RePlayOS vs RetroHub

RePlayOS is a Linux distribution for emulating classic game consoles, arcade machines, and computers through a streamlined libretro frontend. It is built around Raspberry Pi hardware, with listed support for Zero 2, 3A/B/B+, 4B, and 5B models, and works with LCD and CRT screens. Its DynaRes display engine supports native CRT timings, timing changes, CRT profiles, dual-screen modes, and LCD operation at game refresh rates. The system supports more than 700 controllers and up to six players, plus RetroAchievements in compatible cores and games. Replay Control is a companion web app for browsing games, launching them on a TV, managing favorites, and configuring the system over a local network. Compatible cores can use Link Play multiplayer over that network. Alpha Player handles audio and video files, with Raspberry Pi 5 recommended for movies. A small HTTP JSON API provides local or LAN control when enabled, but uses plain HTTP. The public version is free; the frontend is proprietary, with restrictions on modification, standalone redistribution, and unauthorized commercial use.

RetroHub is a free frontend for organizing, displaying, and launching a retro-game library on Windows, macOS, and Linux. A first-time setup wizard helps configure it, and users can import games and settings from supported frontends. The app supports more than 80 systems and more than 50 emulators, while allowing users to add settings for others; it does not include emulators. Game metadata and media can be customized, and the built-in ScreenScraper feature can identify games by file hash or filename and fetch related information and images. ScreenScraper applies hourly and daily API quotas, and scraped media for a large library may take more than 1 GB of disk space. Users can change themes, and theme development can shape the interface and add features. Inputs include keyboard, mouse, controller, and touch; keyboard and controller actions can be remapped. The interface adapts to screen size and aspect ratio and includes a screen-reader option. RetroAchievements is an optional integration. Source code is MIT-licensed, while official builds use GPLv3 due to bundled third-party libraries.