3DS:RetroArch

RetroArch

Developer(s)	Libretro
Console	Nintendo 3DS
Version	1.15.0 (March 11, 2023 (2023-03-11))
Links
Website	retroarch.com
GitHub	libretro/RetroArch

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, if you would like to see a list of recommended emulators then see the Emulators page.

Installation

What you need

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

Section I - Prep Work

1. Power off your console
2. Insert your SD card into your computer
3. Extract the RetroArch_cia.7z with 7-Zip
4. Move the retroarch & cia folders onto the root of your SD card
5. Reinsert your SD card into your console
6. Power on your console

Section II - Installation

1. Launch FBI from your HOME Menu
2. Navigate to SD -> retroarch -> cores
3. Scroll down and press A on the core you want to install, and select Install CIA

• Alternatively, if you want to install all the cores you can press <current directory> -> Install all CIAs
  • Note there are over 80 cores, and as these cores show up as titles on your home screen this is not recommended

Section III - Core Optimization

1. Navigate to sd:/retroarch/cores/
2. Select all the uninstalled cores and place them in a new folder at /Retroarch/Cores-Notused/

• Leave any installed cores in the cores folder, these are required for "Load Core" functionality
• If you want to use any of the uninstalled cores, move them from /Retroarch/Cores-Notused/ to /Retroarch/Cores/ and install them with FBI, or use the "Load Core" option within RetroArch

Section IV - Launching your ROM

1. Once your core(s) have finished installing, press Home
2. Press A on your newly installed core to unwrap it
3. Press A to open it
4. 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