RetroArch Complete Infomation

**STLcardsWS** · 11-13-2012,03:17 AM

All Information is accurate as of the edit date on bottom of this post
Stop by libretro.org for all the latest information.
If you feel there are any errors in the Info. provided please let me know.

Official Webiste ● Blog ● Forum ● Twitter ● YouTube ● Screenshots ● Source Code/Repository ● Opium2k's RetroArch DLC ● Pete_uk's Unofficial Builds

Current Official Version of RetroArch: 0.9.7 ● Unofficial Standalone Emulators: See Post #2
Current Unofficial Build: Click Here - 0.9.8 Beta3

Officially RetroArch is a Multi-System Emulator packed into one Application, RetroArch PS3 is developed and maintained by Squarepusher aka TwinAphex. The Multi-System Emulator Setup is really a great thing. However if you are someone who prefers Standalone emulators for whatever reasons. Then you can also use the UNOFFICIAL Standalone emulators that I have repacked from the official 0.9.7 release (See Post #2 for more info). If you are wanting to test and try out the latest version before the next official update try the unofficial builds by pete_uk when they are available

Downloads

RetroArch 0.9.8 Beta 3
Unofficial (Compile by pete_uk)
Multi-System:
3.55 - 4.XX

Standalones of new cores:
Coming soon

Official version 0.9.7
Official
Multi-System:
3.55 / 4.xx

Unofficial
Standalones: See post #2 below

Opium2k's RetroArch DLC (video below)

Link

Libretro Cores - These are the cores (basically the emulator for each system)

Final Burn Alpha - [version 0.2.97.26]
- Labeled in RetroArch as: fb_alpha.SELF
- Emulates:
  - Capcom CPS-1, 2 & 3 (Requires MAME Romset 0.145)
  - Neo-Geo MVS (In some cases just needs the updated NEO GEO Bios (size 1,404KB) if that doesn't work you will need the MAME romset)
  - Sega System 16 A & B (old roms should work)
  - Sega System 18 (old roms should work)
  - Sega X-Board & Y-Board (old roms should work)
  - CAVE (old roms should work)
  - Tatio (old roms should work)
  - Konami (old roms should work)
  - Psikyo 68EC020 Based Hardware (old roms should work)
  - PGM (old roms should work)
  - Toaplan (old roms should work)
  -
  
  --- If older ROMS are giving issue try MAME ROMSET 0.145
- BIOS Files: See spoiler below for more info
FCEUmm [recent SVN version]
- Labeled in RetroArch as: fceumm.SELF
- Emulates:
  --Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
Gambatte [version 0.5.0 WIP]
- Labeled in RetroArch as: gambatte.SELF
- Emulates:
  -- Game Boy
  -- Super Game Boy
  -- Game Boy Color
Genesis Plus GX [version 1.7.0]
- Labeled in RetroArch as: genesis_plus_gx.SELF
- Emulates:
  - Sega SG-1000
  - Master System
  - Game Gear
  - Genesis/Mega Drive
  - Sega CD
- BIOS Files: See spoiler below for more info
SNES9x Next
- Labeled in RetroArch as: snes9x_next.SELF
- Emulates:
  - Super Nintendo/Super Famicom
VBA Next
- Labeled in RetroArch as: vba_next.SELF
- Emulates:
  - Game Boy Advance
Mednafen PCE Fast
- Labeled in RetroArch as: mednafen_PCE_fast.SELF
- Emulates:
  -PC Engine/ Turbo GraX 16
  -PC Engine CD/ Turbo GrafX CD / Turbo Duo
  -Super GrafX
- BIOS Files: See spoiler below for more info

