RetroDECK's 0.10.0b Update Is Here Overhauling The Backend, Adding Azahar, And More

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When it comes to emulating on the Steam Deck, there are two extremely easy ways to do it, and one of those is RetroDECK. This is an easy, all-in-one solution you download from the Discover Store that includes emulators, engines, and more. It's a fantastic way to play all your favorite retro games, whether it be via emulation or retro-esque engines like GZDoom and PortMaster. Now, a brand new update is here, and it is one of the biggest technical releases in its entirety.

The new 0.10.0b update brings with it a ton of new changes, especially under the hood, but that doesn't mean there won't be anything new for us to play with. There are three new emulators included: XRoar (8-bit Tandy/Dragon), Azahar (Nintendo 3DS), and Ryubing (a replacement for Ryujinx (Nintendo Switch)). We also have a new engine, OpenBOR (Open Beats of Rage), and a new System (Flips).

We also have some new features, like a dedicated folder iconset, a storage directory for a centralized location for miscellaneous data like DLC/Patches and Game Data, and a dedicated videos directory. Emulators have also been updated, like Cemu, PPSSPP, MAME, and RPCS3, as well as ES-DE, SRM, and GZDoom.

As for the backend, the entire RetroDECK program has been rewritten with over 2,100 commits modifying the program. This complete rewrite provides more flexibility and scalability, making it easier to modify each component (emulators, engines, etc.) without affecting any of the others. It will also be easier to add more components and keep each one isolated. It's a huge overhaul that will make future additions to RetroDECK easier to manage and faster to implement, since each component is now isolated.

Ultimately, this will result in a program that is easier to manage, expand, and optimize. The RetroDECK team can now work on each emulator manually without worrying about how changes could affect other parts of the program. This will also make each future update come faster, and with past RetroDECK updates taking their sweet time sometimes, this is welcome news. The team did confirm this to me directly, which is a very welcome change.

I am elated to see such wonderful changes to RetroDECK, and I can only see it going up from here. Faster updates, better efficiency, and future-proofing for whatever they are going to throw at us. It goes along with the team's extremely ambitious plans to move away from just retro emulation and create an entire retro platform, filled with emulators, engines, systems, tools, and more. I can't wait to see what the team will be bringing out next, but I love the way they are going so far.

You can now download RetroDECK's new update on the Steam Deck via the Discover Store.

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