|OT| RetroArch - The ultimate emulator frontend

[JMTHEFOX]

Since RetroArch is coming to Steam, I though that making an RetroArch thread here might get people excited. Let me know if this thread desn't fit/align with the terms.

FAQ
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1) What is RetroArch?
RetroArch is a multiplatform frontend for game emulators, game engines and media players.

2) Is RetroArch a game emulator?
RetroArch is not much a proper game emulator but the "emulators" come in the form of libretro cores. These cores are forks based on existing emulators that are available on their own websites.

3) What cores does RetroArch currently support?
You can find the list of cores here: libretro - Emulation General Wiki

4) Which platforms is RetroArch available on?
RetroArch is available on Windows/macOS/Linux as well as console ports for Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, iOS, Android and more. Though the later console ports require hacking or jailbreaking. Do it at your own risk!


WHERE TO GET RETROARCH
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Official Site: RetroArch
Android version (Play Store):
Steam version:
One more thing, DONT ASK FOR ROMS OR LINK TO ROM SITES.

 

[lashman]

finally ... thanks for making this OT!

speaking of which - you don't need to put "OT" in the name we already have the prefix for that, lol ... oh, and also - don't forget about the cover

 

[JMTHEFOX]

finally ... thanks for making this OT!

speaking of which - you don't need to put "OT" in the name we already have the prefix for that, lol ... oh, and also - don't forget about the cover

No problem. I have added the cover image and renamed the thread title.

 

[lashman]

No problem. I have added the cover image and renamed the thread title.

sweet, thanks!

oh, and nice cover too!

 

[JMTHEFOX]

In case you were wondering, Yes. Its possible to use RetroArch with another frontend/game library program. One of the most notable game library apps is Launchbox, which you can add RetroArch as an emulator, as well as a fullscreen mode (available to Premium members only).

Its even possible to update RetroArch cores through Launchbox!

Playnite also supports RetroArch, though it doesn't have as much features as Launchbox.

 

[Deku]

Does RetroArch have a save sync feature? I found a way on how to sync saves from Retropie. Would be great if RetroArch also could sync save files

 

[lashman]

Does RetroArch have a save sync feature? I found a way on how to sync saves from Retropie. Would be great if RetroArch also could sync save files

i believe they mentioned cloud saves would be a thing in the steam version, yes

 

[Deku]

i believe they mentioned cloud saves would be a thing in the steam version, yes

But it would be Steam Cloud then, I was meaning sync save files to a cloud storage like Dropbox. I don't think Retropie would have access to Steam Cloud

 

[lashman]

But it would be Steam Cloud then, I was meaning sync save files to a cloud storage like Dropbox. I don't think Retropie would have access to Steam Cloud

ohhhhh, i see ... hmmm, in that case i have no idea, sorry

 

[Deku]

ohhhhh, i see ... hmmm, in that case i have no idea, sorry

Hmm.. come to think I could just change save folder to a cloud storage folder or create a symlink

 

[JMTHEFOX]

RetroArch is now getting text to speech, making it the first emulator to do so!

 

[sprinkles]

In case you were wondering, Yes. Its possible to use RetroArch with another frontend/game library program. One of the most notable game library apps is Launchbox, which you can add RetroArch as an emulator, as well as a fullscreen mode (available to Premium members only).

Its even possible to update RetroArch cores through Launchbox!

Playnite also supports RetroArch, though it doesn't have as much features as Launchbox.

I am curious about Launchbox's BPM-like mode. Does anyone here use it as a daily driver to play on your TV? How does it compare to SteamLink+BPM?

 

[JMTHEFOX]

I am curious about Launchbox's BPM-like mode. Does anyone here use it as a daily driver to play on your TV? How does it compare to SteamLink+BPM?

One thing that BigBox stands out from Steam BPM is the customization. Not just grid view options, you can choose which Startup movies can play as well as the movies for each system. You can usually get them from EmuMovies, but some YouTube uploads of these videos can be downloaded from the links in the description. Here are some examples.

Here's a tutorial on how to choose an Startup Video for BigBox.