PortMaster is a tool that allows you to download and install PC game ports (e.g., Stardew Valley, Half-Life, Celeste) directly onto Linux-based retro handhelds like the TrimUI Brick and most Anbernic handhelds.

1. Prerequisites #

Before starting, ensure you have:

• A Supported Device & OS: Devices running firmware like TrimUI Stock, ArkOS, AmberELEC, RockNIX, JELOS, muOS, or Knulli. Others may also be supported.
• Internet Connection: Your device must be connected to Wi-Fi to download the PortMaster app and game files.
• Game Files (Commercial only): For paid games, you must legally own the game on PC (Steam, GOG, or Itch.io) to access the necessary data files.

2. Installing PortMaster #

Most custom firmware comes with PortMaster pre-installed.

1. Navigate to the Tools or Ports section of your device’s main menu.
2. Select PortMaster to launch the application.
3. If PortMaster is missing:
   • Install or update your firmware to the latest version first
   • Download Install.PortMaster.sh from the PortMaster GitHub releases.
   • Copy the file to the roms/ports/ folder on your SD card.
   • On your device, navigate to the Ports menu and run the installer script.

3. Installing “Ready to Run” Games #

These are free, open-source games that require no extra files.

1. Open the PortMaster app on your device.
2. Navigate to “Ready to Run Ports” (or “All Ports”).
3. Scroll to find a game (e.g., Super Mario 64 Port, Spelunky Classic).
4. Press A (or your select button) to Install.
5. Once finished, exit PortMaster. The game will appear in your device’s Ports menu and is ready to play.

4. Installing Commercial Games #

Paid games like Stardew Valley or Vice City require you to copy purchased game files from your PC.

Step A: Install the Port Script #

1. Open PortMaster on your handheld.
2. Find the game in the list (e.g., Stardew Valley).
3. Select Install.
   • Note: This only installs the Linux “wrapper” (the launch script), not the actual game content.

Step B: Transfer Game Files #

1. Check Requirements: Visit PortMaster Games to see exactly which files are needed for your specific game.
2. Locate Files on PC:
   • Steam: Right-click game > Manage > Browse Local Files.
   • GOG/Itch: Open the installation folder.
3. Transfer to SD Card:
   • Insert your handheld’s SD card into your PC.
   • Navigate to the roms/ports/ (or ports/) folder.
   • Open the folder created for the specific game (e.g., roms/ports/stardewvalley/).
   • Copy your PC game assets into the gamedata folder (or where the specific game instructions indicate).

Common Examples #

• Stardew Valley: Requires the “Compatibility” branch version from Steam. Copy the contents of the game folder into the gamedata folder on the SD card.
• Balatro: Extract Balatro.love from the Steam .exe (using 7-Zip) or .app file. Copy Balatro.love to the port folder.
• Half-Life: Copy the valve folder from your Steam install to roms/ports/halflife/.

5. Troubleshooting #

• Game Crashes: If a game attempts to load and immediately kicks you back to the menu:
  • Navigate to the game’s folder on the SD card (e.g., roms/ports/game_name/).
  • Open the log.txt file to see the error (usually missing files).
• Controls Not Working: Ensure your controller input is configured correctly in EmulationStation or the OS settings before launching PortMaster.
• Missing Textures/Audio: Usually indicates you copied the wrong files or an incompatible version of the game data. Verify the file list on the PortMaster wiki.