# RetroArch

A free, open-source frontend that runs dozens of individual emulator "cores" — NES through PS2 and beyond — through one unified interface, on Mac and nearly every other platform.

- **Category:** [Utilities](https://notchlist.vercel.app/category/utilities/)
- **Price:** Free, open source
- **Open source:** yes
- **Official site:** https://www.retroarch.com/
- **Available via:** Direct, GitHub
- **Requirements:** macOS 10.13 (High Sierra) or later for the current build; a separate legacy build supports macOS 10.12 and earlier on Intel.
- **Maker:** Libretro Team

## Kitsmith's take

Not a single-console emulator like OpenEmu but a frontend/launcher for the Libretro project’s many emulator cores, which trades OpenEmu’s simpler onboarding for far broader system coverage and deep configurability (shaders, netplay, rewind). Native macOS 10.13+ builds are available directly or via Steam; older Intel Macs have a separate legacy build.

## Features

- **Many cores, one app:** Dozens of individual system emulators run inside a single unified interface.
- **Shaders & rewind:** CRT-style shaders, instant rewind, and fast-forward.
- **Netplay:** Online multiplayer for supported cores.
- **Cross-platform saves:** Save states and configs are portable across RetroArch’s many supported platforms.

## FAQ

**Is RetroArch free?**

Yes — free and open source, also distributed free on Steam and other storefronts.

**Do I need to configure each emulator separately?**

Each system is a separate "core" you download inside RetroArch and configure individually, which takes more setup than a single-console emulator.


---

Hand-verified listing on Kitsmith: https://notchlist.vercel.app/apps/retroarch/