Achievement Watcher Next vs RetroAchievements
Achievement Watcher Next
shirowwww.github.ioRetroAchievements
retroachievements.orgSide by side
| Figure | Achievement Watcher Next | RetroAchievements |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · Game Achievement Trackers | 8.4 (#3) | 8.6 (#2) |
| Spec score · Achievement trackers | 8.3 (#6) | 9.1 (#1) |
| Privacy | The documentation says AW Next has no analytics or telemetry and does not upload the user's library, playtime, folders or screenshots. | The privacy policy says personal data is not passed to third parties without explicit consent or a legal basis and that API usage logs are retained for a period deemed appropriate. |
| Purpose | AW Next combines supported PC game achievement sources in one library and provides overlay popups or Windows notifications when achievements unlock. | RetroAchievements adds achievements to retro games and lets players build profiles, track progress, and compete with friends. |
| Security and privacy | The project says achievement reading is read-only, requires no account, and uses no Steam Web API key; stored sign-in secrets are encrypted with a per-install key held by Windows. | The terms state that personal data is processed under applicable privacy laws, protected with reasonable safeguards, and that API usage logs are retained for an appropriate period. |
| Support | The maker invites bug reports and ideas and accepts translations; security vulnerabilities should be reported through the repository's private vulnerability form. | Users can report broken achievements on the website and request manual unlocks with proof of completion. |
Plans
In their own words
Achievement Watcher Next
Achievement Watcher Next gathers achievements, rarity and playtime from game launchers, local saves and supported emulators in a Windows library. Sources include Steam and compatible saves, GOG, Epic, Ubisoft, EA, Xbox PC, console emulators, RetroAchievements, Games for Windows LIVE and some mod patches. The library offers search, filters, rarity tiers, progress achievements, covers, collections and unlock history. Achievement lists and product details are cached locally, allowing offline use. Automatic alerts use an in-game popup when visible, or a Windows notification otherwise, without duplicating an unlock notice. The Ctrl+Shift+K overlay offers searchable, filterable achievement lists, rarity badges, hidden descriptions and gamepad navigation. The project says achievement reading is read-only, requires no account of its own or Steam Web API key, and does not upload library data, playtime, folders or screenshots. Epic unlock-state retrieval can use an optional account connection. The app is free for Windows 10 and 11, with installer and portable ZIP downloads through GitHub releases.
RetroAchievements
RetroAchievements adds achievement goals and progress tracking to retro games. Players can build profiles, follow completion, and compete with friends. Its game listings span systems from Atari 2600 to PlayStation 2 and include Nintendo, Sega, Sony, and other platforms. Supported emulator options include PCSX2, Dolphin, PPSSPP, Flycast, and BizHawk, with choices for Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, iOS, and browser-based SkyEmu.
Hardcore mode disables save-state loading, cheats, and most speed-altering emulator features. It is required for game mastery and some leaderboards. Community events include RA Roulette and Achievement of the Week, and developers can use public API documentation. Players can report broken achievements and request manual unlocks by providing proof of completion. The service is free. Its web application source code is GPL-3, while achievement trigger logic is proprietary to the RetroAchievements community. The service does not host copyright-protected ROMs. A player must be connected to the internet when starting a session, so fully offline play is not supported. System support and new features depend on volunteers.