Manually adding cores to RetroArch involves downloading specific core DLL/SO/DYLIB files and placing them in the correct directory. Follow these steps:
Prepare for Installation
- Ensure RetroArch is closed.
- Identify the correct core file (.dll for Windows, .so for Linux/Android, .dylib for macOS) matching your OS architecture (e.g., x64, ARM).
- Download the desired core file from a reliable source. Match the core name exactly to the folder RetroArch expects.
Locate RetroArch's Core Directory
- Open RetroArch.
- Navigate to Settings > Directory > Cores.
- The displayed path is your core directory.
- Exit RetroArch completely.
Copy the Core File
- Open your device's file manager.
- Locate the downloaded core file.
- Navigate to the core directory path identified earlier.
- Copy or move the core file into this directory.
Verifying Functionality
- Launch RetroArch.
- Load a game compatible with the new core.
- Go to Load Content > select your game.
- Before running the game, go to Load Core.
- The newly added core should now appear in the core list.
- Select the new core, then select your game again to load using this core.
- If the core fails to appear, re-run Main Menu > Online Updater > Update Core Info Files.
