RetroArch, the cross-platform collection of emulators comes to Nintendo Switch. Still sporting great performance and various features such as save states, cheats, netplay, rewinding and much more. RetroArch is sure to transform your Nintendo Switch from a gaming powerhouse into a complete multi-platform monster, expanding its already massive game library.
- Game Boy Emulator Libretro Cheats Compatible Pc
- Libretro Download
- Game Boy Emulator Libretro Cheats Compatible Ps3
- Gameboy Advance Retroarch
This guide will show you how to setup RetroArch on your Nintendo Switch and configure cheats. Press [-] + [+] during gameplay to open the Quick Menu; here you can access useful features such as save states and screenshots.
Required Downloads:
Nintendo Switch with Custom Firmware
- The RetroArch homebrew application requires a hacked switch with CFW such as Atmosphere
- You cannot run homebrew applications with unhacked or stock Switch consoles
- This guide assumes you have all the basic requirements to enter RCM and boot into CFW
MicroSD Card (128GB or Larger Recommended)
- ROMs will be stored on the MicroSD card
- 128GB or more is recommended for storing games
Some GBA emulators may have this listed under “Settings.” Change the frame rate to the highest possible number it will go to. This will make your GBA emulator run much faster. How do you enter cheats on Gameboy Advance SP? Select the game from the main menu then select the cheat code using the control pad on the GBA. Drastic DS Emulator. Twitch your gaming experience with the Drastic DS Emulator. Hands down for this emulator because it is always on the top list. It is the most popular app and ranked as the number one spot in Play Store among the DS emulators. Download Drastic DS Emulator here.
Internet Connection
- RetroArch requires an internet connection during initial setup to update certain files such as the cheats database
Switch Payload Injector (Recommended)
- USB Dongle that can be used to boot your Switch into Atmosphere without a PC or USB cable
- RCM Jig Included
- Compatible with emuMMC / Stock OS Dual Boot for safer online play
- Add or Update payloads (.bin files) via USB
- Enter coupon code NOTEGRA for a $5 discount
- Extract
RetroArch.7z - Copy the
/switch/folder to the root of your SD card - Copy the
/retroarch/folder to the root of your SD card - Copy
retroarch.jpgto the root of your SD card - Create a folder named
romsin the root of your SD card - Inside the
/roms/folder, create folders for the platforms you wish to emulate and store the ROM game files accordingly - Insert your SD card into your Switch and push your preferred payload to boot into CFW
- (DO NOT USE THE ALBUM) Hold [R] and launch a game to access the Homebrew Menu with full RAM accessThe Homebrew Menu is normally launched through the Album but this limits their RAM availability. Starting a game while holding [R] will launch the Homebrew Menu with full RAM access, allowing apps like RetroArch to run at their full capabilities.
- Select RetroArch
- Go to [Main Menu] -> [Online Updater]
- Select [Update Installed Cores] and wait for the process to complete
- Select [Update Cheats], this can take up to 30 minutes to complete
- Select [Import Content] -> [Scan Directory]
- Go to the
/roms/folder on the root of your SD and select [Scan This Directory] - Once complete, your ROMs will be organised by platform and added to the RetroArch main menu
- Select your ROM -> [Run] and choose the core (emulator) you wish to use if prompted
- Nintendo 64 – Mupen64Plus-Next
- PSX – PCSX ReARMed
- Game Boy Advance – VBA Next
- SNES – Snes9x 2010
- Sega – Genesis Plus GX
You can download additional cores from [Main Menu] -> [Online Updater] -> [Core Updater]
Save files and save states can be found in the /retroarch/cores/ folder on your SD card
You can improve the performance of your Nintendo Switch in RetroArch by overclocking the CPU. This is recommended if you wish to maintain high a framerate when emulating more demanding systems such as the N64 or PSX.
Simply go to [Main Menu] -> [CPU Overclock] and set your desired CPU speed
[Boost Performance (1224 MHz)] or [High Performance (1581 MHz)] is recommended for stability and battery life
You can monitor your framerate (FPS) by displaying it on-screen during gameplay
You can do this in [Settings] -> [Onscreen Display] -> [Onscreen Notifications] -> [Display Framerate]
RetroArch features a built-in cheat engine to create cheats by editing numerical values in the game’s memory. There is also a large database of preset game-specific cheat codes that can be downloaded in the [Main Menu] -> [Online Updater].
