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SPECIFICTION
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Retrom

github.com

WebWindowsmacOSLinuxSelf-hosted
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Spec score 7.5 #18 of 39 in ROM Management Software

What it is

Retrom is a self-hosted game library service centered on emulation. It scans a server filesystem for games and platforms, then adds them to a library that desktop clients can use to install, uninstall, and play games. Clients are available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, with a browser client for library access from other devices. Retrom can run with a dedicated server or in standalone mode, where a client runs the server locally; other clients can connect to that standalone server only while the client remains open. It supports cloud saves for built-in and standalone emulators, syncing save data and save states to the server. Emulator profiles can be kept on the server for sharing or restoration, though clients need matching emulator and other client-specific paths to share configurations. Retrom can retrieve metadata and artwork through IGDB, its only listed metadata provider. Steam is its only supported third-party library integration and needs a Steam API key and user ID. Retrom is free under GPL-3.0. The project says it lacks specific security measures and recommends local-network use or a properly secured reverse proxy.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Retrom is a centralized game library management service focused on emulation, for hosting games on one device and connecting clients on other devices.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Security
The project states that it was designed without specific security measures and recommends local-network use or a reverse proxy with proper security measures.Read 1 Oct 2026 · github.com
Support
The quick start directs users who need help to Retrom's Discord server.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
License
The repository identifies Retrom as licensed under GPL-3.0.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Cloud saves
Retrom supports cloud saves for built-in and standalone emulators, and can sync save data and save states to the server.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Container setup
The quick start documents running the dedicated server with Docker Compose and mounting a game library directory plus persistent data and configuration volumes.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Deployment modes
Retrom supports standalone mode, where the client runs the server locally, and standard mode with a dedicated server.Read 1 Oct 2026 · github.com
Desktop clients
The README lists desktop client support for Windows, MacOS, and Linux.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Emulator profiles
Retrom stores per-client emulator profiles on the server so configurations can be shared between devices or restored after reinstalling.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Filesystem scanning
Retrom scans a filesystem for games and platforms and automatically adds them to the library.Read 1 Oct 2026 · github.com
Game management
Desktop clients can install, uninstall, and play games from the service.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Game metadata
Retrom downloads game metadata and artwork from supported providers; the wiki currently identifies IGDB as its only supported metadata provider.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Library scanning
Retrom can scan its server filesystem for games and platforms and add them to the library.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Metadata and artwork
Retrom can automatically download game metadata and artwork from supported providers.Read 1 Oct 2026 · github.com
Metadata integration
IGDB is currently the only supported metadata provider and requires an IGDB client ID and secret.Read 1 Oct 2026 · github.com
Self-hosting
Retrom can run with a dedicated server or in standalone mode, where the client manages the server under the hood.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Setup limitation
Sharing emulator configurations between clients requires matching emulator paths and other client-specific paths on those clients.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Standalone limitation
Other clients can connect to a standalone server only while the standalone client is running.Read 1 Oct 2026 · github.com
Steam integration
Retrom can import Steam games when configured with a Steam API key and Steam user ID; the wiki says Steam is its only currently supported third-party library.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Web client
The README says users can access their library from anywhere with the web client.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Scans a server filesystem to build a game library.
  • Desktop clients support Windows, macOS, and Linux.
  • Syncs emulator save data and save states.
  • Stores emulator profiles on the server.
  • Free and distributed under GPL-3.0.

Limits

  • Standalone connections depend on the client staying open.
  • Steam integration requires an API key and user ID.
  • IGDB is the only listed metadata provider.
  • The project recommends local-network use or a secured proxy.

Who it suits

Retrom suits people who want to manage an emulation-focused game library across desktop and browser clients, including users who want server-synced save data. Sharing emulator configurations requires matching paths on each client.

Verdict

Retrom combines library management, emulator profiles, and cloud saves in a self-hosted service. Its standalone mode has an uptime constraint, and the project advises adding security measures for use beyond a local network.

Where Specifiction places it

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