How-to Use RetroArch on Apple TV - Quick Basic Setup Guide

Summary

This video provides a beginner's guide to setting up RetroArch, a multi-console emulator, on Apple TV. It covers key steps like adding game ROMs via a URL, setting up a Bluetooth controller, and assigning controller buttons for RetroArch navigation. The video also explains selecting emulator cores for different consoles like PlayStation and Sega Genesis, and troubleshooting when games don’t run properly. While some features like organizing ROMs by console are currently buggy, users can change RetroArch skins and explore more advanced options. Overall, it covers the essential steps for getting started.

Takeaways

• 🎮 RetroArch is a free multi-console emulator available on the Apple TV App Store.
• 📱 For best control, connect a Bluetooth controller, as the Apple TV remote is insufficient.
• 📂 To add games, open RetroArch and follow the displayed URL to upload game files to the Downloads folder.
• 🗂️ Games (ROMs) can be added from a phone or computer, with larger files recommended to be extracted for better loading times.
• 🌐 If the URL popup isn't visible, you can find it under 'Information' -> 'Network Information'.
• 🔗 Bluetooth controllers can be connected in the 'Settings' -> 'Remotes and Devices' -> 'Bluetooth' section.
• 🕹️ Assign a menu button on your controller to open and close RetroArch's menu by setting it in 'Settings' -> 'Input' -> 'Hotkeys'.
• 🔄 Remap controls by selecting your controller in 'Retropad Binds' and adjusting button mappings as needed.
• 🎲 Start games by selecting 'Load Content' -> 'Downloads' and choose the game file with an appropriate emulator core.
• ⚙️ Multiple emulator cores are available for each console; if one core doesn’t work, try another for better compatibility.

Q & A

What is Retroarch, and where can it be downloaded?

Retroarch is a multi-console emulator that allows users to run games from different platforms. It is available for free on the Apple TV App Store.

Why is it recommended to use a Bluetooth controller with Retroarch on Apple TV?

It is recommended to use a Bluetooth controller because the Apple TV remote is limited in functionality and makes it difficult to navigate and play games on Retroarch.

How do you add ROMs to Retroarch on Apple TV?

To add ROMs, open Retroarch and follow the URL displayed in the app to access the downloads folder. You can upload ROMs from a phone or computer by selecting and uploading files to this folder.

What is the advantage of extracting larger ROM files before adding them to Retroarch?

Extracting larger ROM files before adding them to Retroarch can reduce loading times, especially for bigger files, ensuring smoother performance.

Where can you find the URL if you accidentally close the popup in Retroarch?

If you accidentally close the popup, you can find the URL under the 'Information' section, then 'Network Information,' where it will be displayed as an IP address.

How can you pair a Bluetooth controller with Retroarch on Apple TV?

To pair a Bluetooth controller, go to the Apple TV home screen, open 'Settings,' navigate to 'Remotes and Devices,' select 'Bluetooth,' and make sure your controller is in pairing mode. Then connect it from the menu.

How do you assign a menu button to the controller in Retroarch?

To assign a menu button, go to 'Settings,' then 'Input,' scroll down to 'Hotkeys,' and select 'Menu Toggle.' Click on it and press the desired button on your controller, such as the select button, to assign it.

What should you do if a game doesn’t run correctly in Retroarch?

If a game doesn’t run, try selecting a different core for the same console. Some games may run better on one core than another, so switching cores can resolve compatibility issues.

What is the 'Core' in Retroarch, and how does it work?

A core in Retroarch is an emulator for a specific console. You need to select the correct core that matches the platform of the game you want to play. For example, use a PlayStation core to run a PlayStation game.

What features in Retroarch may still have bugs, according to the video?

At the time of the video, features like 'Import Content,' which organizes ROMs by console and adds box art, and the 'Scan Directory' function for the downloads folder may not work correctly due to bugs.