While libretro as an Application Programming Interface is not strictly limited to the running of videogame system emulators, it is close to becoming an universal interface that is used by countless other programs, services and applications.
Libretro-powered frontends
RetroArch is our official reference frontend. Below is a list of external projects that use libretro as part of their backend technology:
- New Retro Arcade (Digital Cyber Cherries)
- Kodi (RetroPlayer)
- GNOME Games
- Phoenix
- Bizhawk
- Arcan
- Minir
- EmuVR
- AnarchyArcade
- ZMZ
- Vintage Simulator (VSIM)
- URetro (Nintendo Wii U frontend)
Libretro-powered distributions
Lakka is our official reference distribution. Below is a list of external distributions that use libretro/RetroArch as part of their backend technology:
Libretro as an API is an ideal bridge for exposing a game, emulator or another multimedia program to the outside world so that it can be incorporated and ran inside other programs with ease.
