Retrom is a free, self-hostable service for managing a centralized game library, with an emphasis on emulation. It scans a server filesystem for games and platforms and adds them to the library. Desktop clients for Windows, macOS and Linux can install, uninstall and play games, while a web client provides browser access. Users can run a local standalone server through a client or set up a dedicated server. Retrom supports cloud saves for built-in and standalone emulators, syncing save data and save states to the server. Emulator profiles can be stored centrally for sharing or restoration, but sharing configurations requires matching emulator and other client-specific paths. Metadata and artwork can be downloaded from supported providers; IGDB is the only listed metadata provider. Steam is the only supported third-party library integration and requires a Steam API key and user ID. The project recommends local-network use or a properly secured reverse proxy because it was designed without specific security measures. It is distributed under GPL-3.0.
Who it is for
Retrom suits people who want to manage an emulation-focused game library across desktop and browser clients, and are comfortable hosting the service themselves. It may fit users who can configure matching paths where emulator profiles are shared.
What is good
- Scans a filesystem and adds games to a library.
- Desktop clients support Windows, macOS and Linux.
- Syncs save data and save states to the server.
- Supports standalone and dedicated server modes.
- Free and distributed under GPL-3.0.
What to know first
- Designed without specific security measures.
- Standalone server is available only while its client runs.
- IGDB is the only listed metadata provider.
- Sharing emulator configurations requires matching client paths.
Verdict
Retrom offers library management, emulator profiles and cloud saves for self-hosted setups. Its project notes on security and its path-matching requirement are important considerations before connecting clients.
Compared on game library managers
- Free plan
- Yes
- Store coverage
- multi-store-plus-emulators
- Emulator support
- Yes
- Platform support
- multi-platform
- Controller support
- Yes
- Cloud sync
- Yes
