Limitations
- Linux only
- Flatpak packaging required
Details
- Pricing
- FreeFree to install from Flathub.
- License
- Open source, license not stated
- Developer
- The RetroDECK contributors
- Platforms
- Linux
- How it runs
- Downloadable app
- Account
- Not required
- Works offline
- Yes
- Best suited for
- Steam Deck and Linux users who want retro gaming without per-emulator setup
- Categories
- Emulators, Gaming tools
- Last verified
- Added
- Provenance
- Facts checked against the developer's own pages and store listings, 1 sources on file.
Alternatives to RetroDECK
Compare allSoftware that can replace RetroDECK for an important use case, and what changes if you switch.
EmuDeck
An installer that sets up and configures emulators on Steam Deck, SteamOS, ROG Ally and Windows.
EmuDeck configures separately installed emulators on Steam Deck, SteamOS, ROG Ally and Windows instead of a single sandboxed Flatpak, and it is not open source.
ES-DE
Emulator front end with 150 systems preconfigured and a built-in scraper.
ES-DE provides the same frontend on Windows, macOS, Linux and Android with a built-in scraper, but emulators must be installed and managed separately.
RetroBat
Portable Windows bundle of EmulationStation and RetroArch, preconfigured.
RetroBat offers a similar preconfigured EmulationStation and RetroArch bundle but runs only on Windows, portably from a USB drive, rather than on Linux as a Flatpak.
Batocera.linux
A free, open-source retro gaming Linux distribution that boots from a USB stick or SD card.
Batocera.linux is a full retro gaming distribution that boots from USB or SD card with over 250 systems, instead of an app running on an existing Linux desktop.
Lakka
A lightweight Linux distribution built on RetroArch that turns small computers into retro gaming consoles.
Lakka is a lightweight RetroArch-based operating system for Raspberry Pi and old PCs, replacing the desktop session rather than running as a Flatpak app.
Pegasus Frontend
Lightweight, fully themeable launcher for emulators and game collections.
Pegasus Frontend is a themeable open-source launcher for several platforms, but emulators are not bundled and collections are configured in text files.
Recalbox
A retro gaming operating system that turns a Raspberry Pi or other hardware into a multi-system console.
Recalbox is a retro gaming operating system for Raspberry Pi and other hardware that replaces the installed system, and it is not open source.
RetroDECK as an alternative
Listings that name RetroDECK as an alternative.
OpenEmu
macOS emulator front end with a polished library interface.
RetroDECK bundles preconfigured emulators with the ES-DE frontend as a Linux Flatpak, so it suits Linux and Steam Deck users rather than Mac owners.
RetroPie
Raspberry Pi-focused distribution that turns a single-board computer into a retro gaming machine.
RetroDECK runs as a sandboxed Flatpak on an existing Linux desktop instead of a dedicated system, with emulators and the ES-DE frontend preconfigured together.
Similar software
Related functionality, not necessarily a direct replacement.
Steam ROM Manager
A bulk importer that adds emulated and non-Steam games to a Steam library along with artwork.
Decky Loader
A plugin loader that adds community plugins to the Steam Deck's gaming mode interface.
Skraper
Scrapes artwork and metadata for game collections from ScreenScraper.
RomM
Self-hosted web ROM library with in-browser play.
SteamOS
Valve's Linux-based gaming operating system for the Steam Deck and other supported devices.
