RetroArch Alternatives

What is RetroArch?

RetroArch is a platform where you can enjoy a lot of games. The platform can be used on any device as it is compatible with different types of consoles. There is a community that is trying to make this platform available on more devices. RetroArch is a frontend for different emulators. The platform allows users to play old games and there is no need to install any emulator. The RetroArch Ecosystem helps in updating all components of the platform and taking backups of all games.

Top 10 RetroArch Alternatives

RetroArch has many alternatives and some of them have been described here in detail.

Alternative 1 − Recalbox

Recalbox is an alternative to RetroArch. It is an open−source operating system which you can use to play games. The platform supports 40 systems which you can use to play thousands of games. Some of these games that you can play are Atari, Genesis, Sega, NES, and many more. The tool can be run on PCs and it is also compatible with Raspberry Pi, systems, XU4, and Odroid C2.

Alternative 2 − OpenEmu

OpenEmu is a platform which has a long list of games. OpenEmu works perfectly with Mac. The platform will help you in managing the collection of your games. You can give names to the games and the tool will organize them online automatically. Open Emu provides beautiful frontend to play games.

Alternative 3 − Bizhawk

Bizhawk is an excellent alternative to RetroArch. Bizhawk has the ability to run different games like

• Neo Geo Pocket

• Nintendo DS

• Sega 32X

• PlayStation

• Sega Saturn

• Sega Master System

• Virtual Boy

• Uzebox

• ZX Spectrum ROMs

The tool is compatible with Windows devices. Full recording and Lua scripting is also supported by this platform. Other features include

• Hotkey mapping support

• Full−screen support

• Gamepad support

• Rapidfire controls

Alternative 4 − DeSmuME

DeSmuME is an alternative to RetroArch and comes with a lot of features. The tool can be used as command−line and graphical user interface. The tool cannot be used on mobiles. DeSmuME comes with a lot of features like

• Screenshot support

• Cheats

• Video recording

• Audio recording

The platform also allows you to add controllers or set a keyboard input and hotkeys.

Alternative 5 − AetherSX2A

AetherSZ2A is an emulator that can be used to enjoy PlayStation 2 games. The emulator is an alternative to RetroArch and can be used on Android devices. R3 and L3 buttons are not available by default but you can add them in the controller settings. In case, the requirements of graphics are high, the performance of games will become slow. Other features available in the emulator are on−screen shortcuts, quick save, toggle functions, quick load, and many more.

Alternative 6 − Dolphin

Dolphin is an emulator that has the feature of emulating consoles of the 7th generation. You can play your favorite games on the emulator. GameCube games can also run easily on this emulator. The platform is still under development and in future, you may also be able to use a Nintendo Wi−Fi connection. The tool is compatible with MacOS, Windows, and Linux.

Alternative 7 − Mednafen

Mednafen is a Sega emulator and can be installed on Windows systems. The emulator is easily portable and games can be rendered through OpenGL and SDL. If the system files on Windows are corrupted, then installing the emulator can be problematic. The tool is available as a command line and GUI. Mednafen is useful for those users who want to enjoy PlayStation 1, Nintendo, and SNES emulators.

Alternative 8 − Kega Fusion

Kega Fusion is an emulator for Sega Genesis games. Besides this, the emulator also supports other Sega systems which include:

• SG−1000

• SC−3000

• SF−7000

• Master System

• Game Gear

• Sega CD

• 32X

Other aspects supported by this emulator include:

• Save slots

• Cheat codes

• Screenshots

• Netplay

Screen filters are available to customize videos and system’s sound.

Alternative 9 − PCSX2

PCSX2 is an emulator which helps to play a large number of games on PlayStation 2 console. One drawback of PCSX2 is that it needs a powerful computer to give its best performance. The powerful computer can help you to play almost all the games through this emulator. Mac version is also available but it has an outdated version and currently, there are no updates.

Alternative 10 − MAME

MAME is an emulator that you can use to play arcade games. The user interface of the emulator is difficult to use so it is better to use it through the command line. Setting up the platform is very difficult. You have to consult the documentation which will help you in setting up the platform on your Windows PC. You can play games using this emulator from different arcade systems which include:

• Namco

• Neo Geo

• Sega

Conclusion

RetroArch is a frontend where different emulators can be installed and users can play a lot of games. People not happy and satisfied with this platform can go for its alternatives like Recalbox, PCSX2, Bizhawk, and many more.