Tools and Utilities

Essential software for managing ROMs, converting files, and enhancing your emulation setup.

File Management

Dolphin File Manager

Built into SteamOS, Dolphin (not the emulator) is the default file manager. Use it for:

• Copying ROMs to your folders
• Moving files between internal and SD card
• Managing folder structure

FileZilla

FTP/SFTP client for transferring files over network. Useful for moving large ROM collections from a PC to Steam Deck without USB drives.

Syncthing

Peer-to-peer file synchronization. Set up on your PC and Steam Deck to automatically sync ROMs, saves, or any folders.

Compression Tools

chdman

MAME's tool for creating and managing CHD files. Essential for compressing disc images.

Convert BIN/CUE to CHD

chdman createcd -i game.cue -o game.chd

Convert ISO to CHD

chdman createcd -i game.iso -o game.chd

Convert GDI to CHD (Dreamcast)

chdman createcd -i game.gdi -o game.chd

Verify CHD

chdman verify -i game.chd

Dolphin (Emulator) Built-in Converter

Dolphin can convert GameCube and Wii games to RVZ format:

1. Open Dolphin
2. Right-click a game
3. Select "Convert File"
4. Choose RVZ format
5. Select compression level

maxcso

Tool for creating CSO/ZSO files from PSP ISOs. ZSO uses faster LZ4 compression.

maxcso game.iso

nsz

Tool for compressing Nintendo Switch NSP/XCI files to NSZ/XCZ format.

EmuDeck/RetroDeck Compression

Both solutions include built-in compression tools:

• EmuDeck: Access through EmuDeck application, Tools section
• RetroDeck: Access through Configurator

ROM Managers

clrmamepro

The classic ROM management tool. Primarily for arcade ROM sets but works with any system.

• Verify ROM sets against DAT files
• Identify bad, missing, or extra files
• Rebuild and reorganize sets
• Update sets between MAME versions

Note: Windows application, runs via Wine/Proton on Steam Deck.

RomVault

Modern ROM manager that handles multiple DAT files simultaneously.

• Easier interface than clrmamepro
• Cross-platform (requires .NET)
• Handles large collections well

Romcenter

Another ROM verification and management tool. Good for beginners.

What Are DAT Files?

DAT files are databases that describe what ROMs should look like. They contain:

• File names
• File sizes
• Checksums (MD5, SHA1, CRC32)

Sources for DAT files:

• No-Intro: Cartridge-based systems
• Redump: Disc-based systems
• MAME: Arcade games

Frontend Launchers

Steam ROM Manager

Adds emulated games to your Steam library with artwork. The bridge between emulation and Steam. See Steam Integration for details.

ES-DE (EmulationStation Desktop Edition)

Beautiful, controller-friendly game launcher. The default frontend for RetroDeck.

• Automatic game detection
• Built-in scraping for artwork and metadata
• Multiple themes
• Controller navigation

Pegasus

Highly customizable game launcher with modern themes.

• Extensive theming support
• Metadata from multiple sources
• Controller and keyboard support

Playnite

Unified game library that can include emulated games alongside PC games. Runs via Proton on Steam Deck.

Dumping Tools

These tools create ROM files from cartridges and discs you own.

Cartridge Dumpers

Device	Systems
Retrode	SNES, Genesis, N64, Game Boy
INLretro	NES, SNES, N64, GB, GBA, more
Epilogue GB Operator	Game Boy, GBA
Sanni Cart Reader	Many systems (DIY)

Disc Dumping

Tool	Systems
ImgBurn	PS1, PS2, PC games
Redump guides	Various (for accurate dumps)
CleanRip	Wii, GameCube (on Wii)
Disc2App	Wii U (on Wii U)

BIOS Dumping

System	Method
PlayStation 1/2	Use FreeDVDBoot or modded console
Nintendo DS	Use DS homebrew
Nintendo Switch	Use Lockpick_RCM on modded Switch

ROM Patching

What is ROM Patching?

ROM patches modify games. Common uses:

• Fan translations
• Bug fixes
• Romhacks (new levels, characters, etc.)
• Widescreen or quality of life improvements

Patch Formats

Format	Description
.ips	Oldest format, limited to 16MB files
.ups	Universal Patching System, larger files
.bps	Modern format, checksums, recommended
.xdelta	Efficient for large files
.ppf	PlayStation Patch Format

Patching Tools

Tool	Formats	Platform
Floating IPS (Flips)	IPS, BPS	Cross-platform
Lunar IPS	IPS	Windows
beat	BPS	Cross-platform
xdelta	xdelta	Cross-platform
PPF-O-Matic	PPF	Windows

How to Apply a Patch

1. Download the patch file
2. Have the correct base ROM (patches require specific versions)
3. Open your patching tool
4. Select the patch file
5. Select the ROM file
6. Apply (creates patched ROM or modifies in-place)

RetroArch Soft-Patching

RetroArch can apply IPS/BPS patches automatically without modifying the original ROM:

1. Name the patch exactly like the ROM (e.g., game.bps for game.sfc)
2. Place in same folder
3. Enable soft-patching in RetroArch settings

Artwork Scrapers

SteamGridDB

Database of Steam-formatted game artwork. Steam ROM Manager uses this automatically.

ScreenScraper

Comprehensive game database with artwork, metadata, and videos. Used by ES-DE and many other frontends.

• Create a free account for faster scraping
• Supports many image types (box art, screenshots, logos, etc.)
• Available in multiple languages

Skraper

Standalone scraping application that works with ScreenScraper. Good for bulk scraping before setting up a frontend.

Save Management

Save File Locations

Saves are stored in different places depending on the emulator:

• RetroArch: In the saves folder within RetroArch directory
• Standalone emulators: Usually in their own data folders
• RetroDeck: Centralized in retrodeck/saves/
• EmuDeck: Varies by emulator

Save State vs In-Game Save

Type	Description	File
In-game save	Uses the game's normal save system	.srm, .sav, etc.
Save state	Snapshot of exact emulator state	.state, .savestate, etc.

Save Backup

Regularly back up your saves:

• Copy to cloud storage (Dropbox, Google Drive)
• Use Syncthing for automatic sync
• EmuDeck and RetroDeck have cloud save features

Save Conversion

Some tools can convert saves between formats:

• SaveGuru: PS1/PS2 memory card tools
• Checkpoint: 3DS save manager
• JKSM: 3DS save manager