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SPECIFICTION
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Recalbox

recalbox.com

Free plan LinuxSelf-hosted
Visit recalbox.com
Spec score 7.4 #43 of 68 in Game launchers

What it is

Recalbox is a free, open-source retro gaming system for replaying games from consoles and computers. It advertises support for more than 100 systems and lists online play, save-anytime, rewind, instant save, scraping, overlays, shaders, a virtual keyboard, and multi-system search. Users can build their own system or buy a ready-to-play kit. Downloads are offered for Raspberry Pi, handhelds, PCs, and ODROID boards. The PC download page lists Steam Deck and PC builds at version 10.1.1, plus a 32-bit PC build at 7.2.2-Reloaded. Recalbox is designed to be easy to use, including for beginners. Tutorials, community documentation, a forum, and an FAQ provide support. Patreon supporters can receive early releases, automatic scraping, exclusive playlists and themes, and partner discounts; these features are intended for future free releases. Compatibility information covers supported systems, not every game or device.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Recalbox is a retro gaming system for replaying games from consoles and computers.Read 8 Oct 2026 · recalbox.com
Support
The site links to tutorials, community documentation, a forum, and an FAQ.Read 8 Oct 2026 · recalbox.com
Additional features
The home page lists instant save, rewind, scraping, overlays, shaders, a virtual keyboard, and multi-system search.Read 8 Oct 2026 · recalbox.com
Compatible systems
Recalbox advertises support for more than 100 systems.Read 8 Oct 2026 · recalbox.com
Downloads
The download page offers versions for Raspberry Pi, handhelds, PCs, and ODROID boards.Read 8 Oct 2026 · recalbox.com
Hardware choices
Users can build their own Recalbox or buy a ready-to-play kit.Read 8 Oct 2026 · recalbox.com
Limits
The Recalbox site says its supported-systems database covers compatible systems; it does not establish compatibility with every game or device.Read 8 Oct 2026 · recalbox.com
Open source
Recalbox says it will remain free and open source for everyone, and that patron features are intended for future free releases.Read 8 Oct 2026 · recalbox.com
Patron benefits
Patreon supporters can receive early releases, automatic scraping, exclusive playlists and themes, and partner discounts.Read 8 Oct 2026 · recalbox.com
PC versions
The PC download page lists Steam Deck and PC builds at version 10.1.1 and a 32-bit PC build at 7.2.2-Reloaded.Read 8 Oct 2026 · recalbox.com
Play features
The site lists online play, save-anytime, and rewind features.Read 8 Oct 2026 · recalbox.com
Target users
The site describes Recalbox as designed to be easy to use, including for beginners.Read 8 Oct 2026 · recalbox.com

Plans and prices

Recalbox Free Free and open source; runs on compatible hardware Read 8 Oct 2026 · recalbox.com

Every Recalbox plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free and open source
  • Supports more than 100 systems
  • Online play and rewind
  • Downloads for several hardware types
  • Beginner-oriented design

Limits

  • Compatibility is not guaranteed for every game
  • Compatibility is not guaranteed for every device
  • Some PC builds are older
  • Patron features target future releases

Who it suits

Recalbox suits beginners and other players who want a free, open-source retro system across compatible Raspberry Pi, handheld, PC, Steam Deck, or ODROID hardware.

Verdict

Recalbox offers a broad, free retro-gaming system with multiple hardware downloads and play conveniences. Check its supported-systems database against your specific game and device before relying on compatibility.

Where Specifiction places it

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