RetroArch Setup Guide

VIDEO

WHAT IS IT?

RetroArch is a multi-system emulator…kind of. RetroArch is more of a frontend for ‘cores’ which are essentially emulator plugins that run inside RetroArch. It can be quite overwhelming to newcomers but allow me to help make it easy for you!

I love RetroArch. It’s incredibly powerful and feature rich, although it isn’t very user-friendly and does require some learning. I’ve been using it for over a decade and I’m still learning about it to this day.

This guide applies to all platforms. The goal is to get a single game up and running so you’ve got somewhere to start. If you’ve used RetroArch before, there should be a few useful things in here for you too.

LINKS

Download

YOU WILL NEED

ROMs (Your game files) BIOS Files (System dependent)

BIOS FILES

BIOS requirements depend on the core as well as the system. Some cores won’t boot without one, whilst others have a built-in replacement. The table below covers the files mentioned in this guide. There are tonnes of BIOS files available, so check the requirements for the core you’ve chosen before adding them.

System	Recommended BIOS file(s)
PC Engine CD/TurboGrafx-CD	syscard3.pce (CD games; HuCard games don’t need it)
Sega CD	bios_CD_U.bin (USA), bios_CD_E.bin (EUR), bios_CD_J.bin (JPN), matching Genesis Plus GX/PicoDrive’s filenames
Sega Dreamcast	dc_boot.bin
Sega Naomi	naomi.zip
Sega Naomi 2	naomi2.zip
Sega Saturn	mpr-17933.bin (USA/EUR), sega_101.bin (JPN)
Sony Playstation	psxonpsp660.bin
Sony Playstation 2	ps2-0230a-20080220.bin (USA), ps2-0230e-20080220.bin (EUR), ps2-0230j-20080220.bin (JPN)

32X games in PicoDrive don’t need the Sega CD BIOS unless you’re playing a Sega CD 32X game. Flycast can use a built-in replacement for some firmware, and Play! doesn’t need a PS2 BIOS. The BIOS setup section explains where your files go and how to check whether your chosen core can find them.

ROM FILE FORMATS

The core comparison table includes file extensions for every core in the catalogue. Search for your system to see what it accepts. The extensions belong to the core as a whole, so a multi-system core may list formats for several different machines.

Compression can save you loads of space, but the format needs to suit the core. CHD is useful for supported disc-based systems. ZIP and 7z support varies; don’t assume that putting a disc image in an archive will make it work. For BIN/CUE games, keep all the tracks together and load the CUE file. Keep arcade ROM sets in the format expected by their core.

SETUP

Welcome to RetroArch!

The first thing you may notice is that the default layout is UGLY! So let’s change that. Head on over to the settings cog and down to Drivers. Then for the menu driver, I recommend either XMB or OZONE.

XMB is based on the old PSP/PS3 Xross Media Bar (the pinnacle of UI design). It is my preferred Menu driver for RetroArch, although depending on screen size it may be a little small. But more on that shortly.

Ozone is also a great UI, its relatively easy to follow and definitely easier on the eyes for those smaller screens.

Then there’s RGUI. This one is fine but feels like hacking the terminal in Fallout 3, not one I’d recommend.

Whichever UI you go with is entirely up to you, but for the rest of this guide, I’ll be using XMB. The functionality is the exact same across all layouts. In order for the changes to take effect, we need to fully close and restart RetroArch, but first…

Once that’s done, let’s head back over to the settings menu and work our way through.

SETTINGS

Firstly, if you’re using XMB and think that it looks a little small on your screen, head on over to User Interface, Appearance and adjust the SCALE FACTOR until you’re happy.

Now that’s done, let’s set up our controls.

INPUT

Head on over to Settings > Input > RetroPad Binds > Port 1 Controls. Make sure Device Index shows the controller you want to use, then select Set All Controls and follow the prompts.

RetroArch will configure some controllers automatically, but I recommend going through this yourself just in case. When a prompt gives you a button position, follow that position on your controller. The letters can differ between Nintendo, Xbox and other layouts.

Whilst you’re here, change Analog to Digital Type to Left Analog. This lets you use the left stick for D-pad input, which is useful for older games that only use a D-pad. It won’t give those games analogue movement; pushing the stick sends the same directional input as pressing the D-pad. The regular Left Analog option leaves native analogue input alone when the core supports it.

Menu Controls

Head back to Settings > Input > Menu Controls. Depending on which controller I’m using, I sometimes disable Menu Swap OK and Cancel Buttons, especially with a Nintendo layout. With standard button mappings, turning this off puts confirm on the right face button and cancel on the bottom one. Choose whichever feels right for your controller.

Vibration

Under Settings > Input > Haptic Feedback/Vibration, I enable Enable Device Vibration (For Supported Cores). Whether you get vibration will depend on your device, controller, game and core.

HOTKEYS

Hotkeys let you do things like open the menu or fast-forward whilst you’re playing. Head on over to Settings > Input > Hotkeys and set Hotkey Enable to Select.

You’ll hold Select whilst pressing another button to use its hotkey. For example, Select + right trigger will toggle fast-forward. Press that combination again to go back to normal speed.

Set the following controller bindings. Assign Select to Hotkey Enable, then assign each of the other buttons individually when prompted.

Setting	Button to assign	Combination during a game
Hotkey Enable	Select	Hold whilst pressing another hotkey
Fast-Forward (Toggle)	Right trigger (R2/RT/ZR)	Select + right trigger
Menu Toggle	Top face button (X on Nintendo, Y on Xbox, Triangle on PlayStation)	Select + top face button
Close Content	Start	Select + Start

Close Content closes the current game and leaves RetroArch open. The separate Quit hotkey closes RetroArch itself.

Save States

Save states let you save a snapshot of a game and return to it later. If you want to use them, these are the buttons I’d assign in the same Hotkeys menu:

Setting	Button to assign	Combination during a game
Save State	Left shoulder (L1/LB/L)	Select + left shoulder
Load State	Right shoulder (R1/RB/R)	Select + right shoulder

I use Hardcore mode with RetroAchievements, so I don’t personally use these save-state hotkeys. Hardcore mode prevents loading save states. You can still use the game’s own save system.

I also disable Confirm Quit/Close/Reset in the Input settings, although that’s a personal choice. Turning it off means the relevant hotkey acts on the first press, so leave it enabled if you’d prefer the extra confirmation.

Once you’re happy, head back to Main Menu > Configuration File > Save Current Configuration. You nearly forgot, didn’t you?

For more detail, see the official input and controls guide and RetroAchievements guide.

FRAME THROTTLE

Head on over to Settings > Frame Throttle and set Fast-Forward Rate to 4.0x. I use this for games like Pokémon, where I want to speed things up without making them uncontrollable. This sets a limit of roughly four times normal speed, although how fast you can actually go depends on your device and the core.

I also enable Fast-Forward Frameskip here. This skips drawing some frames whilst fast-forwarding, reducing the work needed to display the game.

For the audio, head over to Settings > Audio and enable Fast-Forward Audio Mute. This mutes the game whilst fast-forwarding. With the hotkey we set earlier, hold Select and press the right trigger to toggle fast-forward on or off.

ACHIEVEMENTS

RetroAchievements adds achievements to supported retro games. If you want to use it, create an account over at RetroAchievements, then head to Settings > Achievements in RetroArch. Enable Achievements and enter your username and password.

I enable Hardcore Mode too. This disables things like loading save states, rewind and cheats, so bear that in mind if you want to use the save-state hotkeys from earlier. The game’s own save system still works. Hardcore is my preference, but you can leave it off and still earn achievements.

Under Settings > Achievements > Visibility, I prefer to disable the leaderboard notifications. You can turn off the Leaderboard Start, Submit and Cancel Messages here, along with Leaderboard Trackers if you don’t want the on-screen counters. That’s up to you though; hiding these doesn’t disable the leaderboards themselves.

One thing I do like is a notification sound, so I enable Unlock Sound in the Achievements settings. If an achievement pops in the forest and nobody hears it, did I really earn it?

There’s more on supported cores and setting up your account in the official RetroAchievements guide.

DIRECTORY

Settings > Directory is where you choose the folders RetroArch uses for things like BIOS files and saves. We’ll come back to the BIOS folder when setting up a core that needs it.

Once that’s done, head back to Main Menu > Configuration File > Save Current Configuration. Is it becoming muscle memory yet?

VIDEO DRIVER

Before we get to the Online Updater, head on over to Settings > Drivers > Video. I choose Vulkan or OpenGL depending on the device. This also determines which shader pack we need to download. We’ll cover using shaders in a future guide, but we can get the files ready now.

The video driver is how RetroArch talks to your device’s graphics hardware. OpenGL is the older option, with broad support across devices; on mobile, you’ll usually be using OpenGL ES. Vulkan gives software more direct control over the GPU and can reduce the work the CPU spends on graphics. That can help performance, but Vulkan won’t automatically make every game faster. The device’s drivers and the core matter too. Android’s graphics documentation explains the API differences in more detail.

The names in the menu can be a little confusing. OpenGL has two relevant drivers, and they use different shader formats:

Video driver	What it’s for	Shader download
vulkan	Vulkan-capable devices and compatible cores. Some rendering options, such as ParaLLEl-RDP for N64, specifically need it.	Update Slang Shaders (.slangp presets)
gl	The traditional OpenGL/OpenGL ES driver, including many older and mobile devices.	Update GLSL Shaders (.glslp presets)
glcore	Modern OpenGL core-profile rendering where supported by the build and GPU.	Update Slang Shaders (.slangp presets)
d3d11 / d3d12	Direct3D alternatives on supported Windows builds and hardware.	Update Slang Shaders
metal	Apple-specific driver, where available; check the build’s support notes first.	Update Slang Shaders

These are RetroArch shader formats. Downloading a pack doesn’t apply a shader, and you can keep more than one pack installed if you switch drivers. Once you’ve saved and restarted with your chosen driver, we can update everything.

ONLINE UPDATER

Head to Main Menu > Online Updater. I work through the update options here before setting up my cores. Let each download and extraction finish before moving on to the next one.

The options you see depend on your platform and build. In particular, app-store and Steam builds can handle core installation differently. A missing option doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve done anything wrong.

Option	What it does and why we’re using it
Update Core Info Files	Refreshes the descriptions, accepted file extensions, firmware requirements and other information RetroArch uses to identify cores. This updates the information about the cores, rather than installing the emulators themselves.
Update Assets	Downloads menu icons, fonts and other interface assets. If your new XMB menu has missing icons, this is one of the first things to check.
Update Controller Profiles	Downloads automatic mappings for recognised controllers. Useful when connecting another controller, even though we’ve already checked our own bindings.
Update Databases	Refreshes the game databases used to recognise content during database scans. This helps identify games and build playlists.
Update Overlays	Downloads on-screen controls and other overlays. Particularly useful for touch controls on mobile.
Update Cheats	Downloads cheat-code files for supported games. Having the files installed doesn’t enable cheats; Hardcore mode restricts their use.
Update Slang Shaders	Downloads the shader collection for Vulkan, glcore and other Slang-capable drivers from the table above.
Update GLSL Shaders	Downloads shaders for the traditional gl driver. Use this if you’ve chosen that OpenGL/OpenGL ES driver.
Update Cg Shaders	Downloads the older Cg collection, if your build exposes it. Cg is deprecated; this is only relevant to a legacy setup that uses it.
Update Installed Cores	Updates the cores you’ve already downloaded. On a fresh installation there may be nothing to update yet; run it again after installing cores when you want newer versions.

The XMB menu map lists the updater’s main entries. You’ll also see downloaders and switches mixed in with the updates:

Other option	What it’s for
Core Downloader	Installs individual emulator cores. We’ll use this next; you don’t need to download every core.
Core System Files Downloader	Downloads redistributable support files for selected cores, such as Dolphin’s Sys folder. It isn’t a complete BIOS collection and won’t supply every console’s firmware.
Content Downloader	Downloads available homebrew, demos and other freely distributed content. It isn’t a catalogue of commercial console games.
Playlist Thumbnails Updater	Downloads artwork for games in an existing playlist. We’ll have a reason to use this once we’ve imported some games.
Thumbnails Updater	The older option for downloading a whole system’s artwork collection, if your build shows it. These downloads can be much larger than updating one playlist.
On-Demand Thumbnail Downloads	Fetches missing artwork as you browse your playlists. This is a switch, rather than a one-off update.
Switch Cores to Play Store Versions	Android Play Store builds only. Replaces eligible cores with store-delivered versions; it isn’t a routine step for a build downloaded from the RetroArch website.

These updates don’t update the RetroArch app itself. Update that through the store, package manager or download you originally used. Before updating cores you’ve been playing with, save normally inside the game: save states aren’t guaranteed to work across core versions.

