Thanks to Developer Mode on the Xbox Series X and S, you can install emulators like RetroArch. Turn your Xbox Series X or S into a retro gaming powerhouse and emulate the PS2, GameCube, Dreamcast, and more, all without impacting your ability to play retail games.
First, Activate Developer Mode
The first thing you have to do is activate Developer Mode on your Xbox. To do so, you’ll need a paid Microsoft Partner developer account. This requires a one-time fee of $19 (pricing is different in other regions). Once you’ve activated your account, you can add your Xbox as a developer console.
RELATED: How to Put Your Xbox Series X or S into Developer Mode
With a valid developer account, you can download the Xbox Dev Mode app, activate your console in Partner Center, and then reboot in Developer Mode. From there, it’s just a matter of configuring your network connection, and then accessing the Xbox Developer Mode web interface via a browser.
For this guide, we’ll assume you’ve followed the full setup procedure and your console is already booted in Developer Mode.
Installing the RetroArch Emulator
RetroArch is an emulator that works on virtually every platform and has a UWP package made just for Xbox One (and the Series X and S, by extension). This multisystem emulator uses plugins or “cores” to expand support for lots of different systems. You can choose which cores you want to use and switch between them for the best performance.
RetroArch makes it possible to play games from a huge variety of platforms right on your Xbox. This includes arcade machines, retro consoles (like SNES and Genesis), modern handhelds (like PSP), and early 3D home consoles (like Sony PlayStation, Nintendo N64, and Sega Dreamcast).
To get going, you first have to download and install RetroArch. On a computer, just head to the RetroArch Downloads page and grab the Xbox One version and the “Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 UWP Runtime Package” dependency file.
Then, access the Xbox Developer Mode web interface by visiting the web address in the “Remote Access” section in Dev Home on your console.
Select “Add” on the Home page to access the file upload interface, and then drag and drop the APPXBUNDLE file you downloaded into the box (or click “Choose File” and locate it). Select “Next,” and then locate the dependency file you downloaded.
Click “Start,” wait for the process to complete, and then select “Done” after everything is transferred.
Now, under Dev Home, you should see RetroArch listed as “Not running” in the available apps and games. Highlight it, press the Views button on your controller (the two squares), and then select “View Details.” On this menu, change the “App type” drop-down to “Game.”
Back out of that menu, and then press A to launch RetroArch. When you’re asked to sign in, type your Xbox Live account details if you haven’t yet done so.
Setting Up RetroArch
After RetroArch is installed and running on your console, you can finish setting up the emulator, add some ROMs, and get to playing some games. Before you jump in, though, there are a few things you’ll probably want to do.
RetroArch’s interface is modeled on Sony’s X-media bar. This first appeared on the PS3 and, later, the PS4. There’s a horizontal and vertical menu, but you won’t see the icons representing the horizontal menu when you first launch the UWP version of RetroArch.
After the interface loads, press left and right on the d-pad to see the other options.
You can fix this by installing missing assets and switching the video driver. To do so, select “Main Menu” at the top left, scroll down to “Online Updater,” and then select “Update Assets.” While there, you can also update core info files, controller profiles, databases, overlays, and anything else you need to.
After this process is complete, a black screen will appear and the menu will reload.
Now, you’ll have to define a button combination that will allow you to access the in-game Pause menu. To do that, just return to the “Main Menu” and move horizontally to select “Settings” at the top left.
Scroll down to “Input” and select “Hotkeys.” Define the “Menu Toggle Gamepad Combo” shortcut by pressing left and right on the d-pad until you find a shortcut that works for you (“Start + Select” or “R3 + L3” are both good options).
Finally, save your settings by returning to the “Main Menu” and selecting “Configuration File.” Click “Save Current Configuration,” and then quit and reload RetroArch. You should then see a much cleaner interface with all the icons visible.
Adding ROMs and BIOS Files
ROMs should go in the “Downloads” folder on the local disk space accessible by RetroArch. To do this, open the Xbox Device Portal in a browser on your computer, and click “File Explorer.” Navigate to LocalAppData > RetroArch > LocalState > Downloads, and then use the file picker at the bottom to add any ROMs you’ve legally acquired.
Warning: Be sure to follow all relevant laws when acquiring ROMs and BIOS files. A law professorprovided us with a detailed analysis of the legalities surrounding emulating retro video games.
It should be possible to add ROMs to an external drive, but unfortunately, due to the temperamental nature of RetroArch in its UWP app form, we couldn’t get this to work during testing.
You’ll have to put any BIOS files you want to use in the LocalAppData > RetroArch > LocalState > Systemfolder.
