The versatile, multi-platform emulator Retroarch is now on Steam with 10 cores. Each core represents a console that can be emulated under a single interface of RetroArch
Steam users can now play console games directly from their Steam library, by installing the emulator inside their Steam account. RetroArch and its cores are free to play on the Steam store.
The Steam launch is focused primarily on the Windows platform, while Linux is lined up for later. In the statement released last week, the developers have emphasized working with one OS at a time.
Update: RetroArch for Steam has been released for Linux as on 15th September, 2021.
RetroArch on Steam has finally been released on both Linux and Windows! https://t.co/Cv0km8FkaKhttps://t.co/68D4AvodT4
(Our site is currently experiencing some difficulties, so here is a backup of the article) –https://t.co/HwttWSs5Dn#RetroArch #Steam #Linux #Windows pic.twitter.com/gOJMejdWCu
— libretro (@libretro) September 14, 2021
The reason cited behind is the burden for efficacy and compatibility on the different platforms.
Which emulators are supported on the launch?
Initially, the launch will feature 10 cores meaning ten different consoles instead of the 60 cores, which is available with the computer version. It is being done primarily to focus on dealing with the bugs and issues for a limited number of consoles before moving forward with more consoles.
As the development team has emphasized in their release statement, you can watch movies and play music without downloading any of the core. The cores are needed explicitly for emulating the consoles on the emulator.
The ten cores, or emulators which will support the following gaming consoles right now on upon launch:
- Mupen64 Plus Next
- Kronos
- PCSX ReARMed
- Stella
- SameBoy
- mGBA
- Mesen
- Mesen S
- Genesis Plus GX
- Final Burn Neo
Unlike RetroArch for computer, Android, downloading core won’t be required. Separate cores need to be installed like a “DLC” to emulate the console of your liking.
Your Favourite Console did not make the First cut?
Don’t be disheartened. You can head over to their forum, and keep a tab on new cores being added to the final list. Make your voice count and let them know about your favorite console that needs to be on RetroArch for Steam.