DOWNLOADING CORES

Now we can download the emulator for the system you want to play. Head to Main Menu > Online Updater > Core Downloader, find the core and select it. You can also reach the downloader through Main Menu > Load Core > Download a Core on builds that provide it.

For now, choose one system and one core. You can add more later. On Steam, install the available core DLC through Steam; on the iPhone/iPad App Store version, use the bundled cores and update the app for newer ones. The full catalogue below covers more than any one device or store build will offer.

Choosing a Core

There are a lot of these! Search for your system below to compare the options. The whole row has a gold border for a recommended starting point, with the system and any hardware condition written in the row. Some systems have a second recommendation for weaker devices. For specialist machines with only one suitable entry, the gold row points you to that dedicated core; check its limitations before downloading it.

These comparisons come from Libretro’s core catalogue, with recommendations based on the documented features and tradeoffs. They aren’t a claim that I’ve personally tested every core on every device. The list includes all 325 named entries in the checked snapshot, including older versions, game engines and developer tests. A catalogue entry doesn’t guarantee that a downloadable build exists for your platform. Experimental systems may have no recommended row.

The file types are the extensions advertised by each core. They include playlists, executables and support formats as well as ROMs. A matching extension alone doesn’t prove a game will work; arcade games in particular need a ROM set that matches the core. Core names link to the source information for that exact entry.

Showing all 325 cores.

Core catalogue checked 2026-09-26. Gold borders and “Recommended” identify starting points for the systems named in those rows.

