How To Install RetroArch on AlmaLinux 9

RetroArch is a popular, open-source frontend for emulators and game engines, allowing gamers to play classic games on modern systems. With its extensive library of cores and user-friendly interface, RetroArch has become a go-to choice for retro gaming enthusiasts. AlmaLinux 9, a community-driven, free, and open-source operating system, is an excellent platform for running RetroArch. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of installing RetroArch on AlmaLinux 9, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable retro gaming experience.

Prerequisites

Before diving into the installation process, it’s essential to ensure that your AlmaLinux 9 system meets the requirements for running RetroArch. You will need a stable internet connection to download the necessary files and update your system packages. Additionally, make sure that your AlmaLinux 9 installation is up to date to avoid any compatibility issues during the installation process.

Step 1: Preparing AlmaLinux 9

To begin, open the terminal on your AlmaLinux 9 system. Update your system packages to their latest versions by running the following command:

sudo dnf update

Once the update process is complete, install the essential build tools and libraries required for compiling RetroArch:

sudo dnf groupinstall "Development Tools"

To access additional packages, enable the EPEL (Extra Packages for Enterprise Linux) repository:

sudo dnf install epel-release

Step 2: Downloading RetroArch

Visit the official RetroArch website or a trusted repository to download the appropriate version for AlmaLinux 9. You can use the wget or curl command to download the necessary files directly from the terminal. For example:

wget https://buildbot.libretro.com/stable/1.19.1/linux/x86_64/RetroArch.7z

This command will download the RetroArch 1.19.1 stable release for Linux systems.

Step 3: Installing Dependencies

RetroArch requires several dependencies to function properly on AlmaLinux 9. Install these dependencies using the following command:

sudo dnf install libxml2-devel ffmpeg-devel SDL2-devel qt5-qtbase-devel openal-soft-devel pulseaudio-libs-devel freetype-devel jack-audio-connection-kit-devel

After running the command, verify that all the dependencies have been successfully installed.

Step 4: Building and Installing RetroArch

Navigate to the directory where you downloaded the RetroArch files and extract the contents of the archive:

7z x RetroArch.7z

Change to the extracted RetroArch directory:

cd RetroArch

Configure the RetroArch build by running:

./configure

If the configuration process completes without errors, proceed to compile RetroArch using:

make

Once the compilation is finished, install RetroArch on your AlmaLinux 9 system with:

sudo make install

If you encounter any issues during the installation process, double-check that you have installed all the necessary dependencies and that your system is up to date.

Step 5: Configuring RetroArch

Launch RetroArch from your applications menu or by typing retroarch in the terminal. On the first launch, RetroArch will create a configuration file and default directories for BIOS files, saves, and other resources.

Navigate through the RetroArch interface using your keyboard or gamepad. Familiarize yourself with the main menu options, such as “Load Core,” “Load Content,” and “Settings.” In the “Settings” menu, you can customize various aspects of RetroArch, including video, audio, and input settings.

Set up the necessary directories for your BIOS files, saves, and configurations. You can do this by selecting “Directory” from the “Settings” menu and specifying the appropriate paths for each category.

Step 6: Installing and Managing Cores

RetroArch uses cores, which are essentially emulators or game engines, to run your favorite classic games. To install cores, go to the “Main Menu” and select “Online Updater.” From there, choose “Core Updater” to view a list of available cores.

Scroll through the list and select the cores you want to install. RetroArch will download and install the selected cores automatically. Some popular cores include “Snes9x” for Super Nintendo games, “Mupen64Plus” for Nintendo 64 games, and “PCSX ReARMed” for PlayStation games.

To manage your installed cores, go to “Load Core” in the main menu. Here, you can select the core you want to use for a particular game or system. It’s essential to choose the appropriate core for the best compatibility and performance.

Step 7: Optimizing Performance

To ensure the best possible performance when running RetroArch on AlmaLinux 9, you may need to adjust some settings. In the “Settings” menu, navigate to the “Video” section and experiment with different video drivers, such as “OpenGL” or “Vulkan,” to see which one works best for your system.

You can also enhance the visual experience by using shaders and overlays. RetroArch offers a wide selection of shaders that can improve the appearance of retro games, making them look more authentic or visually appealing. Overlays can be used to add system-specific borders or bezels to your games, creating a more immersive experience.

Step 8: Troubleshooting and Support

If you encounter any issues while using RetroArch on AlmaLinux 9, there are several resources available to help you troubleshoot. The RetroArch website offers a comprehensive documentation section, which covers common problems and their solutions. Additionally, you can visit the RetroArch forums or the official subreddit to ask for assistance from the community.

When seeking help, be sure to provide detailed information about your system specifications, the cores you are using, and any error messages you may have encountered. This will help others better understand your issue and provide more accurate guidance.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed RetroArch. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing the RetroArch on your AlmaLinux 9 system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official RetroArch website.