{"id":1550,"date":"2021-07-21T12:30:06","date_gmt":"2021-07-21T11:30:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/droix.co.uk\/blogs\/how-to-installing-retroarch-on-the-gpd-win-3\/"},"modified":"2022-03-01T13:10:58","modified_gmt":"2022-03-01T13:10:58","slug":"how-to-installing-retroarch-on-the-gpd-win-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/droix.net\/blogs\/cs\/how-to-installing-retroarch-on-the-gpd-win-3\/","title":{"rendered":"How To: Installing RetroArch on The GPD Win 3"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p> With the <a href=\"https:\/\/go.droix.co.uk\/GPD-WIN-3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">GPD Win 3 now available to buy in the UK<\/a> and worldwide, and firmly within the hands of many-a tech geek, we at DroiX felt it'd be a good idea to show you how to install RetroArch on the GPD Win 3!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-retroarch\">What is RetroArch?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.retroarch.com\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/droix.net\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/retroarch.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21789\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.retroarch.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">RetroArch <\/a>- contrary to what you might believe - is not an emulator in and of itself. Rather, it is what is known as a &#8222;Front-end&#8220; for emulators. This means it provides a consistent set of options, features, and a general framework around which multiple emulators (called &#8222;cores&#8220; in this context) can function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In other words, it's a tool that you can use to easily configure and switch between multiple emulators at once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This means that it does require a little bit more setup than your average emulator however, as you will need to come-to-grips with not just emulation in general, but also the RetroArch program itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-video-gpd-win-3-retroarch-guide\">[Video] GPD Win 3 RetroArch Guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you're interested in how to install and set up RetroArch on the GPD Win 3, please check out the following video.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How to install and set up your GPD Win 3 with RetroArch for retro gaming on your Handheld Gaming  PC\" width=\"1170\" height=\"658\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/mXWuaLQZrhg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>We'll also go over the guide in a written format too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-downloading-installing-retroarch\">Downloading &amp; Installing RetroArch<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>First you will need to download the RetroArch software.<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Open your browser and go to retroarch.com. You will see the \u201cDownload\u201d menu option, choose this and scroll down a little.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/droix.net\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/How-to-install-and-set-up-your-GPD-Win-3-with-RetroArch-for-retro-gaming.720p.mp4_snapshot_00.47_2021.07.20_17.30.32-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23137\" \/><figcaption>The nightly build is the latest (public) version, but has not been thoroughly bug-tested. Use at your own risk.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You will see an option to download \u201cNightly\u201d which is the very latest version, but may have some bugs. Or \u201cStable\u201d, which can be a slightly older version but should have no bugs. We recommend downloading the Stable version.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once RetroArch has downloaded, click on the download to start the install.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Follow the prompts to proceed to install. You can optionally install DirectX if you already have it installed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-setting-up-rom-folders\">Setting up ROM Folders<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once the software is installed you can go ahead with setting up your ROM folders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make a new folder called \u201cROMS\u201d and enter into it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Next create a new folder for the system your ROMs are for, in this example we are using \u201cGenesis\u201d games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/droix.net\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/How-to-install-and-set-up-your-GPD-Win-3-with-RetroArch-for-retro-gaming.720p.mp4_snapshot_01.47_2021.07.20_17.42.24.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/droix.net\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/How-to-install-and-set-up-your-GPD-Win-3-with-RetroArch-for-retro-gaming.720p.mp4_snapshot_01.47_2021.07.20_17.42.24-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23172\" \/><\/a><figcaption>You'll want a sub-folder for each platform you intend to use. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You can now copy your Genesis games to that folder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Repeat the process for any other systems and games you may have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Loading RetroArch<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When you are ready you can load the GPD Win 3 RetroArch software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/droix.net\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/How-to-install-and-set-up-your-GPD-Win-3-with-RetroArch-for-retro-gaming.720p.mp4_snapshot_02.03_2021.07.21_11.12.19.