Official RetroArch Thread

What is RetroArch?

RetroArch is a multi-system frontend which allows you to run many different emulators and other programs ("cores") through a unified interface. There are currently 28 different systems supported on Wii U, along with RetroArch features such as XMB. While far from complete, the Wii U port is constantly growing as features and cores are added.

Quick Links

RetroArch Channel (Download)
RetroArch source
Recent changes (Wii U only)
Latest Wii U builds

Basics

Warning: Spoilers inside!

Important: This guide doesn't cover the obsolete .elf method
You'll need:

• An SD card
• Homebrew Launcher (HBL). Gamepad-less users may be interested in this mod from @CreeperMario, as it features d-pad support that allows navigation through the apps without using the Gamepad touch screen.
• Optional: The unofficial RetroArch channel. For this, you'll need:
  • Haxchi, CBHC or another CFW installed. If using CBHC, make sure to read the thread carefully before installing!
  • The RetroArch Channel. Install it using WUP Installer Y MOD or WUP Installer GX2. Copy the unzipped folder 0005000010102172 to sd:/install; the app will install the "channel" in the Wii U menu.
  • You'll need to apply signature patches whenever you start your console. For CBHC users this happens automatically, while users of other methods will have to refer to their method's documentation to make this happen.

Downloading RetroArch

Warning: Spoilers inside!

For new users:
Grab the latest nightly here - simply pick the RetroArch_rpx.7z with the most recent date. Unzip it.

If you are using the RetroArch Channel you can delete the "wiiu" folder (the channel has its own .rpx embedded) otherwise if you are launching RetroArch from HBL just keep the "retroarch" folder, you can safely delete all the other folders (they are not needed with the new multicore loading feature).

For veteran users:
You can update your cores from the RetroArch Wii U itself from Online Updater feature. It's worth mentioning that it's kinda slow and is prone to fail depending on your connection.

Setting up XMB (A.K.A. pretty GUI)

Warning: Spoilers inside!

If you get a white screen when you start RetroArch, you're missing the assets package. If you can navigate the white menus, go to "Online Updater" and select "Download Assets". Otherwise, download the assets here and extract it to sd:/retroarch/media. The next time you open RetroArch, all should be well.

The default directory for the XMB assets is sd:/retroarch/media, you can change it to any other path you like under Settings > Directory.

Making lists

Warning: Spoilers inside!

One of the toughest parts involved in getting the best RetroArch has to offer is setting up the "playlist" files (.lpl) which allow you to make put preset games into an easily-accessible place in the GUI, rather than having to go through the filebrowser and reload cores.

These files are stored in the "playlist" folder. Like most other paths, you can set your own in Retroarch under Settings > Directory.

You can generate your list using Online Updater, though this is prone to fail if you have a large number of games. The PC build of Retroarch can generate lists and the format is compatible with Wii U; or alternatively you can use RetroArch Playlist Buddy to generate your playlists and thumbnails.

Here's how to set up Playlist Buddy:
View attachment 96632

In this example playlists and thumbnails will be stored in sd:/retroarch/cores
To make the process painless always prefer NO-INTRO rom sets as they have a standard naming convention. It helps the program match your roms with the images in Retroarch database.

It's recommended that your "roms" folder has this folder structure:
View attachment 96634

Making lists/thumbnails for MAME/FBA

Warning: Spoilers inside!

The process is the same as the other cores BUT you need MAME 078.dat or FB Alpha.dat. The difference is that Arcade/SNK games CAN'T be renamed, so you'll get something like "ashpft" "chopflt"... etc as your game name in the list. To avoid that we use .dat files.

If you are using RetroArch Playlist Buddy just check the "Search XML DAT specified below for titles rather than ROM filenames" box, and type the path to your .dat in the text box.

(this new OP is still a work in progress, current maintainer is @QuarkTheAwesome. Most of this was written by @cucholix)

 

Thank you so much for working on this

 

I LOVE YOU.

 

Tried a few games and all play fine apart from Mario kart which crashes a few seconds after a race starts. It's great to finally have a snes emu can't wait to see this improve in the future. Thanks for all the hard work on this.

 

Mabye because I turned vsync off let me try it again as I know my Mario kart rom is fine as been using it on my Android snes emu.

 

I don't know then tried it 4 times and crashes at start of race every time.

 

God I cant wait till we get cold boot emuNAND and retroarch on our home menu! =]

 

Tried another download of the rom and got round one lap then the same thing happened. Tried again and this time even though I was on the track lacitu kept picking me up like I was out of bounds yet I was on the track. Then it crashed again.

 

Snes9x 2010? That's before 1.52, which was released in 2011, unless of course, this has the core merged in it? I'll ask the OP, @aliaspider Does this core have Blarrg's S-SMP in it (for better sound)? Or will the 1.52 and on be ported over in the near future?

A good test would be Earthworm Jim 2, that relies on audio streaming and timing to get right.

Oh man, I can't believe this is happening already, I love it Gonna test later


And thank you for your guys' hard work