mirror of
https://github.com/Abdess/retroarch_system.git
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d0dd05ddf6
9 new wiki pages: getting-started, faq, troubleshooting, advanced-usage, verification-modes, adding-a-platform, adding-a-scraper, testing-guide, release-process. Updated architecture.md with mermaid diagrams, tools.md with full pipeline and target/exporter sections, profiling.md with missing fields, index.md with glossary and nav links. Expanded CONTRIBUTING.md from stub to full contributor guide. Filter .old.yml from load_emulator_profiles, generate_db alias collection, and generate_readme counts. Fix BizHawk sha1 mode in tools.md, fix RetroPie path, fix export_truth.py typos.
157 lines
3.8 KiB
Markdown
157 lines
3.8 KiB
Markdown
# Getting started - RetroBIOS
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## What are BIOS files?
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BIOS files are firmware dumps from original console hardware. Emulators need them to boot games for systems that relied on built-in software (PlayStation, Saturn, Dreamcast, etc.). Without the correct BIOS, the emulator either refuses to start the game or falls back to less accurate software emulation.
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## Installation
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Three ways to get BIOS files in place, from easiest to most manual.
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### Option 1: install.py (recommended)
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Self-contained Python script, no dependencies beyond Python 3.10+. Auto-detects your platform and BIOS directory.
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```bash
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python install.py
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```
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Override detection if needed:
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```bash
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python install.py --platform retroarch --dest ~/custom/bios
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python install.py --check # verify existing files without downloading
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python install.py --list-platforms # show supported platforms
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```
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The installer downloads files from GitHub releases, verifies SHA1 checksums, and places them in the correct directory.
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### Option 2: download.sh (Linux/macOS)
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One-liner for systems with `curl` or `wget`:
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```bash
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bash scripts/download.sh retroarch ~/RetroArch/system/
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bash scripts/download.sh --list # show available packs
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```
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### Option 3: manual download
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1. Go to the [releases page](https://github.com/Abdess/retrobios/releases)
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2. Download the ZIP pack for your platform
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3. Extract to the BIOS directory listed below
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## BIOS directory by platform
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### RetroArch
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RetroArch uses the `system_directory` setting in `retroarch.cfg`. Default locations:
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| OS | Default path |
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|----|-------------|
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| Windows | `%APPDATA%\RetroArch\system\` |
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| Linux | `~/.config/retroarch/system/` |
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| Linux (Flatpak) | `~/.var/app/org.libretro.RetroArch/config/retroarch/system/` |
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| macOS | `~/Library/Application Support/RetroArch/system/` |
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| Steam Deck | `~/.var/app/org.libretro.RetroArch/config/retroarch/system/` |
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| Android | `/storage/emulated/0/RetroArch/system/` |
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To check your actual path: open RetroArch, go to **Settings > Directory > System/BIOS**, or look for `system_directory` in `retroarch.cfg`.
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### Batocera
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```
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/userdata/bios/
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```
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Accessible via network share at `\\BATOCERA\share\bios\` (Windows) or `smb://batocera/share/bios/` (macOS/Linux).
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### Recalbox
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```
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/recalbox/share/bios/
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```
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Accessible via network share at `\\RECALBOX\share\bios\`.
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### RetroBat
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```
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bios/
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```
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Relative to the RetroBat installation directory (e.g., `C:\RetroBat\bios\`).
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### RetroDECK
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```
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~/.var/app/net.retrodeck.retrodeck/retrodeck/bios/
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```
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### EmuDeck
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```
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Emulation/bios/
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```
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Located inside your Emulation folder. On Steam Deck, typically `~/Emulation/bios/`.
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### Lakka
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```
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/storage/system/
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```
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Accessible via SSH or Samba.
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### RetroPie
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```
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~/RetroPie/BIOS/
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```
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### BizHawk
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```
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Firmware/
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```
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Relative to the BizHawk installation directory.
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### RomM
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BIOS files are managed through the RomM web interface. Check the
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[RomM documentation](https://github.com/rommapp/romm) for setup details.
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## Verifying your setup
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After placing BIOS files, verify that everything is correct:
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```bash
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python scripts/verify.py --platform retroarch
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python scripts/verify.py --platform batocera
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python scripts/verify.py --platform recalbox
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```
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The output shows each expected file with its status: OK, MISSING, or HASH MISMATCH. Platforms that verify by MD5 (Batocera, Recalbox, EmuDeck) will catch wrong versions. RetroArch only checks that files exist.
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For a single system:
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```bash
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python scripts/verify.py --system sony-playstation
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```
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For a single emulator core:
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```bash
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python scripts/verify.py --emulator beetle_psx
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```
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See [Tools](tools.md) for the full CLI reference.
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## Next steps
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- [FAQ](faq.md) - common questions and troubleshooting
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- [Tools](tools.md) - all available scripts and options
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- [Architecture](architecture.md) - how the project works internally
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