Core and system	Pros	Cons / things to check	File types
Acorn - BBC Micro (b2)BBC MicroEmulatorRecommended for BBC Micro	Disc swapping; Configurable core options; Software rendering; Can start without loading content.	No save-state support declared; Marked experimental.	.ssd, .dsd
Amstrad - CPC/GX4000 (Caprice32)CPC/GX4000EmulatorRecommended for Amstrad CPC / GX4000	Broad CPC/GX4000 coverage and automatic game launching.	Some games still need a launch command in an M3U playlist.	.dsk, .sna, .zip, .tap, .cdt, .voc, .cpr, .m3u
Apple II (AppleWin)IIEmulatorRecommended for Apple II	Dedicated Apple II emulation.	Apple II software and controls need a computer-specific setup; this is not a Macintosh core.	.bin, .do, .dsk, .nib, .po, .gz, .woz, .zip, .2mg, .2img, .iie, .apl, .hdv, .yaml, .m3u
Aquaplus - P/ECE (piece-emu)P/ECEEmulatorRecommended for Aquaplus P/ECE	Software rendering.	No save-state support declared.	.pfi
Arcade (DICE)Arcade (various)EmulatorRecommended for Supported discrete-logic arcade games	Configurable core options.	No save-state support declared.	.zip, .dmy, .k1, .a1, .6c, .c6, .d2, .s1, .f4, .a4, .1da, .da1, .C4, .4c, .4d, .d7, .d4
Arcade (FinalBurn Neo)Arcade (various)EmulatorRecommended for Arcade / Neo Geo AES and MVS (supported games)	Good arcade starting point with strong RetroArch integration.	Needs matching FBNeo ROM sets; MAME supports additional machines.	.zip, .7z, .cue, .ccd
Arcade (HBMAME)Arcade (various)EmulatorRecommended for HBMAME hacks and homebrew	Arcade hacks and homebrew beyond normal MAME sets.	Needs HBMAME sets; use MAME or FBNeo for standard arcade games.	.zip, .chd, .7z, .cmd
Arcade (MAME)Arcade (various)EmulatorRecommended for Arcade machines missing from FBNeo	Broad arcade coverage based on current MAME.	ROM sets must match; can be more demanding than FinalBurn Neo.	.cmd, .zip, .7z
Arcadia 2001 / Interton VC 4000 (AmiArcadia)Arcadia 2001EmulatorRecommended for Arcadia 2001 / Interton VC 4000	Arcadia 2001 and related Signetics-based machines.	Several different machines share the core; match the game to its hardware.	.bin, .tvc
Arduboy (Arduous)ArduboyEmulatorRecommended for Arduboy	Dedicated Arduboy support.	No save-state support declared.	.hex
Atari - 2600 (Stella)Atari 2600EmulatorRecommended for Atari 2600	Current Stella-based Atari 2600 emulation.	Older Stella branches can be faster on weak hardware.	.a26, .bin
Atari - 400/800/600XL/800XL/130XE/5200 (Atari800)Atari 8-bit FamilyEmulatorRecommended for Atari 8-bit computers	Atari 8-bit computers and 5200 in one core.	Machine selection and BIOS configuration need more attention than a5200.	.xfd, .atr, .dcm, .cas, .bin, .a52, .zip, .atx, .car, .rom, .com, .xex, .m3u
Atari - 5200 (a5200)Atari 5200EmulatorRecommended for Atari 5200	Simple Atari 5200 loading on modest hardware.	For Atari computers, use Atari800 instead.	.a52, .bin
Atari - 7800 (ProSystem)Atari 7800EmulatorRecommended for Atari 7800	Dedicated Atari 7800 core with save states.	Only covers the 7800; use Stella for Atari 2600 games.	.a78, .bin, .cdf
Atari - Jaguar (Virtual Jaguar)JaguarEmulatorRecommended for Atari Jaguar / Jaguar CD	Jaguar and Jaguar CD, including link-play options.	Some CD images need newer CHD session metadata; performance varies by game.	.j64, .jag, .rom, .abs, .cof, .bin, .prg, .cue, .cdi, .chd
Atari - Lynx (Handy)LynxEmulatorRecommended for Atari Lynx	Mature Lynx emulation with screen rotation.	The Lynx’s 75 Hz output can look uneven on a 60 Hz display.	.lnx, .lyx, .o
Atari - ST / STE / TT / Falcon (Hatari)Atari ST/STE/TT/FalconEmulatorRecommended for Atari ST / STE / TT / Falcon	Wide Atari ST/STE/TT/Falcon coverage.	Needs a TOS image; 2014 is an older branch.	.st, .msa, .zip, .stx, .dim, .ipf, .vhd, .gem, .ide, .m3u
Bandai - Tamagotchi P1 (TamaLIBretro)Tamagotchi P1EmulatorRecommended for Tamagotchi P1	Emulates first-generation Tamagotchi hardware.	Limited to P1; not a general Tamagotchi-family emulator.	.b, .bin, .rom
Bandai - WonderSwan/Color (Beetle Wonderswan)WonderSwan/ColorEmulatorRecommended for WonderSwan / Color	WonderSwan and WonderSwan Color in one core.	Vertical games need the appropriate screen orientation and controls.	.ws, .wsc, .pc2, .pcv2
BBKEmu (BBK Electronic Dictionary)BBK Electronic DictionaryEmulatorRecommended for BBK dictionaries	BBK electronic-dictionary games.	Requires the model’s font and operating-system ROMs.	.gam
CHIP-8/S-CHIP/XO-CHIP (JAXE)CHIP-8EmulatorRecommended for CHIP-8 / S-CHIP / XO-CHIP	CHIP-8, S-CHIP and XO-CHIP support.	For CHIP-8-family programs, not commercial console ROMs.	.ch8, .sc8, .xo8
Coleco - ColecoVision / ADAM (Gearcoleco)ColecoVision / ADAMEmulatorRecommended for ColecoVision / ADAM	ColecoVision and ADAM, including SGM and specialist controllers.	ADAM media and unusual controllers need their own configuration.	.col, .cv, .bin, .rom, .zip, .ddp, .dsk, .m3u
ColecoVision/CreatiVision/My Vision (JollyCV)ColecoVision/CreatiVision/My VisionEmulatorRecommended for CreatiVision / My Vision	ColecoVision, CreatiVision and My Vision with SGM support.	Different machines need different games and control layouts.	.col, .rom, .myv, .bin
Commodore - Amiga (PUAE)AmigaEmulatorRecommended for Amiga	Amiga emulation with good gamepad integration.	Correct Kickstart ROMs improve compatibility over the bundled fallback.	.adf, .adz, .dms, .fdi, .ipf, .hdf, .hdz, .lha, .slave, .info, .cue, .ccd, .nrg, .mds, .iso, .chd, .uae, .m3u, .zip, .7z, .rp9, ./
Commodore - C128 (VICE x128)C128EmulatorRecommended for Commodore 128	C128 features including its 80-column display and Z80.	C128 modes and keyboard controls add setup compared with a dedicated C64 core.	.d64, .d71, .d80, .d81, .d82, .g64, .g41, .x64, .t64, .tap, .prg, .p00, .crt, .bin, .zip, .gz, .d6z, .d7z, .d8z, .g6z, .g4z, .x6z, .cmd, .m3u, .vfl, .vsf, .nib, .nbz, .d2m, .d4m, ./
Commodore - C64 (VICE x64sc, accurate)C64EmulatorRecommended for Commodore 64	Accurate, cycle-based C64 graphics emulation.	More demanding than VICE x64 fast.	.d64, .d71, .d80, .d81, .d82, .g64, .g41, .x64, .t64, .tap, .prg, .p00, .crt, .bin, .zip, .gz, .d6z, .d7z, .d8z, .g6z, .g4z, .x6z, .cmd, .m3u, .vfl, .vsf, .nib, .nbz, .d2m, .d4m, ./
Commodore - C64 SuperCPU (VICE xscpu64)C64 SuperCPUEmulatorRecommended for Commodore 64 with SuperCPU	C64 with the SuperCPU accelerator.	Specialist accelerated configuration; use x64sc for a normal C64.	.d64, .d71, .d80, .d81, .d82, .g64, .g41, .x64, .t64, .tap, .prg, .p00, .crt, .bin, .zip, .gz, .d6z, .d7z, .d8z, .g6z, .g4z, .x6z, .cmd, .m3u, .vfl, .vsf, .nib, .nbz, .d2m, .d4m, ./
Commodore - C64DTV (VICE x64dtv)C64DTVEmulatorRecommended for Commodore C64DTV	Emulates C64DTV revisions 2 and 3.	DTV-specific emulation is still incomplete.	.d64, .d71, .d80, .d81, .d82, .g64, .g41, .x64, .t64, .tap, .prg, .p00, .crt, .bin, .zip, .gz, .d6z, .d7z, .d8z, .g6z, .g4z, .x6z, .cmd, .m3u, .vfl, .vsf, .nib, .nbz, .d2m, .d4m, ./
Commodore - CBM-II 5x0 (VICE xcbm5x0)CBM-5x0EmulatorRecommended for Commodore CBM-II 5x0	Dedicated support for these Commodore models.	Some hardware emulation remains experimental.	.d64, .d71, .d80, .d81, .d82, .g64, .g41, .x64, .t64, .tap, .prg, .p00, .crt, .bin, .zip, .gz, .d6z, .d7z, .d8z, .g6z, .g4z, .x6z, .cmd, .m3u, .vfl, .vsf, .nib, .nbz, .d2m, .d4m, ./
Commodore - CBM-II 6x0/7x0 (VICE xcbm2)CBM-IIEmulatorRecommended for Commodore CBM-II 6x0/7x0	Covers CBM-II 6x0 and 7x0 computers.	The CBM-II 5x0 family needs the separate xcbm5x0 core.	.d64, .d71, .d80, .d81, .d82, .g64, .g41, .x64, .t64, .tap, .prg, .p00, .crt, .bin, .zip, .gz, .d6z, .d7z, .d8z, .g6z, .g4z, .x6z, .cmd, .m3u, .vfl, .vsf, .nib, .nbz, .d2m, .d4m, ./
Commodore - PET (VICE xpet)PETEmulatorRecommended for Commodore PET	Covers the PET range, including 40- and 80-column models.	Some less-used display timing features are unimplemented.	.d64, .d71, .d80, .d81, .d82, .g64, .g41, .x64, .t64, .tap, .prg, .p00, .crt, .bin, .zip, .gz, .d6z, .d7z, .d8z, .g6z, .g4z, .x6z, .cmd, .m3u, .vfl, .vsf, .nib, .nbz, .d2m, .d4m, ./
Commodore - PLUS/4 (VICE xplus4)PLUS/4EmulatorRecommended for Commodore Plus/4 / C16	Dedicated support for these Commodore models.	Some hardware emulation remains experimental.	.d64, .d71, .d80, .d81, .d82, .g64, .g41, .x64, .t64, .tap, .prg, .p00, .crt, .bin, .zip, .gz, .d6z, .d7z, .d8z, .g6z, .g4z, .x6z, .cmd, .m3u, .vfl, .vsf, .nib, .nbz, .d2m, .d4m, ./
Commodore - VIC-20 (VICE xvic)VIC-20EmulatorRecommended for VIC-20	Dedicated VIC-20 hardware emulation.	NTSC interlace mode is not implemented.	.d64, .d71, .d80, .d81, .d82, .g64, .g41, .x64, .t64, .tap, .prg, .p00, .crt, .bin, .zip, .gz, .d6z, .d7z, .d8z, .g6z, .g4z, .x6z, .cmd, .m3u, .vfl, .vsf, .nib, .nbz, .d2m, .d4m, .20, .40, .60, .a0, .b0, .rom, ./
Dingoo A320 / Gemei A330 (DingooEmu)Dingoo A320EmulatorRecommended for Dingoo / Gemei native games	Dingoo A320 and Gemei A330 native game formats.	Does not turn arbitrary emulators bundled on a Dingoo into supported games.	.app, .cc, .c2s, .c3s
DOS (DOSBox-Pure)DOSEmulatorRecommended for DOS games	Loads DOS games from ZIPs with gamepad mappings.	Game-focused workflow; DOSBox-core suits more manual configuration.	.zip, .dosz, .exe, .com, .bat, .iso, .chd, .cue, .ins, .img, .ima, .vhd, .jrc, .tc, .m3u, .m3u8, .conf, ./
Elektronika - BK-0010/BK-0011(M)BK-0010/BK-0011(M)ComputerRecommended for Elektronika BK computers	BK-series and related PDP-11 computer emulation.	Much of the original interface and software is in Russian.	.bin
Enterprise - 64/128 (ep128emu)128EmulatorRecommended for Enterprise / Videoton TVC	Enterprise and TVC plus CPC and Spectrum variants.	Choose the right machine and firmware; dedicated cores may be simpler for CPC/Spectrum.	.img, .dsk, .tap, .dtf, .com, .trn, .128, .bas, .cas, .cdt, .tzx, .wav, .tvcwav, ..
Epoch - Cassette Vision (PD777)Epoch Cassette VisionEmulatorRecommended for Cassette Vision	Configurable core options.	No save-state support declared.	.zip, .bin777, .ptn777
EPOCH/YENO Super Cassette VisionSuper Cassette VisionEmulatorRecommended for Super Cassette Vision	Dedicated Super Cassette Vision emulation.	Super Cassette Vision is different hardware from the original Cassette Vision.	.cart, .bin, .rom, .0, .zip
Eternal ComputerEternal ComputerEmulatorRecommended for Eternal Computer	Subleq+ Eternal Computer support.	Specialist computer environment rather than a conventional console.	.capsule, .bootimage
Fairchild - ChannelF (FreeChaF)Channel FEmulatorRecommended for Channel F	Lightweight Channel F emulation with gamepad controls.	Requires Channel F BIOS files.	.bin, .chf
GAM4980Longman 4980EmulatorRecommended for Longman A4980	Longman A4980 electronic-dictionary emulation.	Targets this specific dictionary hardware and its software.	.gam
GCE - Vectrex (vecx)VectrexEmulatorRecommended for Vectrex	Vectrex with software and hardware rendering options.	Default software resolution is low; higher resolutions cost performance.	.bin, .vec
Handheld Electronic (GW)Handheld ElectronicEmulatorRecommended for Game & Watch-style recreations	Easy access to recreated LCD handheld games.	Simulates observed behaviour; not hardware-accurate emulation.	.mgw
Infocom Z-Machine (MojoZork)Z-MachineEmulatorRecommended for Z-Machine adventures	Z-Machine text adventures.	Text input is central to these games; a keyboard is useful.	.dat, .z1, .z3
Laserdisc arcade game (DirkSimple)Laserdisc arcade gameEmulatorRecommended for Supported laserdisc games	Plays supported laserdisc arcade games.	Requires the appropriate laserdisc game data and video.	.ogv, .dirksimple
Mac II (minivmac)Mac68kEmulatorRecommended for Classic 68k Macintosh	Dedicated Mac68k support.	No save-state support declared.	.dsk, .img, .zip, .hvf, .cmd
Magnavox - Odyssey2 / Philips Videopac+ (O2EM)Magnavox Odyssey2 / Philips Videopac+EmulatorRecommended for Odyssey² / Videopac	Dedicated Odyssey² and Videopac emulation.	Needs the system firmware listed in the core information.	.bin
Mattel - Intellivision (FreeIntv)IntellivisionEmulatorRecommended for Intellivision	Intellivision in a dedicated core.	Does not emulate Intellivoice or the Entertainment Computer System.	.int, .bin, .rom
Mega Duck / Cougar Boy (SameDuck)Mega DuckEmulatorRecommended for Mega Duck	SameBoy-derived Mega Duck emulation.	Targets Mega Duck; use SameBoy for GB/GBC games.	.bin, .duck
Mobile - J2ME (FreeJ2ME-Plus)J2MEEmulatorRecommended for Java ME games	Improved Java ME compatibility and Libretro integration.	Needs Java-side setup; game compatibility varies.	.jar, .kjx
MSX/SVI/ColecoVision/SG-1000 (blueMSX)MSX/SVI/ColecoVision/SG-1000EmulatorRecommended for MSX / SVI	MSX generations plus SVI, ColecoVision and SG-1000.	Requires the blueMSX Databases and Machines folders.	.rom, .ri, .mx1, .mx2, .dsk, .col, .sg, .sc, .sf, .cas, .m3u
Multi (MAME/MESS)Multi (various)EmulatorRecommended for MAME software-list computers and consoles	MAME computer and console coverage.	More complex setup than dedicated console cores; needs matching software lists.	.cmd, .zip, .7z
Native32 (Native32Emu)Native32EmulatorRecommended for Sunplus Native32	Sunplus Native32 files and packaged games.	Requires Native32 software; unrelated console ROMs do not apply.	.smf, .sgm, .ssl, .zip
NEC - PC Engine / SuperGrafx / CD (Beetle PCE)PC Engine/SuperGrafx/CDEmulatorRecommended for PC Engine / TurboGrafx-16 / CD / SuperGrafx	Accurate PCE, CD and SuperGrafx support.	More demanding than the Fast and SuperGrafx variants.	.pce, .sgx, .cue, .ccd, .chd, .toc, .m3u
NEC - PC-88 series (QUASI88)PC-88 seriesEmulatorRecommended for PC-88	PC-88 emulation with BIOS/font fallbacks.	Disk swapping uses its own controls rather than the standard disk-control interface.	.d88, .u88, .m3u
