Getting Started
Install and set up RetroVoid on your system.
Welcome to RetroVoid, the premium emulator launcher with a cyberpunk soul. This guide will walk you through everything you need to go from zero to playing your favorite retro games.
System Requirements
Before installing, make sure your system meets the minimum requirements:
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 7 SP1+, macOS 10.5+, Linux (GTK 3.0+) | Windows 10+, macOS 14+, Ubuntu 22.04+ |
| CPU | Dual-core 1.5 GHz | Quad-core 3.0 GHz+ |
| RAM | 2 GB | 4 GB+ |
| GPU | WebGL 2.0 support required | Dedicated GPU |
| Storage | ~50 MB for the launcher | Additional space for media cache |
| Display | 1280x720 | 1920x1080 or higher |
Note: These are requirements for the RetroVoid launcher itself. Individual emulators have their own requirements, especially for newer platforms like PS2 or GameCube.
Platform-Specific Dependencies
| Platform | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Windows | WebView2 Runtime (auto-installed by installer) |
| macOS | Native WebKit (no additional dependencies) |
| Linux | GTK 3.0+, libwebkit2gtk-4.1, libssl (OpenSSL) |
Quick Start
Get up and running in under five minutes:
- Download RetroVoid from the purchase page and run the installer for your platform.
- Launch RetroVoid: you'll be greeted by the default Cyberpunk theme.
- Add your ROM directories: open Settings and add the folders where your game files are stored.
- Configure emulators: manually add your installed emulators by browsing to their executables.
- Start playing: browse your library, pick a game, and launch it with a single click.
First Launch
When you open RetroVoid for the first time, you'll want to configure a few things:
Choose Your Theme
RetroVoid ships with four built-in themes. The default Cyberpunk theme features the signature holographic UI with neon accents and particle effects. You can switch themes anytime in Settings > Appearance by selecting one of the four theme cards.
Add ROM Directories
Tell RetroVoid where your game files live. Open Settings and add your library folders. You can add multiple directories, for example one per platform:
/Games/NES/
/Games/SNES/
/Games/PlayStation/RetroVoid scans these folders recursively and follows symlinks, so subfolders are included automatically.
Set Up Emulators
RetroVoid doesn't auto-detect emulators. You'll need to add them manually. For each emulator:
- Click Add Emulator in Settings.
- Browse to the emulator's executable using the file picker.
- Set the launch arguments (e.g.,
"{rom}"for most emulators). - Assign the platforms it supports.
If you use RetroArch, RetroVoid has special integration that can scan your cores directory. See Adding Emulators for details.
Scan and Play
Once your directories and emulators are configured, RetroVoid will scan your ROM folders, detect platforms by file extension, and build your library. Metadata (cover art, descriptions, release dates) is fetched automatically from IGDB.
Navigating the Interface
RetroVoid's interface is organized into a few key areas:
- Library: your main game collection, with Grid, List, and Holographic Shelf views
- Playlists: custom groups you create to organize games
- Sidebar: navigate between your library, playlists, and settings
- Settings: configuration for emulators, themes, library, and display options
Accessing Settings
- Press F1 once to toggle the Quick Settings panel.
- Press F1 twice quickly to open the full Settings window.
Library Views
RetroVoid offers three ways to browse your library:
- Grid View: cover art tiles with configurable card size
- List View: table layout with columns for title, platform, playtime, and more
- Holographic Shelf View: 3D shelving with games displayed on neon platforms
Next Steps
You're all set! Here's where to go from here:
- Installation Guide: detailed per-platform install instructions
- Configuration: understand RetroVoid's settings
- Adding Emulators: add and configure emulators
- Managing Your Library: organize your games like a pro