RetroArch setup: cores, controllers & shaders

RetroArch is a front‑end that lets you manage many emulators (called “cores”) under one interface. Here’s a quick setup outline:

1. Install RetroArch from the official site and launch it.
2. In Online Updater, download the cores you need (for example, Beetle PSX or mGBA).
3. Map your controller under Settings → Input. Enable Device Type if your pad supports XInput/DInput.
4. Set video to your monitor’s refresh rate; enable VSync to reduce tearing.
5. Try lightweight shaders like CRT‑Geom or Royale on capable GPUs; disable them on low‑end machines for performance.
6. Use per‑core and per‑game overrides to keep custom tweaks organized.

RetroArch can feel complex at first, but careful defaults and per‑core profiles make it manageable. Always keep your cores updated to benefit from fixes.