retroarch

Multi-system emulator and game frontend

TLDR

Start menu mode

$ retroarch

Load a ROM with a specific core

$ retroarch -L [path/to/core.so] [path/to/rom]

Start in fullscreen

$ retroarch -f

Use specific config file

$ retroarch -c [path/to/config]

Load content with verbose logging

$ retroarch -v -L [path/to/core.so] [path/to/rom]

List compiled features

$ retroarch --features

Display help

$ retroarch -h

SYNOPSIS

retroarch [-f] [-c config] [-L core] [content]

retroarch is a frontend for emulators, game engines, and media players based on the libretro API. It provides a unified interface for playing retro games across many platforms.The tool uses interchangeable "cores" for different systems (NES, SNES, PlayStation, etc.) with features like shaders, netplay, achievements, and input remapping.

PARAMETERS

-f, --fullscreen

Start in fullscreen mode

-c, --config _file_

Use specific configuration file

-L, --libretro _core_

Load specific libretro core

--features

List compiled features

--menu

Start directly in menu

-v, --verbose

Verbose logging

-s, --save _slot_

Load save state from specified slot

--appendconfig _file_

Append extra config file (overrides values in main config)

-h, --help

Display help

CONFIGURATION

~/.config/retroarch/retroarch.cfg

Main configuration file controlling video, audio, input, directory paths, and default core settings.

~/.config/retroarch/cores/

Directory containing libretro core shared libraries (.so files) for each emulated system.

~/.config/retroarch/config/

Per-core and per-game override configuration files that supplement the main config.

INSTALL

sudo apt install retroarch

sudo dnf install retroarch

sudo pacman -S retroarch

sudo apk add retroarch

sudo zypper install retroarch

nix profile install nixpkgs#retroarch

CAVEATS

Cores must be downloaded separately. Game ROMs not included (legal backup required). Performance varies by core and system. Configuration can be complex.

HISTORY

RetroArch is the reference implementation of the libretro API, developed by the libretro team. It evolved from SSNES and has become the most popular multi-system emulator frontend.