NEC - PC-98 (Neko Project II Kai)PC-98EmulatorRecommended for PC-98	Maintained Neko Project II branch for PC-98.	Computer-specific firmware and disk setup can take extra work.	.d98, .zip, .98d, .fdi, .fdd, .2hd, .tfd, .d88, .88d, .hdm, .xdf, .dup, .cmd, .hdi, .thd, .nhd, .hdd, .hdn
NEC - PC-FX (Beetle PC-FX)PC-FXEmulatorRecommended for PC-FX	Dedicated Mednafen-based PC-FX support.	Needs PC-FX firmware and correctly prepared disc images.	.cue, .ccd, .toc, .chd
Nicai (NicaiEmu)NicaiEmulatorRecommended for Nicai/MStar CBE	Nicai/MStar CBE games.	Restricted to the CBE content format.	.cbe
Nintendo - 3DS (Azahar)3DSEmulatorRecommended for Nintendo 3DS (where available)	3DS emulation based on the Citra family.	Needs decrypted games; some require Mii data. Older or experimental branches differ in compatibility.	.3ds, .3dsx, .z3dsx, .elf, .axf, .cci, .zcci, .cxi, .zcxi, .app
Nintendo - DS (melonDS DS)Nintendo DSEmulatorRecommended for Nintendo DS / DSi	DS layouts, upscaling and Wi-Fi emulation; follows standalone melonDS.	DS/DSi firmware and rendering requirements depend on the mode selected.	.nds, .ids, .dsi
Nintendo - Game Boy / Color (Gambatte)Game Boy/Game Boy ColorEmulatorRecommended for Game Boy / Game Boy Color (weaker devices)	Fast GB/GBC emulation on modest devices.	SameBoy and Gearboy cover accuracy edge cases better.	.gb, .gbc, .dmg
Nintendo - Game Boy / Color (SameBoy)Game Boy/Game Boy ColorEmulatorRecommended for Game Boy / Game Boy Color (capable devices)	Very accurate GB/GBC emulation with link-cable support.	Higher CPU requirements than Gambatte.	.gb, .gbc
Nintendo - Game Boy Advance (mGBA)Game Boy/Game Boy Color/Game Boy AdvanceEmulatorRecommended for Game Boy Advance	Good GBA accuracy and compatibility; also loads GB/GBC games.	gpSP can be faster on devices that struggle with mGBA.	.gb, .gbc, .gba
Nintendo - GameCube / Wii (Dolphin)GameCube / WiiEmulatorRecommended for GameCube / Wii (where available)	GameCube and Wii games inside RetroArch.	Needs the Dolphin Sys folder; exposes fewer options than standalone Dolphin.	.gcm, .iso, .wbfs, .ciso, .gcz, .elf, .dol, .dff, .tgc, .wad, .rvz, .m3u, .wia
Nintendo - NES / Famicom (Mesen)Nintendo Entertainment SystemEmulatorRecommended for NES / Famicom / Famicom Disk System	Accurate NES emulation; supports HD replacement packs.	Needs more CPU power than FCEUmm or QuickNES.	.nes, .fds, .unf, .unif
Nintendo - Nintendo 64 (Mupen64Plus-Next)Nintendo 64EmulatorRecommended for Nintendo 64	N64 with several graphics plugins to suit different games.	Plugin requirements vary; ParaLLEl-RDP needs Vulkan and capable hardware.	.n64, .v64, .z64, .ndd, .bin, .u1
Nintendo - Pokemon Mini (PokeMini)Pokemon MiniEmulatorRecommended for Pokémon Mini	Dedicated Pokémon Mini emulation.	Runs Pokémon Mini games; Game Boy Pokémon games need a Game Boy core.	.min
Nintendo - SNES / SFC (Snes9x)Super Nintendo Entertainment SystemEmulatorRecommended for SNES / Super Famicom	Balances SNES compatibility, accuracy and speed.	Older Snes9x snapshots can be faster on very weak devices.	.smc, .sfc, .swc, .fig, .bs, .st
Nintendo - Virtual Boy (Beetle VB)Virtual BoyEmulatorRecommended for Virtual Boy	Virtual Boy with several stereoscopic display modes.	Full 3D effects depend on glasses or a suitable display.	.vb, .vboy, .bin
Nintendo - Wii U (Cemu)Wii UEmulatorRecommended for Wii U (where available)	Wii U emulation with TV and GamePad screen layouts.	No save states; needs Vulkan or OpenGL 4.5.	.wud, .wux, .wua, .iso, .rpx, .elf, .tmd
Oberon RISC EmulatorOberon RISC machineEmulatorRecommended for Oberon RISC	Oberon RISC system for exploring its operating environment.	Designed around a computer interface, not controller-first console games.	.dsk
Palm OS (Mu)Palm OSEmulatorRecommended for Palm m515	Palm m515 hardware emulation.	Palm software needs its own firmware and input workflow.	.prc, .pqa, .img, .pdb, .zip
Philips - CDi (SAME CDi)CD-iEmulatorRecommended for Philips CD-i	Dedicated CD-i loading based on newer MAME code.	Still needs compatible CD-i BIOS and disc images.	.chd, .iso, .cue
Philips - P2000T (M2000)P2000TEmulatorRecommended for Philips P2000T	Dedicated Philips P2000T emulation.	Targets the P2000T computer and its specific media.	.cas
Picocomputer 6502Picocomputer 6502EmulatorRecommended for Picocomputer 6502	Picocomputer 6502 support.	Requires software written for the RP6502 environment.	.rp6502
RPG Maker 2000/2003 (EasyRPG)RPG Maker 2000/2003 Game EngineGame engineRecommended for RPG Maker 2000/2003	Plays RPG Maker 2000/2003 and EasyRPG games.	Does not cover later RPG Maker engines; games may need runtime assets.	.ldb, .zip, .lzh, .easyrpg
ScummVMScummVM Game EngineGameRecommended for Supported adventure games	Many classic adventure games with a shared interface.	Requires each game’s data files and the correct engine support.	.scummvm
Sega - Dreamcast/Naomi (Flycast)Sega DreamcastEmulatorRecommended for Dreamcast / NAOMI / NAOMI 2 / Atomiswave	Dreamcast, NAOMI, NAOMI 2 and Atomiswave support.	Needs suitable graphics support; arcade games need matching ROM sets.	.chd, .cdi, .elf, .bin, .cue, .gdi, .lst, .zip, .dat, .7z, .m3u
Sega - Model 3 (Supermodel)Model 3EmulatorRecommended for Sega Model 3 (where available)	Save states; Configurable core options.	Graphics requirement: OpenGL >= 2.1|OpenGL ES >= 3.0.	.zip, .chd, .7z
Sega - MS/GG/MD/CD (Genesis Plus GX)Sega 8/16-bit (Various)EmulatorRecommended for Mega Drive / Genesis / Sega CD	Accurate Mega Drive, Sega CD and Sega 8-bit support.	Does not emulate 32X; use PicoDrive for that.	.mdx, .md, .smd, .gen, .bin, .cue, .iso, .sms, .bms, .gg, .sg, .68k, .sgd, .chd, .m3u
Sega - MS/GG/MD/CD/32X (PicoDrive)Sega 8/16-bit + 32X (Various)EmulatorRecommended for 32X	Fast Sega emulation including 32X.	Lower accuracy than Genesis Plus GX for systems both support.	.bin, .gen, .smd, .md, .32x, .cue, .iso, .chd, .sms, .gg, .sg, .sc, .m3u, .68k, .sgd, .pco
Sega - MS/GG/SG-1000 (Gearsystem)Sega 8-bit (MS/GG/SG-1000)EmulatorRecommended for Master System / Game Gear / SG-1000	Accurate Master System, Game Gear and SG-1000 support.	Does not cover Mega Drive, Sega CD or 32X.	.sms, .gg, .sg, .mv, .bin, .rom
Sega - Saturn (Beetle Saturn)SaturnEmulatorRecommended for Saturn (accuracy; needs a fast CPU)	Accurate Saturn software emulation.	High CPU requirements; no hardware resolution upscaling.	.ccd, .chd, .cue, .toc, .m3u, .zip
Sharp - X68000 (PX68k)Sharp X68000EmulatorRecommended for Sharp X68000	X68000 with direct game loading and a built-in menu.	Computer firmware, disk selection and controls need configuration.	.dim, .img, .d88, .88d, .hdm, .dup, .2hd, .xdf, .hdf, .cmd, .m3u
Sharp X1 (X Millennium)Sharp X1ComputerRecommended for Sharp X1	Sharp X1 emulation.	Needs xmil firmware; opening disk images from its GUI is not working.	.dx1, .zip, .2d, .2hd, .tfd, .d88, .88d, .hdm, .xdf, .dup, .tap, .cmd
Sinclair - ZX 81 (EightyOne)ZX81EmulatorRecommended for ZX81	ZX81 with automatic setup for recognised games.	This port does not include EightyOne’s Spectrum emulation.	.p, .tzx, .t81
Sinclair - ZX Spectrum (Fuse)ZX Spectrum (various)EmulatorRecommended for ZX Spectrum	Wide Spectrum and clone-machine support.	Some clones need extra BIOS files; ZX81 needs EightyOne instead.	.tzx, .tap, .z80, .rzx, .scl, .trd, .dsk, .dck, .sna, .szx, .zip, .ipf
SNK - Neo Geo AES/MVS/CD (Geolith)Neo GeoEmulatorRecommended for Neo Geo AES/MVS using .neo files	Neo Geo AES/MVS with a console-style loading workflow.	Uses .neo files; ordinary arcade ZIP sets need a different core.	.neo, .cue, .chd
SNK - Neo Geo CD (NeoCD)SNK Neo Geo CDEmulatorRecommended for Neo Geo CD	Dedicated Neo Geo CD with straightforward disc loading.	Needs Neo Geo CD BIOS files; does not replace an AES/MVS core.	.cue, .chd
SNK - Neo Geo Pocket / Color (Beetle NeoPop)Neo Geo Pocket (Color)EmulatorRecommended for Neo Geo Pocket / Color	Neo Geo Pocket and Color using the NeoPop lineage.	RACE is a faster fallback if this core struggles on your device.	.ngp, .ngc, .ngpc, .npc
Sony - PlayStation (PCSX ReARMed)PlayStationEmulatorRecommended for PlayStation (weaker devices)	Fast PS1 emulation, especially on ARM devices.	No increased internal resolution; NEON variant needs compatible ARM hardware.	.bin, .cue, .img, .mdf, .pbp, .toc, .cbn, .m3u, .ccd, .chd, .iso, .exe
Sony - PlayStation (SwanStation)PlayStationEmulatorRecommended for PlayStation (capable devices)	PS1 upscaling, hardware rendering and visual enhancements.	Requires a PS1 BIOS and a supported renderer for hardware features.	.exe, .psexe, .cue, .bin, .img, .iso, .chd, .pbp, .ecm, .mds, .psf, .m3u
Sony - PlayStation 2 (LRPS2)Sony PlayStation 2EmulatorRecommended for PlayStation 2 (supported desktop builds)	Broad PS2 compatibility from the PCSX2 family.	LRPS2 is a separate fork; demanding hardware and BIOS setup, limited platform availability.	.elf, .iso, .ciso, .cue, .bin, .gz, .chd, .cso, .zso, .mdf, .nrg, .dump, .img, .m3u
Sony - PlayStation Portable (PPSSPP)PSPEmulatorRecommended for PSP	PSP upscaling, texture options and broad graphics support.	Some features need the PPSSPP asset files in the system folder.	.elf, .iso, .cso, .prx, .pbp, .chd
Sony - PocketStation (pokketstation)PocketStationEmulatorRecommended for PocketStation	PocketStation emulation using PlayStation memory-card dumps.	Needs PocketStation content on a memory-card image; it does not run PS1 disc games.	.bin, .gme, .mcr, .mcs, .pss
SPMP8000 (SPMP8000Emu)SPMP8000EmulatorRecommended for Sunplus SPMP8000	Sunplus SPMP8000 software support.	Needs software for this specific handheld chipset.	.bin
Texas Instruments TI-83 (Numero)TI83EmulatorRecommended for TI-83 calculators	TI-83 emulation with gamepad and mouse input.	Calculator programs need the correct calculator environment.	.8xp, .8xk, .8xg
The 3DO Company - 3DO (Opera)3DOEmulatorRecommended for 3DO	Dedicated 3DO implementation continuing 4DO.	Requires a compatible 3DO BIOS.	.iso, .bin, .chd, .cue
Thomson - MO/TO (Theodore)Thomson MO/TOEmulatorRecommended for Thomson MO/TO	Thomson MO/TO family with an on-screen keyboard.	Software must match the selected computer model.	.fd, .sap, .k7, .m7, .m5, .rom
Uxn / Varvara (zuxn)Uxn / VarvaraEmulatorRecommended for Uxn / Varvara	Runs Uxn/Varvara programs.	Requires software written for the Varvara environment.	.rom
Uzebox (Uzem)UzeboxEmulatorRecommended for Uzebox	Emulates the open Uzebox console.	Runs Uzebox software, not ROMs for unrelated 8-bit consoles.	.uze
VaporSpecVaporSpecEmulatorRecommended for VaporSpec	Virtual console for original retro-style games.	Needs VaporSpec games; not an emulator for a historical console.	.vaporbin
VirtualXTPC/XTEmulatorRecommended for PC/XT	Lightweight PC/XT emulation.	Targets early 8088/V20 hardware, not later DOS PCs.	.img, .zip
VM Labs - NUON (Nuance)NUONEmulatorRecommended for NUON (where available)	Dedicated NUON support.	No save-state support declared; Graphics requirement: OpenGL >= 2.1 | OpenGL ES >= 3.0.	.run, .cof, .nuon, .cd, .iso, .img, .chd
Watara - Supervision (Potator)SupervisionEmulatorRecommended for Watara Supervision	Dedicated Watara Supervision support.	A specialist handheld core; metadata offers no cross-core performance comparison.	.bin, .sv
Wenquxing (WQXEmu)WenquxingEmulatorRecommended for Wenquxing dictionaries	Several Wenquxing dictionary models.	Requires original firmware in a model-specific subfolder.	No content extensions listed; see the core notes.
20482048 Game CloneGame	Self-contained puzzle game with very low requirements.	Plays this game only; not a console emulator.	No content extensions listed; see the core notes.
Amstrad - CPC (CrocoDS)CPCEmulator	CPC emulation designed for very weak hardware.	Caprice32 covers a wider CPC/GX4000 range.	.dsk, .sna, .kcr
AnarchAnarchGame	Small standalone retro-style shooter.	Its own game rather than a Doom-compatible engine.	No content extensions listed; see the core notes.
Arcade (Daphne)Arcade (various)Emulator	Configurable core options; Software rendering.	No save-state support declared; Marked experimental.	.zip
Arcade (FB Alpha 2012 CPS-1)CP System IEmulator	Older, smaller arcade option for resource-limited devices.	Requires its matching FBA ROM set; limited variants cover only the named hardware. Prefer FBNeo where possible.	.zip
Arcade (FB Alpha 2012 CPS-2)CP System IIEmulator	Older, smaller arcade option for resource-limited devices.	Requires its matching FBA ROM set; limited variants cover only the named hardware. Prefer FBNeo where possible.	.zip
Arcade (FB Alpha 2012 CPS-3)CP System IIIEmulator	Older, smaller arcade option for resource-limited devices.	Requires its matching FBA ROM set; limited variants cover only the named hardware. Prefer FBNeo where possible.	.zip
Arcade (FB Alpha 2012 Neo Geo)Neo GeoEmulator	Older, smaller arcade option for resource-limited devices.	Requires its matching FBA ROM set; limited variants cover only the named hardware. Prefer FBNeo where possible.	.zip
Arcade (FB Alpha 2012)Arcade (various)Emulator	Older, smaller arcade option for resource-limited devices.	Requires its matching FBA ROM set; limited variants cover only the named hardware. Prefer FBNeo where possible.	.iso, .zip, .7z
Arcade (FinalBurn Neo) (CPS-1 / CPS-2)CP System I/IIEmulator	Smaller FinalBurn Neo builds for constrained devices.	Only the named hardware subset; use full FBNeo where available.	.zip, .7z
Arcade (FinalBurn Neo) (Neo-Geo)Neo GeoEmulator	Smaller FinalBurn Neo builds for constrained devices.	Only the named hardware subset; use full FBNeo where available.	.zip, .7z, .cue, .ccd
