How to Add Games to a Retro Handheld (Legally): Step by Step

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Most retro handhelds are sold as bare emulation hardware, so you add the games yourself. The process is mostly copying files to the SD card. A word on legality first: only use games you own. Copying commercial games you do not own is piracy in most countries. This guide covers the mechanics, not where to find games.

Games You Can Legally Use

  • Backups you make yourself from cartridges and discs you own (rules vary by country, so check yours)
  • Homebrew games made by hobbyists
  • Public-domain and freely released games

Step 1: Prepare the SD Card

Insert the card into your computer. Many devices work best with FAT32 or exFAT, so check what your handheld expects. Large cards may need exFAT. If your device has two card slots, one usually holds the system and the other holds the games.

Step 2: Find the Games Folder

Each system has its own folder (for example GBA, SNES, PSX), usually created when the device first boots with the card. Put each game in the folder for its console.

Step 3: Copy the Game Files

Copy the game files into the matching folder. Keep file names simple, and do not unzip files unless the emulator needs it (many prefer zipped arcade files as they are).

Step 4: Add BIOS Files If Needed

Some systems, such as PlayStation, need a BIOS file to run games. Put the BIOS in the folder your device or emulator expects, following the maker’s instructions.

Step 5: Refresh and Launch

Put the card back in, restart the device, and refresh the game list. If a game does not show up, check that it is in the right folder and has the right file extension.

Optional: Cover Art and Names

Many devices can download cover art automatically over Wi-Fi (scraping), which makes the game list look much nicer.

Not bought one yet? Read my best retro handheld game consoles guide. Note that none of them come with a game library preinstalled.