RetroArch Starter Guide

RetroArch is one of my favorite programs to use for retro game emulation, because it can emulate many systems. But it does have quite a steep learning curve. In this guide I'm going to demystify some of the more peculiar things about this emulation frontend, and show you how I set up RetroArch on my own gaming platforms. This guide is meant to help you get set up with various RetroArch iterations. The video will primarily be done on Windows PC, but the same method will apply to MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Vita, and Xbox platforms, and more.

Timestamps:
00:00 introduction
01:38 written guide and game files
04:57 installation and initial setup
06:34 controller setup
08:22 configuration file
09:27 directory structure and online updater
12:11 menu appearance
14:10 hotkeys
16:33 misc settings and video
19:11 playlists
20:42 gameplay and overrides
25:07 video settings
28:37 more playlists
31:15 core options and cheats
38:02 summary and conclusion

Outro song sampled from "Rosetta" by T-120:

Note that this description may contain affiliate links. By clicking on an affiliate link and buying something, I may earn a small commission of the sale at no extra cost to you.

This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only.

#RetroArch #RetroGaming #Emulation

[zerozer]

Just the fact u include a written guide, that ur willing to update makes u an absolute legend, thank you

[misterchip]

The fact you are providing this for free, including a written guide - which could be behind a patreon paywall if you wanted - shows your commitment to the hobby and the vintage gaming community. Thank you for this fantastic resource that should maintain its value for years to come!

[quentincaldway]

quit on this thing for about a year...came back to your video, and now the same old games i've owned on my old dreamcast I am now playing. This saved me a lot, really appreciate you man, definitely liked and subbed.

[zeeg]

Dude. What an awesome guide for the community. RetroArch is definitely intimidating, but I'm sure most would agree it's the single best software to learn if you want to get into emulation. Thanks!

[jordanestabrook]

This guide helped a lot. FYI this video took me 7 full hours to watch all in total. Don't expect this to be 40 mins and done. I rewinded about 999 times.

[TheMechanizedSingfantry]

1 year later, this is still the best video guide on YouTube. Thanks!

[Fukkatsu]

Once you know what you're doing and get it setup the way you like it, RetroArch is incredible. This guide will help people realize just how good it can be. While I thought I wouldn't need it there's a few things in this guide that I didn't know about.

[JCatNY]

You are the top drawer of emulation instructional videos. No one would could have explained Retroarch better, especially seeing how complex this front end is. Another huge thanks!

[ordinaryalan]

I used your guide when I bought a used PS Vita and installed RetroArch and began playing all the games from my childhood. You are the reason I started getting back into retro gaming and I thank you very much for all the hard work you put into these videos. GOAT Status 100%.

[dougmcquiaidsgreatesthits]

I am extremely excited to watch this! RetroArch is a nightmare to fumble through without a great guide and since your reviews have been on point I am sure this will be no different! Much love and respect as always, you're the best!

[theitguy]

Not going to lie, I've spent the last 2 days learning retroarche thanks to your videos. Thank you so much.

[udino]

your first time experience with retroarch sounds exactly like mine! i'm now gonna give it another go, cheers!

[Adelinechu]

Already had Retroarch set up for a few years now, but I never knew about most of this stuff. You are a god among men

[ustrucx]

You made a full written Thank I have a theory the internet became less useful for any type of learning because everything now is either on a Dischord/Slack chat log or a YouTube video, one cannot find anything on the internet anymore cause everything is monetized around quickly vanishing, impossible to index content so, thank you sir for being the change the internet need!!!

[loudface]

I faithfully pick your videos, I just happen to need information on something you released 12 hours ago. Your videos are great, and your timing is amazing. Thank you!

[armita]

I have setup Retroarch multiple handhelds over the years but this was my first time setting it up on a PC and I decided to watch this video to see what was possible now that I am using much beefier hardware. Your guide is by far the best one I've ever seen and you very clearly explained all the stuff I had no idea about/always ignored because the handheld I was using wouldn't be able to handle it. Thank you so much!!

[titantim]

If you haven't set up retro achievements, you owe it to yourself to start now. It brings new life to so many older games. I wish I had this type of thing when I was a kid playing on the old NES.

[nickblaunerpersonal]

Thank you for your channel, and this video. You are an example of the best aspect of the internet: sharing knowledge

[joeywilbur]

I tried RetroArch many times and I usually have a decent learning curve. Until I tried using this, especially on my laptop. I gave up on it there at least.. I do believe it's definitely not for everyone to understand. Thanks for sharing this..

[rzaro]

This is best tutorial out there. All other ps one setups talking to new people how to setup autobleem fresh start seem to look over process of retroarch. You need to download separate retroarch and transfer all updates and cheats and etc. to USB for autobleem on ps one. Your video is best out here. Thank you