EmulationStation vs RetroArch
EmulationStation
emulationstation.orgRetroArch
retroarch.comSide by side
| Figure | EmulationStation | RetroArch |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 0 | 1 |
| Spec score · Game Library Managers | 7.1 (#29) | 8.4 (#7) |
| Spec score · Emulation Frontends | 7.2 (#20) | 8.4 (#6) |
| Spec score · Game launchers | 6.7 (#59) | 9.1 (#6) |
| Controller setup | The interface supports four-button controllers, which users can configure within the program. | Common game controllers are automatically configured when plugged in, and users can also assign actions to button combinations manually. |
| Open source | The maker describes EmulationStation as open source, and its GitHub repository displays an MIT license. | RetroArch/Libretro is an open-source project that has been around since 2012. |
| Platforms | The download page lists Windows, Debian, Arch, and Raspberry Pi options. | The official downloads page lists Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, web browsers and various game consoles. |
| Purpose | EmulationStation is a graphical, themeable front end that brings games from different emulators together in one place. | RetroArch is a frontend for emulators, game engines and media players that runs classic games through a graphical interface with unified settings. |
| Support | The maker directs users to the GitHub issue tracker to report bugs or seek help. | The FAQ directs users to the forums, Discord and documentation for help. |
Plans
In their own words
EmulationStation
EmulationStation has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
RetroArch
RetroArch is a frontend for emulators, game engines, and media players, bringing them under a unified settings system. The RetroArch/Libretro project includes more than 200 cores across those categories. Its menu can group scanned games by system and display thumbnails and animated backgrounds. Common game controllers configure automatically when plugged in, and button actions can also be assigned manually.
Stackable shaders can change rendered graphics or imitate the look of CRT monitors. Built-in netplay supports hosting or joining network gaming sessions, including spectator mode. RetroArch can record gameplay to video files and stream games to Twitch or YouTube. Versions are listed for Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, macOS, and web browsers. RetroArch is free and open source under GPL version 3; the libretro API uses an MIT license. Features differ by platform and store version: the browser edition has lower performance and fewer capabilities than the full version, while Steam lacks Core Updater and thumbnail scraping and offers a selected core set.