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RetroArch

Open-source front end that runs dozens of emulator cores behind one interface.

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About RetroArch

RetroArch is a front end that runs many emulators, called cores, behind one interface. Instead of installing a separate app for each console, you download cores for the systems you want, from the NES and Mega Drive to the PlayStation, Nintendo DS and arcade boards, and RetroArch handles controllers, shaders, save states and settings the same way for all of them. It's known for features most standalone emulators lack: run-ahead to cut input lag, CRT-style shaders, netplay, RetroAchievements, rewind, and recording or streaming. It runs almost everywhere, from Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS to game consoles and handhelds, and it's free and open source under the GPLv3. The flip side is complexity: menus are deep, settings are layered per core and per game, and some cores trail the standalone version of the same emulator. You supply your own games and, for some systems, BIOS files.

Best for: Retro gamers who want one app, one controller setup and advanced latency and shader options.

Pros and cons

What works

  • One interface and controller setup for dozens of systems
  • Run-ahead, shaders and netplay go beyond most standalone emulators
  • Runs on almost every platform, including phones and consoles
  • Free and open source

Why people leave

  • Deep, confusing menus with layered per-core settings
  • Some cores lag behind their standalone emulators
  • Several systems need BIOS files you must supply

Top RetroArch alternatives

See all 11
  1. 1OpenEmu logo
    OpenEmu

    Mac-only front end that trades RetroArch's depth for a much simpler, polished game library.

    66.5
  2. 2Dolphin logo
    Dolphin

    For GameCube and Wii, the standalone Dolphin gets new features first and is easier to tune.

    62.6
  3. 3PPSSPP logo
    PPSSPP

    For PSP games, standalone PPSSPP is simpler to set up and gets fixes first.

    59.6
  4. 4melonDS logo
    melonDS

    A dedicated DS and DSi emulator with its own interface, if you only need DS games.

    40.0
  5. 5PCSX2 logo
    PCSX2

    A standalone PS2 emulator with deeper settings than the RetroArch core.

    40.0

Why people left RetroArch

In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.

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RetroArch: common questions

Is RetroArch free?

Yes. RetroArch is free, open-source software.

Is RetroArch open source?

Yes. The source code is on GitHub at libretro/RetroArch.

What platforms does RetroArch run on?

RetroArch is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS.

What are the best alternatives to RetroArch?

The highest-ranked RetroArch alternatives right now are OpenEmu, Dolphin and PPSSPP. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 11 RetroArch alternatives