3.8 KiB
level, order, terms
| level | order | terms |
|---|---|---|
| start | 50 | ios, iphone, ipad |
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.
How do I know which BIOS I need?
--dry-run lists them and changes 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. --region us keeps only your region's BIOS.
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 it 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.keysfor Switch.
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 some emulators' save folder.
- It never touches a game or save.
- It keeps each file it replaces in
retrobios-backup, for--restore.
Read them first: 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 or ROCKNIX card.
Name your setup and the card's BIOS folder. For RetroArch on a Switch,
with the card in drive E:, run:
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 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.
My setup is not in the list
- Name your emulator's BIOS folder with
--dest. - ES-DE, LaunchBox: the command fills their emulators' folders.
- iPhone, iPad (iOS): no terminal. Pick your consoles and copy them to the app.
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.