ES-DE Frontend Free plan 9.2 Visit RePlayOS
replayos.com
What it is
RePlayOS is a Linux distribution for emulating classic game consoles, arcade machines, and computers through a streamlined libretro frontend. It is built around Raspberry Pi hardware, with listed support for Zero 2, 3A/B/B+, 4B, and 5B models, and works with LCD and CRT screens. Its DynaRes display engine supports native CRT timings, timing changes, CRT profiles, dual-screen modes, and LCD operation at game refresh rates. The system supports more than 700 controllers and up to six players, plus RetroAchievements in compatible cores and games. Replay Control is a companion web app for browsing games, launching them on a TV, managing favorites, and configuring the system over a local network. Compatible cores can use Link Play multiplayer over that network. Alpha Player handles audio and video files, with Raspberry Pi 5 recommended for movies. A small HTTP JSON API provides local or LAN control when enabled, but uses plain HTTP. The public version is free; the frontend is proprietary, with restrictions on modification, standalone redistribution, and unauthorized commercial use.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- RePlayOS is a Linux distribution with a streamlined libretro frontend for emulating classic game consoles, arcade machines, and computers.Read 1 Oct 2026 · replayos.com
- Integrations
- RePlayOS supports core-managed Link Play multiplayer over a local network.Read 1 Oct 2026 · replayos.com
- Maker
- Rubén Tomás Alonso, also known as RTA or rTomas, created RePlayOS and describes himself as a C, Python, HTML, and JavaScript programmer focused on Raspberry Pi frontends.Read 1 Oct 2026 · replayos.com
- Achievements
- RePlayOS supports RetroAchievements in compatible libretro cores and games.Read 1 Oct 2026 · replayos.com
- API security
- API requests except get_version require the NET CONTROL CODE in the X-RePlay-Token header, while the API itself is plain HTTP rather than HTTPS.Read 1 Oct 2026 · replayos.com
- Controllers
- The system supports more than 700 game controllers and up to six players.Read 1 Oct 2026 · replayos.com
- Display engine
- The DynaRes engine provides native CRT timings, on-the-fly timing changes, CRT profiles, dual-screen modes, and LCD game-refresh-rate operation.Read 1 Oct 2026 · replayos.com
- Licensing
- Most distribution components use open-source licenses, while the frontend is proprietary and restricted from modification, standalone redistribution, and unauthorized commercial use.Read 1 Oct 2026 · replayos.com
- Media playback
- The built-in Alpha Player multimedia core plays audio and video files, with Raspberry Pi 5 recommended for movies.Read 1 Oct 2026 · replayos.com
- Platform limitation
- The FAQ says RePlayOS does not work on PC and is developed around ARM architecture and Raspberry Pi devices.Read 1 Oct 2026 · replayos.com
- Replay Control
- Replay Control is a companion web app that browses games, launches them on the TV, manages favorites, and configures the system over the local network.Read 1 Oct 2026 · replayos.com
- REST API
- RePlayOS includes a small HTTP JSON API for local or LAN control on port 55356 when network control is enabled.Read 1 Oct 2026 · replayos.com
- Support channels
- The maker points users to official Discord and Telegram servers for community discussions, support, and updates.Read 1 Oct 2026 · replayos.com
- Supported models
- The requirements list Raspberry Pi Zero 2, Raspberry Pi 3A/B/B+, Raspberry Pi 4B, and Raspberry Pi 5B.Read 1 Oct 2026 · replayos.com
- Target hardware
- RePlayOS is optimized for Raspberry Pi boards and supports LCD and CRT screens.Read 1 Oct 2026 · replayos.com
Plans and prices
Public RePlayOS Free latest public version · supported Raspberry Pi models Read 1 Oct 2026 · replayos.com
Pixel Insider $5 a month $ 5 / month roadmap access · RePlayOS beta and release candidates · Discord access Read 1 Oct 2026 · patreon.com
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Supports more than 700 controllers and up to six players.
- DynaRes includes CRT profiles and native timings.
- Replay Control manages games over a local network.
- Public version is free.
Limits
- Does not work on PC.
- The API uses plain HTTP rather than HTTPS.
- Frontend modification and redistribution are restricted.
- Metadata scraping is not supported.
Who it suits
RePlayOS suits people who want a Raspberry Pi-based emulation system with support for CRT or LCD displays and multiple controllers. It is not designed to run on PC.
Verdict
RePlayOS is centered on Raspberry Pi emulation, with display controls and a local-network companion app. Its PC limitation and proprietary frontend restrictions are important considerations.
Where Specifiction places it
- Emulation Frontends#9 of 258.0