Arcade (MAME 2000)Arcade (various)Emulator	Older MAME branch useful on hardware that struggles with current MAME.	Requires the ROM set for this exact branch; misses later emulation fixes.	.zip, .7z
Arcade (MAME 2003 Midway)Arcade (various)Emulator	Older MAME branch useful on hardware that struggles with current MAME.	Requires the ROM set for this exact branch; misses later emulation fixes.	.zip
Arcade (MAME 2003)Arcade (various)Emulator	Older MAME branch useful on hardware that struggles with current MAME.	Requires the ROM set for this exact branch; misses later emulation fixes.	.zip
Arcade (MAME 2003-Plus)Arcade (various)Emulator	Older MAME branch useful on hardware that struggles with current MAME.	Requires the ROM set for this exact branch; misses later emulation fixes.	.zip
Arcade (MAME 2009)Arcade (various)Emulator	Older MAME branch useful on hardware that struggles with current MAME.	Requires the ROM set for this exact branch; misses later emulation fixes.	.zip, .7z
Arcade (MAME 2010)Arcade (various)Emulator	Older MAME branch useful on hardware that struggles with current MAME.	Requires the ROM set for this exact branch; misses later emulation fixes.	.zip, .7z
Arcade (MAME 2015)Arcade (various)Emulator	Older MAME branch useful on hardware that struggles with current MAME.	Requires the ROM set for this exact branch; misses later emulation fixes.	.cmd, .zip, .7z
Arcade (MAME 2016)Arcade (various)Emulator	Older MAME branch useful on hardware that struggles with current MAME.	Requires the ROM set for this exact branch; misses later emulation fixes.	.cmd, .zip, .7z
Arcade (MAME/Arcade)Arcade (various)Emulator	Broad arcade coverage based on current MAME.	ROM sets must match; can be more demanding than FinalBurn Neo.	.cmd, .zip, .7z
Arduboy (Ardens)ArduboyEmulator	Arduboy FX simulation with profiling/debugging emphasis.	Developer-oriented features are more than needed for basic Arduboy play.	.hex, .arduboy
Atari - 2600 (Stella 2014)Atari 2600Emulator	Older Stella snapshots for constrained platforms.	Miss later compatibility improvements; try current Stella first.	.a26, .bin
Atari - 2600 (Stella 2023)Atari 2600Emulator	Older Stella snapshots for constrained platforms.	Miss later compatibility improvements; try current Stella first.	.a26, .bin
Atari - 2600 (Tia)Atari 2600Emulator	Atari 2600 with several controller types and cartridge mappers.	Check game and peripheral compatibility against established Stella builds.	.a26, .bin
Atari - Lynx (Beetle Lynx)LynxEmulator	Mednafen-derived Lynx emulation.	Older Handy fork; regular Handy is the more practical starting point.	.lnx, .lyx, .bll, .o
Atari - Lynx (Gearlynx)LynxEmulator	Lynx alternatives focused on hardware accuracy.	Check game compatibility and performance against Handy on your device.	.lnx, .lyx, .o, .bin
Atari - Lynx (Holani)LynxEmulator	Lynx alternatives focused on hardware accuracy.	Check game compatibility and performance against Handy on your device.	.lnx, .o
Atari - ST / STE / TT / Falcon (Hatari 2014)Atari ST/STE/TT/FalconEmulator	Wide Atari ST/STE/TT/Falcon coverage.	Needs a TOS image; 2014 is an older branch.	.st, .msa, .zip, .stx, .dim, .ipf, .vhd, .gem, .ide, .m3u
Atari - ST/STE/TT/Falcon (hatariB)Atari ST/STE/TT/FalconEmulator	Atari ST family with an included EmuTOS fallback.	A real TOS image is still recommended for compatibility.	.st, .msa, .dim, .stx, .ipf, .ctr, .m3u, .m3u8, .zip, .zst, .gz, .acsi, .ahd, .vhd, .scsi, .shd, .ide, .gem
Bennu Game DevelopmentBennu Game DevelopmentGame engine	Configurable core options; Software rendering.	No save-state support declared.	.dcb, .dat, .exe
Button TestButton TestTech demo	Checks frontend behaviour or provides an example for core developers.	Development test/demo; not a core for playing console games.	No content extensions listed; see the core notes.
CannonballOutrun Game EngineGame engine	Configurable core options; Software rendering; Can start without loading content.	No save-state support declared.	.game, .88
Cave Story (drs)Cave Story Game EngineGame	Configurable core options; Can start without loading content.	No save-state support declared.	.exe, .dll, .so
Cave Story (NXEngine)Cave Story Game EngineGame	Software rendering; Can start without loading content.	No save-state support declared.	.exe
ChaiLoveChaiLoveGame engine	Runs ChaiScript games using a LOVE-inspired framework.	Games must target ChaiLove’s API.	.chai, .chailove
CHIP-8 (Emux CHIP-8)CHIP-8Emulator	Examples of a shared emulator architecture across different machines.	Incomplete development; better suited to research than a first game.	.ch8, .bin, .rom
Commodore - Amiga (Amiberry)AmigaEmulator	Optimised UAE-based Amiga emulation.	Needs appropriate Kickstart ROMs.	.adf, .adz, .dms, .fdi, .ipf, .hdf, .hdz, .lha, .slave, .info, .cue, .ccd, .nrg, .mds, .iso, .uae
Commodore - Amiga (FS-UAE)AmigaEmulator	Alternative UAE-based Amiga implementation.	PUAE has more complete Libretro and gamepad integration.	.adf, .ipf, .fs-uae
Commodore - Amiga (PUAE 2021)AmigaEmulator	Amiga alternatives for weaker hardware.	Older or less accurate than current PUAE.	.adf, .adz, .dms, .fdi, .ipf, .hdf, .hdz, .lha, .slave, .info, .cue, .ccd, .nrg, .mds, .iso, .chd, .uae, .m3u, .zip, .7z, .rp9, ./
Commodore - Amiga (UAE4ARM)AmigaEmulator	Amiga alternatives for weaker hardware.	Older or less accurate than current PUAE.	.adf, .dms, .ipf, .adz, .wrp, .zip, .uae, .lha, .cue, .ccd, .iso, .hdf
Commodore - C64 (Frodo)C64Emulator	Dedicated C64 support.	No save-state support declared; Marked experimental.	.d64, .t64, .x64, .p00, .lnx, .lyx, .zip
Commodore - C64 (VICE SDL)C64Emulator	Retained as a historical or development reference.	Superseded or incomplete; the source advises against using it to play games.	.d64, .d71, .d80, .d81, .d82, .g64, ., .g41, .x64, .t64, .tap, .prg, .p00, .crt, .bin, .zip, .gz, .d6z, .d7z, .d8z, .g6z, .g4z, .x6z
Commodore - C64 (VICE x64, fast)C64Emulator	Faster C64 emulation.	Less precise video emulation than VICE x64sc.	.d64, .d71, .d80, .d81, .d82, .g64, .g41, .x64, .t64, .tap, .prg, .p00, .crt, .bin, .zip, .gz, .d6z, .d7z, .d8z, .g6z, .g4z, .x6z, .cmd, .m3u, .vfl, .vsf, .nib, .nbz, .d2m, .d4m, ./
CruzesCruzesGame	Software rendering; Can start without loading content.	No save-state support declared; Marked experimental.	.game
DinothawrDinothawr Game EngineGame	Configurable core options; Software rendering; Can start without loading content.	No save-state support declared.	.game
Doom (PrBoom)DOOM Game EngineGame	Doom-family engine with higher frame-rate support.	Requires compatible game WADs; not every modern Doom mod targets this engine.	.wad, .iwad, .pwad, .pk3
Doom 3 (boom3)Doom 3 Game EngineGame engine	Save states; Configurable core options.	Graphics requirement: OpenGL >= 2.0 | OpenGL ES >= 2.0.	.pk4
DOS (DOSBox)DOSEmulator	Familiar traditional DOSBox interface.	Older snapshot; try Pure, core or SVN first.	.exe, .com, .bat, .conf
DOS (DOSBox-core)DOSEmulator	Traditional DOSBox with MIDI, OPL3 and MT-32 options.	More setup than DOSBox Pure; some hardware features are experimental.	.exe, .com, .bat, .conf, .cue, .iso, .img, ./
DOS (DOSBox-SVN CE)DOSEmulator	Traditional DOSBox workflow with runtime configuration.	Less automatic than DOSBox Pure for controller-based play.	.exe, .com, .bat, .conf, .cue, .iso
DOS (DOSBox-SVN)DOSEmulator	Traditional DOSBox workflow with runtime configuration.	Less automatic than DOSBox Pure for controller-based play.	.exe, .com, .bat, .conf, .cue, .iso, .img, ./
Dungeon Crawl Stone SoupDungeon Crawl Stone SoupGame	Dedicated Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup support.	Marked experimental.	.crawlrc
Elektronika Inženjering - Galaksija (Galaksija)GalaksijaEmulator	Software rendering; Can start without loading content.	No save-state support declared; Marked experimental.	.gal
EPOCH - Cassette Vision (EmuCV)Cassette VisionEmulator	Software rendering.	No save-state support declared; Marked experimental.	.bin
FFmpegFFmpegMedia player	Audio/video playback with visualisation and frame blending.	A media player; does not emulate game systems.	.mkv, .avi, .f4v, .f4f, .3gp, .ogm, .flv, .mp4, .mp3, .flac, .ogg, .m4a, .webm, .3g2, .mov, .wmv, .mpg, .mpeg, .vob, .asf, .divx, .m2p, .m2ts, .ps, .ts, .mxf, .wma, .wav
Flashback (REminiscence)Flashback Game EngineGame	Flashback engine accepting several original release formats.	Uses save states rather than regular in-game save files.	.map, .aba, .seq, .lev
Game Music EmuMusicMusic player	Plays many extracted video-game music formats.	Dedicated system cores can offer additional sound options or accuracy.	.ay, .gbs, .gym, .hes, .kss, .nsf, .nsfe, .sap, .spc, .vgm, .vgz, .zip
GongPong Game CloneGame	Simple Pong-style games.	A single game, not a console core.	No content extensions listed; see the core notes.
ImageviewerImageviewerImages	Views image files through RetroArch.	Image viewing only; no game emulation.	.jpg, .jpeg, .png, .bmp, .psd, .tga, .gif, .hdr, .pic, .ppm, .pgm
Internet Radio (Radio)Internet Radio PlayerUtility	Configurable core options; Software rendering; Can start without loading content.	No save-state support declared.	.m3u, .txt, .mp3, .wav
Java ME (SquirrelJME)Java MEEmulator	Java ME VM including older mobile games.	VM compatibility is not a guarantee that every handset-specific game will work.	.jar, .sqc, .jam, .jad, .kjx, .adf, .sec, .sto, .sp, .sp0, .sp1, .sp2, .sp3, .sp4, .sp5, .sp6, .sp7, .sp8, .sp9
Jump 'n BumpJump 'n BumpGame engine	Software rendering.	No save-state support declared.	.dat
LowRes NXLowRes NXGame engine	Software rendering.	No save-state support declared.	.nx
Lua Engine (Lutro)LutroGame engine	Runs Lua games using a LOVE-inspired API.	Experimental subset of LOVE; arbitrary LOVE games may not work.	.lutro, .love, .lua
Mattel Intellivision (FreeIntvTSOverlay)IntellivisionEmulator	Game-specific Intellivision overlays with touch/mouse input.	Best suited to an overlay workflow; check peripheral support.	.intv, .bin, .rom, .zip
McSoftServeC713Emulator	Novelty emulation of a soft-serve machine.	Experimental curiosity, not a console core.	No content extensions listed; see the core notes.
Microsoft - MSX (fMSX)MSXEmulator	Dedicated MSX, MSX2 and MSX2+ support.	Needs the relevant MSX firmware files.	.rom, .mx1, .mx2, .dsk, .fdi, .cas, .m3u
Microsoft - Xbox (DirectXbox)XboxEmulator	Development reference for original Xbox emulation.	Cannot play games according to its core description.	.iso
Microsoft - Xbox (xemu)XboxEmulator	Experimental full original Xbox emulation.	Needs OpenGL 4.0 and several system images; no save states or ports 2–4 yet.	.iso, .xiso
MicroW8MicroW8Game engine	Small WebAssembly fantasy-console games.	Loads MicroW8 content rather than general WebAssembly applications.	.uw8, .wasm
Minecraft (Craft)Minecraft Game CloneGame	Fast native Minecraft-style sandbox.	Lacks many Minecraft features, including redstone.	No content extensions listed; see the core notes.
Mobile - J2ME (FreeJ2ME)J2MEEmulator	Java mobile games inside RetroArch.	FreeJ2ME Plus adds compatibility and integration improvements.	.jar
MoonlightMoonlightStreaming client	Streams games from another computer.	Source only reports testing on Lakka for Switch; needs a streaming host.	No content extensions listed; see the core notes.
MPVMPVMedia player	Media playback using the MPV backend.	Experimental port; FFmpeg is the more established media core.	.mkv, .avi, .f4v, .f4f, .3gp, .ogm, .flv, .mp4, .mp3, .flac, .ogg, .m4a, .webm, .3g2, .mov, .wmv, .mpg, .mpeg, .vob, .asf, .divx, .m2p, .m2ts, .ps, .ts, .mxf, .wma, .wav
Mr.Boom (Bomberman)Mr.BoomGame	Bomberman-style game with multiplayer and computer opponents.	A standalone clone; does not load Bomberman console ROMs.	.desktop
Multi (MESS 2015)Multi (various)Emulator	Older multi-system MAME/MESS implementation.	Old 0.160-era base; use current MAME when possible.	.zip, .chd, .7z
Multi (UME 2015)Multi (various)Emulator	Older multi-system MAME/MESS implementation.	Old 0.160-era base; use current MAME when possible.	.zip, .chd, .7z
NEC - PC Engine / CD (Beetle PCE FAST)PC Engine/PCE-CDEmulator	Low CPU requirements for PC Engine and CD games.	No SuperGrafx; some games work better in the accurate PCE core.	.pce, .cue, .ccd, .chd, .toc, .m3u
NEC - PC Engine / SuperGrafx / CD (Geargrafx)PC Engine/SuperGrafxEmulator	Accurate PCE, CD and SuperGrafx support in one core.	Check the CD firmware requirements before loading disc games.	.pce, .sgx, .hes, .cue, .chd, .mmi
NEC - PC Engine SuperGrafx (Beetle SuperGrafx)PC Engine SuperGrafxEmulator	Adds SuperGrafx to the faster PCE implementation.	Some accuracy compromises compared with Beetle PCE.	.pce, .sgx, .cue, .ccd, .chd
NEC - PC-98 (Neko Project II)PC-98Emulator	Historical PC-98 implementation.	Superseded by Neko Project II Kai.	.d98, .zip, .98d, .fdi, .fdd, .2hd, .tfd, .d88, .88d, .hdm, .xdf, .dup, .cmd, .hdi, .thd, .nhd, .hdd
Nintendo - 3DS (Citra 2018)3DSEmulator	3DS emulation based on the Citra family.	Needs decrypted games; some require Mii data. Older or experimental branches differ in compatibility.	.3ds, .3dsx, .elf, .axf, .cci, .cxi, .app
Nintendo - 3DS (Citra Canary/Experimental)3DSEmulator	3DS emulation based on the Citra family.	Needs decrypted games; some require Mii data. Older or experimental branches differ in compatibility.	.3ds, .3dsx, .elf, .axf, .cci, .cxi, .app
Nintendo - 3DS (Citra)3DSEmulator	3DS emulation based on the Citra family.	Needs decrypted games; some require Mii data. Older or experimental branches differ in compatibility.	.3ds, .3dsx, .elf, .axf, .cci, .cxi, .app
