Libretro

Business Profile

Core Value Proposition

Libretro provides a cross-platform application API powering the RetroArch cross-platform gaming platform.

Target Customer

End users (retro gaming enthusiasts) and developers contributing Libretro cores; users of RetroArch, Lakka, and other Libretro-powered platforms.

Key Differentiator

Open-source, ad-free project that has never included in-app ads, monetization SDKs, or paywalled features, with ongoing community-driven development and multiple donation options.

Implementation Timeline

Frequent releases and updates demonstrated by documented versions (RetroArch 1.21.0 released April 29, 2025; RetroArch 1.20.0 released January 5, 2025).

Pain Points

1Need for a unified, cross-platform API to develop and run emulation cores across multiple operating systems.
2Fragmented user experience across platforms without a consistent, ad-free environment.
3Difficulty for developers to maintain and distribute emulation cores across diverse systems; reliance on multiple, separate tools.

Key Features

1Cross-platform application API powering the RetroArch ecosystem (and related projects like Lakka).
2Core downloader and online updater to manage and install Libretro cores.
3Open-source, community-driven with donation options (Patreon, Github Sponsors) and merch support.
4Regular software releases and detailed changelogs (examples include RetroArch 1.21.0 and 1.20.0).
5Focus on end-user experience with a stance against ads and paywalled features.

Target Customer Industries

Client Results

1Regular updates and feature improvements for RetroArch and Libretro ecosystem (e.g., RetroArch 1.21.0, 1.20.0 releases).
2Expanded platform support and core availability through the online updater and core downloader.
3Access to new cores and hardware integrations (e.g., LRPS2 PS2 core with Vulkan LLE renderer).

Competitive Advantages

1Ad-free user experience with no monetization SDKs or paywalled features.
2Single, unified API that supports multiple platforms and a wide range of emulation cores.
3Open-source with an active community and multiple funding options (Patreon, Github Sponsors).
4Integrated ecosystem tools (core downloader, online updater) for managing cores and configurations.

Key Benefits

1Cross-platform compatibility across major desktop OSes.

2Access to a broad library of emulation cores via a centralized updater/downloader.

3End-user experience prioritized and free of in-app ads or paid features.

4Active, community-driven development with multiple funding channels.

5Regular updates and ongoing ecosystem enhancements.

Additional Product Information

Product Description

Libretro is a cross-platform application API that powers the RetroArch ecosystem (and related projects like Lakka), enabling a broad, open-source base for emulation cores across Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Target Market

Developers building Libretro cores and end-users running RetroArch/Lakka on desktop and other supported devices.

Unique Value Proposition

A cross-platform, ad-free, open-source API that enables a cohesive, user-focused emulation experience across multiple platforms with ongoing community-driven development and straightforward core management.

Technical Requirements

LRPS2 core specifics: available for Windows, Linux (x86_64), and macOS; NOT available for Android or iOS, nor ARM Linux. macOS on Apple Silicon requires Rosetta to run the core. LRPS2 offers multiple renderer options (Vulkan, Direct3D11/12, OpenGL) and extensive core options (System Fast Boot, Cheats, Language Unlock, Video Renderer, paraLLEl-GS, etc.). General Libretro/RetroArch usage implies use of the Core Downloader/Online Updater and platform-specific drivers as documented in core options and FAQ.

Pricing Model

Donations and sponsorships supported via Patreon and Github Sponsors; merchandise available via Teespring; no ads or paywalled features.

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