Mednafen Wonderswan
- Labeled in RetroArch as: Mednafen_Wswan.SELF
- Emulates:
  - WonderSwan/Color/ Crystal
PrBoom
- Labeled in RetroArch as: Prboom.SELF
- Plays:
  - Doom 1
  - Doom 2
  - Ultimate Doom
  - Final Doom
  - many more Doom Mods
  -Additional prBoom (RetroArch) Conversion Mod Info. can be found here
Mednafen Virtual Boy (Only available in 0.9.8 Beta 3 unofficial compile by pete_uk)
- Labeled in RetroArch as: Mednafen_VB.SELF
- Emulates:
  - Virtual Boy
Mednafen Neo Geo Pocket (Only available in 0.9.8 Beta 3 unofficial compile by pete_uk)
- Labeled in RetroArch as: Mednafen_Neopop.SELF
- Emulates:
  - Neo Geo Pocket
  - Neo Geo Pocket Color
Mednafen PSX (Only available in 0.9.8 Beta 3 unofficial compile by pete_uk)
- Labeled in RetroArch as: Mednafen_PSX.SELF
- Emulates:
  - PlayStation 1
  - Notes: - Only runs at 18 - 25 FPS & will not perform better without a dynarec. Requires the following BIOS files in the RetroArch system folder: scph1001.bin, scph5500.bin, scph5501.bin, scph5502.bin & scph7502.bin.

Features

multiMAN compatible (Standalones are not multiMAN Comp.)
Game-aware shading in every emulator now (*)
Real-time rewinding
More shader features (motion blurring, etc)
Switching between emulator cores seamlessly, and ability to install new libretro cores

CLICK SPOILER BELOW IMPORTANT INFO.

VERY IMPORTANT INFO READ ME !!!!! CLICK ME !!!!!!!

What is RetroArch?

RetroArch is a modular multi-system emulator system that is designed to be fast, lightweight, and portable. It has features few other emulators frontends have, such as real-time rewinding and game-aware shading.

Why is it special?

Right now RetroArch is unique in that it runs the same emulator cores on multiple systems (such as Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, PC, etc).

For each emulator 'core', RetroArch makes use of a library API that we like to call 'libretro'.

Think of libretro as an interface for emulator and game ports. You can make a libretro port once and expect the same code to run on all the platforms that RetroArch supports. It's designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind so that the porter can worry about the port at hand instead of having to wrestle with an obfuscatory API.

The purpose of the project is to help ease the work of the emulator/game porter by giving him an API that allows him to target multiple platforms at once without having to redo any code. He doesn't have to worry about writing input/video/audio drivers - all of that is supplied to him by RetroArch. All he has to do is to have the emulator port hook into the libretro API and that's it - we take care of the rest.

PlayStation 3 Port

The PS3 port of RetroArch is one of the most developed console ports of RetroArch.

A couple of unique features RetroArch PS3 boasts that is not commonly found anywhere else:

Game-aware shading in every emulator now (*)
Real-time rewinding
More shader features (motion blurring, etc)
Switching between emulator cores seamlessly, and ability to install new libretro cores

Included with RetroArch PS3 are a bunch of shaders - including the latest versions of the popular xBR shader. It is possible to use two shaders simultaneously to get the best possible graphical look.

* Check out Opium2k's manual shaders for Zelda 3 and others - you can find DLC packs for RetroArch at this site:

https://code.google.com/p/retro-arch/ or view this page for more information

How to use RetroArch

On first startup, RetroArch will select one of the dozen or so emulator/game cores. The name of the core currently loaded will be shown at the top side of the screen.

You can now select a ROM that this core supports and load it in the File browser.

To select a different core in the menu - press Select to go to the Settings screen. From here, go to the 'Retro tab', and select 'Default emulator core'. Press X to go to a filebrowser where you can select a different core. Press X to confirm, then exit RetroArch. Start up again to boot up to the new emulator core.

To change to a different core ingame - press R3 to bring up the 'Quick Menu'. Select 'Change libretro core'. Press X to go to a filebrowser where you can select a different core.

In-Game Controls

During in-game operation you can do some extra actions:

Right Thumb Stick - Down - Fast-forwards the game
Right Thumb Stick - Up - Rewinds the game in real-time ('Rewind' has to be enabled in the 'Settings' menu - warning - comes at a
performance decrease but will be worth it if you love this feature)
RStick Left + R2 - Decrease save state slot
Rtick Right + R2 - Increase save state slot
RStick Up + R2 - Load selected save state slot
RStick Down + R2 - Save selected save state slot
L3 + R3 - Go back to 'Menu'/'Quick Menu'

Emulators / Game Cores Bundled with PS3 Port

The following emulators have been ported to RetroArch and are included in the PS3 release of RetroArch.

