Set Up ES-DE or Daijisho on Odin 3, Thor, and Odin 2 Portal

A frontend puts your game library behind a controller-friendly interface, with system categories, artwork, and shortcuts into emulators. On Odin 3, Thor, and Odin 2 Portal, ES-DE and Daijisho organize and launch games; they do not replace the emulators that run them.

AYNTime Community is an independent knowledge base, not affiliated with AYN. This guide focuses on a reliable setup rather than a particular firmware layout. Android menu names, storage permissions, and launcher behavior can vary — check your own device.

Choose your frontend

Both options can provide a console-like library, but their setup workflows differ:

• ES-DE: Suits a system-focused browsing experience with themes and a structured game-directory layout. Follow its Android-specific instructions for installation, directory creation, and emulator support.
• Daijisho: Combines platform libraries with Android app access and widgets. You typically add platforms, assign their game folders, and select a launch player for each platform.

Get the frontend from its legitimate distribution channel and read the current installation requirements. Availability, supported emulator packages, and Android integration can change.

Start with one frontend, one system, and a few games. Importing everything immediately makes mistakes harder to diagnose.

Prepare emulators before importing games

A frontend cannot fix an emulator that is not working independently.

1. Install the emulator for your test system.
2. Open it directly and complete its first-run setup.
3. Grant access to the required game directory.
4. Configure the handheld controls if necessary.
5. Launch a legally obtained game and confirm that video, audio, controls, and saving work.

Some systems require additional files. Follow the emulator’s documentation and use only files you are authorized to possess.

For RetroArch, install the appropriate core and test it inside RetroArch first. A standalone emulator and a RetroArch core are different launch targets, even when they emulate the same system.

Organize storage once

Choose internal storage or a microSD card before building your library. Moving files later can break folder assignments and saved launch paths.

• Keep games grouped by system, rather than mixing everything in one directory.
• Use consistent filenames to improve identification and artwork matching.
• Keep multi-file disc games together and preserve their internal references.
• Check which compressed formats your chosen emulator supports; a visible archive is not necessarily playable.
• Back up saves separately from game files and frontend artwork.

For ES-DE, use its expected system-folder structure rather than inventing folder names. For Daijisho, assign the relevant directory to each platform.

Android folder permissions can be confusing: granting access to the frontend does not automatically grant access to the emulator. Each app may need its own permission through Android’s folder picker. Avoid protected application directories for your game library.

Set up ES-DE

1. Open ES-DE and follow its prompts for application data and game directories.
2. Let its setup process establish the expected system folders, where offered, then place your test games in the appropriate locations.
3. Refresh or rescan the library using the available menu option.
4. Check the emulator selection for your test system. Use an alternative emulator entry if the default does not match your installed app or preferred RetroArch core.
5. Launch one game and check that it opens in the intended emulator.

An installed emulator is not necessarily supported by every launch entry. Package variants and emulator updates can affect compatibility. Consult the current Android documentation before editing launch configuration manually.

Set up Daijisho

1. Add the platform you want to test using Daijisho’s platform management interface.
2. Open that platform’s settings and assign the directory containing its games.
3. Select the appropriate player, Daijisho’s launch configuration for an emulator or core.
4. Sync the platform to import its game list.
5. Launch a game and verify the selected emulator opens it correctly.

If multiple player entries look similar, check that the selected entry matches your installed emulator package and, where applicable, RetroArch core. Importing successfully only confirms that Daijisho found files — not that the launch target is correct.

Add artwork and test navigation

Once launching works, scrape metadata and artwork. Start with a small batch, review incorrect matches, and check storage usage before processing the entire library. Scraping services may require accounts or impose limits.

Test controller navigation, sleep and wake, and returning from a game. Android’s Home action and an emulator’s exit command are not interchangeable; Home may leave the emulator running.

On Thor, verify which display the frontend and emulator use. Do not assume automatic dual-screen integration; behavior depends on the apps and device settings.

Only consider changing Android’s default Home app after everything works. Launcher eligibility varies by app and version. Keep a clear route back to Android Settings and the original launcher.

Fix common launch problems

• No games listed: Check the selected directory, expected folder names, file extensions, and folder permissions.
• Emulator opens without a game: Recheck the launch player or emulator entry and the emulator’s access to the game directory.
• Wrong emulator starts: Change the platform default and inspect any per-game override.
• Game fails both ways: Troubleshoot the emulator directly before changing frontend settings.
• Library breaks after moving files: Reassign directories, renew permissions where needed, and rescan.

Got a better tip? Share your device, frontend, and corrections with the AYNTime Community.