RetroArch on Mac: how to set it up
RetroArch runs on a Mac. It emulates many consoles in one app. One app for Apple Silicon and Intel, running dozens of emulator "cores". RetroArch recommends the Vulkan or glcore video drivers on Mac; its Metal driver is experimental.
- Mac download
- retroarch.com or Steam
- Chips
- One app that runs natively on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs
- macOS
- 10.13 or later
- Signed by Apple
- Not stated by the project
- Graphics
- Vulkan or OpenGL recommended; Metal is experimental
- You need
- Your own game dumps; some cores also need BIOS files from your own hardware (PS1, for example).
- Latest version
- 1.22.2, November 20, 2025
How to install RetroArch on a Mac
- Download it from the official source. Get the Mac version from RetroArch's own site or its official repository. Sites that bundle an emulator with games or BIOS files are distributing pirated files, and often malware.
- Move it to Applications. Open the .dmg or .zip and drag RetroArch into your Applications folder.
- Get past macOS's warning. If macOS says the app can't be opened because Apple can't check it, Control-click it in Applications and choose Open. On macOS 13 or later, if there is no Open button, go to System Settings, then Privacy & Security, and click Open Anyway (it appears for about an hour after the first try).
- Add the files it needs. Your own game dumps; some cores also need BIOS files from your own hardware (PS1, for example).
- Add your games and play. Point RetroArch at the folder with your game dumps, pick a game and start it. Set up your controller in RetroArch's settings.
Other emulators on Mac
Checked October 19, 2026 against: Platforms/download page, libretro docs: Install on macOS, GitHub releases Atom feed.
Common questions
Does RetroArch work on a Mac?
Yes. RetroArch 1.22.2 has an official Mac version. One app that runs natively on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. It needs macOS 10.13 or later.
Does RetroArch run natively on Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4)?
Yes. One app that runs natively on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.
What do I need to play games in RetroArch?
Your own game dumps; some cores also need BIOS files from your own hardware (PS1, for example).
Is RetroArch legal?
RetroArch itself is a legal, open-source emulator. The BIOS files, firmware and games it runs are copyrighted, so dump them from a console and games you own. Downloading them from the internet is piracy in most countries.
Why won't RetroArch open on my Mac?
If macOS says the app can't be opened because Apple can't check it, Control-click it in Applications and choose Open. On macOS 13 or later, if there is no Open button, go to System Settings, then Privacy & Security, and click Open Anyway (it appears for about an hour after the first try).