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libretro/wiki/faq.md
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Abdessamad Derraz ec407dfbdd feat: hide an Android BIOS folder from the gallery
An install on Android leaves an empty .nomedia in the BIOS folder. MediaProvider hides a folder holding one and every folder below it (FileUtils.java:1587-1629, ModernMediaScanner.java:845-846, a183e2b9), and RetroArch writes none: the samples, overlays and videos of system/ showed in the gallery and music apps. --check and --dry-run write nothing.
2026-11-09 05:41:49 +01:00

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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?

--dry-run lists them and changes nothing.

curl -fsSL https://abdess.github.io/retrobios/i | sh -s -- --dry-run

Do I need every file of a console?

No. --core pcsx1 keeps what PCSX reads:

curl -fsSL https://abdess.github.io/retrobios/i | sh -s -- --system sony-playstation --core pcsx1

Does the BIOS set the game's language?

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

Zip or unzip?

Unzip into the folder your setup's page names. Keep inner ZIPs zipped, like neogeo.zip.

Does a BIOS work on every setup?

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

My arcade game fails (which MAME version?)

Game sets must match the emulator's version: the list.

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 in the emulator.
  • Keys unlock encrypted games, like prod.keys for Switch.

Is the command safe?

  • It stops if the installer does not match its expected fingerprint, and checks each file.
  • It fills the BIOS folder, some save folders and a games cache.
  • It never touches games or saves.
  • It keeps each file it replaces in retrobios-backup, for --restore.

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

Windows or my antivirus blocks the command

Use your setup's ZIP. None? Pick your consoles and download their 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?

The interface finds a muOS, Onion, spruceOS, MinUI, KNULLI, ROCKNIX, Lakka or MiSTer card. Else name your setup and its BIOS folder. For RetroArch on a Switch, with the card in drive E:, run:

curl -fsSL https://abdess.github.io/retrobios/i \
  | sh -s -- --platform retroarch --dest /path/to/sdcard/retroarch/cores/system

No internet on the device?

Fill it from a computer or point --from-pack at your ZIP: Without a network.

Lost or wiped card?

--from copies BIOS files from an old card or backup: Copy from an old card.

An empty file named .nomedia in the BIOS folder hides them. The installer adds it on Android: Android.

My setup is not in the list

Why is a file missing from the ZIP?

Some come with the emulator.

My game shows a black screen

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

Can I copy my own console's BIOS?

Yes: PCSX2 for PlayStation 2, melonDS for DS and DSi.

It depends on your country.

Next steps