RetroArch overlay over PCSX2 games

[DeadSonRisingxD]

Hi all,

I have been able to get PCSX2 up and running on my steam, but unlike an emulator such as PPSSPP the RetroArch overlay does not show up while holding down both analog stick to save states, change resolution etc. it would only show up the PCSX2 emulator settings at the top.

I have spent way too many hours trying to work out my blind spot to get this working. The overlay works on literary every single other emulator with no effort or setup, but has been a real head ache with PCSX2. Is it even supported as yet, or have I missed something obvious? Everything else with PCSX2 functions well.

[GoalieG]

While I cannot answer your question (I don't yet have a SD), if I may highjack the thread a bit - what PS2 games have you tried and how have they run? I am especially interested in sports games. Thanks!

[PopinFRESH]

How did you install and configure RetroArch? I'd definitely recommend looking at EmuDeck + Steam Rom Manager if you haven't already. It should help setup the supported emulators for Steam Deck, including configuring controls mapping, emulator settings, etc.

[Taktloss]

PCSX2 on its own doesnt use Retroarch even when using EmuDeck however maybe try the Button combos as mentioned on the EmuDeck Github
https://github.com/dragoonDorise/EmuDeck#hotkeys
Select + L1 Load SaveState
Select + R1 Save SaveState
If that still wont work install EmuDeck as PopinFresh wrote.
Good Luck

[PopinFRESH]

Originally posted by Taktloss:

PCSX2 on its own doesnt use Retroarch even when using EmuDeck however maybe try the Button combos as mentioned on the EmuDeck Github
https://github.com/dragoonDorise/EmuDeck#hotkeys
Select + L1 Load SaveState
Select + R1 Save SaveState
If that still wont work install EmuDeck as PopinFresh wrote.
Good Luck

I don't have my Steam Deck yet to test things, however, RetroArch has a PCSX2 core but afaik it is still a beta and known to have issues. IIRC from the videos I've watched, EmuDeck will install and configure the PCSX2 flatpak from the Discover store to use for PS2 games, not the RetroArch core. This is primarily why I suggested using EmuDeck. I don't think those hotkey button combinations will do anything normally, they are configurations that EmuDeck sets up for you when you run its script to install the emulator(s).

[Taktloss]

Yes its set up by EmuDeck btw. its his own Steam Input Profil was just some idea maybe it would have still worked somehow ^^.
However at the end you just could setup you own Steam Input profil.
As you wrote he should just use EmuDeck it doesnt get easier than that but even then its the PCSX2 Standalone Version same for Dolphin, Cemu and some other Emulators.

[DeadSonRisingxD]

Originally posted by PopinFRESH:

How did you install and configure RetroArch? I'd definitely recommend looking at EmuDeck + Steam Rom Manager if you haven't already. It should help setup the supported emulators for Steam Deck, including configuring controls mapping, emulator settings, etc.

I should have mentioned before, I have already setup using EmuDeck & the Steam Rom Manager. All of that seems to be working with no problems, along with the Emulation working really well. It does just come down to the RetroArch overlay not showing. I haven't been able to see a straight answer to if RetroArch actively supports an overlay (like with PPSSPP) or not.

[Taktloss]

Gonna repeat myself but as said PCSX2 which comes with EmuDeck does use the standalone Version and not some RetroArch Core so it is its own thing
https://github.com/dragoonDorise/EmuDeck#hotkeys
Read the asterix too

[DeadSonRisingxD]

Originally posted by Taktloss:

Gonna repeat myself but as said PCSX2 which comes with EmuDeck does use the standalone Version and not some RetroArch Core so it is its own thing
https://github.com/dragoonDorise/EmuDeck#hotkeys
Read the asterix too

Sorry I had planned on responding after eating, but life. From what I can tell, RetroArch is lacking this feature which am surprised at, would just be a much nicer experience with the UI in game, for the time being I will work out the HotKeys, but thank you for your input.

[DeadSonRisingxD]

Originally posted by GoalieG:

While I cannot answer your question (I don't yet have a SD), if I may highjack the thread a bit - what PS2 games have you tried and how have they run? I am especially interested in sports games. Thanks!

As a consequence of not being into sports games myself, from the games I have tried, the all the PS2 GTA games, the Knight Rider games being a KR fan, Midnight Club 3 looks amazing on here, a few other racing games. For me there has been no noticeable downside I can see. Certainly if you're thinking of playing on the Deck, for me it's the best way to go.

