Download RetroArch 1.8.8: Free multi-system emulator to play classic games

1. Free software
2. Version: 1.8.8
3. Update date: May 29, 2020
4. Platforms: Windows, Mac, iPhone

Download RetroArch 1.8.8 here.

What is RetroArch?

RetroArch is a multi-system emulator that allows the user to play all kinds of classic games on the computer. It can emulate a large number of classic video game systems including Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox, etc . and uses a beautiful all-in-one interface.

RetroArch comes with a bunch of different options, especially suitable for those who like to tweak things to suit their own specific requirements, helping deliver the perfect classic gaming experience. Once set up, RetroArch is simple to use.

Features of RetroArch

Completely customizable

In the past, RetroArch has been criticized for its poor UI interface. Comments like "boring" or "not usable" have gained popularity over the years. Thankfully, there are many settings that you can experiment with to make the interface more interesting and engaging. On top of that, you have EmulationStation which allows you to completely change the look and feel of RetroArch.

Joypad automatic configuration

You no longer have to mess with the difficult to use gaming controller configurations of some emulators anymore. Conventional gaming controllers are automatically configured as soon as you plug them in, so everything is very simple. You also have the option of manually configuring your console so you can set special actions for button combinations.

Shaders

Tired of the overly rigid block graphics created when playing classic games on the HD screen? If so, the Shaders feature can help you by applying graphics filters to enhance the rendering of older games, making them more similar to vector graphics. You can even go the other way and copy the look and feel of the classic game you have chosen on the CRT monitor.

Achievements

Have you ever continued playing Xbox One games despite the fact that you finished Story mode, just so you can unlock more achievements? Now, by linking RetroArch to your RetroAchievements account, you can set up and unlock achievements on all of your classic games.

Netplay

Play classic games online? That is possible through RetroArch. Imagine playing Mario Kart 64 with 3 other friends or experiencing the game Worms Armageddon does not end in a fight, because no one is in the same room - this is the era in which we live.

Record and stream

If you are too embarrassed to reveal your incompetence to the public, then this feature may not interest you. However, there are plenty of individuals out there with confidence and talent enough to impress many with their classic video game play. These folks are sure to be eager to use RetroArch's gameplay recording capabilities so they can show them off to their friends at a later date. They might even be brave enough to stream their play sessions on Youtube to all the world to see.

Select individual emulators for each ROM

With the multitude of different emulators available to use in RetroArch, you are free to choose. That's why if a particular ROM doesn't work well with one emulator, you can choose another ROM from the list to see if it works better. When a specific emulator is selected for the ROM, it becomes the default for that game, unless the user decides to change it again.

Fast response time

If you've used an emulator in the past, you may have noticed that on some machines, there is a marked lag between the console input and the on-screen response. This is not the case when playing via RetroArch, as it has a fast response time which means there is almost no difference in input lag compared to real hardware.

Advantages

1. Emulates a variety of systems
2. Real classic game play

Defect

1. Extremely laborious to set up
2. Not for casual users

Samuel Daniel

Update 16 March 2021