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Mobile FAQ

Common questions about NX Redux Mobile, the Android app. Using a TrimUI handheld? See the Handheld FAQ.

Can I use the same games folder as my handheld?

Yes. The app uses the NX Redux layout: Roms/<Name (TAG)>/, Bios/<TAG>/, Saves/<TAG>/, Collections/ and map.txt. A copy of your handheld's folders works as the app's home folder. A handheld's BIOS layout (such as Bios/PS/psxonpsp660.bin) works unchanged. See Library & ROM folders.

Do my handheld saves carry over?

Battery saves carry over for systems that run the same core on both. Where the app uses the same core as the handheld, save states carry over too.

The Sega systems are the exception. The handheld runs PicoDrive for Sega Genesis, Master System, Game Gear, SG-1000 and Sega CD, and the app runs Genesis Plus GX. Cartridge saves usually carry over, but save states don't. Games you ran from a legacy Sega Genesis (GPGX) folder on the handheld already used Genesis Plus GX: kept in that folder, their saves and states carry over (see below).

Dreamcast memory cards carry over: both name them Saves/DC/<game>.A1.bin. See Sega Dreamcast.

My Sega Genesis save states are gone

Sega Genesis now uses the MD tag only. The app creates Roms/Sega Genesis (MD)/, and folders without a tag use MD too.

Save states are kept per tag. States made under the legacy GPGX tag don't show in the in-game menu of a game that now runs as MD, and they don't carry over.

  • A legacy GPGX folder (Sega Genesis (GPGX), from the handheld) still plays. Move its games to Roms/Sega Genesis (MD)/ when you're ready to leave its states behind.
  • Battery saves don't move by themselves. This applies to games you move into the MD folder, and to games in a folder without a tag. Copy each game's .srm from the legacy Saves/GPGX/ folder to Saves/MD/. The original stays in the legacy Saves/GPGX/ folder.

Copy the save before you play

The app takes a save from Saves/MD/ when the game starts, and only if the file is newer than its own copy. When you quit, its own copy replaces the file in Saves/MD/. So:

  • Copy the .srm with the game closed. A game waiting in the Game Switcher counts as open.
  • Copy it before you first play the game as MD. If you already have, the copied file must be newer than the game's last MD save. A copy that keeps its old date loses.

See Emulators.

Do I need to download emulators or cores?

No. Every core is bundled in the app. See Emulators for the full list.

Is there DraStic or Dreamcast?

There is no DraStic. It is closed-source and no longer available, so Nintendo DS runs on melonDS DS instead. DraStic battery saves carry over.

Dreamcast is included, with the NAOMI and Atomiswave arcade games. See Sega Dreamcast.

Can I play netplay or use Device Sync with the app?

Not yet. Netplay and Device Sync come in a later release.

Can two people play on one phone?

Not yet. Local multiplayer, for 2 to 4 players each on their own controller, comes in a later release.

Can I remap controller buttons?

Not freely. Each console has a fixed mapping:

  • Face buttons work by position, like the console's own pad: the bottom button does the same thing on every controller, whatever letter it shows.
  • If your controller is read wrongly, set Controller Layout in the in-game menu's Options → Console Settings: Auto-detect, Xbox (A at the bottom) or Nintendo (B at the bottom).
  • The Nintendo 64 goes by the printed name instead, and has no Controller Layout.

On a controller without a mode button, hold SELECT + START to open the in-game menu. See Controls.

Is there a RetroAchievements hardcore mode?

No, the same as on the handheld. RetroAchievements in the app is softcore only, so cheats and save states are not blocked. See RetroAchievements.

Where does the game artwork come from?

The app fetches it. Open Tools → Artwork and pick Fetch missing art, or Fetch by console. To fetch one game, press MENU on it and pick Fetch art.

The art comes from ScreenScraper, libretro-thumbnails, TheGamesDB and SteamGridDB, and is saved in each game folder's .media folder. Art you put there yourself is used too. See Artwork.

Why does artwork need a ScreenScraper account or API keys?

It doesn't have to. libretro-thumbnails needs nothing, and ScreenScraper works without an account at a small daily quota.

  • Signing in to ScreenScraper raises that quota, so a large library fetches faster.
  • TheGamesDB works with the key built into the app. Your own free key is optional and gives you your own monthly allowance.
  • SteamGridDB is only used with your own free API key.

Set them in Tools → Artwork → Account. See Artwork.

Can I use the app as my home screen?

Yes. Turn on Use as home screen in Tools → Settings → Launcher. The phone's Home key then brings you back to the app's Home tab. You can also show Android apps in Tools. See Launcher Mode & Android Games.

Why do Android games have no play time?

The app only starts an Android game. The game runs in its own app, so NX Redux can't tell how long you play. Android games have no play time, and they don't show in recents or on the Continue card. See Launcher Mode & Android Games.

Does the app work on foldables?

Yes. On a half-folded phone with a horizontal hinge, the game moves above the fold and the controls go below it. This is automatic, except that Nintendo DS games keep their usual layout. In landscape on a wide screen, such as an unfolded Fold held sideways, Settings, the in-game menu and RetroAchievements split into two panes. See Foldables & Large Screens.

I removed my SD card and some games disappeared

Games from a folder on a card that is not mounted are left out until the card is back. Tools → Settings → Library → ROM folders marks the folder Not available. Nothing is lost. See Library & ROM folders.

Is there an iOS version?

Not yet. NX Redux Mobile runs on Android only for now. An iOS version follows the Android one.