RetroDECK Setup Guide: The All in One Emulation App for Steam Deck

2026-05-31 · Setup guide

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For years, EmuDeck was the default way to set up emulation on a Steam Deck. In 2026 it has real competition. RetroDECK is an all in one emulation app, and a recent rewrite made it cleaner and more capable than ever.

This guide explains what RetroDECK is, how it differs from EmuDeck, and how to set it up on your Steam Deck. We only ever cover playing games you legally own.

What RetroDECK Is

RetroDECK is a single Flatpak app you install from the Steam Deck's Discover store. It bundles the emulators, a unified ES DE front end, controller setup, and folder structure into one self contained package. You install one thing, run the configurator, add your games, and play.

That self contained design is the core idea. Everything lives inside the RetroDECK app, which keeps your system tidy and makes updates simple.

RetroDECK vs EmuDeck

Both tools get you to the same place. They take different routes.

EmuDeck registers each game in Steam's native library, which many people love. RetroDECK keeps everything inside its own app and offers an optional Steam sync for your favorites.

Neither is strictly better. RetroDECK is faster to set up and tidier. EmuDeck offers more granular control and deeper Steam library integration. Pick the workflow that suits you. If you already run EmuDeck and like it, there is no need to switch.

The Recent Rewrite

RetroDECK shipped a major update that reworked its internals and added new emulators. A notable addition was Azahar, the modern 3DS emulator, which improved 3DS stability and performance inside RetroDECK. If you want 3DS on your Steam Deck, this made RetroDECK a strong option. See our Azahar 3DS setup guide for the wider 3DS picture.

Installing RetroDECK

1. On your Steam Deck, switch to Desktop Mode.
2. Open the Discover software store.
3. Search for RetroDECK and install it.
4. Launch RetroDECK and run the first time configurator. It sets up emulators, controls, and folders for you.
5. Choose where to store your games, internal storage or a microSD card.

The configurator does the heavy lifting. For most users this is a short, guided process.

Adding Your Games and BIOS

RetroDECK creates a clear folder structure for your games, organized by system. You add your own game files to the matching system folders.

The legal framing is the same as always. You play games you legally own, dumped from your own cartridges and discs. Some systems also need BIOS files, which you provide from hardware you own. We do not link to or describe ROM download sites.

After adding your games, rescan the library inside RetroDECK and your titles appear, with box art and metadata pulled in automatically.

Back to Gaming Mode

Once configured, add RetroDECK to Steam so it launches from Gaming Mode like any other title. RetroDECK can also sync favorites into the Steam UI if you enable that option. Now you can jump straight from the couch into your library.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is RetroDECK better than EmuDeck?

Neither is strictly better. RetroDECK is a tidy, all in one app that is fast to set up. EmuDeck is more modular and integrates each game into the Steam library. Choose the workflow you prefer.

Does RetroDECK work on the Steam Deck?

Yes. It installs from the Discover store as a single Flatpak and is built with the Steam Deck in mind. It also runs on other Linux systems.

Does RetroDECK support 3DS?

Yes. A recent update added Azahar, the modern 3DS emulator. See our Azahar 3DS setup guide.

Do I need ROMs for RetroDECK?

You add your own game files from games you legally own. RetroDECK does not provide games, and we do not cover ROM download sites.

Related Guides

• EmuDeck Steam Deck Setup Guide
• Steam Deck Retro Gaming Guide
• Azahar 3DS Setup Guide
• Steam Deck OLED Review
• ROMs and Legality