RetroArch - Free multi-system emulator for classic gaming

What is RetroArch?

RetroArch is a multi-system emulator that allows users 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 range of different options, especially suitable for those who like to tweak things to suit their own specific requirements, helping to deliver the perfect retro gaming experience. Once set up, RetroArch is simple to use.

Features of RetroArch

Fully customizable

In the past, RetroArch has been criticized for its poor UI. Comments like "boring" or "unusable" have become common over the years. Thankfully, there are many settings you can experiment with to make the interface more fun 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 be confused with the difficult to use game controller configuration of some emulators. Regular game controllers are automatically configured as soon as you plug them in, so everything is very simple. You also have the option to configure your gamepad manually so you can set up special actions for button combinations.

Shaders

Are you tired of the overly rigid blocky graphics produced when playing classic games on an HD screen? If so, the Shaders feature can help you by applying a graphics filter to upgrade the rendering of older games, making them closer to vector graphics. You can even go the other way and replicate the look and feel of your chosen classic game on a CRT monitor.

Achievements

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

Netplay

Play classic games online? That can be done through RetroArch. Imagine playing Mario Kart 64 with 3 other friends or experiencing Worms Armageddon that doesn't end in a fight, because no one is in the same room - these are the times we live in.

Record and stream online

If you're too embarrassed to reveal your incompetence to the world, this feature probably won't interest you. However, there are many individuals out there with enough confidence and talent to impress many people with their classic video game playing abilities. These people will certainly be eager to use RetroArch's ability to record gaming sessions so they can show them off to friends at a later date. They might even have the courage to live stream their playing sessions on Youtube for all the world to see.

Choose individual emulators for each ROM

With countless different emulators at your disposal in RetroArch, you can take your pick. 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. Once a specific emulator is selected for a ROM, it becomes the default for that game, unless the user decides to change it back.

Fast response time

If you've used an emulator before, you may have noticed that on some machines, there's a noticeable delay between game controller input and on-screen response. This is not the case when playing through RetroArch, as it has a fast response time, meaning there is almost no difference in input lag compared to real hardware.

Advantage

1. Simulate a variety of systems
2. Play the game in true classic style

Defect

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