- During gameplay, press [-] + [+] to open the Quick Menu
- Scroll down to [Cheats] and select [Load Cheat File]
- Select the game system then select your game
- In [Cheats] menu, set [Apply After Toggle] to [ON]
- Turn cheats on / off with the directional buttons
- Press [-] + [+] to return to the game and enjoy your cheats
Activate Cheats on Nintendo Switch (Over 600 Games Supported)
Backup and Import Switch Save Files with EdiZon
FTPD – Transfer files to your Switch without removing SD (Wi-Fi)
Hack Your Switch and Install Games without a PC (Atmosphere + Tinfoil / HBG Shop)
Goldleaf + Quark – Install Switch Games (.NSP Files) from PC via USB
- 2Nintendo
- 3Sony
- 4Sega
- 5Microsoft
- 6Other consoles
- 7Personal computers
Multi-system
| File type(s) | Emulator(s) | Backup |
|---|---|---|
| BIOS files | RetroArch | ✓ |
| BIOS files | Mednafen(standalone) | ✓ |
| BIOS files | OpenEmu | ✓ |
| ROMs Pack(0.151) | MESS | ✓ |
| ROMs Pack(v16) ROMs Pack(v17) | PCem | ✓ |
| ROMs Pack | 86Box | ✓ |
Nintendo
NES / Famicom
| File type(s) | Emulator(s) | Backup | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family Computer Disk System BIOS file | Various | ✓ | Required for FDS emulation. MD5 Hashes |
SNES / Super Famicom
| File type(s) | Emulator(s) | Backup | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Satellaview BS-X ROMs | higan(bsnes) Snes9x | ✓ | Required for some Satellaview releases. Including Japanese original ROM, no-DRM ROM and English-patched ROMs (DRM or no-DRM). |
| Sufami Turbo BIOS file | ✓ | Required for Bandai's Sufami Turbo emulation. | |
| SuperDisc BIOS file | No$SNS(1.6) | ✓ | Required for Sony's SNES-CD emulation. |
| Super Game Boy boot ROM | higan(bsnes) | ✓ | Required for Super Game Boy emulation. MD5 Hashes |
| Coprocessor firmwares | ✓ | Including CX4, DSP1/1A, DSP1B, DSP2, DSP3, DSP4, ST010, ST011 and ST018. More information |
Nintendo 64
| File type(s) | Emulator(s) | Backup | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| LLE RSP plugin | Project64 | N/A | |
| 64DD IPL and PIF ROM (JPN Retail) | CEN64 | ✓ | Required for 64DD emulation in CEN64. Japanese region only. |
| 64DD IPL (JPN Retail) | Project64 | ✓ | Required for 64DD emulation in Project64. |
| 64DD IPL (US Retail) | |||
| 64DD IPL (JPN Development) |
GameCube / Wii
| File type(s) | Emulator(s) | Backup | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| GameCube IPL BIOS file | Dolphin | ✓ | Optional. Required for rendering original system fonts. MD5 Hashes |
| DSP-LLE plugin | ✓ | Optional. Needed for more accurate low-level emulation (LLE) of DSP audio. Required in Dolphin for connectivity with GBA units. An incomplete HLE solution removing this requirement exists. | |
| Swiss | N/A | Optional. GameCube homebrew utility. More information Old version (r241) | |
| Wii WC24 network SSL certificates | ✓ | Optional. Required for connecting to Wi-Fi Connection service. More information |
Game Boy / Game Boy Color
| File type(s) | Emulator(s) | Backup | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game Boy (DMG) boot ROMs | Various | ✓ | Optional. |
| Game Boy Pocket (MBG) boot ROM | ✓ | ||
| GBC boot ROM | ✓ | Optional. Required for color palette support for monochrome GB games. |
Pokémon mini
| File type(s) | Emulator(s) | Backup | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOS | Various | ✓ | Optional in PokeMini and minimon. |
Game Boy Advance / e-Reader
| File type(s) | Emulator(s) | Backup | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boot ROM | Various | ✓ | Optional. Required for some games, homebrew, and connectivity with the GameCube. |
| e-Reader BIOS files | ✓ | Required for e-Reader emulation. Including Card e-Reader (Japan), Card e-Reader+ (Japan) and e-Reader (USA). |
Nintendo DS / DSi
| File type(s) | Emulator(s) | Backup | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| DS BIOS files and firmware | Various | ✓ | Optional for DeSmuME and No$GBA. Required for melonDS, GBE+, medusa and other emulators. |
| iQue BIOS files and firmware | ✓ | ||
| DSi BIOS files | No$GBA | ✓ | Required for Nintendo DSi emulation. |
| DSi NAND dump | ✓ | Optional. Improves compatibility for Nintendo DSi emulation. Update No$GBA in the package to the latest version is highly recommended. | |
