Gopher64 vs RetroArch
Gopher64
loganmc10.itch.ioRetroArch
retroarch.comSide by side
| Figure | Gopher64 | RetroArch |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Nintendo 64 Emulators | 8.0 (#7) | 8.3 (#5) |
| Graphics | Features include upscaling and a CRT shader. | RetroArch supports stackable shaders that can improve game rendering or replicate the look of CRT monitors. |
| License | The source code is licensed under GPLv3. | RetroArch uses GPL version 3, while the libretro API uses an MIT license. |
| Multiplayer | The itch.io listing gives a player count of 1–4 and lists local and server-based networked multiplayer. | Its built-in netplay lobby lets users host or join network gaming sessions and watch through spectator mode. |
| Purpose | Gopher64 is a cross-platform Nintendo 64 emulator. | 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 links a wiki and Discord, and the GitHub repository says to contact the maintainer through an issue or Discord before substantial contribution work. | The FAQ directs users to the forums, Discord and documentation for help. |
Plans
In their own words
Gopher64
Gopher64 is a free, open-source Nintendo 64 emulator for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. It supports homebrew software, netplay, and local or server-based networked multiplayer for one to four players. Graphics options include upscaling and a CRT shader; emulation features include CPU overclocking, cheats, and save states. RetroAchievements is also supported, and enabling it sends some data to RetroAchievements systems. The itch.io listing names keyboard, Xbox controller, gamepad, joystick, and PlayStation controller inputs. Downloads are listed for all four platforms, with Flathub and Homebrew also pointed out for Linux and macOS. The source code is licensed under GPLv3. During online netplay, the server logs the user's IP address and basic session information—the game title and session name—for operational purposes; no additional personal data is collected or stored. The maker links a wiki and Discord, but there is no game compatibility list; game-specific problems are directed to GitHub issues.
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.