RetroArch vs Rocksmith+
RetroArch
retroarch.comRocksmith+
ubisoft.comSide by side
| Figure | RetroArch | Rocksmith+ |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $11.67/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 7 |
| Spec score · Game launchers | 9.1 (#6) | 9.1 (#8) |
| Founded | 2012 | 1986 |
| Platforms | The official downloads page lists Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, web browsers and various game consoles. | The Ubisoft Store lists PC, PlayStation 5, iOS, Android, and Steam platforms; PC play requires a Ubisoft account and Ubisoft Connect. |
| Support | The FAQ directs users to the forums, Discord and documentation for help. | Ubisoft directs players with questions about changes to the subscription terms to Customer Support. |
Plans
Rocksmith+
- 1 Month SubscriptionPriced on request
- 3 Month SubscriptionPriced on request
- 12-Month All-Access PlanPriced on request
- Free to PlayFree
- 1 Month Sub$19.99 a month
- 3 Month Sub$49.99, paid once
- 12-Month All-Access Plan$139.99 a year
In their own words
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.
Rocksmith+
Rocksmith+ is Ubisoft's music-learning service for guitar, bass, and piano. Its expanding library includes official recordings and covers across rock, hip hop, pop, metal, soundtracks, Latin, and classical. The service tracks and analyzes playing and provides instant recommendations. Practice tools include Riff Repeater, Adaptive Difficulty, interactive video lessons, and sheet music. The Free to Play plan costs nothing and includes lessons and a selection of 20 songs; a subscription unlocks the full licensed song catalog. Paid access starts at $7.99/mo, with listed options for one month, three months, and a 12-Month All-Access Plan. The service runs on Android, iOS, and Windows and includes progress tracking and cloud saves, but not offline access. On PC, playing requires a persistent internet connection, a guitar or bass, and separately purchased connection equipment. Supported instrument connections include ASIO and WASAPI devices; Ubisoft recommends compatible hardware supporting 16-bit, 48 kHz operation.