[Feature Request] For developers: Make it possible to toggle setting visibilitiy, either through the config, or through compilations options

Issue

RetroArch is compiled with features that could be modified based on its port. For the Flatpak version, certain adjustments could enhance functionality and user experience.

Feature request

Introduce a new setting in RetroArch to customize the application for specific ports, such as Flatpak. This setting (e.g., "port_settings=flatpak") would enable the following modifications:

Proposed setup: Delete Online Update entries

In order to complete https://github.com/flathub/org.libretro.RetroArch/issues/309, remove entries in Settings -> Directories:

• Update Core Info Files
• Update Assets
• Update Controller Profiles
• Update Cheats
• Update Databases
• Update Overlays
• Update Cg Shaders
• Update GLSL Shaders

Proposed setup: Introduce "Override" Directories

Add new entries in Settings -> Directories for override folders:

• Core Info Files overrides
• Assets overrides
• Controller Profiles overrides
• Cheats overrides
• Databases overrides
• Overlays overrides
• Cg Shaders overrides
• GLSL Shaders overrides

These override directories would allow users to store custom files separately from the Flatpak-provided ones.

2. Modify Online Updater Settings

Update the Online Updater menu to include options for updating override directories:

Remove:

• Update Core Info Files
• Update Assets
• Update Controller Profiles
• Update Cheats
• Update Databases
• Update Overlays
• Update Cg Shaders
• Update GLSL Shaders

Add:

• Update override Core Info Files
• Update override Assets
• Update override Controller Profiles
• Update override Cheats
• Update override Databases
• Update override Overlays
• Update override Cg Shaders
• Update override GLSL Shaders

This modification would enable developers to release the flatpak package for users to update specific components without affecting the Flatpak-provided files.

Rationale

While Flatpak ships with RetroArch files, users may sometimes need the latest files for compatibility or new features. This feature request aims to provide flexibility for Flatpak users while maintaining the integrity of the Flatpak package.

Implementation

The proposed changes would only take effect when the "port_settings=flatpak" option is enabled, ensuring that the standard RetroArch behavior remains unchanged for other installations.

Start by locating the existing Settings → Directories and Online Updater entries, then trace how the proposed port_settings=flatpak option or compilation options are handled. Map the configuration and menu paths involved; done means Flatpak-specific visibility and override behavior works without changing standard installations.