Setup
Ryudeck is designed to run natively on the Steam Deck within Game Mode via Gamescope. This page outlines how to install, configure, and launch the emulator.
Ryudeck is distributed as a non-Steam game. To run it:
- Add as Non-Steam Game: Add the Ryudeck executable to your Steam library.
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Wrapper Script: The bundled
Ryudeck.shwrapper automatically sets the necessary environment variables for Vulkan/RADV and Gamescope compatibility (specificallyAMD_VULKAN_ICD=RADVandGDK_BACKEND=x11). Ensure you launch via this script.
To ensure a smooth initial experience, follow this sequence:
- Supply your own content: Ryudeck includes no games, keys, or firmware and documents no way to obtain them — see Keys & Firmware.
- Launch: Start a game from your library.
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Config Directory:
~/.config/Ryudeck/ -
Logs Directory:
~/.config/Ryudeck/Logs/
Ryudeck is fully controller-navigable:
- Launcher: Use the Steam Deck controls (d-pad or left thumbstick) to navigate the main menu.
- In-Game: Press L3 + R3 to open the Quick-Access blade for live settings adjustments.
In-game text entry (player names, Mii names, search fields) uses Ryudeck's own on-screen keyboard, composited directly over the running game and fully controller-driven — no more summoning the Steam Deck's system keyboard, whose overlay could reset Game Mode when it stacked on top of a running game's surface. See Performance & Settings for the full gamepad legend.
The system Mii editor is reachable from Game Mode via the launcher's top bar, and exits cleanly back to the library when you're done.
