After hearing from viewers about Retrobat, I decided to explore this one-click installer for retro game emulators. Retrobat supports a vast array of systems and offers a simple installation process, making it easy to organize and manage games with just a game controller. You can see it in action in my latest video.
One appealing feature is its portability; by installing it on an external hard drive, I can carry my configurations, save games, and save states between different computers seamlessly.
I started by downloading Retrobat from its website and proceeded with the installation, opting to place it on an external drive for portability. The installation was straightforward, involving a typical Windows setup process. Once installed, the software created essential folders like BIOS and ROMs on my drive. I began by adding some Sega Genesis games, as they do not require BIOS files to run. After copying the ROM files to the appropriate folder, I launched Retrobat.
The initial boot of Retrobat was smooth, and my games appeared in the menu without any additional configuration. The interface even applied a CRT-like curvature to the display, which can be customized or disabled based on preference. Using the scraper feature, I quickly matched metadata and box art to my games. Game manuals were also added to the interface thanks to the Screenscraper database.
For systems requiring BIOS files, like the 3DO, Retrobat provided clear instructions on obtaining and placing these files in the correct directory. Once the BIOS was added, games from that system ran without issue.
Retrobat also manages controller profiles so no up-front configuration is required in almost every instance. Even hot keys like save states tend to work the same no matter which emulator Retrobat summons to play a game.
The best part is that when I moved my USB SSD to another computer everything picked up right where I left off. All of the meta data, interface preferences and even save states carried over seamlessly.
Retrobat simplifies the emulation experience on Windows PCs, offering an easy-to-use interface and extensive customization options. Its portability makes it an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy retro gaming across multiple devices without repeatedly configuring settings.