RetroArch
A cross-platform frontend for the libretro API, enabling emulators and game engines to run as modular cores.
What is RetroArch?
RetroArch is a cross-platform, sophisticated frontend for the libretro API that allows users to run video game system emulators, game engines, and other multimedia applications as modular "cores." It provides a unified interface for handling audio, video, input, and application lifecycle across dozens of platforms, solving the problem of fragmented emulator interfaces and enabling consistent performance and features.
Retro gaming enthusiasts, emulator developers, and hobbyists who want a unified, feature-rich frontend for running multiple emulator cores across various operating systems and hardware, including PCs, mobile devices, and classic consoles.
Developers choose RetroArch for its extensive platform support, advanced technical features like real-time rewind and shader pipelines, and its modular core system that simplifies emulator integration and maintenance compared to standalone emulators.
Overview
Cross-platform, sophisticated frontend for the libretro API. Licensed GPLv3.
Use Cases
Best For
- Running multiple retro game emulators through a single unified interface
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