RetroArch

1.17.0 Retro game emulator for Windows

Sven Sorensen

Multi-platform front-end for various game console emulators that allows users to play classic video games on modern devices.

Free and open source frontend emulation software download, reviewed by Sven Sørensen
Play classical games and launch old apps on computers and consoles using this cross-platform - Screenshot of RetroArch
Cross-platform game emulator with a stylish interface - Screenshot of RetroArch
Configure many settings, enable achievements, and more - Screenshot of RetroArch
Powerful game emulator for numerous platforms - Screenshot of RetroArch
Compatibility to play games - Screenshot of RetroArch
Free multi-system emulator for retro gameplay - Screenshot of RetroArch
All-in-one tool for game emulators, game engines and media players - Screenshot of RetroArch
Emulators, game engines, and media players - Screenshot of RetroArch
User interface - Screenshot of RetroArch
RetroArch screenshot
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Excellent collection of game console emulators and games connected to online libraries, leaderboards and achievements with a number of advanced features.

Specializing in older games and consoles, RetroArch can be used collect all the consoles from the last generations on your PC in an organized manner.

This free app acts as the Noah's Ark of console history: it brings together 18 emulators from NeoGeo to SNES and GBA to Sony's PS1 under one roof

Starting the game is thankfully easy: After you have loaded the desired ROM, you only have to select it in the integrated file manager and you can start playing.

RetroArch comes with a dazzling range of different options, making it particularly suitable for people who like to tweak everything to suit their own specific requirements for the perfect retro gaming experience.

Play all the old classic console ROMs

For reference, this gaming emulation system includes access to the following systems: PlayStation 1 (PCSX ReARMed), Super Nintendo (SNES9x Next), Nintendo Entertainment System (FCEUmm / NEStopia), GameBoy / GameBoy Color (Gambatte), GameBoy Advance (VBA Next), Arcade (Final Burn Alpha), Neo Geo Pocket Color (Mednafen NGP), Virtual Boy (Mednafen VB), Sega Genesis/Mega Drive (Genesis Plus GX), Sega Master System/Sega Game Gear (Genesis Plus GX), Sega CD / Mega CD (Genesis Plus GX), PC Engine / PC Engine CD (Mednafen PCE Fast), WonderSwan Color / Crystal (Mednafen Wonderswan).

The emulators do come standard in the Libretto folders or through their own installer integrated into the program. In any case, RetroArch does not come with any ROM files, so you'll have to obtain them yourself.

In closing

For nostalgics and everyone who wants to revive the gaming culture of bygone days, there is no way around RetroArch. After a short configuration, you can start playing countless games and classics.

Features of RetroArch

  • Cheat support: Add cheats to games.
  • Core options: Tweak game settings to your liking.
  • Cores: Choose from multiple cores to play games.
  • Multiple controller support: Connect multiple controllers to play.
  • Music support: Stream music while you play.
  • Netplay: Play online with friends or strangers.
  • Online updater: Automatically download updates to RetroArch.
  • Overlay support: Add a custom visual layer over your games.
  • Play games from multiple consoles: Play games from Nintendo, Sony, Atari and more.
  • Playlist support: Create playlists to organize your games.
  • Recording: Record your gameplay for future viewing.
  • Rewinding: Rewind time to correct mistakes.
  • Save states: Save your progress at any time.
  • Shaders: Enhance visuals of your favorite games with shaders.

Compatibility and License

RetroArch is a free application released under the GPLv3 license on Windows from console emulators. With software released under the open source GPLv3 license, anybody can download, install, run and distribute the software with little in terms of restrictions. The latest version we have is 1.17.0 and is available to download here.

libretro accepts donations for the continued development of this free software.

Filed under:
  1. RetroArch Download
  2. Free Console Emulators
  3. Open source and GPL software
  4. Frontend Emulation Software
RetroArch has been picked by our editors as very good.
RetroArch has been tested for viruses and malware.
We have tested RetroArch 1.17.0 against malware with several different programs. We certify that this program is clean of viruses, malware and trojans.