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Common questions

Do I need BIOS files?

  • Yes for PlayStation 1 and 2, Saturn and Neo Geo.
  • Better with it for Dreamcast: some games need it.
  • Usually not for NES or Super Nintendo.

What is a BIOS?

How do I know which BIOS I need?

Add --dry-run. It lists the files, changing nothing.

curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Abdess/retrobios/main/install.sh | sh -s -- --dry-run

Do I need every file of a console?

No. To keep only your region's BIOS, add it, like --region us.

Does the BIOS set the game's language?

Rarely. It comes from the game. Some games follow the console's setting, like Flycast's Language option.

Zip or unzip?

Unzip it into the folder your setup's page names. Leave the ZIPs inside zipped, like neogeo.zip.

Does a BIOS work on every setup?

Usually. The command installs each setup's own version, like its neogeo.zip.

My arcade game does not start

The game set must match the emulator's version, and neogeo.zip stays zipped. Reference: Which version each emulator reads.

Keys, firmware or BIOS?

  • BIOS or firmware: the console's own program, like scph5501.bin.
  • Newer consoles need a system update, like PS3UPDAT.PUP, installed from the emulator's menu.
  • Keys unlock encrypted games, like prod.keys for Switch.

Can I play without the BIOS?

Sometimes, with an emulator's stand-in, but some games fail.

Is the command safe?

  • It stops if the installer does not match its expected fingerprint, and checks each file.
  • It writes in your BIOS folder, and for some emulators your save folder.
  • It never touches a game or a save.
  • It keeps each file it replaces in retrobios-backup. --restore puts it back.

Read them first: install.sh, install.ps1, install.py.

Windows or my antivirus blocks the command

Use your setup's ZIP, if it has one: Get your files.

Why is there no ZIP for my setup?

ZIPs are made for the setups most people download. The command installs every setup's files and checks each one. --dry-run shows the list first.

Fill an SD card from a computer?

Yes. Name your setup and the card's BIOS folder. For RetroArch on a Switch card in drive E::

curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Abdess/retrobios/main/install.sh \
  | sh -s -- --platform retroarch --dest /path/to/sdcard/retroarch/cores/system

No internet on the device?

Fill its folder from a computer, as above, or unzip your ZIP and check it with --from-pack: Without a network.

My setup is not in the list

  • Name your emulator's BIOS folder with --dest.
  • ES-DE, LaunchBox: the command fills the folders of the emulators they start.
  • iPhone, iPad: no terminal. Use the ZIP.

Why is a file missing from the ZIP?

Some come with the emulator, so the ZIP skips them.

My game shows a black screen

Often a missing BIOS: When a game does not start.

Laws differ by country. Is it legal?

Next steps