Nintendo - 3DS (Panda3DS)3DSEmulator	Alternative 3DS implementation from Panda3DS.	Early development; not a universal replacement for the Citra family.	.3ds, .3dsx, .elf, .axf, .cci, .cxi, .app
Nintendo - 3DS (Trident)3DSEmulator	Alternative 3DS implementation from Panda3DS.	Early development; not a universal replacement for the Citra family.	.3ds, .3dsx, .elf, .axf, .cci, .cxi, .app, .ncch
Nintendo - DS (DeSmuME 2015)Nintendo DSEmulator	Older DS snapshot that can suit weaker devices.	Misses later DeSmuME improvements.	.nds, .ids, .bin
Nintendo - DS (DeSmuME)Nintendo DSEmulator	Mature DS compatibility and resolution upscaling.	Higher resolutions can be demanding.	.nds, .ids, .bin
Nintendo - DS (melonDS)Nintendo DSEmulator	DS emulation based on melonDS.	melonDS DS offers a more extensively integrated Libretro port.	.nds, .ids, .dsi
Nintendo - DS (NooDS)Nintendo DSEmulator	DS core focused on speed.	Unofficial Libretro port; check game and feature compatibility.	.nds, .gba
Nintendo - Game Boy / Color (Boytacean)Game Boy/Game Boy ColorEmulator	Alternative GB/GBC implementations.	Check game compatibility against the more established SameBoy or Gambatte choices.	.gb, .gbc
Nintendo - Game Boy / Color (DoubleCherryGB)Game Boy/Game Boy ColorEmulator	Link emulation, network trading and multiplayer link hacks.	A specialist multiplayer choice; SameBoy offers stronger accuracy.	.cgb, .dmg, .gb, .gbc, .sgb
Nintendo - Game Boy / Color (Emux GB)Game Boy/Game Boy ColorEmulator	Examples of a shared emulator architecture across different machines.	Incomplete development; better suited to research than a first game.	.gb, .gbc, .bin, .rom
Nintendo - Game Boy / Color (fixGB)Game Boy/Game Boy ColorEmulator	Supports colour palettes and some older Game Boy colourisation hacks.	Preliminary implementation; SameBoy, Gambatte or Gearboy are more mature.	.gb, .gbc, .gbs
Nintendo - Game Boy / Color (Gearboy)Game Boy/Game Boy ColorEmulator	Accurate GB/GBC emulation for modern devices.	Gambatte is a useful fallback on weaker hardware.	.gb, .dmg, .gbc, .cgb, .sgb
Nintendo - Game Boy / Color (IroGB)Game Boy/Game Boy ColorEmulator	Alternative GB/GBC implementations.	Check game compatibility against the more established SameBoy or Gambatte choices.	.gb, .gbc, .dmg, .cgb
Nintendo - Game Boy / Color (TGB Dual)Game Boy/Game Boy ColorEmulator	Runs two linked Game Boys; modest hardware needs.	SameBoy offers more accurate emulation on capable hardware.	.cgb, .dmg, .gb, .gbc, .sgb
Nintendo - Game Boy Advance (Beetle GBA)Game Boy AdvanceEmulator	Another software-rendered GBA implementation.	Older VBA-derived core; mGBA is a better general starting point.	.gba, .agb, .bin
Nintendo - Game Boy Advance (gpSP)Game Boy AdvanceEmulator	Fast GBA emulation on low-powered hardware.	Some games have compatibility issues; try mGBA first if it runs well.	.gba, .bin
Nintendo - Game Boy Advance (Meteor)Game Boy AdvanceEmulator	Retained as a historical or development reference.	Superseded or incomplete; the source advises against using it to play games.	.gba
Nintendo - Game Boy Advance (TempGBA)Game Boy AdvanceEmulator	GBA optimisations specifically for the PSP.	Device-specific fork; use mGBA or regular gpSP elsewhere.	.gba, .bin, .agb, .gbz
Nintendo - Game Boy Advance (VBA Next)Game Boy AdvanceEmulator	Lower requirements than VBA-M.	Older code; tilt and solar-sensor games can have problems.	.gba
Nintendo - Game Boy Advance (VBA-M)Game Boy/Game Boy Color/Game Boy AdvanceEmulator	Supports GBA, GB/GBC and Super Game Boy colours and borders.	VBA Next can be faster, at the cost of older emulation code.	.dmg, .gb, .gbc, .cgb, .sgb, .gba
Nintendo - Game Boy/GBA/NDS (SkyEmu)Nintendo - Game Boy/GBA/NDS (SkyEmu)Emulator	Several Nintendo handhelds in one emulator.	Check the core’s extension list and game compatibility before replacing dedicated cores.	.gb, .gbx, .gba, .nds
Nintendo - GameCube / Wii (Dolphin Launcher)GameCube / WiiLauncher	Launches standalone Dolphin with its full feature set.	Runs outside RetroArch; RetroArch shaders and other frontend features do not apply.	.elf, .dol, .gcm, .iso, .wbfs, .ciso, .gcz, .wad
Nintendo - GameCube / Wii (Ishiiruka)GameCube / WiiEmulator	Performance-oriented Dolphin fork.	Trades accuracy for speed; standard Dolphin is a better general starting point.	.gcm, .iso, .wbfs, .ciso, .gcz, .elf, .dol, .dff, .tgc, .wad
Nintendo - NES / Famicom (bnes)Nintendo Entertainment SystemEmulator	Retained as a historical or development reference.	Superseded or incomplete; the source advises against using it to play games.	.nes
Nintendo - NES / Famicom (Emux NES)Nintendo Entertainment SystemEmulator	Examples of a shared emulator architecture across different machines.	Incomplete development; better suited to research than a first game.	.nes, .bin, .rom
Nintendo - NES / Famicom (FCEUmm)Nintendo Entertainment SystemEmulator	Fast NES emulation, including unusual cartridge mappers.	Mesen is the stronger accuracy-focused option on capable hardware.	.fds, .nes, .unif, .unf
Nintendo - NES / Famicom (fixNES)Nintendo Entertainment SystemEmulator	Small NES implementation useful for learning about emulation.	Alpha-stage core; choose a mature NES core for general play.	.nes, .fds, .qd, .nsf
Nintendo - NES / Famicom (nes)Nintendo Entertainment SystemEmulator	Small NES implementation ported from 9front.	Metadata supplies little compatibility guidance; start with a mature NES core.	.nes
Nintendo - NES / Famicom (Nestopia)Nintendo Entertainment SystemEmulator	Accurate NES emulation with broad game compatibility.	FCEUmm or QuickNES may suit weaker devices better.	.nes, .fds, .unf, .unif, .nsf
Nintendo - NES / Famicom (QuickNES)Nintendo Entertainment SystemEmulator	Very low CPU requirements.	Trades some accuracy for speed; use when faster alternatives are needed.	.nes
Nintendo - NES / Famicom (RustyNES)Nintendo Entertainment SystemEmulator	NES with deterministic states, disk swapping and mapper coverage.	Accuracy-focused design; check speed on weaker devices.	.nes, .fds
Nintendo - NES / FC / FDS / SNES / SFC / GB / GBC / GBA / NEC - PCE / PCE-CD / Sega - SMS / GG / Bandai - Wswan (MesenCE)Nintendo Entertainment System / Super Nintendo Entertainment System / Game Boy / Game Boy Color / PC Engine SuperGrafx / PC Engine - TurboGrafx 16 / PC Engine CD - TurboGrafx-CD / WonderSwan / WonderSwan ColorEmulator	Accurate emulation across several Nintendo, NEC and Bandai systems.	A larger scope than a dedicated single-system core; check firmware for each system.	.sfc, .smc, .fig, .swc, .bs, .gb, .gbc, .gba, .pce, .cue, .nes, .sms, .fc, .fds, .unf, .unif, .ws, .wsc, .pc2, .pcv2, .sms, .gg, .sg, .mv
Nintendo - Nintendo 64 (Mupen64Plus-Next Develop)Nintendo 64Emulator	Development branch with newer N64 changes.	Less suitable than the standard branch for a first setup.	.n64, .v64, .z64, .ndd, .bin, .u1
Nintendo - Nintendo 64 (Mupen64Plus-Next GLES2)Nintendo 64Emulator	N64 build targeting older OpenGL ES 2 devices.	Graphics capabilities are restricted compared with modern builds.	.n64, .v64, .z64, .ndd, .bin, .u1
Nintendo - Nintendo 64 (Mupen64Plus-Next GLES3)Nintendo 64Emulator	N64 build for OpenGL ES 3 devices.	Requires ES 3 support; demanding plugins may still be too slow.	.n64, .v64, .z64, .ndd, .bin, .u1
Nintendo - Nintendo 64 (ParaLLEl N64)Nintendo 64Emulator	Legacy N64 graphics plugins can suit older devices.	Mupen64Plus-Next is the general starting point; debug build is for investigation.	.n64, .v64, .z64, .bin, .u1, .ndd
Nintendo - Nintendo 64 (ParaLLEl) (Debug)Nintendo 64Emulator	Legacy N64 graphics plugins can suit older devices.	Mupen64Plus-Next is the general starting point; debug build is for investigation.	.n64, .v64, .z64, .bin, .u1, .ndd
Nintendo - SNES / Famicom (higan Accuracy)Super Nintendo Entertainment SystemEmulator	Preserves an older higan-based SNES implementation.	Newer bsnes offers a more useful starting point for most players.	.sfc, .smc, .gb, .gbc, .bml, .rom
Nintendo - SNES / SFC (Beetle bsnes)Super Nintendo Entertainment SystemEmulator	Historical Mednafen/bsnes SNES implementation.	Superseded for speed and accuracy; use Snes9x or a newer bsnes core.	.smc, .fig, .bs, .st, .sfc
Nintendo - SNES / SFC (Beetle Supafaust)Super Nintendo Entertainment SystemEmulator	Fast SNES emulation, especially on ARM, with deterministic states.	Designed for speed with some accuracy tradeoffs; compare demanding games with bsnes.	.smc, .fig, .sfc, .gd3, .gd7, .dx2, .bsx, .swc
Nintendo - SNES / SFC (bsnes 2014 Accuracy)Super Nintendo Entertainment SystemEmulator	Detailed dot-level SNES graphics emulation in an older branch.	Older snapshot with high CPU requirements; modern bsnes is usually preferable.	.sfc, .smc, .bml, .gb, .gbc, .st, .bs
Nintendo - SNES / SFC (bsnes 2014 Balanced)Super Nintendo Entertainment SystemEmulator	Faster scanline graphics emulation than the Accuracy variants.	Older snapshot; loses precision needed by some games.	.sfc, .smc, .bml, .gb, .gbc, .st, .bs
Nintendo - SNES / SFC (bsnes 2014 Performance)Super Nintendo Entertainment SystemEmulator	Fastest graphics implementation in these older bsnes branches.	No CX4 support for Mega Man X2/X3; Snes9x is usually a better speed choice.	.sfc, .smc, .bml, .gb, .gbc, .st, .bs
Nintendo - SNES / SFC (bsnes C++98 (v085))Super Nintendo Entertainment SystemEmulator	Builds on platforms restricted to older C++ compilers.	Old performance profile; choose a newer SNES core where available.	.sfc, .smc, .gb, .gbc, .st, .bs
Nintendo - SNES / SFC (bsnes)Super Nintendo Entertainment SystemEmulator	Accurate SNES emulation, enhanced Mode 7 and Super FX options.	Needs a relatively fast CPU; source lists no RetroAchievements support.	.smc, .sfc, .swc, .fig, .gb, .gbc, .bs
Nintendo - SNES / SFC (bsnes-hd beta)Super Nintendo Entertainment SystemEmulator	Experimental widescreen and visual enhancements.	Beta features can introduce problems; demanding CPU requirements.	.smc, .sfc, .swc, .fig, .gb, .gbc, .bs
Nintendo - SNES / SFC (bsnes-jg)Super Nintendo Entertainment SystemEmulator	Accurate SNES emulation with achievements and add-on support.	Still more demanding than Snes9x.	.smc, .sfc, .st, .gb, .gbc, .bs
Nintendo - SNES / SFC (bsnes-mercury Accuracy)Super Nintendo Entertainment SystemEmulator	Detailed dot-level SNES graphics emulation in an older branch.	Older snapshot with high CPU requirements; modern bsnes is usually preferable.	.sfc, .smc, .bml, .gb, .gbc, .st, .bs
Nintendo - SNES / SFC (bsnes-mercury Balanced)Super Nintendo Entertainment SystemEmulator	Faster scanline graphics emulation than the Accuracy variants.	Older snapshot; loses precision needed by some games.	.sfc, .smc, .bml, .gb, .gbc, .st, .bs
Nintendo - SNES / SFC (bsnes-mercury Performance)Super Nintendo Entertainment SystemEmulator	Fastest graphics implementation in these older bsnes branches.	No CX4 support for Mega Man X2/X3; Snes9x is usually a better speed choice.	.sfc, .smc, .bml, .gb, .gbc, .st, .bs
Nintendo - SNES / SFC (ChimeraSNES)Super Nintendo Entertainment SystemEmulator	Snes9x 2005-derived speed with improved sound.	Older emulation base; modern Snes9x has later compatibility fixes.	.smc, .fig, .sfc, .gd3, .gd7, .dx2, .bsx, .bs, .swc, .st
Nintendo - SNES / SFC (nSide Balanced)Super Nintendo Entertainment SystemEmulator	Preserves an older higan-based SNES implementation.	Newer bsnes offers a more useful starting point for most players.	.sfc, .smc, .gb, .gbc, .bml, .rom
Nintendo - SNES / SFC (Snes9x 2002)Super Nintendo Entertainment SystemEmulator	Older Snes9x branch with lower hardware requirements.	Trades later accuracy and compatibility fixes for speed; try current Snes9x first.	.smc, .fig, .sfc, .gd3, .gd7, .dx2, .bsx, .swc
Nintendo - SNES / SFC (Snes9x 2005 Plus)Super Nintendo Entertainment SystemEmulator	Older Snes9x branch with lower hardware requirements.	Trades later accuracy and compatibility fixes for speed; try current Snes9x first.	.smc, .fig, .sfc, .gd3, .gd7, .dx2, .bsx, .swc
Nintendo - SNES / SFC (Snes9x 2005)Super Nintendo Entertainment SystemEmulator	Older Snes9x branch with lower hardware requirements.	Trades later accuracy and compatibility fixes for speed; try current Snes9x first.	.smc, .fig, .sfc, .gd3, .gd7, .dx2, .bsx, .swc
Nintendo - SNES / SFC (Snes9x 2010)Super Nintendo Entertainment SystemEmulator	Older Snes9x branch with lower hardware requirements.	Trades later accuracy and compatibility fixes for speed; try current Snes9x first.	.smc, .fig, .sfc, .gd3, .gd7, .dx2, .bsx, .swc
Nintendo - SNES / SFC / Game Boy / Color (Mesen-S)Super Nintendo Entertainment System / Game Boy / Game Boy ColorEmulator	Accurate SNES/GB/GBC with Super Game Boy and achievements.	A separate branch from the broader Mesen2 core; choose based on the systems needed.	.sfc, .smc, .fig, .swc, .bs, .gb, .gbc
Nokia - Symbian / N-Gage (EKA2L1)Symbian OS / N-GageEmulator	Dedicated Symbian OS / N-Gage support.	No save-state support declared; Marked experimental.	.sis, .sisx, .n-gage, .eka2l1
OmicronOmicronGame engine	Java fantasy-console games in cartridge form.	Experimental; needs a Java runtime and OpenGL/ES.	.omicron
ONScripterONScripterGame engine	Runs compatible visual-novel game scripts.	Requires original game assets and compatibility with this script engine.	.txt, .dat, .___, .ons, ./
ONScripter YuriONScripter YuriGame engine	Runs compatible visual-novel game scripts.	Requires original game assets and compatibility with this script engine.	.txt, .dat, .___, .nt2, .nt3, .ons, ./
PascalPongPascalPongGame	Simple Pong-style games.	A single game, not a console core.	.game
PC (PCem)PCEmulator	Emulates PC hardware rather than just a DOS game environment.	Preliminary port; DOSBox is a more practical first choice.	.exe, .com, .bat, .conf
