RetroArch – Multi-System Emulator Frontend

Play Classic Games Across Every Platform with RetroArch

RetroArch serves as the ultimate frontend for emulation, providing a unified interface to play games from dozens of classic gaming systems through a single application. Built on the libretro API, RetroArch separates the frontend interface from emulation cores, allowing developers to create optimized emulators that plug seamlessly into a consistent user experience across Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, iOS, and even gaming consoles.

The project represents the culmination of the emulation community’s collective expertise, offering features like shaders that recreate CRT monitor aesthetics, netplay for online multiplayer, achievements through RetroAchievements integration, and cloud saves across devices. For preservationists and retro gaming enthusiasts, RetroArch provides the most comprehensive solution for experiencing gaming history.

Installation

Linux Installation

Ubuntu/Debian:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:libretro/stable
sudo apt update
sudo apt install retroarch

Fedora:

sudo dnf install retroarch

Arch Linux:

sudo pacman -S retroarch retroarch-assets-xmb

Flatpak:

flatpak install flathub org.libretro.RetroArch

macOS Installation

brew install --cask retroarch

Windows Installation

winget install Libretro.RetroArch
# or
choco install retroarch

Android Installation

Available on Google Play Store or F-Droid.

Core Management

Installing Cores

Cores are the emulators that run games. Install via:

Main Menu > Online Updater > Core Downloader

Or via command line:

retroarch --menu --menu-entry-hover "Online Updater"

Popular Cores

# Nintendo Systems
- NES: Mesen / FCEUmm
- SNES: bsnes / Snes9x
- N64: Mupen64Plus-Next / ParaLLEl N64
- GBA: mGBA / VBA-M
- DS: melonDS / DeSmuME
- 3DS: Citra (standalone)

# Sony Systems
- PS1: Beetle PSX HW / PCSX ReARMed
- PS2: PCSX2 (standalone recommended)
- PSP: PPSSPP

# Sega Systems
- Genesis/Mega Drive: Genesis Plus GX
- Saturn: Beetle Saturn / Yabause
- Dreamcast: Flycast

# Other Systems
- Arcade: FinalBurn Neo / MAME
- Atari: Stella (2600)
- DOS: DOSBox Pure

Basic Configuration

Setting Up Directories

Settings > Directory
??? System/BIOS: ~/RetroArch/system
??? Saves: ~/RetroArch/saves
??? States: ~/RetroArch/states
??? Screenshots: ~/RetroArch/screenshots
??? Playlists: ~/RetroArch/playlists

Controller Configuration

Settings > Input > Port 1 Controls
# Map your controller buttons

# Save controller profile
Settings > Input > User 1 Binds > Save Controller Profile

Hotkeys

Settings > Input > Hotkeys
- Save State: F2
- Load State: F4
- Fast Forward: Space
- Pause: P
- Screenshot: F8
- Menu Toggle: F1
- Quit: Escape

Video Configuration

Display Settings

Settings > Video > Output
- Video Driver: vulkan (recommended) / gl / glcore
- Fullscreen Mode: On/Off
- Windowed Scale: 3x-5x for retro feel

Settings > Video > Scaling
- Integer Scale: On (prevents blurring)
- Aspect Ratio: Core Provided

Shaders (CRT Effects)

Quick Menu > Shaders > Load Shader Preset

Popular presets:
- shaders_slang/crt/crt-royale.slangp (best quality)
- shaders_slang/crt/crt-lottes.slangp (balanced)
- shaders_slang/interpolation/sharp-bilinear-2x-prescale.slangp (sharp)

Update Shaders

Main Menu > Online Updater > Update Slang Shaders

Creating Playlists

Automatic Scanning

Import Content > Scan Directory
# Select your ROM folder
# RetroArch matches against database

Manual Playlist Creation

# ~/.config/retroarch/playlists/Nintendo - Game Boy.lpl
{
  "version": "1.4",
  "default_core_path": "/path/to/mgba_libretro.so",
  "default_core_name": "mGBA",
  "items": [
    {
      "path": "/roms/gb/Pokemon Red.gb",
      "label": "Pokemon Red",
      "core_path": "DETECT",
      "core_name": "DETECT"
    }
  ]
}

Advanced Features

Netplay (Online Multiplayer)

# Host a game
Main Menu > Netplay > Start Netplay Host

# Join a game
Main Menu > Netplay > Connect to Netplay Host
# Enter host IP address

Achievements

Settings > Achievements
- Enable: On
- Username: your_retroachievements_username
- Password: your_password
# Register at retroachievements.org

Run Ahead (Reduce Latency)

Quick Menu > Latency > Run-Ahead
- Run-Ahead to Reduce Latency: On
- Number of Frames: 1-2
- Use Second Instance: On (for compatible cores)

Rewind

Settings > Frame Throttle > Rewind
- Rewind Support: On
- Rewind Buffer Size: 100 MB

Command Line Usage

Launch Games Directly

# Launch specific game with core
retroarch -L /path/to/core.so /path/to/rom.zip

# Example for SNES
retroarch -L ~/.config/retroarch/cores/snes9x_libretro.so ~/roms/snes/game.sfc

# Launch in fullscreen
retroarch -f -L core.so game.rom

# List available cores
ls ~/.config/retroarch/cores/

Configuration Override

# Use specific config
retroarch --config /path/to/custom.cfg

# Append config
retroarch --appendconfig /path/to/override.cfg -L core.so game.rom

BIOS Files

Required BIOS

# Place in system directory
~/.config/retroarch/system/

# PS1
scph5501.bin (US) / scph5500.bin (JP) / scph5502.bin (EU)

# Sega CD
bios_CD_U.bin / bios_CD_J.bin / bios_CD_E.bin

# GBA (optional, improves compatibility)
gba_bios.bin

Steam Deck / Gaming Handhelds

Steam Deck Setup

# Install via Flatpak in Desktop Mode
flatpak install flathub org.libretro.RetroArch

# Add to Steam as non-Steam game
# Configure controls for each core

Troubleshooting

Black Screen

# Try different video driver
Settings > Video > Output > Video Driver
# Switch between vulkan, gl, glcore

Audio Issues

Settings > Audio > Output
- Audio Driver: pulse / alsa / sdl2
- Audio Latency: 64ms (lower = less delay, may cause crackling)

Controller Not Detected

Settings > Input > Port 1 Controls
- Device Type: Ensure correct type selected
- Bind All: Remap all buttons

RetroArch transforms any device into a comprehensive retro gaming station. Its modular architecture, extensive feature set, and cross-platform availability make it the definitive solution for preserving and playing classic games. Whether on a powerful desktop or a portable device, RetroArch delivers authentic gaming experiences with modern conveniences.