RetroArch - Emulators on PC (DC, PSX, PSP, Wii, GC, DS, N64 and more)

RetroArch is a cross-platform collection of emulators. The PC version is the considered the big-daddy of them all, having the potential to run the most resource intensive cores (emulators) that mobile and console versions can’t keep up with. Still sporting great performance across the board and various features such as save states, cheats, netplay, rewinding and much more. RetroArch is sure to transform your PC from a gaming powerhouse into a complete multi-platform monster, expanding its already massive game library.

This guide will show you how to setup RetroArch on your PC and configure cheats. Access useful features such as save states and screenshots. The RetroArch website features extensive documentation on its myriad of features with a search function making it very easy to navigate.

RetroArch Cores: (Full List)

  • Sega Dreamcast / Flycast
  • GameCube / Dolphin
  • Nintendo 3DS / Citra
  • Nintendo 64 / Mupen64Plus
  • PSX / PCSX ReARMed
  • PlayStation Portable / PPSSPP
  • Nintendo DS / DeSmuME
  • GameBoy Advance (+GB/C) / VBA Next
  • SNES / Snes9x
  • Sega Genesis (CD / MD / MS / GG) / Genesis Plus GX

Required Downloads:

Internet Connection

  • RetroArch requires an internet connection during initial setup to update certain files such as the cheats database

ScpToolkit (Optional)

  • ScpToolkit can be installed to make Dualshock 3 / 4 compatible with Windows 7 and 10
  • ScpToolkit will emulate Xbox 360 controller inputs making Dualshock controllers compatible with all games that support controllers

8BitDo Switch Controller Bluetooth Adaptericon-amazon

  • A Bluetooth adapter or dongle is required to connect the Switch Pro Controller to your PC wirelessly
  • The 8BitDo adapter will automatically configure your controller and emulate the Xbox 360 Controller
  • It is the best hassle-free solution, no additional drivers or apps such as BetterJoyforCemu required
  • Works with all games and Steam out-of-the-box
  • Works with PC, macOS, Switch and Android (via OTG cable)
  • Can also be used to connect Dualshock and Xbox controllers on all compatible platforms (despite the name)

GameCube to USB Adaptericon-amazon

  • A USB adapter can be used to play GameCube games with the original controller for a more authentic experience
  • The Mayflash Gamecube USB adapter is widely used and supports up to four controllers
  • It is also compatibly with Wii U and Switch making it an excellent investment

USB Wii Sensor Baricon-amazon

  • A sensor bar can be used with a Bluetooth adapter to connect a Wiimote to your PC for a more authentic experience
  • The Mayflash Sensor DolphinBar features built-in Bluetooth to ensure compatibility with PC and all Wiimote add-ons directly out of the box

Setup RetroArch

  1. Create a folder named ROMs on your PC
  2. Store your ROM files in the /ROMs/ folderretroarch roms folder
  3. Extract the contents of RetroArch.7z to a folder on your PCretroarch pc emulator extract install
  4. Launch retroarch.exe
  5. From the RetroArch main menu, go to [Main Menu] -> [Online Updater]retroarch pc main menu online updater
  6. Select [Core Downloader]retroarch pc main menu online updater core downloader
  7. Select the cores (emulators) that you wish to install then go backretroarch pc main menu online updater core downloader flycast dreamcast
  8. Select [Update Cheats] and wait for the process to completeretroarch pc main menu online updater cheats
  9. From the main menu, select [Import Content] -> [Scan Directory]retroarch pc import content scan directory
  10. Navigate to your /ROMs/ folder and select [Scan this Directory]retroarch pc import content scan this directory
  11. Once complete, your ROMs will be organised by platform and added to the RetroArch main menuretroarch pc import content scan this directory complete
  12. Select your ROM -> [Run] and choose the core (emulator) you wish to use if prompted

Cheats

RetroArch features a built-in cheat engine to create cheats by editing numerical values in the game’s memory. There is also a large database of preset game-specific cheat codes that can be downloaded in the [Main Menu] -> [Online Updater].

  1. From the RetroArch window top menu, select [Command] -> [Menu Toggle]retroarch cheats quick menu toggle
  2. Scroll down to [Cheats]retroarch cheats quick menu cheats
  3. Select [Load Cheat File]retroarch pc main menu online updater cheats load file
  4. Select the game system then select your gameretroarch pc main menu online updater cheats
  5. In [Cheats] menu, set [Apply After Toggle] to [ON]retroarch pc main menu online updater cheats apply toggle
  6. Turn cheats on / off with the directional buttonsretroarch cheats sonic adventure quick menu cheats on
  7. Return to the [Quick Menu] and select [Resume] to return to gameplay
  8. Your cheats will be loadedretroarch cheats house of dead quick menu cheats on

PC Games and Emulation

Credits