Philips CDi (CDi 2015)CD-iEmulator	Simple CD-i loading from CHD files.	Older MAME-derived code; BIOS is required.	.chd
PICO-8 (FAKE-08)PICO-8Emulator	Save states; Software rendering.	Marked experimental.	.p8, .png
PICO-8 (Retro8)PICO-8Emulator	Loads PICO-8 carts and cartridge PNGs.	Incomplete PICO-8 behaviour, including some Lua and arithmetic details.	.p8, .png
PocketCDGMusicKaraoke player	Dedicated Music support.	No save-state support declared.	.cdg
PSP RemotePlay (RemoteJoy)PSPStreaming	Retained as a historical or development reference.	Superseded or incomplete; the source advises against using it to play games.	No content extensions listed; see the core notes.
PuzzleScript (pzretro)PuzzleScriptGame engine	PuzzleScript and PuzzleScript Plus games.	Only games made for these engines are supported.	.pz, .pzp
QEMUQEMUEmulator	Software rendering.	No save-state support declared; Marked experimental.	.qemu_cmd_line, .iso, .img, .qcow, .qcow2
Quake (TyrQuake)Quake Game EngineGame	Configurable core options; Software rendering.	No save-state support declared.	.pak
Quake II (vitaQuake 2)Quake II Game EngineGame	Dedicated Quake II Game Engine support.	No save-state support declared.	.pak
Quake II - Ground Zero (vitaQuake 2 [Rogue])Quake II Game EngineGame	Dedicated Quake II Game Engine support.	No save-state support declared.	.pak
Quake II - The Reckoning (vitaQuake 2 [Xatrix])Quake II Game EngineGame	Dedicated Quake II Game Engine support.	No save-state support declared.	.pak
Quake II - Zaero (vitaQuake 2 [Zaero])Quake II Game EngineGame	Dedicated Quake II Game Engine support.	No save-state support declared.	.pak
Quake III: Arena (vitaQuake 3)Quake 3 Game EngineGame	Dedicated Quake 3 Game Engine support.	No save-state support declared.	.pk3
Redbook Audio PlayerRedbookmusic	Software rendering.	No save-state support declared.	.cue, .bin
Rick Dangerous (XRick)Rick Dangerous Game EngineGame	Can start without loading content.	No save-state support declared.	.zip
ROM CleanerROM CleanerUtility	ROM-file utility listed in the catalogue.	A utility rather than an emulator; read its source before using it on files.	.sfc, .smc, .st, .swc, .bs, .cgb, .dmg, .gb, .gbc, .sgb, .a52, .nes, .3ds, .3dsx, .cart, .rom, .sms, .bms, .int, .col, .cv, .md, .mdx, .smd, .gen, .gg, .sg, .gba, .nds, .lnx, .lyx, .pce, .sgx, .ws, .wsc, .vb, .vboy, .n64, .z64, .v64, .vec
RPG Maker XP/VX/VX Ace (mkxp-z)RPG Maker XP/VX/VX Ace Game EngineGame engine	Plays some RPG Maker XP/VX/VX Ace games.	Compatibility depends on game scripts and extensions.	.ini, .json, .rxproj, .rvproj, .rvproj2, .mkxpz, .zip, .7z
RVVMRVVMVirtual machine	Dedicated RVVM support.	Marked experimental.	.rvvm
SAM Coupe (SimCoupe)SAM coupeEmulator	Dedicated SAM coupe support.	No save-state support declared; Marked experimental.	.dsk, .mgt, .sbt, .sad
SDLPALSDLPALGame	Software rendering; Can start without loading content.	No save-state support declared.	.cfg
Sega - Dreamcast (RetroDream)Sega DreamcastEmulator	Preserves the last open-source Redream branch.	Misses later Redream features; Flycast is usually a better choice.	.gdi, .chd, .cdi
Sega - Dreamcast/Naomi (Flycast GLES2)Sega DreamcastEmulator	Flycast variant for older OpenGL ES 2 GPUs.	Prefer normal Flycast on modern GPUs; advanced graphics options are limited.	.chd, .cdi, .iso, .elf, .bin, .cue, .gdi, .lst, .zip, .dat, .7z, .m3u
Sega - Master System (Emux SMS)Sega Master SystemEmulator	Examples of a shared emulator architecture across different machines.	Incomplete development; better suited to research than a first game.	.sms, .bms, .bin, .rom
Sega - MD/CD (ClownMDEmu)Sega GenesisEmulator	Portable Sega emulation focused on speed and accuracy.	Check system and game support against Genesis Plus GX or PicoDrive.	.bin, .md, .gen, .cue, .iso, .chd
Sega - MS/GG (SMS Plus GX)Sega 8-bitEmulator	Dedicated Sega 8-bit settings separate from Mega Drive.	Genesis Plus GX covers more Sega systems in one core.	.sms, .bin, .rom, .col, .gg, .sg
Sega - MS/GG/MD/CD (Genesis Plus GX Wide)Sega 8/16-bit (Various)Emulator	Adds widescreen hacks to Genesis Plus GX.	Some games show broken graphics outside the original screen; no 32X.	.mdx, .md, .smd, .gen, .bin, .cue, .iso, .sms, .bms, .gg, .sg, .68k, .sgd, .chd, .m3u
Sega - MS/GG/MD/CD/32X (BlastEm)Sega 8/16-bit (Various)Emulator	Accuracy-focused Sega emulation, including demanding demos.	Less mature than Genesis Plus GX; availability differs by build.	.md, .gen, .smd, .68k, .sgd, .32x, .sms, .gg, .sg, .sg1, .sc, .sc3, .sf7, .col, .cue, .toc, .iso, .chd, .vgm, .vgz, .flac, .wav, .bin, .rom, .gz
Sega - Saturn (Beetle Saturn Super)SaturnEmulator	Accurate Saturn software emulation.	High CPU requirements; no hardware resolution upscaling.	.ccd, .chd, .cue, .toc, .m3u, .zip
Sega - Saturn (Emir)SaturnEmulator	Modern Saturn implementation focused on accuracy.	Still developing; compatibility continues to change.	.cue, .chd, .mds, .ccd, .iso, .m3u
Sega - Saturn (YabaSanshiro)SaturnEmulator	Faster Saturn emulation with upscaling.	Accuracy compromises; the Libretro docs flag this port as unmaintained.	.bin, .ccd, .chd, .cue, .iso, .mds, .zip
Sega - Saturn (Yabause)SaturnEmulator	Alternative Saturn software renderer.	Neither the accuracy nor visual features of newer Saturn options.	.bin, .ccd, .chd, .cue, .iso, .mds, .zip, .m3u
Sega - Saturn/ST-V (Kronos)SaturnEmulator	Saturn and ST-V emulation with increased internal resolution.	Needs a capable GPU; less accurate than Beetle Saturn.	.ccd, .chd, .cue, .iso, .mds, .zip, .m3u
SNK - Neo Geo Pocket / Color (RACE)Neo Geo Pocket (Color)Emulator	Fast Neo Geo Pocket emulation for weaker hardware.	Beetle NeoPop is the more accuracy-focused option.	.ngp, .ngc, .ngpc, .npc
Sony - PlayStation (Beetle PSX HW)PlayStationEmulator	Accurate PS1 base with hardware rendering and upscaling.	More demanding than ReARMed; renderer support matters.	.cue, .toc, .m3u, .ccd, .exe, .pbp, .chd, .bin
Sony - PlayStation (Beetle PSX)PlayStationEmulator	Accuracy-focused PS1 software rendering.	CPU intensive; use the HW variant for hardware visual enhancements.	.cue, .toc, .m3u, .ccd, .exe, .pbp, .chd, .bin
Sony - PlayStation (DuckStation)PlayStationEmulator	PS1 upscaling, hardware rendering and visual enhancements.	Requires a PS1 BIOS and a supported renderer for hardware features.	.exe, .psexe, .cue, .bin, .img, .iso, .chd, .pbp, .ecm, .mds, .psf, .m3u
Sony - PlayStation (PCSX ReARMed) [Interpreter]PlayStationEmulator	PS1 option where dynamic recompilation is unavailable.	Slower than the normal ReARMed build; no resolution upscaling.	.bin, .cue, .img, .mdf, .pbp, .cbn, .toc, .chd
Sony - PlayStation (PCSX ReARMed) [NEON]PlayStationEmulator	Fast PS1 emulation, especially on ARM devices.	No increased internal resolution; NEON variant needs compatible ARM hardware.	.bin, .cue, .img, .mdf, .pbp, .toc, .cbn, .m3u, .chd
Sony - PlayStation (PCSX1)PlayStationEmulator	Retained as a historical or development reference.	Superseded or incomplete; the source advises against using it to play games.	.bin, .cue, .img, .mdf, .pbp, .toc, .cbn, .m3u
Sony - PlayStation (Rustation)PlayStationEmulator	Dedicated PlayStation support.	Marked experimental; Graphics requirement: OpenGL Core >= 3.3.	.cue, .toc, .m3u, .ccd, .exe
Sony - PlayStation 2 (ARMSX2)Sony PlayStation 2Emulator	PS2 port aimed at ARM64, with renderer and upscale options.	Needs compatible graphics, a PS2 BIOS and resources; check availability for your device.	.elf, .iso, .ciso, .chd, .cso, .zso, .bin, .mdf, .nrg, .dump, .gz, .img, .irx, .m3u
Sony - PlayStation 2 (PCEE2)Sony PlayStation 2Emulator	Tracks modern PCSX2 code.	Experimental Libretro port; needs PS2 BIOS and resources.	.iso, .chd, .cso, .zso, .gz, .bin, .mdf, .nrg, .elf, .irx
Sony - PlayStation 2 (Play!)Sony PlayStation 2Emulator	Portable PS2 emulation without an external PS2 BIOS.	Lower game compatibility than PCSX2-derived options; still demanding.	.chd, .cso, .cue, .elf, .iso, .isz
Sony - PlayStation 2 (yaps2)Sony PlayStation 2Emulator	PS2 port aimed at ARM handhelds.	Experimental and Vulkan-only; requires BIOS and resources.	.elf, .iso, .ciso, .chd, .cso, .zso, .bin, .mdf, .nrg, .dump, .gz, .img, .irx, .m3u
Star Trek: Voyager - Elite Force (vitaVoyager)Quake 3 Game EngineGame	Dedicated Quake 3 Game Engine support.	No save-state support declared.	.pk3
Super Bros WarSuper Bros WarGame engine	Software rendering.	No save-state support declared.	.game
Syobon ActionSyobonActionGame	Software rendering; Can start without loading content.	Marked experimental.	No content extensions listed; see the core notes.
TestTestTech demo	Checks frontend behaviour or provides an example for core developers.	Development test/demo; not a core for playing console games.	No content extensions listed; see the core notes.
Test Core - 3D Engine3D EngineTech demo	Checks frontend behaviour or provides an example for core developers.	Development test/demo; not a core for playing console games.	.png, .jpg, .mtl, .obj
Test Core - Advanced TestAdvanced Test CoreTech demo	Checks frontend behaviour or provides an example for core developers.	Development test/demo; not a core for playing console games.	No content extensions listed; see the core notes.
Test for netplayTest for netplayTest	Checks frontend behaviour or provides an example for core developers.	Development test/demo; not a core for playing console games.	No content extensions listed; see the core notes.
Test RetroLuxuryTest RetroLuxuryTech demo	Checks frontend behaviour or provides an example for core developers.	Development test/demo; not a core for playing console games.	No content extensions listed; see the core notes.
TestAudio CallbackTestAudio CallbackTech demo	Checks frontend behaviour or provides an example for core developers.	Development test/demo; not a core for playing console games.	No content extensions listed; see the core notes.
TestAudio NoCallbackTestAudio NoCallbackTech demo	Checks frontend behaviour or provides an example for core developers.	Development test/demo; not a core for playing console games.	No content extensions listed; see the core notes.
TestAudio Playback WavTestAudio Playback WavTech demo	Checks frontend behaviour or provides an example for core developers.	Development test/demo; not a core for playing console games.	No content extensions listed; see the core notes.
TestGLTestGLTech demo	Checks frontend behaviour or provides an example for core developers.	Development test/demo; not a core for playing console games.	No content extensions listed; see the core notes.
TestGL (FF)TestGL (FF)Tech demo	Checks frontend behaviour or provides an example for core developers.	Development test/demo; not a core for playing console games.	No content extensions listed; see the core notes.
TestGL ComputeShadersTestGL ComputeShadersTech demo	Checks frontend behaviour or provides an example for core developers.	Development test/demo; not a core for playing console games.	No content extensions listed; see the core notes.
TestSWTestSWTech demo	Checks frontend behaviour or provides an example for core developers.	Development test/demo; not a core for playing console games.	No content extensions listed; see the core notes.
TestSW VRAMTestSW VRAMTech demo	Checks frontend behaviour or provides an example for core developers.	Development test/demo; not a core for playing console games.	No content extensions listed; see the core notes.
TestVulkanTestVulkanTech demo	Checks frontend behaviour or provides an example for core developers.	Development test/demo; not a core for playing console games.	No content extensions listed; see the core notes.
TestVulkan AsyncComputeTestVulkan AsyncComputeTech demo	Checks frontend behaviour or provides an example for core developers.	Development test/demo; not a core for playing console games.	No content extensions listed; see the core notes.
The Powder ToyPhysics ToyGame	Save states; Can start without loading content.	Graphics requirement: OpenGL >= 3.0 | OpenGL ES >= 2.0.	.cps
TIC-80TIC-80Game engine	Plays games built for the TIC-80 fantasy computer.	Requires TIC-80 cartridges, not ROMs for older commercial consoles.	.tic
Tomb Raider (OpenLara)Classic Tomb Raider engineGame	Tomb Raider engine with visual enhancements.	Needs original game data; the source only describes the first game as fully playable.	.phd, .psx, .tr2
Tyrian (OpenTyrian)Tyrian Game EngineGame	Native port of the Tyrian shooter.	Only for Tyrian data; does not emulate a general DOS PC.	No content extensions listed; see the core notes.
VeMUlatorSEGA Visual Memory UnitGame	Configurable core options; Software rendering.	No save-state support declared.	.vms, .dci, .bin
Video Processor (V4L2)Video ProcessorMedia player	Applies RetroArch shaders to a capture-device feed.	Needs V4L2 capture hardware; no emulation or save states.	No content extensions listed; see the core notes.
VidTestVidTestTest	Checks frontend behaviour or provides an example for core developers.	Development test/demo; not a core for playing console games.	No content extensions listed; see the core notes.
Vircon32Vircon32Game engine	Save states; Can start without loading content.	Graphics requirement: OpenGL >= 3.0 | OpenGL ES >= 2.0.	.v32, .V32
WASM-4WASM-4Game engine	Small, self-contained WebAssembly game cartridges.	Cartridges must target the WASM-4 API.	.wasm
Wolfenstein 3D (ECWolf)Wolfenstein 3D Game EngineGame	Wolfenstein 3D, Spear of Destiny and compatible game data.	Requires original or shareware assets; this is not a DOS emulator.	.wl6, .n3d, .sod, .sdm, .wl1, .pk3, .exe

