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:

RetroArch (Download version, not “Installer”)
BIOS Pack

Requirements

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 Adapter

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 Adapter

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 Bar

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

Some cores (emulators) require a BIOS file to run correctly, extract the contents of the BIOS pack to the /RetroArch/system/ folder if you require any BIOS files for your emulators

Create a folder named ROMs on your PC
Store your ROM files in the /ROMs/ folder
Extract the contents of RetroArch.7z to a folder on your PC
Launch retroarch.exe
From the RetroArch main menu, go to [Main Menu] -> [Online Updater]
Select [Core Downloader]
Select the cores (emulators) that you wish to install then go back
Select [Update Cheats] and wait for the process to complete
From the main menu, select [Import Content] -> [Scan Directory]
Navigate to your /ROMs/ folder and select [Scan this Directory]
Once complete, your ROMs will be organised by platform and added to the RetroArch main menu
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].