

The frontend for RetroArch is often referred to as the “libretro frontend”. It can run on the usual platforms like Windows, MacOS and Linux, but it also runs on iOS and Android for tablets and phones, as well as on game consoles like PS2, PS3, PSP, PS Vita, Wii, Wii U, 2DS, 3DS, Switch, and more. RetroArch is a frontend for emulators, game engines and media players. However, if you are using a system that relies primarily on RetroArch for emulation (like Xbox), or you have a beefy PC that can run well regardless of optimizations, you may find success in emulating higher-end systems in RetroArch, too. For more modern consoles, it is often more efficient to rely on standalone emulators, which are generally more optimized than RetroArch. RetroArch really shines on retro systems, particularly PlayStation 1 and below games. 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. This guide is meant to help you get set up with various RetroArch iterations.

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. But it does have quite a steep learning curve.

RetroArch is one of my favorite programs to use for retro game emulation, because it can emulate many systems. You can download the RetroArch emulator for Mac and other platforms and enjoy cross-platform retro gaming from the official website linked below.Last updated: 28FEB2022 (see Changelog for details)

RetroArch is also your SNES emulator online as you can also use it in the browser. One my of favorite things about this particular emulator for Mac is that it supports all of the major game controllers and automatically configures them as soon as you connect them. This emulator is capable of next-frame response time, which lets you enjoy games with nearly no perceivable difference in terms of input latency from real hardware. Using this Mac games emulator you can run original CD games and take advantage of features like shaders, netplay, rewinding, machine translation, and more. RetroArch features a modern looking slick user interface that reminds you of a certain gaming console. This is a front-end emulator that allows Mac users to enjoy classic games on their computer. Next on our list of best SNES emulators for Mac is RetroArch.
