RetroArch Alternatives

One of the most popular alternatives to RetroArch is PlayOnLinux - PlayOnMac, which is free and open source. Other popular alternatives are DuckStation, Lemuroid, OpenEmu and Lakka. You're spoiled for choice with Game Emulators like RetroArch: we list more than 100 alternatives for Windows, Linux, Mac, Android and iPhone.

filter to find the best alternatives

Most RetroArch alternatives are Game Emulators, but you can also narrow the list to Game Library Managers or Compatibility Layer Tools. Other popular filters are Android, Linux, iPhone and Windows.
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Alternatives
RetroArch alternatives page was last updated

Alternatives list

  1. jEnesis icon
     1 like

    "jEnesis" is a Sega MegaDrive/Genesis Emulator entirely written in Java.

    Features

    Everything written completely from scratch Custom Java Motorola 68000 CPU core VDP emulation with all DMA modes Horizontal & Vertical Interrupts Support for PAL.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    Good alternative?
     
  2. EMUverse icon
     1 like

    Turn your iPhone into the ultimate handheld console with EMUverse.

    EMUverse is a high-performance, feature-rich emulator designed to bring your retro game library to life. Whether you are reliving childhood memories or discovering classic adventures for the first time, EMUverse.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • iPhone
    Good alternative?
     
  3. NiN10 icon
     Like

    Relive classic FDS/NES, SNES, GB/GBC and GBA games with NiN10 Intuitive interface, compact design Enjoy retro gaming on iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch anytime, anywhere!.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Apple Watch
    Good alternative?
     
  4. NeoStation provides a fast, lightweight, and customizable experience for managing and launching retro games across desktop and mobile devices, with seamless integration for RetroArch and standalone emulators.

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • Android TV
    • Flathub
    • AppImage
    Good alternative?
     
  5. A Nintendo DS emulator app for Android, built for handhelds with physical controls and, above all, for devices.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Android
    Good alternative?
     
  6.  Like

    The ultimate 3DS, DSi, and DS emulator for iOS. Completely free, no complex setups, and the highest performance possible.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • iPhone
    • iPad
    Good alternative?
     
  7. MissingNo. is a Game Boy emulator with an integrated debugger. Play Game Boy games with keyboard or controller support, fullscreen mode, and save RAM persistence.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source (MIT)

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Flathub
    • Flatpak
    Good alternative?
     
  8. GoGBA icon
     Like

    A modern GBA emulator designed for immersive, distraction-free gaming. With optimized touch controls, enjoy smooth gameplay in both slow-paced RPGs and fast-paced action games. Focus on stability, comfort, and reliability - like holding a clean handheld console.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • iPhone
    Good alternative?
     
  9. Unofficial Android port of melonDS.

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Android
    Good alternative?
     
  10. Retro Pal icon
     Like

    Free Game Boy, GBA and Nintendo DS emulator for iPhone, with RetroAchievements, original box art and 15 languages. No ads, no tracking, no required subscription.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • iPhone
    Good alternative?
     
  11. NEO.emu icon
     Like

    Advanced open-source Neogeo arcade and home system emulator based on Gngeo with a minimalist UI and a focus on low audio/video latency, supporting a wide variety of devices from the original Xperia Play to modern devices like the Nvidia Shield and Pixel phones.

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    Good alternative?
     
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