Final Burn Alpha (Arcade - various) [version 0.2.97.26]
FCEUmm (Nintendo Entertainment System) [recent SVN version]
Gambatte (Game Boy | Super Game Boy | Game Boy Color) [version 0.5.0 WIP]
Genesis Plus GX (Sega SG-1000 | Master System | Game Gear | Genesis/Mega Drive | Sega CD) [version 1.7.0]
SNES9x Next (Super Nintendo/Super Famicom)
VBA Next (Game Boy Advance)
Prboom (for playing Doom 1/Doom 2/Ultimate Doom/Final Doom)
Mednafen PCE Fast (PC Engine/PC Engine CD/Turbografx 16)
Mednafen Wonderswan (WonderSwan/WonderSwan Color/WonderSwan Crystal)

All of the emulators listed above are the latest versions currently available. Most of them have been specifically optimized so that they will run better on PS3 (some games would not reach fullspeed without these optimizations).

What Extensions are Supported by each Libretro Core

Prboom WAD|wad
SNES9x Next smc|fig|sfc|gd3|gd7|dx2|bsx|swc|zip|SMC|FIG|SFC|BS X|GD3|GD7|DX2|SWC
Genesis Plus GX md|smd|bin|gen|zip|MD|SMD|bin|GEN|ZIP|sms|SMS|gg|G G|sg|SG|cue|CUE
VBA Next GBA|gba
FCEUmm nes|NES|unif|UNIF
Gambatte gb|gbc|dmg|zip|GB|GBC|DMG|ZIP
Final Burn Alpha zip|ZIP
Mednafen PCE pce|PCE|cue|CUE
Mednafen Wonderswan ws|WS|wsc|WSC

Zip Support

For Each Core (except for Final Burn Alpha)

There are three modes -

EXTRACT ZIP TO CURRENT DIR: When you press 'X' on a ZIP file in the File Browser, its contents will be extracted to the current directory. From there, you can load the ROM and play.

EXTRACT ZIP TO CURRENT DIR AND LOAD FIRST FILE: When you press 'X' on a ZIP file in the File Browser, its contents will be extracted to the current directory. The first ROM that was extracted from the ZIP file that is a ROM will be loaded automatically.

EXTRACT ZIP TO CACHE DIR: When you press 'X' on a ZIP file in the File Browser, its contents will be extracted to the /dev_hdd1/ partition. From there, you can load the ROM and play.
WARNING: Savestates and SRAM files that have been created by loading ROMs from the cache dir this way will be removed after RetroArch has been closed.

BIOS Information
In order for the systems below you will need to acquire the BIOS files on your own for the following systems and store bios in your game folder with the Roms of the respected systems. (Sega CD Bios is case sensitive)

Neo-Geo (fbalpha)

neogeo.zip BIOS is needed Make sure it has a filesize of 1,404 KB

Sega CD (genesis plus gx) (BIOS are case sensitive)

EUR BIOS: bios_CD_E.bin
JAP BIOS: bios_CD_J.bin
USA BIOS: bios_CD_U.bin

Turbo Grafx 16/ PC-Engine/Turbo Grafx CD/PC-Engine CD/Super Grafx (mednafen PCE fast)

SYSCARD3.PCE

Mednafen_PSX - Only runs at 18 - 25 FPS & will not perform better without a dynarec. Requires the following BIOS files in the RetroArch system folder: scph1001.bin, scph5500.bin, scph5501.bin, scph5502.bin & scph7502.bin

Opium2k's RetroArch Manual Reader Shaders
● Opium2k's RetroArch DLC ●

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO & VIDEO

DOWNLOADS:
Due to restrictions on the PS3 I've created two versions for each download.
The PC versions are better quality and zipped.
The PS3 versions are smaller and in .PKG files
I haven't tested them on any other systems but you're welcome to try

