EmuDeck on Linux install

EmuDeck EmuDeck (latest) / Linux (Steam Deck, Ubuntu, Linux Mint) Last verified October 2026 Risk: none
Quick answer

Install EmuDeck on Linux by running the installer script, then choose your emulators and set the ROM folder.

EmuDeck was built for the Steam Deck, which runs Linux, so Linux is its native home. On a desktop Linux PC the install is the same script; it pulls in emulator binaries and sets up Steam ROM Manager for you.

Install EmuDeck on your distro

  1. Run the EmuDeck installer
    Download the installer from the EmuDeck site and run it. On desktop Linux use the script or AppImage; on Steam Deck run it in Desktop Mode.
    The EmuDeck window opens with the emulator picker.
  2. Choose your emulators
    Select which systems to install. EmuDeck fetches the right binaries (Dolphin, PCSX2, Ryujinx/Eden, etc.) and places them in its folder structure.
    The chosen emulators show as installed in EmuDeck.
  3. Set the ROM folder
    Pick where your ROMs live (the default Emulation/roms is fine). EmuDeck maps each system to a subfolder.
    Your ROM directory is set and visible in EmuDeck.
  4. Run Steam ROM Manager
    Use Steam ROM Manager (bundled) to add your games to Steam as shortcuts. Select parsers, preview, then generate.
    Games appear in Steam's library under their systems.

Steam Deck vs desktop Linux

The only real difference is paths: Steam Deck uses the SD card layout by default, desktop Linux uses your home folder. The emulators and ROM Manager behave identically.

Last verifiedOctober 2026
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