Gaseous vs Retrom

Gaseous Server is a free, open-source self-hosted server for managing ROMs and game titles with basic in-browser emulation. It uses multiple sources to identify games and provide metadata. ROM management supports platforms listed by IGDB, while the built-in emulator covers a documented subset including Game Boy, Nintendo 64, PlayStation, Sega Saturn, and Super Nintendo. Installation options include Docker, source, Unraid, and a Windows MSI package. Windows installation is described as experimental. Setup requires MariaDB 11.1.2 or MySQL Server 8+ and FFmpeg; an IGDB API key is optional when using the Hasheous proxy. From version 2.0, authentication includes passwords, two-factor authentication, and OAuth2/OIDC, with Google, Microsoft, and custom OIDC providers documented. The project uses the AGPL-3.0 license and links to Discord for community support. Maintainers recommend avoiding internet exposure when remote access is unnecessary and state that exposure is at the user’s own risk. The free plan is a self-hosted server, so the operator supplies the database and FFmpeg.

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.