[Xbox Series X|S] Dev Mode & Retroarch Emulation Setup Guide - 2025 Edition!

New updates have been hitting the Xbox Dev Mode emulation scene that have provided a better emulation experience for the Xbox Series X|S! This Dev Mode & Retroarch will take you through the process of getting the latest version of Retroarch installed and the benefits it provides. While this guide focuses on the Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One systems can follow along with the process by selecting the appropriate version of Retroarch to install.

Time Stamps:
0:00 - Purpose
0:11 - Intro
0:35 - Needed Items
1:55 - Download Dev Mode Activation App
2:34 - Activating Dev Mode
6:18 - Switch Your Xbox Into Dev Mode
6:35 - Get Your Xbox Connected To The Internet
7:15 - Sign Into Your Xbox Live Profile
7:48 - Setup Remote Access Settings
8:33 - Properly Formatting A Xbox USB Drive App Method
10:46 - Properly Formatting A Xbox USB Drive Manual Method
12:33 - Set Your USB Drive To Media On The Xbox
13:03 - Accessing The Xbox Device Portal
13:54 - Installing Retroarch
16:01 - Change UWP Type From App To Game
16:38 - Configure Retroarch Directories
18:51 - Using The Online Updater
20:31 - Setting Menu Item Visibility
21:21 - Changing Scaling And Latency Options Part 1
21:52 - Controller Hotkeys
22:56 - Changing Latency Options Part 2
23:20 - Retro Achievements
23:38 - Netplay Username Setup
23:50 - Save Your Retroarch Config
24:06 - My Xbox Playlist Has Core Setup Information!
24:37 - Returning To Retail Mode
25:03 - Returning To Dev Mode
25:21 - Outro/Support

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[ArchadesGames]

If your download doesn't come with dependency files that means they are not needed and that step can be skipped.

[geralne]

DUDE I LITERALLY ERASED RETROARCH 6 HOURS AGO BECAUSE IT WAS HAVING ISSUES, OMG THANKS ICE

[ADHDude]

If you are having problems with the ssd, right click on the ssd in MY PC, click format, click from Exfat to NTFS, the format it, then run the program that he mentioned. I did this and it fixed it because it wasn't set to NTSF before I set it up with the Xbox media storage program he used.

[not.an.operator]

Before I started this process "why doesn't everyone do this!?". After finishing this process "Okay, I get it" LOL. Thanks a million for the guidance man, just got it set up and switched over to XMB!

[nadersgaming]

This channel has the best tutorials out Thanks again !!!

[Linkplayer]

Bro you could not upload this video 1 day earlier. I just setup retroarch on dev mode yesterday using your old guide lol.

[willianprandini]

amazing! works like a charm! Just the dependency files a had to download out from the retroarch site.

[GodlyODB]

Lost my hard drive so I deleted retroarch, dolphin, Xbsx2, etc.
Found my hard drive and even saw that you made 2024 versions, you’re a goat man, I got my stuff back and newly updated too.

[A.Little]

This video worked amazingly! Couldn't have done it without you! Thank you so much.

[dylanday]

Thank you my guy your the best i thought it was something to do with a update or wrong version on why n64 wasn't working glad u updated the video for us all that was having issues with it and any new comers

[ryanodriscoll]

I finally got N64 games to work on my Xbox thank you !!!

[HUYI]

Just a warning heads up trying to enable dev mode is an nightmare in itself (website and system is absolutely broken) so many issues including conflicts with emails drove me mad but i got there in the end! be prepared for anything ☠️☠️

Thanks for the guide, now i need to set everything else up for some retro goodness!

[AlexandreAlex-og]

For those who are having trouble opening the link to register as a developer, try a computer or other device. I wasn't able to do it with my cell phone, but I did it with my laptop!

[nolesfan]

You should name the "don't touch folder" as "Dale's drum set."

[yaomu]

I put the playback speed of the video to 0.5x to follow along and you sounded like you were high out of your mind it’s hilarious

[thelegionua]

Thank you for detalied and simple information.

[Ogmudbone]

Now you need a XBSX2 update. The UI had changed with the newest version

[PlenumGaming]

If having trouble accessing the sign up link, go to the partner center page and select the Windows option, this allowed me to sign up as an app / game developer

[luckiii]

Very detailed and easy to understand. Great video!

[el_apostata_sud]

you are the king man, literally every piece of information here was super helpful! THANK YOU!