RetroArch on iPhone & iPad (Starter Guide)
Brief Summary:
This video is a detailed starter guide for installing, configuring, and using RetroArch, a versatile retro game emulator, newly available on the App Store for iPhone and iPad in 2024. It covers everything from supported systems, recommended settings, adding games and BIOS files, to tips for optimal gameplay with controllers and visuals. Whether you're brand new to emulation or a seasoned retro gamer, this guide aims to make RetroArch approachable and unlock an incredible range of classic gaming experiences right on your Apple device.
1. Introduction & Overview
The video kicks off with a warm greeting from Russ from Retro Game Corps, who introduces the major news:
"RetroArch is now available for iPhone and iPad."
He contrasts this with previous emulation releases, particularly Delta, which was mainly focused on Nintendo systems and only for iPhone. In contrast, RetroArch is a multisystem emulator that works on both iPhone and iPad, greatly expanding playable consoles.
Key Takeaways:
- RetroArch offers much broader emulation support versus previous emulators.
- There's already an Apple TV version too—expect more content on that soon.
Russ gets candid about his relationship with RetroArch:
"I kind of have a love-and-hate relationship with RetroArch… It's incredibly powerful, but the user interface is not very intuitive. It does take time to get spun up."
He emphasizes that this video focuses only on getting started—for advanced use, check out his written and video guides linked below.
2. Supported Retro Systems
The next section dives into the wide range of systems RetroArch can emulate on iOS. Here's the rundown:
- Popular Nintendo systems up to Nintendo 64 and DS
- Sega Genesis and Sega Saturn (but not Sega Dreamcast yet)
- Sony PlayStation 1
- Arcade games (using "Final Burn Neo" core)
- Tons more: ZX Spectrum, Amiga, Neo Geo, and more obscure or classic systems
"If you want to play... even Neo Geo, all of those are available here within this emulator."
He also notes:
- PlayStation Portable (PSP) works, but a standalone emulator on iOS may be a better choice for PSP games.
- Full system/core list can be viewed in-app.
3. Installing RetroArch & Choosing Your Menu Style
Russ demonstrates installation on an iPad for easier viewing, but iPhone steps are the same.
Steps:
- Search for 'RetroArch' on the App Store and download (yes, it's finally there!).
- The file size is large (>500 MB) because all emulation cores are included.
- First launch: assets are extracted; once complete, fonts and menus appear crisp.
He quickly customizes the menu for greater usability:
- Go to Settings → Drivers → Menu Driver
- Recommended menu: XMB (Cross Media Bar), for a classic PlayStation 3 interface.
- You need to close and reopen RetroArch to apply the change.
"Now it looks like a PlayStation 3. I think this is a lot more intuitive."
With the new menu, navigating is simple: scroll left and right through major sections and up/down through subsections.
4. Essential Settings Configuration
First Stop: Online Updater
- Navigate to Online Updater.
- Run all updates (assets, controller profiles, cheat databases, etc.)—only needs to be done occasionally.
User Interface Tweaks:
- Onscreen notifications:
Toggle framerate display if you want to track performance (shows in the upper right). - Onscreen controls:
By default, touch controls show even if a controller is connected. To auto-hide them when your Bluetooth controller is active:"In user interface settings… turn on 'Hide the overlay when a controller is connected.'"
Video Settings:
- Enable HDR if you have a compatible iPhone/iPad for even better visuals.
Input Settings:
- Remap buttons if you experience misbehavior (rare).
- Swap OK/Cancel button mapping for personal preference.
- Hotkeys:
Set up crucial shortcuts (e.g., saving/loading, fast-forward, toggling UI):"The most important hotkey is the hotkey enable button—that's your Select button. Combine it with others to do things like save state (Select+R1), load state (Select+L1), or open the RetroArch menu (Select+X)."
- Russ shares his hotkey diagram for reference and recommends configuring hotkeys immediately.
