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RetroArch Setup

RetroArch runs many classic systems through small emulator modules called cores. HyperHQ handles the connection between each system and its selected core.

Install RetroArch​

  1. Open Platforms in HyperHQ.
  2. Select the plus button beside Platforms.
  3. Search for RetroArch.
  4. Choose automatic installation or select an existing RetroArch executable.
  5. Finish the platform setup.

Open RetroArch once after installation. This creates the folders used for cores, saves, and configuration.

Add a system​

  1. Open Systems.
  2. Select Add System.
  3. Choose the system you want to add.
  4. Add your ROM folder and file extensions.
  5. Select RetroArch as the platform.
  6. Choose a core from the list.
  7. Finish the wizard and test one game.

HyperHQ shows recommended cores first. Turn on Show all cores when you need a different choice.

Add BIOS files​

Some cores need BIOS files. HyperHQ shows a BIOS step when the selected system has known requirements.

  1. Open the RetroArch platform from Platforms.
  2. Open BIOS.
  3. Review the required filenames.
  4. Browse to each matching file.
  5. Save, then test the game again.

Filenames and file contents both matter. Renaming an unrelated BIOS file does not make it compatible.

Change a core​

  1. Open Systems and select your system.
  2. Open Settings, then Platforms.
  3. Select RetroArch.
  4. Choose another core.
  5. Save and test a game.

Changing cores affects saves, save states, controller behavior, and game compatibility. Keep a backup before switching an established system.

Set up arcade cores​

Arcade cores often launch by ROM set name. Keep arcade ROMs zipped and leave their filenames unchanged.

For FinalBurn Neo, select the FBNeo core. For MAME content, select a MAME core matching your ROM set as closely as possible.

Set up bezels​

  1. Open the RetroArch platform from Platforms.
  2. Turn on Video Overlay.
  3. Open the matching system.
  4. Confirm RetroArch is the Default Platform.
  5. Open the system video settings and turn on Video Overlay.

Downloaded bezel files still need to exist in the RetroArch overlays folder. See Managing Media for media setup.

Save states​

HyperHQ recognizes RetroArch save states by core and game. A state made with one core might fail under another core.

Use normal in-game saves for important progress. Use save states for quick return points.

Common problems​

A core is missing​

Open RetroArch, use its Online Updater, and install the selected core. Return to HyperHQ after the download finishes.

A game returns to HyperSpin​

  • Confirm the selected core supports the file type.
  • Confirm required BIOS files exist.
  • Open the same game and core inside RetroArch.
  • Check the newest entry under Settings, HyperHQ, Logs.

A save state does not load​

Confirm the game uses the same core and core version used to create the state.

The wrong bezel appears​

Check the ROM filename, core name, and system overlay. A game-specific bezel takes priority over a system bezel.