---------------------------------------------------
All-in-One Pack - PS3 Version | PC Version
---------------------------------------------------
Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past Maps (SNES) - PS3 Version | PC Version
---------------------------------------------------
Bubble Bobble Passwords (NES) - PS3 Version | PC Version
---------------------------------------------------
Chrono Trigger Strategy Guide (SNES) -PS3 Version | PC Version
---------------------------------------------------
Mortal Kombat 1 Moves List (SNES) - PS3 Version | PC Version
Street Fighter 2 Turbo Moves List (SNES) - PS3 Version | PC Version
X-Men: Children of the Atom Moves List (FBA) - PS3 Version | PC Version
---------------------------------------------------
Bubble Bobble Manual (Gameboy) - PS3 Version | PC Version
Final Fantasy 3 Manual (SNES) - PS3 Version | PC Version
Golden Axe Warrior Manual (SMS) - PS3 Version | PC Version
Harvest Moon Manual (SNES) - PS3 Version | PC Version
Kirby's Dreamland 3 Manual (SNES) - PS3 Version | PC Version
Kirby Superstar Manual (SNES) - PS3 Version | PC Version
Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening Manual (Gameboy Color) - PS3 Version | PC Version
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga Manual (Gameboy Advance) - PS3 Version | PC Version
Megaman 7 Manual (SNES) - PS3 Version | PC Version
Megaman X1 Manual (SNES) - PS3 Version | PC Version
Megaman X2 Manual (SNES) - PS3 Version | PC Version
Megaman X3 Manual (SNES) - PS3 Version | PC Version
Mortal Kombat 2 Manual (SNES) - PS3 Version | PC Version
Mystical Ninja Manual (SNES) - PS3 Version | PC Version
Out of this World Manual (SNES) - PS3 Version | PC Version
Road Rash Manual (Gamegear) - PS3 Version | PC Version
Streets of Rage 1 Manual (Genesis) - PS3 Version | PC Version
Super Gameboy Manual (SNES) - PS3 Version | PC Version
Super Mario Bros 3 Manual (NES) - PS3 Version | PC Version
Super Mario RPG Manual (SNES) - PS3 Version | PC Version
Super Mario World Manual (SNES) - PS3 Version | PC Version
WWF Raw Manual (SNES) - PS3 Version | PC Version
X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse Manual (SNES) - PS3 Version | PC Version

INSTRUCTIONS:

PS3 Versions
Place the PKG file on external media such as a flash drive
Install the PKG on your PS3 from the Install Package Files menu
Run Retro Arch and select the rom you want to play
Open the Menu by pressing L3+R3
Press Select to access the settings
Highlight Shader Preset (CGP) and press X
Navigate to: /dev_hdd0/game/SSNES10000/USRDIR/cores/presets/name_of_shader/
Select manual_reader.cgp (it will take 5-30 seconds to load)
Press L3+R3 again to exit the menu and resume playing your game
-START+L1 / START+R1 are used to change pages

To create your own there are sites available such as Replacementdocs and emuparadise where you can find strategy guides and official manuals. Not to mention the vast database of guides and cheats available at GameFAQs. Feel free to use any of the files I've posted as a base. I can be reached here on Tortuga-Cove or on Twitter @opium2k for any questions, problems, etc.

And of course, don't forget to check out the official forum for Retro Arch: RetroArch boards
As well as the github page: https://github.com/Themaister/RetroArch

P.S. Thanks to Maister and Squarepusher for all the help

R.I.P. - Emulators no longer supported and replaced with libretro Cores in RetroArch

There is no longer any reason what so every why anyone should be using the OLD & BUGGY Ports by Squarepusher below. Squarepusher aka TwinAphex has instructed the scene to let the below die because they very old ports and he has replaced all them within RetroArch with many improvements over those ports. So do not resign or distribute them around the scene any longer. If you see them perhaps politely instruct them to this thread or tell them they have outdated emulators and there are much better solutions.

For a full explanation click here: Link

VBAnext
FCEUnext
SNES9xNEXT
Genesis NEXT
FBAnext and other FBA ports on the PS3

**STLcardsWS** · 11-13-2012,03:17 AM

Repacked by STLcardsWS: Any issues with these standalones please contact me and not the official developers unless the problem is also present in the official releases.

If you prefer Standalones over a Multi-System Emulator. Well you in luck the way RetroArch is designed. I repacked and changed the Content IDs of each emulator core. The cores that emulate multiple systems are the same installation with a different Content ID and a different Content ID.

