RetroArch is a free cross-platform video game emulation program. Once you know how to use RetroArch, you can play classic Nintendo, PlayStation, and Xbox games on almost any computer or mobile device. You can even run RetroArch on Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and other gaming systems.
RetroArch is an open source project that can run multiple video game emulators in a single interface. In addition to the additional features that individual emulators offer, RetroArch offers several additional benefits, including:
Because it’s open-source, anyone can contribute new cores and customization tools, and updates are released regularly with new features. RetroArch emulates more than just games and consoles. For example, there are cores for video game engines, so you can do things like design your own Tomb Raider game using the original assets.
While RetroArch is useful once you get it up and running, setting it up can be time-consuming. It’s a tool aimed at advanced users who are interested in software development and enjoy fiddling with settings. If you’re just looking to play games for a specific system, there may be better options for emulators.