retroarch

Start menu mode

$ retroarch

$ retroarch -f

$ retroarch --features

$ retroarch -c [path/to/config]

$ retroarch -h

$ retroarch --version

retroarch [-f] [-c config] [-L core] [content]

retroarch is a frontend for emulators, game engines, and media players based on the libretro API. It provides a unified interface for playing retro games across many platforms.
The tool uses interchangeable "cores" for different systems (NES, SNES, PlayStation, etc.) with features like shaders, netplay, achievements, and input remapping.

-f, --fullscreen

Start in fullscreen mode

Use specific configuration file

Load specific libretro core

List compiled features

Start directly in menu

Verbose logging

Display help

~/.config/retroarch/retroarch.cfg

Main configuration file controlling video, audio, input, directory paths, and default core settings.

Directory containing libretro core shared libraries (.so files) for each emulated system.

Per-core and per-game override configuration files that supplement the main config.

Cores must be downloaded separately. Game ROMs not included (legal backup required). Performance varies by core and system. Configuration can be complex.

RetroArch is the reference implementation of the libretro API, developed by the libretro team. It evolved from SSNES and has become the most popular multi-system emulator frontend.

emulationstation(1), mame(1)