> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.kouch.dev/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.kouch.dev/readme.md).

# Welcome to Kouch

Kouch turns your PC or Steam Deck into a couch console for the emulators you already have. This guide shows how to do everything it can do.

Kouch is a Steam app that brings your games and your controllers together on one big, controller-first screen. It lists the games in your folders and starts them with **your own emulators**. It hands every controller in the room to the game: up to **16 players**, **8 of them with motion**.

You never have to set up a controller inside an emulator again. Kouch reads each pad through Steam Input and passes it on to the emulator. You pick up a controller, press **A** and you're a player.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Kouch is in alpha.** It's being tested now and isn't on the Steam store yet. Some Steam features are switched off until Kouch has its own place on Steam. [What works in the alpha](/getting-started/alpha.md) lists them.
{% endhint %}

## What Kouch does

* **Shows your games** from your own folders, with cover art found automatically, on a Home screen and in a Library you can browse from the couch.
* **Starts them with your emulators.** Each emulator is described by a small profile file (`.kod`). A profile can also install the emulator from its official releases.
* **Seats every controller.** Standard, touchpad, pro-style and split-pair controllers all work, and so do the Steam Controller, the Steam Deck and keyboard + mouse. Kouch has its own motion support too.
* **Gives you a Quick Menu in every game.** Hold **Select + Start** for players, save and load states, screenshots and quitting.
* **Plays with friends.** Share a screen, play over your home network, or join friends' Kouch lobbies over Steam.
* **Is yours to change.** Pick Black or White, choose a theme or make your own, and add sounds, music, mods and plugins.

## What Kouch never does

Kouch never downloads, shares or moves games, BIOS, firmware or keys. You bring your own games and your own system files. It never needs a driver to run, and it never sends your data anywhere you didn't ask it to. [Kouch's promises](/about-kouch/promises.md) lists every one.

## Where to start

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Install Kouch</strong></td><td>On Windows or on the Steam Deck, then add it to Steam.</td><td><a href="/getting-started/install-windows.md">Install on Windows</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>First-run setup</strong></td><td>Pick your Emulation folder, your disks, your look and your emulators.</td><td><a href="/getting-started/first-run-setup.md">First-run setup</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Your first game</strong></td><td>From an emulator profile to playing, in five steps.</td><td><a href="/getting-started/your-first-game.md">Your first game</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

## How to read this guide

* Instructions are written for a **controller** first: "press **A**", "hold **Select + Start**". Kouch shows each button as your own controller's glyph.
* **Keyboard and mouse** work everywhere too. **Enter** is A, **Esc** is B, and **Page Up / Page Down** are LB / RB. You can also click any button in the prompt bar at the bottom right.
* Where Windows and the Steam Deck differ, the page has a tab for each.
* Menus are written as paths: **Settings › Controllers** means "open Settings, then Controllers".


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