RetroArch

Free emulation frontend for running and configuring classic games

Libretro · Released May 27, 2022

Reviews: Very Positive; 89% of 9,817
Recent reviews: Very Positive; 87% of 125 in 30 days
Playing now: 311; peak 24h 663
Steam Deck: Verified
Last update: 2 years ago; May 31, 2024

What is RetroArch?

RetroArch is a free, open-source frontend that runs classic games through modular emulator cores rather than being a game itself. You load compatible game files from a unified interface, configure controls and visual shaders, and can use rewinding plus local or online multiplayer.

For you if...

+you want one frontend for many classic game systems
+you enjoy fine-tuning controls, cores, and display shaders
+you use local or online multiplayer for classic games

Not for you if...

−you want a story-driven game rather than utility software
−you prefer a dedicated emulator for each game system

What players say

89% of 9,817 reviews are positive · 87% of 125 in the last 30 days

Players praise having many emulation cores, detailed configuration, and multiplayer in one program. The main complaints are the convoluted interface and steep setup process, while recent reviews say this release is outdated and lacks cores, updates, and features available in the standalone version.

Screenshots and trailer

RetroArch system requirements

As published by the developer.

Minimum

OS: Microsoft Windows 10
Processor: Intel Pentium 4 and up (CPU with SSE2 instructions required)
Graphics: Any compliant OpenGL 2.x or Direct3D11 GPU. For shaders to work properly, should support at least Shader Model 2.0.
Memory: 32 MB RAM
DirectX: Version 11
Notes: For OpenGL: Intel HD 2K/3K GPUs on Windows 10 will have to fall back to an OpenGL 1.1 driver.

OS: Microsoft Windows 10
Processor: Intel Core series or AMD equivalent
Graphics: Intel: At least Intel HD 4K required for OpenGL, any compliant D3D11 GPU for Direct3D 11. Should support at least Shader Model 3.0 and/or 4.0.
Memory: 512 MB RAM
DirectX: Version 11
Notes: For OpenGL: Intel HD 2K/3K GPUs on Windows 10 will have to fall back to an OpenGL 1.1 driver.

PC version details

DRM, required accounts, controller support and Steam features.

DRM: None declared on Steam
Controller: Full controller support
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Steam features: Cloud saves, Family Sharing, HDR

Steam Deck: Verified

All functionality is accessible with the default controller configuration
Shows Steam Deck controller icons
In-game text is legible on Steam Deck
Default graphics settings perform well on Steam Deck

Multiplayer and co-op

Languages

Text only: English, French, Italian, German, Dutch, Greek, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese - Portugal, Portuguese - Brazil, Russian, Swedish, Turkish, Vietnamese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Spanish - Spain.