RELATED: Is Downloading Retro Video Game ROMs Ever Legal?
Playing Games
To play a game, select “Load Core” in the “Main Menu.” Be sure to choosea core that matches the system type you’re playing. You might have to do some research to find out which are best for the job.
With a core selected, choose “Load Content” in “Main Menu” to locate your ROM file. Keep pressing A until your ROM file loads. In the future, you’ll be able to find your core and ROM file in the “History” menu.
To pause a game, save a gameplay state, or return to the main RetroArch menu, use the hotkey shortcut you defined earlier. From there, you can also quit RetroArch. To return to Retail mode, just select “Leave Dev Mode” from the “Quick Actions” menu in Dev Home.
The Best Backward Compatibility Yet
The Xbox Series X and S not only have the best backward compatibility of this generation, but they’re also incredibly powerful emulation machines. Since this version of RetroArch has been thrust into the spotlight, developers will hopefully pay a bit more attention to the UWP build in the future.
RetroArch is a fantastic multisystem emulator, regardless of which system you run it on. If you’re interested, there’s much more tolearn that will help you get the most out of RetroArch.
RELATED: How to Set Up RetroArch, The Ultimate All-In-One Retro Games Emulator
READ NEXT
- › How to Customize the Look and Feel of Your Xbox Series X or S
- › Common Xbox Series X|S Problems and How to Solve Them
- › Is the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack Worth It?
- › 6 Things to Do With Your Old PS4, Xbox, or Other Console
- › Emulate Classic Consoles With Portable Retro Handhelds
- › How to Connect a Mouse and Keyboard to Your Xbox
- › Got a New Xbox Series X or S? 11 Tips for Getting Started
- › The Galaxy S22 Now Has Android 13 and One UI 5
FAQs
How do I download RetroArch Xbox X Series? ›
Use your Xbox One, Xbox series s or x, and Microsoft edge. In Microsoft edge go to gamr13.github.io then pick the emulator you want to install. Then just follow the prompts and it will install right to the dashboard of the Xbox. Now you will be able to use those emulators via retail mode.
Is RetroArch legal on Xbox series X? ›Running ROM's and game images via RetroArch is a legal grey area depending on how you obtain such content, but RetroArch itself is not illegal.
Is there a Xbox series X emulator? ›A new PS2 emulator called XBSX2, meant mainly for Xbox Series X and S, is making the rounds since its release a few months ago in July 2022. This fork of another PS2 emulator from Stenzeks called PCSX2 has impressed users with its ability to upscale PS2 games with 4K native resolution at 60 FPS.
Can you install RetroArch on Xbox Series S? ›An Xbox console: the method of installing RetroArch is identical for Xbox One/One X and Xbox Series S/X. You just need to be connected to the Internet. A USB drive: this is where all of your ROMs and BIOS files will be stored. We recommend a USB 3.0 drive.
What can Series S emulate? ›The Xbox Series S and the Xbox Series X could emulate the likes of Wii, GameCube, Nintendo DS, and PlayStation 1 pretty easily, thanks to a policy undertaken by Microsoft.
How do I use an emulator on Xbox One S? ›How To Add Emulators To Xbox One - No Dev Mode Or Jailbreak - YouTube
How do I import a RetroArch game to Xbox? ›[Xbox Series X|S] Retail Mode Retroarch Install Guide - YouTube
What consoles can RetroArch emulate? ›It can run on several PC operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux), home consoles (PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Wii U, etc.), handheld consoles (PlayStation Vita, Nintendo Switch, etc.), on smartphones (Android, iOS, etc.), single-board computers (Raspberry Pi, ODROID, etc.)
Can Xbox Series S emulate PS2? ›XBSX2 is a fork of the current PCSX2 build, capable of emulating PS2 games on Xbox Series S hardware. It runs as a UPP app in developer mode, and you could install it on your Series X or S console if you wanted to, and have access to developer mode.
Are emulators allowed on Xbox? ›For software that emulates the Xbox One, see Xbox One emulators. The Xbox One is quite friendly when it comes to homebrew. For a one-time payment of USD$19, you can enable Dev Mode on your console and install and run any application package, including emulators.
Can you run emulators on Xbox One? ›
Running Emulators with the Edge Browser on the XBOX Series S | MVG
Can you get banned for using RetroArch on Xbox retail mode? ›You won't get banned for installing RetroArch.
Is RetroArch on Xbox? ›After you've got RetroArch set up on your Xbox, you can pretty easily enable the DOSBox Pure core. Of course, that's not the end of the journey. You still have to install Windows 98 on top of DOS, using a (legally obtained, right?)
