RetroArch

RetroArch is a frontend that allows you to comfortably manage dozens of emulators of practically every existing console from a single interface. The program is completely free, open source, and multi-platform, so it can be run on Windows, but also on RetroArch Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and even some consoles like the PS3, PSP, or Wii.

A host of consoles and emulators at your disposal

RetroArch includes a huge list of cores (plugins required to emulate consoles). Among the supported cores that you can download directly are the following: PlayStation 1 (PCSX ReARMed), Super Nintendo (SNES9x Next), Nintendo Entertainment System (FCEUmm/NEStopia), GameBoy/GameBoy Color (Gambatte), GameBoy Advance (VBA Next), Arcade (Final Burn Alpha), Neo Geo Pocket Color (Mednafen NGP), Virtual Boy (Mednafen VB), Sega Genesis/Mega Drive (Genesis Plus GX), Sega Master System/Sega Game Gear (Genesis Plus GX), Sega CD/Mega CD (Genesis Plus GX), Dreamcast (Flycast), PC Engine/PC Engine CD (Mednafen PCE Fast), WonderSwan Color/Crystal (Mednafen Wonderswan), PS2 (LRPS2). Moreover, new cores, consoles, and emulators are added to this list with each update.

Download classic games too

As if the full catalogs of all these game consoles weren't already enough, RetroArch also offers cores that allow you to comfortably play Tomb Raider (OpenLara), Doom (PrBoom), and Quake (TyrQuake). In any case, you should be aware that RetroArch does not come with any ROM or BIOS. Emulator cores can be conveniently downloaded with a single click, but any ROM you want to play or any official asset must be downloaded separately from another website.

Very easy to configure

One of the great advantages RetroArch holds over other similar programs, or over using the emulators separately, is how easy it is to set up. The program has a very comfortable interface, which has been specially designed to be navigated with a controller. In fact, any gamepad connected to your PC will be configured automatically, regardless of whether it is a PlayStation or Xbox controller. If you ever have any problems configuring the program, tutorials are easy to find on YouTube.

Achievements and online play

RetroArch also offers online play with a friend, as if they were right next to you. Netplay Mode means you can set up online games and join your friends' online games. That being said, setting up an online game for the first time can be tricky, so it's best to follow the complete tutorial on how to do it from the official website. And the best part? You can earn achievements as you play old games, as if playing on a modern console.

All your emulators under one umbrella

Download RetroArch and start using what is by far the best collection of emulators you can find. Other emulators can help you play games from one or two consoles, but RetroArch has the potential to emulate tens of thousands of games, all from a single interface—a real treat for fans of video games in general and those passionate about emulation in particular.