Official ES-DE Website: https://es-de.org
ES-DE (EmulationStation Desktop Edition)
Is a modern, cross-platform frontend that enables users to browse and launch games from diverse game libraries. It provides a polished user interface, extensive controller support, and a flexible configuration system.
Core ES-DE development is performed by the upstream ES-DE team. The RetroDECK Light Fork applies only the minimal, targeted modifications required for Flatpak integration and RetroDECK-specific refinements. The RetroDECK and ES-DE teams maintain a positive and cooperative relationship.
The RetroDECK Light Fork builds directly upon the upstream ES-DE codebase and adapts it for seamless operation within a Flatpak sandbox environment.
All minor source code modifications are conditionally compiled using the RETRODECK build flag.
This flag is has been built-in by upstream in ES-DE over many years and allows RetroDECK-specific adjustments to be included only when building the RetroDECK Light Fork.
All new features and bug fixes originate from upstream ES-DE not from RetroDECK. The fork regularly merges upstream changes to remain aligned.
| Aspect | RetroDECK Light Fork Modification |
|---|---|
| Flatpak Compatibility | Adjusted filesystem paths, permissions, and runtime dependencies to comply with Flatpak sandbox constraints. |
| Menu Structure | Reorganized menu entries to expose RetroDECK-specific tools such as the RetroDECK Configurator. |
| Feature Set | Disabled features that conflict with Flatpak restrictions or are not applicable within RetroDECK. |
| es_systems.xml / es_find_rules.xml | These configuration files contain RetroDECK-specific additions and omissions. |
For suggestions or improvements related to upstream ES-DE, please use the official GitLab issue tracker:
https://gitlab.com/es-de/emulationstation-de/-/issues
Before opening a new issue, please review existing reports to avoid duplicates and include all relevant technical details.
For issues specific to RetroDECK, please use the official GitHub issue tracker:
https://github.com/RetroDECK/RetroDECK/issues
The RetroDECK Team expresses its sincere gratitude to the ES-DE team for their continued collaboration, support, and assistance throughout the years. Their ongoing efforts and upstream development make the RetroDECK Light Fork possible.