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How to Install & Set Up RetroArch

 

 

Platforms: iPhone (iOS 17.4+) & Android

 

 

 

 iPhone (iOS 17.4+)

 

 

 RetroArch was recently allowed on the App Store due to Apple’s new emulator policy. Here’s how to install and use it.

 

 

 Step-by-Step (iPhone):

 

 

1. Make sure your device is on iOS 17.4 or later

    

   • Go to Settings → General → Software Update

   • Install if you’re below 17.4

    

2. Download RetroArch from the App Store

    

   • Open the App Store

   • Search for “RetroArch”

   • Tap Get and install it like any other app

    

3. Open RetroArch and allow permissions

    

   • Grant any necessary file access

   • You’ll land on a very plain home screen (don’t worry, it gets better)

    

4. Install Cores (Emulator Engines)

    

   • Go to Load Core → Download a Core

   • Pick the systems you want (e.g. Snes9x for SNES, PCSX ReARMed for PS1, etc.)

    

5. Add Your ROMs

    

   • You can upload games to your iPhone using:

      

     • Files app → drag ROMs into a RetroArch folder

     • iTunes File Sharing (via Finder or iTunes)

     • iCloud Drive or other cloud services

      

   • Make sure your ROMs are in a supported format (e.g. .gba, .sfc, .iso, etc.)

    

6. Play a Game

    

   • Tap Load Content

   • Find your ROM, tap it, and RetroArch will auto-select the correct core

    

7. Tweak Settings (Optional)

    

   • Go to Settings → Video for screen filters

   • Settings → Controls to remap buttons

    

 

 

 

 

 Android (Android 11+ Recommended)

 

 

Android gives you more freedom and better performance. Here’s how to get started:

 

 

 Step-by-Step (Android):

 

 

1. Download RetroArch

    

   • Open the Google Play Store

   • Search RetroArch

   • Install the official app from Libretro

    

2. Grant Permissions

    

   • When you open it the first time, allow file access

   • You may want to enable “Install Unknown Apps” if you’re loading BIOS files or external cores

    

3. Install Cores

    

   • Go to Main Menu → Load Core → Download a Core

   • Choose from dozens of systems (GBA, SNES, N64, PS1, etc.)

    

4. Add Your ROMs

    

   • Place ROMs in a folder (e.g. Download/ROMs/)

   • You can use:

      

     • File manager apps

     • USB transfer

     • Cloud storage like Google Drive

      

    

5. Scan Directory (Optional)

    

   • Go to Main Menu → Import Content → Scan Directory

   • Choose your ROM folder so RetroArch creates a system menu for each console

    

6. Play a Game

    

   • Go to Load Content → [Your ROM folder]

   • Pick your game

   • RetroArch will auto-select the best core (or let you choose)

    

7. Improve Performance (Optional)

    

   • Settings → Video → Enable Threaded Video

   • Lower resolution filters for older devices

   • Enable frame skipping for smoother play on weak devices

    

 

 

 

 

 Optional: Add BIOS Files

 

 

Some systems (PS1, Sega CD, etc.) need BIOS files to run properly.

 

• Place BIOS files in the folder:

  retroarch/system/

• Use correct file names (e.g. scph5501.bin for PS1)

• Google “RetroArch BIOS pack” if needed (we can’t link to them directly)

 

 

 

 

 Pro Tips

 

 

• Use Bluetooth controllers for better gameplay (like 8BitDo, PS4/PS5, or Xbox)

• Save and load states for instant progress

• Use shaders to add CRT effects or pixel smoothing