RetroArch AlternativesOnly apps categorised as Operating Systems

The best Operating System alternative to RetroArch is Lakka, which is both free and Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to RetroArch and three of them are Operating Systems so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Operating System alternatives to RetroArch are ChimeraOS and Kazeta.

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Most RetroArch alternatives are Linux Distros, but you can also narrow the list to Operating Systems or Game Emulators. Other popular filters are Android, Linux, iPhone and Windows.

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RetroArch alternatives page was last updated Feb 5, 2026

Lakka
38 likes
Lakka is the official Linux distribution of RetroArch and the libretro ecosystem. Each game system is implemented as a libretro core, while the frontend RetroArch takes care of inputs and display.
38 Lakka alternatives
Cost / License
Free
Open Source
Application typeApplication types
Game Emulator
Linux Distro
Origin
France
EU
Platforms
Mac
Windows
Linux
Cubieboard
HummingBoard
Raspberry Pi
Nintendo Switch
Odroid
France
EU
+4
Good alternative?Is Lakka a good alternative to RetroArch?
C
C
ChimeraOS
17 likes
ChimeraOS (formerly GamerOS) is an operating system that provides an out of the box couch gaming experience. After installation, boot directly into Steam Big Picture and start playing your favorite games.
Cost / License
Free
Open Source (MIT)
Application typeApplication types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Origin
United States
Platforms
Linux
United States
+1
C
Good alternative?Is ChimeraOS a good alternative to RetroArch?
Kazeta
5 likes
Retro 90s style gaming operating system.
Cost / License
Free
Open Source (MIT)
Application typeApplication types
Linux Distro
Operating System
Platforms
Linux
Good alternative?Is Kazeta a good alternative to RetroArch?

3 of 3 RetroArch alternatives