These buttons open the developer's own site, repository or store listing in a new tab. wares.gg does not host downloads.
5 more ways to get RetroArch
Other download sites
Run by third parties, not by The Libretro team. Prefer the official page above when it works.
Package managers
- Chocolatey
choco install retroarch - Homebrew
brew install --cask retroarch - Flathub
flatpak install flathub org.libretro.RetroArch - Snap Store
snap install retroarch
About RetroArch
RetroArch is a front end for the libretro API. Emulators and game engines are loaded as plug-ins called cores, so instead of installing and configuring a dozen separate programs you configure RetroArch once and it applies to all of them. Games are scanned and sorted by system in a console-style menu with thumbnails.
It runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS as well as consoles such as PS3, PSP, PS Vita, Wii and Wii U. Controllers are recognised automatically, shaders can reproduce CRT effects, and the project puts real effort into next-frame response time so input latency matches original hardware.
Strengths
- Configure once and every emulator core inherits the settings
- Runs on desktops, phones and a long list of games consoles
- Automatic controller configuration for common gamepads
- Shaders, including CRT filters, and serious work on input latency
- Scans a collection and sorts it by system with thumbnails
Limitations
- The settings menu is deep and intimidating the first time
- You still have to download cores, and some systems need BIOS files you must supply
- Standalone emulators are sometimes more accurate than the equivalent core
- It supplies no games; obtaining ROMs legally is on you
Details
- Pricing
- FreeFree and open source, funded by donations.
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Developer
- The Libretro team
- Platforms
- Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
- How it runs
- Downloadable app
- Account
- Not required
- Works offline
- Yes
- Best suited for
- A single living-room front end for a large retro collection
- Categories
- Emulators
- Last verified
- Added
- Provenance
- Selected from the TechWalrus downloads catalog (Emulation); facts checked against the developer's own pages, 6 sources on file.
Similar software
Related functionality, not necessarily a direct replacement.
Dolphin
The GameCube and Wii emulator, running those games at higher resolutions than the consoles ever managed.
PCSX2
The PlayStation 2 emulator, twenty years in development, now running most of the library at full speed.
PPSSPP
A PSP emulator that needs no BIOS file and runs handheld games in HD on phones and PCs.
DuckStation
A fast, accuracy-focused PlayStation 1 emulator. Excellent software, but licensed non-commercial and no-derivatives.
