The team behind EmuDeck, a popular tool used to assist in setting up emulators on the Steam Deck, is working on a homebrew and retro-focused games store.
Since its initial release in 2020, the Steam Deck has become a fan favorite for its ability to play full PC games and still remain portable. It does this by making use of a Switch-like design and pairing it with immense power that still ranks it as one of the most powerful handhelds on the market currently.
With its high-performance ratings, some retro gamers opt to use the Steam Deck as their emulation handheld of choice, keeping all of their gaming unified on the device.
EmuDeck is Building a Retro Store
Emulation on the device, however, typically requires a bit more file management than that of a typical retro handheld. EmuDeck aimed to change that when the initial app was released, but it is now taking things a step further with a full-fledged games store of its own.
Working in the upcoming EmuDeck Retro Store… Are you a homebrew developer? Join us! We will host both your free and paid games! (only homebrew before anyone asks…)https://t.co/HRIeQy6H0k pic.twitter.com/eOeSjDRa8t
— EmuDeck (@EmuDeck) February 26, 2025
The new EmuDeck Retro Store aims to promote indie developers who primarily make games that are meant to be run on emulators for retro consoles. By making a store that allows gamers to download and buy popular or new indie homebrew games, it can potentially ease the burden of finding new titles that encapsulate the style and design of past consoles.
EmuDeck’s key features were always nestled in its ability to make installing and using emulators easier for users on a Steam Deck, and from the looks of it, the app will be taking it a step further by allowing users to download free and paid homebrew made specifically for various retro consoles.
Retro Games for Retro Consoles by Modern Developers
One of the most highlighted retro releases in the past few years has been Good Boy Galaxy, a game made for and playable on the Game Boy Advance. Currently, the majority of these homebrew titles are either shared on itchi.io or featured on developer’s websites.
Currently, itch.io does have its own app that allows users to download different games and apps made by homebrew developers, but it lacks the seamless integration of helping users install the necessary emulators. Since the app is also made specifically for PCs, it would make it slightly more difficult for users to navigate its UI on a handheld like the Steam Deck.
The EmuDeck Retro Store is poised to be a major addition to the retro scene overall. With certain apps released recently promoting the idea of piracy, seeing a new app being created to help promote newly made games by developers expressing their own personal artistic vision is a massive value-add to the community overall.
if you’re a homebrew developer and interested in having your game featured, sold, or promoted on the EmuDeck Retro Store, you can register on the official website.
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