[PopinFRESH]

Originally posted by DeadSonRisingxD:

Originally posted by Taktloss:

Gonna repeat myself but as said PCSX2 which comes with EmuDeck does use the standalone Version and not some RetroArch Core so it is its own thing
https://github.com/dragoonDorise/EmuDeck#hotkeys
Read the asterix too

Sorry I had planned on responding after eating, but life. From what I can tell, RetroArch is lacking this feature which am surprised at, would just be a much nicer experience with the UI in game, for the time being I will work out the HotKeys, but thank you for your input.

It seems like you are still missing the point that if you used EmuDeck to do the installations for your emulators, then it shouldn't be using RetroArch for the PS2 emulation. It should be using the standalone flatpak for the PCSX2 emulator. The PCSX2 core for RetroArch is still in beta support and has known issues.

You aren't going to get the RetroArch menu/overlay for the emulators that are not running via a RetroArch core. It isn't that RetroArch is lacking a feature, it is that the emu community hasn't built RetroArch cores for every emulator.

[DeadSonRisingxD]

Originally posted by DeadSonRisingxD:

Originally posted by Taktloss:

Gonna repeat myself but as said PCSX2 which comes with EmuDeck does use the standalone Version and not some RetroArch Core so it is its own thing
https://github.com/dragoonDorise/EmuDeck#hotkeys
Read the asterix too

Sorry I had planned on responding after eating, but life. From what I can tell, RetroArch is lacking this feature which am surprised at, would just be a much nicer experience with the UI in game, for the time being I will work out the HotKeys, but thank you for your input.

Also, just one quick question, would the PCSX2 driver files to allow Buzz! game controllers to work on Windows also translate to allow the controllers to work on the Steam Deck?

[DeadSonRisingxD]

Originally posted by PopinFRESH:

Originally posted by DeadSonRisingxD:

Sorry I had planned on responding after eating, but life. From what I can tell, RetroArch is lacking this feature which am surprised at, would just be a much nicer experience with the UI in game, for the time being I will work out the HotKeys, but thank you for your input.

It seems like you are still missing the point that if you used EmuDeck to do the installations for your emulators, then it shouldn't be using RetroArch for the PS2 emulation. It should be using the standalone flatpak for the PCSX2 emulator. The PCSX2 core for RetroArch is still in beta support and has known issues.

You aren't going to get the RetroArch menu/overlay for the emulators that are not running via a RetroArch core. It isn't that RetroArch is lacking a feature, it is that the emu community hasn't built RetroArch cores for every emulator.

I understand what you're saying, I understand you can use EmuDeck or the RetroArch core individually. I tried RetroArch and understand it isn't supported atm. But I will use EmuDeck for the time being. I just wanted to be sure why it wasn't working.

[PopinFRESH]

Originally posted by DeadSonRisingxD:

Originally posted by DeadSonRisingxD:

Sorry I had planned on responding after eating, but life. From what I can tell, RetroArch is lacking this feature which am surprised at, would just be a much nicer experience with the UI in game, for the time being I will work out the HotKeys, but thank you for your input.

Also, just one quick question, would the PCSX2 driver files to allow Buzz! game controllers to work on Windows also translate to allow the controllers to work on the Steam Deck?

I doubt it windows and linux drivers are handled differently. If they are USB class compliant devices Valve might eventually add support for them via Steam Input like they've recently done for the USB versions of retro controllers (N64, NES, Genesis, etc). There is a feature request subforum you could post in to ask them to add Steam Input support for those controllers.

[DeadSonRisingxD]

Originally posted by PopinFRESH:

Originally posted by DeadSonRisingxD:

Also, just one quick question, would the PCSX2 driver files to allow Buzz! game controllers to work on Windows also translate to allow the controllers to work on the Steam Deck?

I doubt it windows and linux drivers are handled differently. If they are USB class compliant devices Valve might eventually add support for them via Steam Input like they've recently done for the USB versions of retro controllers (N64, NES, Genesis, etc). There is a feature request subforum you could post in to ask them to add Steam Input support for those controllers.

Thank you!

[Utiibs]

On ps4 dualshock controller double click middle trackpad. It brings up emulation menu