- One app for many systems through downloadable libretro cores
- Built-in online updater for cores, thumbnails and assets
- Save states, rewind and run-ahead to reduce input lag
- CRT and smoothing shaders, plus per-core and per-game overrides
- Controller auto-configuration, touch overlays and TV-friendly menus
- Netplay and RetroAchievements support
- Free and open source, with no ads
Key features
Screenshots




About RetroArch
RetroArch is the official Android release of the libretro project's all-in-one frontend. Instead of being a single emulator, it loads "cores": small plug-ins that each emulate a console, a home computer or an arcade board, or run a game engine. You download the cores you want from inside the app and play everything through one consistent interface.
Because every core shares the same menus and settings, features such as controller mapping, save states, rewind, shaders, netplay and achievements work the same way across systems. Run-ahead can cut input lag below that of the original hardware, and the menu is designed to work with a gamepad, touch screen or TV remote.
RetroArch comes with no games or BIOS files. Use your own legally obtained game backups, homebrew, or the freely licensed content that some cores support. Some cores need a reasonably powerful device.
Source: official APK from buildbot.libretro.com (linked from retroarch.com). Developer: Libretro. Licence: GPL-3.0.
How to install RetroArch
- Tap the download button on this page to get the official RetroArch APK (1.22.2, universal build) from buildbot.libretro.com.
- Open the downloaded file. If Android asks, allow your browser or file manager to install unknown apps.
- Tap Install, open RetroArch and allow storage access when asked.
- Go to Main Menu โ Online Updater โ Core Downloader to fetch the cores you need, then use Load Content to start your own game files.
Version history
v1.22.2Latest
Nov 19, 2025 ยท 189.1 MB
Latest stable RetroArch release (universal build) from buildbot.libretro.com.
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