Platform and Emulator Setup
HyperHQ supports automatic downloads, existing emulator installs, and custom platforms. Use the system wizard for a new system. Use the Platforms catalog when you want to prepare an emulator first.
Open the platform catalog
- Open Platforms from the HyperHQ sidebar.
- Select the plus button beside the Platforms heading.
- Search by emulator or supported system.
- Select a platform, then select Next.
Each catalog row shows one status.
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Auto install | HyperHQ has a supported Windows download and system mapping. |
| Repair available | The saved platform entry exists, but the executable is missing. |
| Installed | The saved executable exists. Select Configure to edit the platform. |
| Manual setup | Choose an executable already installed on the PC. |
Install automatically
Choose Install automatically when the option appears.
HyperHQ downloads the emulator, prepares the platform folder, creates the local entry, and links supported systems. The download continues after you leave the page.
After a successful install, select Configure to review the executable, BIOS files, launch command, and supported systems.
Repair a missing platform
Repair automatically appears when HyperHQ has a saved platform entry but no executable at the saved path.
Use automatic repair to download a clean copy. Choose Use existing installation when the emulator moved to another folder.
Use an existing installation
- Choose Use existing installation.
- Select the platform name.
- Enter a display name.
- Browse to the emulator executable.
- Complete the BIOS step when HyperHQ shows one.
- Select Finish.
Use Custom Platform for an emulator missing from the catalog. Custom platforms always use manual setup.
Add an emulator during system setup
The Add System wizard lists emulator choices mapped to the selected system. Choose a supported automatic option or browse to an existing executable.
Automatic downloads start after the system is saved. Progress stays in the HyperHQ notification area while you continue setup work.
FinalBurn Neo choices
FinalBurn Neo is a first-class arcade system and emulator choice.
| Choice | Launch setup |
|---|---|
| RetroArch | Uses the fbneo_libretro core and the generated RetroArch command. |
| FinalBurn Neo standalone | Uses "%rom.filename%". |
RetroArch is the default mapping for a new FinalBurn Neo system. Choose standalone FBNeo for a separate arcade configuration.
Command profile hints
HyperHQ recognizes emulators with special launch requirements. The editor shows a profile hint when your command differs from the known pattern.
| Emulator | Command behavior |
|---|---|
| RPCS3 | Direct paths use --no-gui "%rom.path%"; installed titles use their TitleID target. |
| Vita3K | Installed titles launch by TitleID. |
| ShadPS4 | Installed titles launch by TitleID. |
| Arculator | Uses arc; HyperHQ writes the disk path to configs/arc.cfg before launch. |
Review a profile hint before saving. A normal %rom.path% argument breaks emulators such as Arculator.
Troubleshooting
Automatic install is missing
- Check the row status in the Platforms catalog.
- Use manual setup when the catalog shows Manual setup.
- Reopen the catalog after restoring network access.
A saved platform shows Repair available
- Confirm the executable was not moved or deleted.
- Choose automatic repair for a clean download.
- Choose an existing installation to point HyperHQ at the new location.
A download fails
- Read the newest HyperHQ notification for the failure reason.
- Retry from the result screen.
- Use an existing installation after a manual download.
A game does not launch after setup
- Open the platform and confirm the executable path.
- Review the command profile hint.
- Confirm required BIOS or firmware files.
- Test the emulator outside HyperHQ with the same game.