This is the universal build of RetroArch 1.9.12 (2021-11-03). It contains native libraries for every CPU architecture (arm64-v8a, armeabi-v7a, x86, x86_64), so it installs on any Android device. The trade-off is size — it's larger than per-architecture variants. Pick this one if you're unsure which CPU your phone has, or if you plan to share the APK with multiple devices.
File size: 127.6 MB • Min Android: 21 • Target Android: 29 • Version code: 1597175331 • Framework: Native (Java/Kotlin) • Permissions: 5
Screenshots
File Information
| Package Name | com.retroarch |
|---|---|
| Version Name | 1.9.12 (2021-11-03) |
| Version Code | 1597175331 |
| Architecture | Universal |
| Min Android Version | Android 21 (API 29) |
| Main Activity | com.retroarch.browser.mainmenu.MainMenuActivity |
| Framework | Native (Java/Kotlin) |
| File Size | 127.61 MB |
| Signature (SHA1) | 6D6F7104273140DFC8E68FF480BD9A1EB54D2A52 |
| File Hash (SHA256) | a73815744bd5074e4d2f927387637db5a436a698a20a37adaccc7945b30f2c59 |
What's New
From version
1.8.9_GIT
:
Read the latest changes here -
www.libretro.com/index.php/retroarch-1-8-9-released/
1.8.9_GIT
:
Read the latest changes here -
www.libretro.com/index.php/retroarch-1-8-9-released/
App Description
RetroArch is an open-source project that makes use of a powerful development interface called Libretro. Libretro is an interface that allows you to make cross-platform applications that can use rich features such as OpenGL, cross-platform camera support, location support, and more in the future.
It comes with its own built-in collection of applications to provide you with a 'one-stop-shop' for entertainment.
Libretro and RetroArch are perfectly suited for creating games, emulators and multimedia programs. If you want to learn more, go to our website (listed below).
IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ!!!
This version of RetroArch differs from the one available on our website (
www.retroarch.com
) in that there is no Core Downloader, in compliance with the Google Play Store's policies. This version supports 50 cores max. If this is not enough for your needs, there are two options:
* Get RetroArch Plus, also available for free on the Play Store (this supports up to 127 cores). This version requires Android 8.0 or higher.
* Get RetroArch from our website (
www.retroarch.com
) and download the APK and install it. This version has the Core Downloader and is considered the 'full-fat' version.
Pros of the Play Store version vs. the website APK:
* Automatic weekly updates of both cores and RetroArch.
Cons of the Play Store version vs. the website APK:
* Only 50 cores supported max
FEATURES:
* Eye-candy menus to choose from!
* Scan files / directories and add them to game system collections!
* View database information about each game once added to a collection!
* Download programs ('cores') online
* Update everything!
* Download Game & Watch games and play them with our exclusive Game & Watch emulator!
* Built-in input remapping
* Ability to remap controls
* Ability to enter and load cheats
* Multi-language support!
* Over 80+ programs('cores') now and counting!
* Play multiplayer with NetPlay!
* Take screenshots, save states and more!
* No DRM
* No restrictions on usage
* Open-source
* No push ads
* No spying
* No ads period
Join us on discord for support and netplay matchmaking
discord.gg/C4amCeV
Visit our Youtube channel here for tutorials, gameplays, news and development progress!
www.youtube.com/user/libretro
www.youtube.com/RetroArchOfficial
For info and help, see our documentation site -
docs.libretro.com/
Visit our website!
www.retroarch.com/
www.libretro.com
It comes with its own built-in collection of applications to provide you with a 'one-stop-shop' for entertainment.
Libretro and RetroArch are perfectly suited for creating games, emulators and multimedia programs. If you want to learn more, go to our website (listed below).
IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ!!!
This version of RetroArch differs from the one available on our website (
www.retroarch.com
) in that there is no Core Downloader, in compliance with the Google Play Store's policies. This version supports 50 cores max. If this is not enough for your needs, there are two options:
* Get RetroArch Plus, also available for free on the Play Store (this supports up to 127 cores). This version requires Android 8.0 or higher.
* Get RetroArch from our website (
www.retroarch.com
) and download the APK and install it. This version has the Core Downloader and is considered the 'full-fat' version.
Pros of the Play Store version vs. the website APK:
* Automatic weekly updates of both cores and RetroArch.
Cons of the Play Store version vs. the website APK:
* Only 50 cores supported max
FEATURES:
* Eye-candy menus to choose from!
* Scan files / directories and add them to game system collections!
* View database information about each game once added to a collection!
* Download programs ('cores') online
* Update everything!
* Download Game & Watch games and play them with our exclusive Game & Watch emulator!
* Built-in input remapping
* Ability to remap controls
* Ability to enter and load cheats
* Multi-language support!
* Over 80+ programs('cores') now and counting!
* Play multiplayer with NetPlay!
* Take screenshots, save states and more!
* No DRM
* No restrictions on usage
* Open-source
* No push ads
* No spying
* No ads period
Join us on discord for support and netplay matchmaking
discord.gg/C4amCeV
Visit our Youtube channel here for tutorials, gameplays, news and development progress!
www.youtube.com/user/libretro
www.youtube.com/RetroArchOfficial
For info and help, see our documentation site -
docs.libretro.com/
Visit our website!
www.retroarch.com/
www.libretro.com
Download RetroArch APK
Fast, free and safe download.
APK Permissions 5
- android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE
- android.permission.INTERNET
- android.permission.READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE
- android.permission.VIBRATE
- android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE
APK Verified
The cryptographic signature guarantees that the file is safe to install and was not tampered with in any way.
Similar in Action Game
Frequently Asked Questions about RetroArch APK
This is the universal variant — a single APK that contains native libraries for every CPU architecture. It installs on any Android device but is larger than per-architecture variants.
Yes — the APK's signature has been cryptographically verified against the publisher's signing key. The SHA-256 hash is shown in the File Information panel so you can independently confirm the file matches the original release.
Android 21 (API level 29) or newer. Older devices will refuse the install.
Install a free app like 'CPU-Z' or 'Droid Hardware Info' from the Play Store and look at the ABI / Instruction Set row. Most phones made after 2017 are arm64-v8a; if in doubt, download the universal variant.
All variants are functionally identical — same features, same version. They differ only in which CPU architectures the native code is compiled for, and (sometimes) which screen densities the included graphics target. Pick the one that matches your device for the smallest install size, or pick 'Universal' if you're unsure.