Saving & Quick Resume:
- Enable auto save state and auto load state so your game always resumes exactly where you left off.
RetroAchievements:
- Set up a free account at RetroAchievements.org, link it in settings for trophy-style achievements in classic games:
"I love it. It will track all the retro games you're playing—kind of like trophies or achievements for your old-school favorites."
- He recommends disabling hardcore mode unless you want a challenge (hardcore disables cheats, save states, and rewinds).
Save Your Work:
- Go back to the main menu and select Save Current Configuration to lock in your setup.
5. Adding Games ("ROMs") & BIOS Files
File Management Basics:
- RetroArch on iOS/iPadOS can only access its own folder (found under 'On My iPhone/iPad' in the Files app).
- Set up folders:
- A ROMs folder for your games
- Subfolders by system inside ROMs
- Legality: Russ emphasizes you must find ROMs yourself.
Methods to Transfer Games:
- Use cloud storage (iCloud Drive, Google Drive, Dropbox), then copy files into the RetroArch folder.
- Use a USB flash drive and transfer files via the Files app.
Supported File Types:
- Check supported ROM types in-app via Load Core → [Select Core] → Information → Core Information.
- For example, PS1 supports many:
.cue,.bin,.chd, etc. Saturn and PS1 work great with.chdfiles (compressed, save space).
BIOS Files:
- BIOS are special system files some emulators require for proper booting/emulation.
- Place BIOS files in the 'system' folder inside the RetroArch folder (not in ROMs).
- Common BIOS files: Sega CD (all regions), Game Boy (to show boot logo), Saturn, Neo Geo, PlayStation 1, TurboGrafx CD, etc.
"If you don't have these files, Google them and add them to your system folder."
Directory Configuration:
- In RetroArch's settings, confirm the System/BIOS and ROM folder paths point to where you put these files.
6. Creating Playlists (Game Libraries)
Automatic Scanning:
- On the 'far right' side of RetroArch, go to Import Content.
- Use Scan Directory for most systems (e.g., Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Color, NES, SNES, DS, N64).
- Correctly named games will even fetch box art automatically:
"As you hover over each of these games, it'll download the box art—as long as your game is named correctly."
Manual Scan:
- Some systems (like Genesis or Arcade) require manual setup:
- System Name: Pick the console (e.g., Final Burn Neo for arcade).
- Default Core: Select which emulator core to use.
- Content Directory: Point to your ROM subfolder for that system.
- Advanced users can integrate DAT files to polish arcade game display names, but the guide keeps it simple.
After scanning, curated 'Playlists' (think folders/libraries) appear for each system, making navigation super-easy.
7. Game Testing & Controller Setup
Now to the fun: actually playing games! 🎮
Controllers:
- Works with any modern Bluetooth controller (Xbox, PlayStation, 8BitDo, etc.)
- Russ uses the 8bitDo SN30 Pro for its nostalgic Super Nintendo feel:
"It has all the buttons I need, it's compact, and honestly just makes me smile."
- Controller links are in the video description.
8. System-by-System: Gameplay, Tips & Visual Settings
Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance
- Boot games, choose recommended 'gambatte' or 'mgba' core.
- BIOS installed? You'll see the classic boot logo.
- Activate retro achievements to track trophies.
"You may want to add some colorizations. For that, go to Core Options → Game Boy Colorization → Internal."
- Add extra authenticity with "interframe blending" (LCD ghosting) for the classic 'screen blur' effect.
- Shaders can make Game Boy games look like they're played on a real handheld:
- Enable shaders, load the LCD 3x preset.
- Adjust brightness as desired.
- Save presets for reuse.
- Everything works for both Game Boy and Game Boy Color with a single preset!
Nintendo 64
-
Only one core to choose from.
-
Add a shader for effects, or fast-forward through boring cutscenes using hotkeys!
