RetroArch

Last updated: 2025-10-18

Listen

0:00 / 0:00
Summary
  • Comprehensive all-in-one emulator
  • Seamless RetroAchievements integration
  • User-friendly interface and customization
  • Complex and unintuitive UI/UX
  • Limited Steam version features
  • Poor PS2 emulation support
RetroArch header

Categories

CustomizationCooperative MultiplayerResource ManagementMod SupportCollection GameSingle-playerGame Preservation

Emotions

Satisfaction38%Frustration17%Disappointment12%Excitement7%Joy3%
Reviews
(sample size)
1554
Helpful reviews
58%
Unhelpful reviews
41%
Protest reviews
0%
Positive points
1792
Negative points
985
Gameplay points
250
Perf. points
15
Rec. points
380
Misc points
200
Point
Comprehensive All-in-One Emulator
Description
RetroArch is widely praised as an excellent, comprehensive, and versatile all-in-one emulator. It consolidates numerous emulators (cores) into a single platform, simplifying the process of playing games from various classic consoles (e.g., NES, SNES, PS1, GBA, N64, PS2) and eliminating the need to download and manage multiple standalone emulators. This makes it a powerful tool for retro gaming enthusiasts.
Importance
100%
User-Friendly Interface & Customization
Description
Despite an initial learning curve, RetroArch's interface is considered intuitive, customizable, and easy to use once understood. It offers extensive customization options for UI, controls, and visual enhancements like shaders, allowing users to tailor their gaming experience. The software is also noted for its smooth performance and efficiency.
Importance
34%
Steam Integration & Cloud Saves
Description
The Steam version of RetroArch offers significant advantages, particularly Steam Cloud save functionality, which allows seamless progress transfer across multiple devices (PC, Steam Deck). It also benefits from easy installation, automatic updates, Remote Play Together for online multiplayer, and Steam Input for controller compatibility, enhancing accessibility and convenience.
Importance
25%
Seamless RetroAchievements Integration
Description
A highly valued feature is RetroArch's seamless integration with RetroAchievements.org. This allows players to earn achievements for classic games that originally lacked them, adding new challenges and replayability to nostalgic titles. This feature significantly enhances the retro gaming experience and motivates players to revisit old favorites.
Importance
23%
Highly Praised Software Quality
Description
Overall, RetroArch is consistently described as fantastic, incredible, and essential software. Users express high satisfaction with its capabilities, often stating they would pay for it if necessary. Its robust design and continuous updates contribute to a positive user experience.
Importance
7%
Free, Open-Source, and Feature-Rich
Description
RetroArch is praised for being a free, open-source application available across almost any platform. It comes packed with a large array of features, including save states, netplay, and extensive customization, making it a robust and accessible solution for emulation without any cost or ads.
Importance
6%
Worthwhile Initial Setup Effort
Description
Many users acknowledge that while the initial setup and configuration of RetroArch might require some effort and patience, the resulting functionality and comprehensive retro gaming experience are well worth the investment of time. Once configured, the system runs seamlessly and provides immense satisfaction.
Importance
5%
Nostalgic & Accessible Retro Gaming
Description
RetroArch is celebrated for its ability to evoke nostalgia, allowing players to easily revisit and enjoy beloved childhood games and discover previously inaccessible titles. It provides a convenient and modern way to experience classic gaming, bringing back cherished memories for many users.
Importance
5%