Wiki/wiki-rtd/docs/wiki_general/retrodeck-start.md
2025-02-14 09:33:08 +01:00

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# How-to: Start using RetroDECK
<img src="../../wiki_icons/retrodeck/icon-rd.svg" width="100">
## Information
If you don't know what RetroDECK is, read:
[What is RetroDECK?](../wiki_about/what-is-retrodeck.md)
## Step-by-step Getting Started Guide
### Step 0: Prerequisites
<img src="../../wiki_icons/pixelitos/emblem-default.png" width="50">
Before you start, make sure you have:
- A device to install RetroDECK on.
- Related BIOS & Firmware ready.
- Game backups of various formats or purchased titles ready to play.
### Step 1: Installation
<img src="../../wiki_icons/pixelitos/steam.png" width="50"> <img src="../../wiki_icons/pixelitos/linux.png" width="50">
#### Steam Deck - Installation
Most of the initial setup needs to be done in `Desktop Mode`.
**Follow the guide:** [Steam Deck - Installation](../wiki_devices/steamdeck/steamdeck-start.md)
#### Linux Desktop - Installation
**Follow the guide:**
[Linux Desktop - Installation](../wiki_devices/linux_desktop/linux-install.md)
### Step 2: Place BIOS & Firmware
<img src="../../wiki_icons/pixelitos/cpu.png" width="50">
Place BIOS & Firmware files in the `retrodeck/bios/` directory.
**Read up on:**
[BIOS/Firmware](../wiki_management/bios-firmware.md)
### Step 3: Place ROMs and Games
<img src="../../wiki_icons/pixelitos/folder-blue-games.png" width="50">
RetroDECK follows ES-DE's folder structure.
Place ROM files in their corresponding system directory inside the `retrodeck/roms/` folder (the location of the `retrodeck/roms/` folder depends on your installation location choice).
**Example:**
You have an example NES game called: `ExampleNESGame.nes`
- Place `ExampleNESGame.nes` in the `retrodeck/roms/nes/` folder.
- The result should be: `retrodeck/roms/nes/ExampleNESGame.nes`
**Read up on:**
[RetroDECK Folders](../wiki_management/retrodeck-folders.md)
### Step 4: Read the ES-DE Frontend & RetroDECK Hotkey Guides
<img src="../../wiki_images/logos/es-de-logo.png" width="55">
ES-DE is the main user interface for RetroDECK and RetroDECK uses Steam Input for it's hotkeys.
**Read up on:**
- [ES-DE Frontend: General Guide](../wiki_system_guides/es-de/esde-guide.md)
- [RetroDECK: Controller Hotkeys](../wiki_rd_controls/hotkeys-retrodeck.md)
### Step 5: Playing the Games
<img src="../../wiki_icons/pixelitos/retrodeck.png" width="50">
Launch RetroDECK via Steam or by itself. The systems you placed ROM files for should be shown and playable.
**Example:**
The NES category should now be shown in the ES-DE Frontend with `ExampleNESGame.nes` from `Step 3`.
### The Optional Step: Explore & Be Part of the Community
<img src="../../wiki_icons/pixelitos/distributor-logo-knoppix.png" width="50">
Feel free to explore the wiki!
- The RetroDECK community is active and widespread. You can find our social links on the [Wiki Start Page](../index.md).
- You can learn how to tweak certain systems from various articles.
- You can read [The RetroDECK Blog](../blog/index.md) to stay updated with development updates.
- You can contribute to the project: [How-to: Contribute to RetroDECK](../wiki_about/contibute-retrodeck.md)