How do I add emulators to RetroArch? ›Once it's installed, open Launchbox, go to Tools > Manage Emulators > Add. In the 'Emulator Name' box, select Retroarch from the dropdown menu, then point the 'Emulator Application Path' box to the directory of Retroarch.exe. Click OK. Retroarch should now appear in the 'Manage Emulators' box.
Where can I download RetroArch games? ›- Download the RetroArch mobile app for the Apple Store or Google Play.
- Open RetroArch and tap Load Core.
- Tap Download a Core.
- Scroll through the list and select the emulator(s) you want.
- Return to the main menu of RetroArch and tap Load Content.
The Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S are able to play Xbox 360 and original Xbox games through emulation software that makes your console think it's a last generation machine for the purposes of playing classic games.
How do you play RetroArch games? ›- Head to the Google Play Store and download the RetroArch app.
- Launch RetroArch and click “Load Core.”
- Select “Download a Core” and scroll through the list to choose the emulator you would like to use.
- Go back to the main menu and press “Load Content.”
xemu is a low-level, full-system emulator which emulates the actual hardware of the Xbox; this means that in order to actually run xemu, you must have a copy of the stuff that a real Xbox needs when it turns on: MCPX Boot ROM Image. Flash ROM Image (BIOS) Hard Disk Image.
How do you get emulators on Xbox? ›To do this, open the Xbox Device Portal in a browser on your computer, and click “File Explorer.” Navigate to LocalAppData > RetroArch > LocalState > Downloads, and then use the file picker at the bottom to add any ROMs you've legally acquired.
Can I jailbreak Xbox One S? ›Method 3: Use Booster Tools
Booster Tools only work with Xbox One consoles. Hence, you can't jailbreak other Xbox consoles like Xbox 360, Xbox One S, Xbox One X, or Xbox Series X with it. Besides, you should also note that the Xbox One must run the latest software update to use Booster Tools.
Are emulators legal? ›
Emulators are 100% legal, as is the process of downloading them. They are no different to other programs you might download such as word processing or music player software. Downloading and uploading ROMs is illegal, however, so make sure you use your own game files.
Do I need BIOS for RetroArch? ›Some Cores need BIOS files in order to correctly emulate hardware and/or software as needed by the content. RetroArch and LibRetro do not share any copyrighted system files or game content. You must provide your own BIOS and content in accordance with your local laws as applicable.
Where do I put BIOS in RetroArch Xbox? ›[Xbox Series X|S] Retroarch PS2 Emulation Setup Guide - YouTube
Can RetroArch play 3DS games? ›Our first choice is RetroArch - an emulator for Android that lets you play Nintendo 3DS games. Open-source and ad-free, this emulator is ideal for gamers who love being immersed in their game. Is there any Nintendo 3DS emulator for PC? C'était Citra.
Can I play Pokemon on RetroArch? ›First up is RetroArch. Quite possibly the most versatile emulator on this list, RetroArch allows users to play nearly every Pokémon game released over the past two decades.
How many consoles are on RetroArch? ›RetroArch is available for Windows, OS X, Linux, Android, iOS (jailbroken), BlackBerry 10, Raspberry Pi, OpenPandora, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox, Xbox 360, GameCube, Nintendo Wii, 3DS, PlayStation Portable and PlayStation Vita.
Does RetroArch come with emulators? ›RetroArch isn't itself an emulator; instead, it's a front-end capable of running a wide number of emulators. These individual emulators are called cores within RetroArch, and you're going to need to download the appropriate cores for the games you want to run.
Can you play PS2 games on Xbox? ›Through an emulator, it is now possible to play old PlayStation 2 games at 4K native resolution and at 60 frames per second... on the Xbox Series X and S.
Can you play PS2 games on RetroArch? ›How To Play PS2 Games With RetroArch! New PCSX2 Core
How do I install pcsx2 on RetroArch? ›Go inside your RetroArch "system" folder (usually retroarch/system/ , but if you're not sure check the path in Settings > Directory > System/BIOS ). Create a pcsx2 folder. Go inside the pcsx2 folder and create a bios folder. Go inside the bios folder and paste your BIOS file(s) here.
What is Xbox dev mode? ›
In Developer Mode, you can develop and test software for the console, but you cannot play retail games or run retail apps. Developer Mode can be enabled on any retail Xbox console, via the “Retail to Dev Kit conversion” app found in the Xbox store.