| DSi BIOS & NAND (USA) | melonDS, No$GBA | ✓ | Required for DSi emulation on melonDS. Includes BIOS and firmware for both the DS and DSi, and a NAND dump. For No$GBA, rename: nand.binbiosdsi7.binbiosdsi9.binto DSi-1.mmcBIOSDSI7.ROMBIOSDSI9.ROMrespectively, and place them in the No$GBA main folder. |
| DSi BIOS & NAND (EUR) | ✓ | ||
| DSi BIOS & NAND (JAP) | ✓ | ||
| DSi BIOS & NAND (JAP Classroom) | ✓ | ||
| DSi BIOS & NAND (CHN)(iQue) | ✓ | ||
| DSi BIOS & NAND (AUS) | ✓ |
Nintendo 3DS
| File type(s) | Emulator(s) | Backup | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extra data | Citra | ✓ | Required for some games. |
| Bootroms | ✓ | Required for fuse-3ds to decrypt encrypted games. |
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Wii U
| File type(s) | Emulator(s) | Backup | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fonts | Cemu | ✓ | Required for rendering text properly in some games. Lacks three more unused fonts, but Cemuhook has their replacements. |
| Online files | Cemu(1.11.0 or later) Decaf | ✓ | Optional. Needed for online connection. Lacks unbanned account.dat file unique to the console but some custom servers with lax authentification are working in progress. |
| Menu files (EU) | Cemu(1.11.4 or later) | ✓ | Version 5.5.2, European region Required for rendering Mii and improving compatibility. More information Can be accessed from the .rpx under mlc01systitle0005001010040200codemen.rpx. |
| Menu files (US) | ✓ | Version 5.5.2, US region Required for rendering Mii and improving compatibility. More information Can be accessed from the .rpx under mlc01systitle0005001010040100codemen.rpx. | |
| Menu files (JP) | ✓ | Version 5.5.2, Japanese region Required for rendering Mii and improving compatibility. More information Can be accessed from the .rpx under mlc01systitle0005001010040000codemen.rpx. |
Nintendo Switch
| File type(s) | Emulator(s) | Backup | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared fonts and derivation keys | yuzu | ✓ | Required for some games and encrypted ROMs. |
Sony
PlayStation
| File type(s) | Emulator(s) | Backup | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOS files | Various | ✓ | Required for some emulators. More information and MD5 Hashes Copyright-free HLE BIOS files replacements exist for other emulators. |
| Crash Bandicoot pre-extracted data | PSXperia | ✓ | Required for repackaging ISOs for use with PlayStation Pocket, given that PSXperia is only able to extract wrapper data from two specific releases of the Crash Bandicoot APK. |
PocketStation
| File type(s) | Emulator(s) | Backup | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOS files | PK201 | ✓ | Required for PocketStation emulation. |
PlayStation 2
| File type(s) | Emulator(s) | Backup | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOS files | Various | ✓ | Required for PlayStation 2 emulation. More information and MD5 Hashes |
PlayStation Portable
| File type(s) | Emulator(s) | Backup | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original fonts | Various | ✓ | Optional. Required for rendering original system fonts. Emulators have replacement fonts. |
PlayStation 3
| File type(s) | Emulator(s) | Backup | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official firmware | Various | ✓ (Archive) | Required for PlayStation 3 emulation. |
PlayStation Vita
| File type(s) | Emulator(s) | Backup | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official firmware | Various | ✓ (Archive) | Required for PlayStation Vita emulation. |
PlayStation 4
| File type(s) | Emulator(s) | Backup | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official firmware | Various | ✓ (Archive) | Required for PlayStation 4 emulation. |
Sega
Master System
| File type(s) | Emulator(s) | Backup | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOS files | Kega Fusion | ✓ | Optional. |
Genesis / Mega Drive / CD / 32X
| File type(s) | Emulator(s) | Backup | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Genesis / Mega Drive BIOS files | Various | ✓ | Optional for Kega Fusion and other emulators. |
| CD BIOS files | ✓ | Required for Sega CD emulation. | |
| 32X BIOS files | ✓ | Required for 32X emulation. |
Saturn
