How to Add New Games & ROMS to Your Emulation Console

• Introduction
• Finding Windows Games
• Finding Game ROMs
• Installing ROMs on Windows Handhelds
• Installing ROMs on Retro Handhelds
• Linux OS
• Android OS
• Using a Micro SD Card
• Downloading Files via Browser
• Locating ROM Folders in Emulators

Introduction

If you've recently acquired a Retro Gaming Handheld or Windows Gaming Handheld, you're likely eager to load it with games. This guide explains where to find games and how to install them on Windows, Android, and Linux handheld devices.

Finding Windows Games

You can obtain free and paid Windows games from various platforms:

• Steam: Popular for a wide range of free and paid games.
• Epic Games: Offers free games weekly.
• Good Old Games (GOG): Features DRM-free games.
• Xbox Game Pass: Provides access to many games via a subscription, with cloud streaming options.
• Humble Bundle: Sells bundles at reduced prices, with proceeds going to charity.

Finding Game ROMs

While we can't link to sites hosting commercial ROMs, you can find them with a quick search. Ensure you own the original games. Here are some alternative sources for homebrew games:

• PDROMS: Contains many homebrew games, though no longer updated.
• Retro Veteran: Offers links to homebrew games.
• Antstream: A cloud-based retro gaming service available on Windows and Android.

Installing ROMs on Windows Handhelds

Use RetroArch to manage multiple emulators and ROMs. Here’s how:

1. Create a 'ROMS' folder on your device and subfolders for each console (e.g., 'Genesis').
2. Open RetroArch, select "Import Content," then "Scan Directory."
3. Navigate to the ROMS folder and scan it.
4. After scanning, you'll see your consoles and games listed in RetroArch for easy access.

Installing ROMs on Retro Handhelds

Linux OS

1. Insert the micro SD card into your PC. Ignore partition warnings.
2. Open the File Manager to locate the new drive. If not visible, assign a drive letter via Disk Manager.
3. Once visible, eject the card, insert it into the handheld, and boot it up to create necessary folders.
4. Copy ROM files into corresponding folders on the card.
5. Reinsert the card into the handheld, and it will scan for new games.

Android OS

Using a Micro SD Card

1. Insert a micro SD card into the handheld and set it up as portable storage.
2. Format the card if prompted.
3. Create a 'ROMS' folder and subfolders for each console on the card via your PC.
4. Copy game files into these folders, then insert the card back into the handheld.

Downloading Files via Browser

1. Download games directly to the handheld using its web browser.
2. Move downloaded files to a manageable location, like a 'ROMS' folder with subfolders for each console.

Locating ROM Folders in Emulators

For each emulator, you typically need to specify the game folder. For example, in the PS2 emulator AetherSX2:

1. Open the emulator’s game library management.
2. Select "Add Directory" and navigate to the ROMS folder on your micro SD card.
3. Confirm the folder selection and allow any permission requests.

This comprehensive guide ensures you can quickly find and install games and ROMs on your handheld device, whether running Windows, Linux, or Android.