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/droix.net\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/How-to-install-and-set-up-your-GPD-Win-3-with-RetroArch-for-retro-gaming.720p.mp4_snapshot_02.03_2021.07.21_11.12.19-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"First launch of RetroARch on the GPD Win 3\" class=\"wp-image-23173\" \/><\/a><figcaption>First Launch of RetroArch on the GPD Win 3<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You can use the GPD Win 3 controls or keyboard to navigate the menus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-go-full-screen-in-retroarch\">How to go full-screen in RetroArch<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow aligncenter\" data-effect=\"slide\"><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_container swiper-container\"><ul class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_swiper-wrapper swiper-wrapper\"><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-23174\" data-id=\"23174\" src=\"https:\/\/droix.net\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/How-to-install-and-set-up-your-GPD-Win-3-with-RetroArch-for-retro-gaming.720p.mp4_snapshot_02.13_2021.07.21_11.13.53-1024x576.jpg\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">First, select settings&#8230;<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-23175\" data-id=\"23175\" src=\"https:\/\/droix.net\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/How-to-install-and-set-up-your-GPD-Win-3-with-RetroArch-for-retro-gaming.720p.mp4_snapshot_02.15_2021.07.21_11.13.58-1024x576.jpg\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Then select video&#8230;<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-23176\" data-id=\"23176\" src=\"https:\/\/droix.net\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/How-to-install-and-set-up-your-GPD-Win-3-with-RetroArch-for-retro-gaming.720p.mp4_snapshot_02.20_2021.07.21_11.14.07-1024x576.jpg\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Select &#8222;Fullscreen mode&#8220;&#8230;<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-23177\" data-id=\"23177\" src=\"https:\/\/droix.net\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/How-to-install-and-set-up-your-GPD-Win-3-with-RetroArch-for-retro-gaming.720p.mp4_snapshot_02.26_2021.07.21_11.23.07-1024x576.jpg\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Finally, enable &#8222;Start in FullScreen Mode&#8220;. Voila! Full-screen RetroArch on the GPD Win 3!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-prev swiper-button-prev swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-next swiper-button-next swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a aria-label=\"Pause Slideshow\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-pause\" role=\"button\"><\/a><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_pagination swiper-pagination swiper-pagination-white\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Firstly, you can make the Window full screen by going to \u201cSettings\u201d&#8230;. Then \u201cVideo\u201d&#8230;. And then \u201cFullscreen Mode\u201d. Then select Start In Fullscreen Mode and change it to ON. The software will restart and now be in full screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Installing RetroArch Cores<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Next we want to install the emulators, known as Cores in RetroArch, for the systems you have games for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Choose \u201cMain Menu\u201d&#8230;. then \u201cOnline Updater\u201d&#8230; then \u201cCore Downloader\u201d&#8230;. This will give you a list of all of the supported gaming systems and Cores available to download.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/droix.net\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/How-to-install-and-set-up-your-GPD-Win-3-with-RetroArch-for-retro-gaming.720p.mp4_snapshot_02.40_2021.07.21_11.25.06.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/droix.net\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/How-to-install-and-set-up-your-GPD-Win-3-with-RetroArch-for-retro-gaming.720p.mp4_snapshot_02.40_2021.07.21_11.25.06-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"How to add cores to RetroArch on GPD Win 3\" class=\"wp-image-23178\" \/><\/a><figcaption>How to add cores (emulators) to RetroArch.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Navigate the list to your system, in this example we are downloading SEGA Genesis<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There may be multiple cores available for your system. Pick one and give it a try, you can always download and try another later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/droix.net\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/How-to-install-and-set-up-your-GPD-Win-3-with-RetroArch-for-retro-gaming.720p.mp4_snapshot_02.57_2021.07.21_11.58.50.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/droix.net\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/How-to-install-and-set-up-your-GPD-Win-3-with-RetroArch-for-retro-gaming.720p.mp4_snapshot_02.57_2021.07.21_11.58.50-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Selecting a core in RetroArch on GPD Win 3\" class=\"wp-image-23180\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Different cores will perform differently in different games. They're free to download, so try as many as you wish!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Download any cores that you need for the systems you have games for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Scanning for your games<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Next we need to add your games to the software so that you can access them without using any frontends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/droix.net\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/How-to-install-and-set-up-your-GPD-Win-3-with-RetroArch-for-retro-gaming.720p.mp4_snapshot_03.30_2021.07.21_12.04.10.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/droix.net\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/How-to-install-and-set-up-your-GPD-Win-3-with-RetroArch-for-retro-gaming.720p.mp4_snapshot_03.30_2021.07.21_12.04.10-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23181\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Depending on the size of your screen, you might need to scroll down first.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>From the main menu, scroll down to \u201cImport Content\u201d&#8230;. Then \u201cScan Directory\u201d.&nbsp; This will bring up a list of your drives and folders. Navigate to your ROMs folder created earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then choose the \u201cScan This Directory\u201d option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/droix.net\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/How-to-install-and-set-up-your-GPD-Win-3-with-RetroArch-for-retro-gaming.720p.mp4_snapshot_03.37_2021.07.21_12.15.13.