Guide Setting up RetroArch game emulator for Sega and SNES: full guide

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RetroArch — it's not just an emulator, but whole platform that will turn your smartphone or PC into time machine for retro games. Want to run games from Sega, Nintendo, PlayStation or even legendary Doom? Here everything is possible. But to enjoy without lags and glitches, you need to figure out the setup. Don't worry, in this guide I explained everything in simple language, even if you hear words like core or bios for the first time.

Installation of RetroArch Emulator: Android and Steam​

Download and Launch​

Let's start with basics.

1. For Android go to
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   , find RetroArch and press "Install".
2. If there's no version in store —
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   .
3. For
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   everything is even easier: open client, type Retro Arch in search and add it to your library. It's free!
4. After installation open the app.

First thing that catches eye — minimalist interface.

Adding Console Cores​

Cores — these are engines for emulation of different consoles. For example:

• Sega Genesis/Mega Drive: Genesis Plus GX.
• Super Nintendo (SNES): Snes9x.
• PlayStation 1: PCSX ReARMed.
• NES: Nestopia.

To install core, go to Online Updater > Core Downloader. Select what you need and wait for download. Cores automatically save to system folder. Now you can run games!

RetroArch Setup​

System Files (BIOS)​

Some consoles, for example PlayStation, require BIOS — system files. Without them games won't start.

1. Download BIOS for your console.
2. Put files in system folder (on Android: RetroArch > system; on PC: folder is specified in settings).

Adding Games (ROM)​

ROM — game files.

• For example, for Super Mario Bros. on NES it will be .nes file.
• Create roms folder on device.
• In RetroArch: Import Content > Manual Scan > specify path to folder.
• After scanning games will appear in playlists.

Graphics and Sound​

• Video drivers: In Settings > Driver > Video choose Vulkan (for PC) or OpenGL (for weak devices).
• Shaders: these are filters that improve picture. Try crt-easy for old TV effect. Settings > Shaders > Load > Select preset.
• Rewind: allows to rewind time if you lost. Enable in Settings > Latency.

Input Setup: Gamepads and Keyboard​

1. Connect gamepad through Bluetooth or USB.
2. Retro Arch supports Xbox, PS3 and even Raspberry Pi controllers.
3. Go to Settings > Input > Port 1 Controls and assign buttons.
4. For keyboard: use "WASD" template or setup manually.

FAQ about RetroArch​

What is BIOS and why do I need to search for it?​

BIOS — it's like soul of console. Without it emulator won't understand how to work with games for PlayStation, Sega CD and other systems. For example, for PS1 you will need SCPH1001.BIN file. Download it from internet (google "BIOS for PS1"), put in system folder inside RetroArch — and voila, games will start. Main thing — don't confuse BIOS versions: for European games one fits, for Japanese — another.

Game lags or crashes.​

If game jerks or closes by itself, first thing try to change core. For example, for PlayStation 1 there are two popular options: PCSX ReARMed (light for weak devices) and Beetle PSX (for PC with beautiful graphics). If problem is in performance, go to video settings and choose simpler driver — for example, OpenGL instead of Vulkan. And also turn off shaders: sometimes they load processor too much.

Can I play with friend through internet?​

Yes, through Netplay function. But there are nuances: all players should have same versions of RetroArch, same core and same game (even ROM region should match). Host goes to Network > Host, others — to Network > Join and enter his IP.

Sound disappeared or hear crackling. What to do?​

Go to Settings > Audio and try to change driver. On Android usually OpenSL works, on PC — WASAPI. If sound crackles, enable Audio Sync and reduce latency to 64 ms. Sometimes simple restart of emulator helps — RetroArch can be capricious.

How to save in game and rewind time back if lost?​

To save, press F1 (on PC) or go to Quick Menu > Save State. For time rewind activate Rewind option in latency settings, then hold R2 button on gamepad or Shift on keyboard — game will start rolling back. Just don't abuse it: rewind eats lot of RAM.

Conclusion​

With it you won't just run Super Nintendo or PlayStation 2 — you will do it with improved graphics, cloud saves and even achievements. And also it's open source project, so there's no ads and hidden payments. If you still have questions, ask them in comments!