| File type(s) | Emulator(s) | Backup | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOS files | Mednafen SSF | ✓ | Required for Mednafen. Optional for SSF. |
Dreamcast
| File type(s) | Emulator(s) | Backup | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOS files | nullDC | ✓ | Required for Dreamcast emulation in nullDC. MD5 Hashes |
| BIOS files | DEmul | ✓ | Required for Dreamcast, Naomi and Hikaru emulation in DEmul. MD5 Hashes |
| VMU BIOS files | Various | ✓ | Optional for ElysianVMU. Required for MAME. |
Microsoft
Xbox
| File type(s) | Emulator(s) | Backup | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOS files | XQEMU | ✓ | Required for Xbox emulation. |
| Blank HDD image | ✓ | Required for Xbox emulation. Pre-built 8G blank image. | |
| BIOS files | MAME | ✓ | Required for Xbox emulation. MCP-X bootrom included in the package is a bad dump. |
Other consoles
3DO
| File type(s) | Emulator(s) | Backup | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOS files | Various | ✓ | Required for 3DO emulation. |
Atari 7800
| File type(s) | Emulator(s) | Backup | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOS file (NTSC) BIOS file (PAL) | ProSystem | ✓ | Optional. |
Atari Jaguar / Jaguar CD
| File type(s) | Emulator(s) | Backup | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOS files | Various | ✓ | Optional for Atari Jaguar emulation. Required for Atari Jaguar CD emulation (Incomplete). |
NEC PC Engine CD (TurboGrafx-CD)
| File type(s) | Emulator(s) | Backup | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOS files | Various | ✓ | Required for PC Engine CD (TurboGrafx-CD) emulation. |
Personal computers
Microsoft/ASCII MSX
| File type(s) | Emulator(s) | Backup | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOS files and machine configurations | blueMSX | ✓ | Required for MSX games (except some cartridge games covered by the unofficial C-BIOS file). |
| BIOS files | CLK Pantheon | ✓ | |
| System ROMs set | openMSX | ✓ | Required for MSX emulation on certain machines and extensions like Panasonic FS-A1GT for example. Copy all files to ~/.openMSX/share/systemroms (GNU/Linux and MacOS) or %USERPROFILE%My DocumentsopenMSXsharesystemroms (Windows 7 or later). |
NEC PC-6000
| File type(s) | Emulator(s) | Backup | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| System ROMs | PC6001V PC6001VX | ✓ | Required for PC-6001 series emulation. |
NEC PC-8800
| File type(s) | Emulator(s) | Backup | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| System ROMs | pc8801ma XM8 | ✓ | Required for PC-8800 emulation. |
NEC PC-9800
| File type(s) | Emulator(s) | Backup | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fonts (Binary format) | Neko Project II | ✓ | Optional. Needed for rendering text properly. |
| Fonts (BMP format) | Anex86 | ✓ | Optional for Anex86 and other emulators. Needed for rendering text properly. |
Fujitsu FM-7
| File type(s) | Emulator(s) | Backup | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| System ROMs | XM7 | ✓ | Required for Fujitsu FM-7 emulation. Some boot, sub-monitor and dictionary files are missing but enough in most cases. |
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Fujitsu FM Towns
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| File type(s) | Emulator(s) | Backup |
|---|---|---|
| FM Towns BIOS | UNZ Bochs MAME | ✓ |
| FM Towns Marty BIOS | MAME | ✓ |
| marty.rom | Xe | ✓ |
Sharp X1
Gameboy Advance Retroarch
| File type(s) | Emulator(s) | Backup | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| X1 and X1 Turbo BIOS | Various | ✓ | Not all files are required for all emulators. |
| X1 Turbo BIOS | X millennium Advance | ✓ | Uses a different naming scheme than other emulators. |
Sharp X68000
| File type(s) | Emulator(s) | Backup | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| System ROMs | XM6 Pro-68k XM6 TypeG | ✓ | Required CGROM.DAT and IPLROM.DAT for X68000 Expert emulation.Required SCSIINROM.DAT and SCSIEXROM.DAT for enabling X68000 Expert SCSI interface.Required IPLROMXV.DAT, CGROM.DAT and SCSIINROM.DAT for X68000 XVI emulation.Required IPLROMCO.DAT, CGROM.DAT and SCSIINROM.DAT for X68000 Compact emulation.Required IPLROM30.DAT, CGROM30.DAT and ROM30.DAT for X68030 emulation. |