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/droix.net\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/How-to-install-and-set-up-your-GPD-Win-3-with-RetroArch-for-retro-gaming.720p.mp4_snapshot_03.37_2021.07.21_12.15.13-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Scanning directory in RetroArch on GPD Win 3\" class=\"wp-image-23182\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Depending on the number of games, scanning could take literally seconds, up to multiple minutes.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It will now proceed to scan the folders for recognised games and add them. Depending on how many games you have, this may take a few seconds to far longer. A progress bar will show to indicate the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Loading a game<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once it has completed, return back to the main menu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Scroll down the menu and below \u201cExplore\u201d you will now see any new Systems that were found in the scan. Choose a system and it will now show any games it found.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Choose a game and it will display a new menu. Select \u201cRun\u201d and it will then display a list of available Cores which can run the game. Select a Core and then Run to start the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can set up \u201cCore Association\u201d with systems to skip having to choose one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow aligncenter\" data-effect=\"slide\"><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_container swiper-container\"><ul class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_swiper-wrapper swiper-wrapper\"><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-23184\" data-id=\"23184\" src=\"https:\/\/droix.net\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/How-to-install-and-set-up-your-GPD-Win-3-with-RetroArch-for-retro-gaming.720p.mp4_snapshot_04.04_2021.07.21_12.44.28-1024x576.jpg\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Scroll down and you'll see the list of detected emulators, and the compatible games.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-23185\" data-id=\"23185\" src=\"https:\/\/droix.net\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/How-to-install-and-set-up-your-GPD-Win-3-with-RetroArch-for-retro-gaming.720p.mp4_snapshot_04.10_2021.07.21_12.44.37-1024x576.jpg\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Select Run to launch your game.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-23186\" data-id=\"23186\" src=\"https:\/\/droix.net\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/How-to-install-and-set-up-your-GPD-Win-3-with-RetroArch-for-retro-gaming.720p.mp4_snapshot_04.14_2021.07.21_12.44.44-1024x576.jpg\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">You can set a core association in order to prevent having to pick a core each time.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-prev swiper-button-prev swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-next swiper-button-next swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a aria-label=\"Pause Slideshow\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-pause\" role=\"button\"><\/a><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_pagination swiper-pagination swiper-pagination-white\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Some Hints and Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To exit out of RetroArch back to the desktop you press the ESCAPE key twice. Or if you want to go into the RetroArch menus, press F1. From here you can access various functions such as save and loading states, take screenshots and much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/droix.net\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/How-to-install-and-set-up-your-GPD-Win-3-with-RetroArch-for-retro-gaming.720p.mp4_snapshot_04.41_2021.07.21_12.53.18.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/droix.net\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/How-to-install-and-set-up-your-GPD-Win-3-with-RetroArch-for-retro-gaming.720p.mp4_snapshot_04.41_2021.07.21_12.53.18-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Opening menu in RetroArch on GPD Win 3\" class=\"wp-image-23187\" \/><\/a><figcaption>RetroArch has a plethora of useful features to enhance your gaming experience.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Enjoy GPD Win 3 RetroArch<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Now sit back, relax and enjoy some GPD Win 3 Retro gaming!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We hope you have found this video useful in getting started with RetroArch on your GPD Win 3. Keep up to date with new videos by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/c\/DroiX_Store?sub_confirmation=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Subscribing<\/a>, and don\u2019t forget to Like if you have not already. Thanks for watching and we hope to see you in the next post.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Check out our guide for installing RetroArch on your GPD Win 3! Retro gaming galore awaits!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":859,"featured_media":1567,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[36,32,75,57],"class_list":{"0":"post-1550","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-editorials","8":"tag-gaming-handhelds","9":"tag-gpd","10":"tag-gpd-win-3","11":"tag-retro-gaming"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/droix.net\/blogs\/cs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1550","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/droix.net\/blogs\/cs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/droix.net\/blogs\/cs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/droix.net\/blogs\/cs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/859"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/droix.net\/blogs\/cs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1550"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/droix.net\/blogs\/cs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1550\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/droix.net\/blogs\/cs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1567"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/droix.net\/blogs\/cs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1550"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/droix.net\/blogs\/cs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1550"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/droix.net\/blogs\/cs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1550"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}