itch app vs RetroArch
itch app
itch.ioRetroArch
retroarch.comSide by side
| Figure | itch app | 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 |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Game launchers | 8.7 (#13) | 9.1 (#6) |
| Open source | The app and its helper tools are open source, and the app page links to its GitHub project. | RetroArch/Libretro is an open-source project that has been around since 2012. |
| Purpose | The app downloads and runs games and software from itch.io, keeps downloads in one place, and automatically updates them. | RetroArch is a frontend for emulators, game engines and media players that runs classic games through a graphical interface with unified settings. |
| Support | Users can report app bugs through the Send feedback menu item, which pre-fills an issue with their platform and app version on GitHub. | The FAQ directs users to the forums, Discord and documentation for help. |
Plans
In their own words
itch app
The itch app is a desktop client for downloading and running games and software from itch.io. Its built-in browser lets users browse creator pages and install titles, while the library keeps downloads together and updates installed games automatically. Users can access collections, bundles, purchases and installed games in the app. Browser-based games can be synced for offline play, and games using itch.io command-line tools can receive delta patches that download only changed data. The client is available for Windows, macOS and Linux, with Windows 7 or newer required, and it is open source and offered in over 20 languages. Creators can provide an app manifest to define launch targets and integrate with the app API. The app registers itch:// and itchio:// links and can create Steam library shortcuts for installed games. Its sandbox limits file access, isolates home directories for Linux games and runs Windows games as less-privileged users. Compatibility problems can still occur, especially on Linux when games do not follow best practices. The listed plan is free.
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.