If RetroAchievements is part of your setup, check its supported emulators and cores before choosing. A core being able to run a game doesn’t automatically mean it supports achievements for it.

ADDING YOUR GAMES

Now we’ve got a core installed, it’s finally time to add a game!

RetroArch calls your games Content. You can load a game directly from a file, but I recommend importing your games into a playlist. This gives you a nice system-specific menu containing your games and, once we’ve downloaded the artwork, their box art too.

Before we start, I recommend keeping your ROMs organised into folders by system. Something like this:

ROMs/gba for Game Boy Advance

or:

ROMs/psx for Playstation.

RetroArch won’t move or copy your games when you import them. The playlist simply points to wherever the files are currently stored, so don’t move them afterwards unless you’re prepared to update or recreate the playlist.

Importing a Game

From the RetroArch Main Menu, head to:

Import Content > Scan Directory

Navigate to the folder containing your game and select SCAN THIS DIRECTORY.

RetroArch will scan the folder and try to identify your games using its databases. If everything is recognised, you’ll get a new playlist for that system. With XMB, this appears as another icon along the horizontal menu.

If you’ve only put one game in the folder for now, that’s absolutely fine. Remember, the goal of this guide is just to get one game working!

What if RetroArch Doesn’t Find My Game?

The regular scanner relies on RetroArch being able to recognise the game. ROM hacks, translations, modified games, homebrew and some unusual dumps may not match its database.

If your game doesn’t appear, don’t panic. We can use a Manual Scan instead.

Head to:

IMPORT CONTENT > MANUAL SCAN

Set CONTENT DIRECTORY to the folder containing your games.

You can then choose the System Name for the playlist and select the Default Core you want those games to use.

Set the appropriate file extensions if necessary, then select:

START SCAN

A Manual Scan doesn’t need the game to match RetroArch’s database, which makes it particularly useful for ROM hacks and other modified games.

SETTING A DEFAULT CORE

Now let’s tell RetroArch which core we want to use for this system.

Open the playlist we just created and select your game.

If a core hasn’t already been associated with it, RetroArch will ask you which core you want to use when you launch it.

Select:

SET CORE ASSOCIATION

Then choose the core you downloaded earlier.

This associates that playlist with the selected core, so you won’t need to choose an emulator every time you launch a game.

If you want to change it later, open the playlist and use:

MANAGE > RESET CORE ASSOCIATION

You can then select a different core the next time you launch a game.

DOWNLOADING ARTWORK

We’ve got our game in RetroArch, but our shiny new playlist is looking a little bare. Let’s fix that!

Make sure you’ve already run UPDATE DATABASES from earlier in the guide. RetroArch uses its database names when matching games with available thumbnails.

Head to:

Main Menu > Online Updater > Playlist Thumbnails Updater

Select the playlist you just created.

RetroArch will download the available artwork for the games in that playlist.

Depending on your menu driver and settings, RetroArch can display artwork such as box art, screenshots and title screens.

If you’re using XMB, you can adjust how thumbnails are displayed under:

Settings > User Interface > Appearance

Look for the thumbnail options and choose what you’d like displayed on the left and right sides of the screen.

I normally use box art as my main thumbnail, but choose whichever layout looks best on your device.

Missing Artwork

If a game doesn’t get any artwork, the most common reason is that its name doesn’t match the entry RetroArch expects.

This is particularly common with ROM hacks, translations and manually imported games.

You can check the official RetroArch thumbnail repository to see the names and artwork that are available:

RetroArch Thumbnails

Don’t worry if your artwork isn’t perfect yet. It has absolutely no effect on whether the game itself will run.

BEFORE WE BOOT THE GAME

We’re almost there!

If the core you’ve chosen requires a BIOS file, now is the time to add it.

Earlier in the guide we looked at the BIOS files required by some of the cores. RetroArch normally expects these inside its System directory.

You can check where yours is by heading to:

Settings > Directory > System/BIOS

Copy the required BIOS file into that directory.

Don’t rename the BIOS file unless the documentation for your core specifically tells you to. The filename matters, and some cores also expect a particular version of the BIOS.

You can check whether RetroArch can see the required firmware by loading the core and heading to:

Main Menu > Information > Core Information

Scroll down to the Firmware section.

RetroArch will show whether the files required by that core are present or missing.

If everything required says Present, we’re good to go!

BOOTING YOUR FIRST GAME

We’ve finally made it!

Open the playlist for your system and select your game.

Choose:

Run

RetroArch should automatically load the default core we associated with the playlist and start your game.

Congratulations! You’ve just set up RetroArch and launched your first game.

Once the game is running, remember the hotkeys we configured earlier.

Hold Select and press the top face button to open the RetroArch menu.

From here you can access things like:

• Resume
• Save States
• Core Options
• Controls
• Shaders
• Achievements
• Disc Control

Hold Select + Start to close the game and return to RetroArch.

SAVING GAME-SPECIFIC SETTINGS

There’s one last RetroArch concept that’s worth understanding before I leave you to actually play something.

RetroArch has a hierarchy of configuration overrides. This means you can have your normal global settings, then override them for a particular core, directory or individual game.

For example, perhaps you want a particular shader whenever you’re playing Game Boy games, or one game needs a different control layout.

While the game is running, open the Quick Menu and head to:

Overrides

You’ll find options to save overrides for the core, content directory or individual game.

As a beginner, I recommend leaving your global configuration alone unless you actually need an override. It’s very easy to forget you’ve created one and then wonder why a setting behaves differently in one game!

The same idea applies to controls. Changes made through the Quick Menu can be saved specifically for a game or core rather than changing your controller setup everywhere.

YOU’RE DONE!

That’s it! You now have a working RetroArch setup.

We’ve:

• Changed the interface
• Configured our controller
• Set up useful hotkeys
• Configured fast-forward
• Set up RetroAchievements
• Chosen our video driver
• Updated RetroArch’s assets and databases
• Downloaded a core
• Added a game
• Created a playlist
• Set a default core
• Downloaded artwork
• Checked our BIOS
• Booted our first game

RetroArch can do A LOT more than what we’ve covered here, but you now have the foundations you need to actually use it without being overwhelmed by the hundreds of settings available.

In future guides we’ll go deeper into things like shaders, save syncing, per-system configuration, controller profiles and some of RetroArch’s more advanced features.

For now, go play some games!