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level, order
| level | order |
|---|---|
| start | 50 |
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?
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, like its 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 from the emulator's menu. - Keys unlock encrypted games, like
prod.keysfor Switch.
Can I play without the BIOS?
Sometimes, with an emulator's stand-in, but some games fail.
Is the command safe?
- It checks the installer and each file against their fingerprints.
- 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.--restoreputs 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?
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 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 their emulators' folders.
- iPhone, iPad (iOS): 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.
Can I copy my own console's BIOS?
Yes: PCSX2 for PlayStation 2, melonDS for DS and DSi.
Is this legal?
Laws differ by country. Is it legal?