Retro Games Netplay Guide (RetroArch)

What is RetroArch Netplay?

Step 1: Install RetroArch

1. Download RetroArch from retroarch.com.
2. Install on Windows, macOS, Linux, or supported consoles.
3. Update to the latest stable version for best netplay compatibility.

Step 2: Install the Correct Core

1. Open RetroArch → Main Menu → Online Updater → Core Downloader.
2. Select the core for your system:
   • FinalBurn Neo (fbneo) → Arcade
   • FCEUmm → Nintendo
   • Snes9x → Super Nintendo
   • PicoDrive → Sega Genesis / Mega Drive
   • PCSX ReARMed → PlayStation 1

Step 3: Add Your ROMs

1. Place ROM files in a folder (e.g., RetroArch-Win64/games/).
2. Ensure filenames match the expected set (e.g., umk3.zip).
3. Keep hacks or variants alongside the base ROM.

Step 4: Configure Controls

1. Go to Settings → Input → Port 1 Binds.
2. Map buttons to your controller or keyboard.
3. Save configuration for consistency.

Step 5: Using Netplay

Hosting

1. Load your game with the correct core.
2. Go to Netplay → Start Netplay Host.
3. Share your session via The lobby page for one‑click joins. When you add a game to the lobby, alerts are also posted in the Discord, and the game is promoted across all Discord servers running the alert bot — making it easier for players everywhere to see and join.

Joining

1. Visit remz.ca/lobby.
2. Click on a waiting game → RetroArch launches automatically with correct setup.
3. Play instantly without manual configuration.
4. Or inside the menu, click on Netplay Lobby → refresh → pick a room to join.

Step 6: Relay Servers

1. RetroArch supports relay servers to bypass NAT/firewall issues.
2. remz.ca/lobby provides custom relay servers in multiple regions.
3. Select the closest server in Settings → Netplay → Relay Server for lower latency.

Step 7: Best Practices

• Match versions: Same RetroArch build, core version, and ROM.
• Use wired connection: Ethernet reduces lag compared to Wi‑Fi.
• Rollback frames: Adjust in Settings → Latency (start with 6–8).
• Avoid save states: Loading during netplay can cause desyncs.

Native Lobby vs The Netplay Hub