RetroArch AlternativesOnly apps categorised as Compatibility Layer Tools

The best Compatibility Layer alternative to RetroArch is PlayOnLinux - PlayOnMac, which is both free and Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to RetroArch and nine of them are Compatibility Layer Tools so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Compatibility Layer Tool alternatives to RetroArch are GameHub, CrossOver, Mythic and WineGUI.

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RetroArch alternatives are mainly Compatibility Layer Tools, but if you're looking for Game Library Managers or Game Stores you can filter on that. Other popular filters include Android, Linux, Windows and iPhone. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to RetroArch.
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Alternatives list

  1. PlayOnLinux - PlayOnMac icon

    PlayOnLinux - PlayOnMac

     248 likes

    PlayOnLinux is a graphical frontend for the Wine software compatibility layer which allows Linux and Mac users to install Windows-based video games, Microsoft Office (2000 to 2010), Microsoft Internet Explorer, as well as many other applications.

    44 PlayOnLinux - PlayOnMac alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Wine
    • FreeBSD
    PlayOnLinux - PlayOnMac screenshot 1
     
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    1
    Comments about PlayOnLinux - PlayOnMac as an Alternative to RetroArch
    Brouware
    Negative
    7

    PlayOnLinux is a compatibility layer to play Windows games (or other software) on Linux. Retroarch is a multi-platform emulator frontend. They are not at all similar.

    PlayOnLinux - PlayOnMac icon
    PlayOnLinux - PlayOnMac icon

    • This alternative is disputed. PlayOnLinux - PlayOnMac is a legitimate RetroArch alternative, but it might have issues that some users think are important.

    • PlayOnLinux - PlayOnMac is Free and Open SourceRetroArch is also Free and Open Source
  4. CrossOver icon

    CrossOver

     75 likes

    Cross-platform utility enables seamless installation and execution of Windows applications on macOS, Linux, and Chrome OS. No Windows license required—facilitates easy app management with a few clicks, eliminates the need for virtual machines and reboots, delivering efficient compatibility layer operation.

    45 CrossOver alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Linux
    • Android
    • Chrome OS
    CrossOver screenshot 1
    Promotion 😀

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    1
    Comments about CrossOver as an Alternative to RetroArch
    Guest
    Negative
    0

    CrossOver runs desktop software. RetroArch runs retro games.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    CrossOver icon
    CrossOver icon
    • CrossOver is Paid and ProprietaryRetroArch is Free and Open Source
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    Screenshot
    CrossOver icon
    CrossOver

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  6. Mythic icon

    Mythic

     11 likes

    An open-source Epic Games Launcher alternative and normal game launcher for macOS written in Swift. We started this project to create a GUI frontend for Legendary and to play Windows games using game porting toolkit by Apple.

    49 Mythic alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    Mythic screenshot 1
     
  8. Phoenicis icon

    Phoenicis

     3 likes

    Phoenicis is a graphical front-end for Wine, a tool to help Linux and Mac users run games and programs for Windows. The future of PlayOnLinux and PlayOnMac.

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Linux
    • Flathub
    Phoenicis screenshot 1
     
  10. WineZGUI icon

    WineZGUI

     2 likes

    WineZGUI (pronounced Wine-Zee-Goo-Eee) is a wine frontend for playing windows games with wine easily. It is a collection of Bash scripts for Wine Prefix Management and Linux Desktop Integration for easier wine gaming experience using Zenity.

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Flathub
    WineZGUI screenshot 1
     
  11. Hangover icon

    Hangover

     3 likes

    This is Hangover, a project started by André Zwing and Stefan Dösinger in 2016 to run (x86_64)/x86_32 Windows applications on aarch64/(ppc64le)/x86_64 Wine. (Architectures in brackets are currently not supported).

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Linux
     
  12. Attract-Mode icon

    Attract-Mode

     1 like

    A graphical front-end for command line emulators that hides the underlying operating system and is intended to be controlled with a joystick, gamepad or spin dial. Ideal for use on arcade cabinet setups.

    21 Attract-Mode alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    • Raspberry Pi
    Attract-Mode screenshot 1
     
9 of 9 RetroArch alternatives