Important Notes

These Standalone Emulators are not multiMAN/mmCM Compatible. (Booting Roms from multiMAN will not work (official 0.9.7 does), Return to multiMAN does work)
These are Unofficial PKGs (However each core is from the official 0.9.7 release)
Each Emulator core comes with a new system image as ICON0.PNG (not present in video below)
Using Blackotoo's Uniform Emulator Pack 1.9 works well and looks great. My recommendation is using the ICON0.png included with his PIC1.PNG images. Below you can see a video of Blackotoo's Uniform Pack (the ICON0.png i mentioned are not used in the video)

Thanks to manster for providing this video

Content ID paths

Paths

Standalones from Official Version 0.9.7
4.xx Downloads: Mediafire Download Folder
3.55 Downloads: Mediafire Download Folder

Standalones from Unofficial Version 0.9.8 beta 3
3.55 & 4.xx: Standalone Cores
3.55 & 4.xx: Standalone Systems

ArtWork for XMB
Official Download Link: Blackotoo's Uniform Emulator Pack 1.9

**onizuka** · 11-13-2012,07:13 PM

Very detailed with the latest info....much appreciated! The RetroArch forum has .0.9.8 beta posted. Looking forward to testing once a ps3 version is compiled.

xBR shader is pretty awesome, do you have a preferred shader setup? ie. Shader 1 & 2 and Hardware filter 1&2

Thanks!

**STLcardsWS** · 11-13-2012,09:58 PM

I haven't used much of the shaders combos, i know its a great feature. But I have been happy with the stock shaders personally. So i wouldnt be much help there.

**albanibr** · 11-14-2012,12:01 PM

Where put the ROMS? In internal HDD or External??

I really can not make it work

**STLcardsWS** · 11-14-2012,07:47 PM

Roms can be placed anywhere. Retroarch has a file browser so where ever they are you find via the file browser. interna/ or external it doesnt matter nor the location.

**albanibr** · 11-14-2012,08:47 PM

Originally Posted by STLcardsWS

Roms can be placed anywhere. Retroarch has a file browser so where ever they are you find via the file browser. interna/ or external it doesnt matter nor the location.

But it does not appear here. At CFW3.55, playing in FBAnext. roms in the external HDD, because retroarch not show the roms.

I upgraded to CFW 4.30, now I need to learn.

sorry for my poor english

**STLcardsWS** · 11-14-2012,08:59 PM

Are you accessing RetroArch from XMB or multiMAN?

-----

Make sure you have the FBalpha core selected.

Otherwise the ROMS wont boot to the core. Core must be selected first then ROMS selected. (If memory serves me right the FBalpha games wont show up in the file browser if another core is selected, same goes with all roms and cores)

Always select the core then the rom. Then roms will be viewable.

-----

the roms that worked with FBAnext will not work with FBalpha (the same games will work but you need the Roms from MAME ROMSET 0.145)

**albanibr** · 11-15-2012,03:52 PM

Originally Posted by STLcardsWS

Are you accessing RetroArch from XMB or multiMAN?

-----

Make sure you have the FBalpha core selected.

Otherwise the ROMS wont boot to the core. Core must be selected first then ROMS selected. (If memory serves me right the FBalpha games wont show up in the file browser if another core is selected, same goes with all roms and cores)

Always select the core then the rom. Then roms will be viewable.

-----

the roms that worked with FBAnext will not work with FBalpha (the same games will work but you need the Roms from MAME ROMSET 0.145)

Finally it worked! some roms work, others do not (king of fighter, samurai shodown etc.)

I downloaded the MAME Romset 0147 and will test. I dont found 0145 romset

thanks for the help!

**STLcardsWS** · 11-15-2012,04:49 PM

Not sure if MAME romset 0.147 will work let me know if it does. MAME romset 0.145 is out there.

Also (king of fighter, samurai shodown etc.) those are neogeo correct. make sure the neogeo BIOS is 1,404 KB in size. Other ones with different size will not work. Could be the issue there

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VERY IMPORTANT INFO READ ME !!!!! CLICK ME !!!!!!!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO & VIDEO

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