RetroArch
RetroArch is a free, open-source emulation frontend that lets you play classic games from dozens of retro gaming systems — including the NES, SNES, Genesis, PlayStation, Game Boy and many others — in a unified interface. It supports multiple emulator cores that can be installed and managed through the app, offers features like real-time rewind, netplay, advanced shader filters, and save-state management. RetroArch is used by retro gaming enthusiasts, collectors and hobbyists who want to preserve and play games from older platforms with modern quality-of-life features.
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1 suggestionRetroArch has shipped a native Apple Silicon (Universal Binary) build since March 2021. The standard download from retroarch.com or the official Libretro site — labelled "RetroArch with Metal" — is a Universal binary that runs natively on M-series Macs. Simply visit retroarch.com, download the latest Universal build (the installer will automatically show the correct version when browsing on a Mac), and install it by dragging RetroArch.app into your Applications folder. Your emulator cores and settings will carry over. If you were previously running RetroArch under Rosetta, the native build will give you noticeably better performance and battery life. No beta channel or special steps are needed — the main installer ships the native version.
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