Starting a game¶

Requirements¶

To load a game you need two things: A libretro core, and a ROM file.
- Some systems/games may also require additional system files (such as a BIOS to run correctly.

via 'Load Content/Core'¶

Load the core¶

Select Load Core> Core from the main menu, then choose a libretro core from the list.
Some releases of RetroArch come with a supply of cores built-in. If you don't have any cores installed, or want to add new ones, connect to the internet and select Download a Core from the bottom of the list.
Select your core in the list to load it.

When a libretro core is loaded, you will see the name and version of the core in the bottom left of the screen (Ozone/XMB/RGUI) or in the notification bar (GLUI).

Load the content¶

You can then browse for a ROM by selecting Load Content. Browse to your content's folder and select your ROM from the list. Then select Current Core or select another core from this list. The content will now launch.

To set the folder for the Start Directory option (which will otherwise start in the user's root directory), set File Browser in Settings> Directory.

See File Browser

via Playlists¶

Alternatively, you can launch content from Playlists.

Scan for content to add to the playlist.

See File Browser and Import Content.

Open your chosen Playlist.
Highlight your chosen row and select it. A new submenu will appear: Select Run to start the game.
If you have already Set Core Association, then the content will launch immediately. If you have not, one more list will ask you which Core you want to run the Content with.

This option will automatically choose the "best" core to run the content.

History / Favorites¶

Content can be launched the 'History' and 'Favorites' playlists the same way as a regular Playlist.

Exiting a game¶

Press the key/button combination to open the Quick Menu and select Close Content. This will safely close both the Content and its Core, and return you to the Main Menu of RetroArch.