3DS:RetroArch

RetroArch
Developer(s)	Libretro
Console	Nintendo 3DS
Version	1.21.0 (May 1, 2025; 7 months ago)
Links
Website	retroarch.com
GitHub	libretro/RetroArch
	v; t; e;

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3DS:RA

RetroArch is a frontend for emulators, & more. It can emulate up to SEGA Genesis & SEGA CD on the Old 3DS/2DS, and up to PlayStation 1 on New 3DS/2DS.

Most standalone emulators are better than RetroArch in terms of performance. For a list of recommended emulators, see the Emulators page.

Installation

What you need

RetroArch_cia.7z (direct download)
The latest release of 7-Zip

Section I - Prep Work

Power off your console
Insert your SD card into your computer
Extract the RetroArch_cia.7z with 7-Zip
Move the retroarch & cia folders onto the root of your SD card
Create a Cores-Notused folder within the retroarch folder
Navigate to sd:/retroarch/cores/
Move any cores you don't plan on using to sd:/Retroarch/Cores-Notused/
- If you want to use any of the unused cores later, move them from sd:/Retroarch/Cores-Notused/ to sd:/Retroarch/Cores/ and install them with FBI, or use the "Load Core" option within RetroArch
Reinsert your SD card into your console

Section II - Installation

Power on your console
Launch FBI from your HOME Menu
Navigate to SD -> retroarch -> cores
Scroll down and press A on the core you want to install, and select Install CIA
- As there are over 80 cores, and these cores show up as titles on your HOME Menu, it is recommended to only install the cores you want to use

Section III - Launching your ROM

Once your core(s) have finished installing, press Home
Press A on your newly installed core to unwrap it
Press A to open it
Wait for it to load, then -> Load Content -> sdmc:/ -> Go to wherever your ROM is located -> Press A to select your ROM -> Choose your core

Be patient for your ROM to load, this can take a while depending on file size.

You should now be playing your game on RetroArch!

Resources

RetroArch Install Guide
PCSX ReARMed optimal configuration
PCSX ReARMed N3DS compatibility List