What is the best Xbox emulator? ›Producing results comparable to the graphics of the original Xbox, Xenia is regarded by many as being the best of the best Xbox emulators on the internet. Not only does Xenia sound a little bit like the bad-ass warrior princess, but it can also play original Xbox 360 titles.
Can you get banned for using emulators on Xbox? ›If you're asking about modding your 360 to run an emulator for original Xbox titles NOT currently on the backwards compatibility list, then yes, they can and do ban people for modding the consoles.
What is retro pass Xbox? ›Retro Pass is a simple frontend for RetroArch and RetriX Gold running on Xbox. This frontend is made specifically for Xbox console and hopefully, should feel familiar to Xbox users right from the start.
What is RetriXGold? ›RetriXGold is a Universal (UWP) emulator Based on Retrix by ALBERTO FUSTINONI. I start working on this project in 2019 until today, it comes with full support for (x64, x86 and ARM) RetriXGold made to be easy to use with enhanced UI.
Where is RetroArch installed? ›The retroarch. cfg file should be located in /etc/retroarch. cfg , your home folder or the directory where RetroArch was installed depending on your distro and compilation setup.
How do I download core RetroArch? ›To access these, go to RetroArch's main menu, select 'Online Updater', and then select 'Update Cores'. You don't need to download a new version of RetroArch in order to be able to run new or updated cores!
How do I manually install RetroArch cores? ›How to install additional cores in RetroArch on Steam - YouTube
Can you download emulators on Xbox? ›For software that emulates the Xbox One, see Xbox One emulators. The Xbox One is quite friendly when it comes to homebrew. For a one-time payment of USD$19, you can enable Dev Mode on your console and install and run any application package, including emulators.
How do I add emulators to RetroArch? ›Once it's installed, open Launchbox, go to Tools > Manage Emulators > Add. In the 'Emulator Name' box, select Retroarch from the dropdown menu, then point the 'Emulator Application Path' box to the directory of Retroarch.exe. Click OK. Retroarch should now appear in the 'Manage Emulators' box.
Can RetroArch emulate Xbox? ›
It can run on several PC operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux), home consoles (PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Wii U, etc.), handheld consoles (PlayStation Vita, Nintendo Switch, etc.), on smartphones (Android, iOS, etc.), single-board computers (Raspberry Pi, ODROID, etc.)
How do you install ROMs on Xbox One? ›Adding ROMs and BIOS Files
To do this, open the Xbox Device Portal in a browser on your computer, and click “File Explorer.” Navigate to LocalAppData > RetroArch > LocalState > Downloads, and then use the file picker at the bottom to add any ROMs you've legally acquired.
Method 3: Use Booster Tools
Booster Tools only work with Xbox One consoles. Hence, you can't jailbreak other Xbox consoles like Xbox 360, Xbox One S, Xbox One X, or Xbox Series X with it. Besides, you should also note that the Xbox One must run the latest software update to use Booster Tools.
Tap Download a Core. Scroll through the list and select the emulator(s) you want. Return to the main menu of RetroArch and tap Load Content. Locate the folder containing your games and select the file ROM or ISO file for the game you want to play.
How do you play RetroArch games? ›- Head to the Google Play Store and download the RetroArch app.
- Launch RetroArch and click “Load Core.”
- Select “Download a Core” and scroll through the list to choose the emulator you would like to use.
- Go back to the main menu and press “Load Content.”
The retroarch. cfg file should be located in /etc/retroarch. cfg , your home folder or the directory where RetroArch was installed depending on your distro and compilation setup.
Does RetroArch come with emulators? ›RetroArch isn't itself an emulator; instead, it's a front-end capable of running a wide number of emulators. These individual emulators are called cores within RetroArch, and you're going to need to download the appropriate cores for the games you want to run.
How do I manually install RetroArch cores? ›How to install additional cores in RetroArch on Steam - YouTube
Can Xbox Series S emulate PS2? ›XBSX2 is a fork of the current PCSX2 build, capable of emulating PS2 games on Xbox Series S hardware. It runs as a UPP app in developer mode, and you could install it on your Series X or S console if you wanted to, and have access to developer mode.
What is the best Xbox emulator? ›Producing results comparable to the graphics of the original Xbox, Xenia is regarded by many as being the best of the best Xbox emulators on the internet. Not only does Xenia sound a little bit like the bad-ass warrior princess, but it can also play original Xbox 360 titles.
How do I import a RetroArch game to Xbox? ›
[Xbox Series X|S] Retail Mode Retroarch Install Guide - YouTube
How do you get games on RetroArch Xbox? ›WATCH THE NEW VERSION! - YouTube