RetroArch
Overview
RetroArch is the reference implementation of the libretro API, an open-source frontend for emulators, game engines, and media players. Rather than being a single emulator, RetroArch provides a unified interface that loads libretro “cores” — individual emulator engines that handle the actual hardware emulation. This means RetroArch supports dozens of classic gaming platforms inside a single application, from the NES and SNES to PlayStation, Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis, Atari, arcade MAME cabinets, and many more.
RetroArch runs on virtually every platform imaginable: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Raspberry Pi, gaming consoles, and even web browsers. Its feature set goes far beyond basic emulation, offering shader-based GPU-accelerated filters (including CRT scanline emulation), rewinding, netplay (online multiplayer for retro games), cheats, save states, and aggressive input latency reduction through its “Hard GPU Sync” and “Runahead” features. For retro gaming enthusiasts, RetroArch is the ultimate all-in-one solution.
Key Features
- Multi-System Emulation: Runs dozens of libretro cores covering NES, SNES, Genesis, PlayStation, N64, Atari, Arcade, and more.
- Shader Pipeline: GPU-accelerated real-time shaders including CRT-Lottes, CRT-Geom, scanlines, and many more.
- Netplay: Online multiplayer for classic games with rollback netcode and spectator support.
- Rewind & Save States: Rewind gameplay in real-time and save/load states at any point with thumbnail previews.
- Runahead & Latency Reduction: Advanced input latency reduction techniques for competitive-level responsiveness.
- Cross-Platform: Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Raspberry Pi, consoles, and browsers.
- Dynamic Rate Control: Automatic audio/video synchronisation for smooth gameplay across varied hardware.
- Playlist & Scraping: Automatic game metadata, box art, and description downloads from online databases.
Use Cases
- Playing retro console and arcade games on a modern PC with enhanced graphics.
- Building a dedicated retro gaming console using a Raspberry Pi or old PC.
- Online multiplayer retro gaming sessions with friends over the internet.
- Speedrunning retro games with precise rewind and save-state management.
- Experiencing classic games with CRT-like visual filters on modern displays.
Platforms
Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, iPadOS, Raspberry Pi, Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch (homebrew), PlayStation 3/4/5 (homebrew), Xbox (homebrew), web browsers (Emscripten)
Licence
GPLv3 (open source)