pico-smsplus vs RetroArch
pico-smsplus
github.comRetroArch
retroarch.comSide by side
| Figure | pico-smsplus | RetroArch |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 0 | 1 |
| Spec score · Game Gear Emulators | 6.7 (#29) | 8.3 (#10) |
| Controllers | It supports USB controllers including DualShock 4, DualSense, and XInput controllers, as well as NES controllers in some configurations. | Common game controllers are automatically configured when plugged in, and users can also configure them manually. |
| License | The GitHub repository identifies the project as GPL-3.0 licensed. | RetroArch uses GPL version 3, while the libretro API uses an MIT license. |
| Purpose | pico-smsplus is an emulator for Sega Master System, Game Gear, and SG-1000 games on RP2040/RP2350-based microcontroller boards. | RetroArch is a frontend for emulators, game engines and media players that runs classic games through a graphical interface with unified settings. |
Plans
In their own words
pico-smsplus
pico-smsplus 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.