-
Upscale resolution and/or change to widescreen hacks if you prefer:
"If you're using an iPhone, widescreen hacks are definitely worth it... Super Mario 64 is awesome in widescreen!"
-
Be aware: N64 games sometimes crash on first load in RetroArch. Relaunch, and it usually works.
-
For cheat codes, RetroArch has a robust cheat system: load cheat files, choose your system and game, then enable wild options like "Giant Mario":
"This can be a really fun way to breathe new life into your games—invincibility, higher jumps, giant Mario!"
Nintendo DS
- DS games start in a vertical display (top screen over bottom), which is perfect on iPad if you rotate.
- Slower performance, so stick to 2X resolution even on powerful hardware.
- On iPhone, use horizontal layout for best viewing.
NES & SNES
NES:
- Recommended core: Nestopia.
- Fix graphics glitches by masking "overscan" (usually hidden on old TVs).
- Optimize play by removing sprite limits (no flickering) and overclocking to remove slowdown, but you can keep these off for authenticity.
SNES:
- Use bsnes core for highest accuracy (requires more power), or snes9x for slightly less demanding emulation.
- High-res screens make these look absolutely stunning and massive on a big iPad.
"This is amazing to play these retro games like this."
Sega Genesis & Saturn
Genesis:
- Automatic setup, runs great out of the box.
Saturn:
- Notoriously hard to emulate, but the 'Beetle Saturn' core works well with proper BIOS.
- If a game supports analog, set Control Device Type to "3D pad".
- For all other games, map the analog stick to digital input to play comfortably with modern controllers.
- Shaders: Load CRT Royale for authentic TV scanline effects—powerful CPUs can run this smoothly, even on Saturn games.
"My iPad is so powerful that it can play this no problem—and this is pretty awesome!"
PlayStation 1 & Arcade
PS1:
- Bios recommended for best compatibility.
- Use pcsx rearmed core and turn on all 'enhanced resolution' options in GPU plugin settings for crisp 3D.
Arcade (Final Burn Neo):
-
Use Final Burn Neo ROM sets (not MAME).
-
Insert coins by pressing the select button—no need to ever run out!
"Every time I do this, I feel like I'm rich—I can insert as many coins as I want!"
-
Most arcade games run in 4:3 and look phenomenal on a matching tablet screen.
-
Enable vertical mode for shooters to fill the entire iPad in portrait orientation.
-
Local multiplayer is easy: just connect more Bluetooth controllers, and RetroArch assigns them automatically.
9. iPhone-Specific Considerations & Recommended Controllers
Everything shown on iPad works the same on iPhone, just with a smaller screen.
Controllers for iPhone:
- Backbone One (PlayStation edition): premium, plugs in via USB-C or Lightning; requires removing cases, pricey but high-quality.
- GameSir X2s: blockier, sturdy, cheaper (~$40-$50), connects via USB-C.
Links for all controllers are available in the description.
10. Summary & Final Thoughts
Wrapping up, Russ reiterates that while RetroArch's initial setup can be overwhelming, the freedom for deep customization, visual improvements, cheats, upscaling, and more is well worth the learning curve.
"I love the amount of tinkering we can do within RetroArch. Even though, yes, it's a bit of a beast to actually learn, I think it's well worth it."
He invites viewers to check out deeper guides on his site and channel for advanced features. The video closes with thanks and an invitation for questions or feedback, reminding everyone to like and subscribe if they found the content helpful.
Conclusion
Key Points:
- RetroArch for iPhone/iPad in 2025 is a true game-changer, supporting a huge range of classic systems with powerful features.
- Proper setup—including ROMs, BIOS, hotkeys, and playlists—unlocks an amazing retro gaming experience on your favorite Apple device.
- Customization, visual enhancements, and local multiplayer are easier than ever with the right setup and controller.
"Happy gaming!"
If you want to explore advanced setups, core overrides, or troubleshooting, don't miss the full written and video guides on the Retro Game Corps site and channel.
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