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What is netplay?

  • Netplay is RetroArch's mechanism for emulating local multiplayer over the internet, by continuously synchronizing multiple RetroArch instances running the same emulation core and same content. Currently, this approach is only for emulating classic single-system local multiplayer, not link cable play or network multiplayer modes.

Does RetroArch require port-forwarding to work?

  • The host needs to accept incoming connections on port TCP 55435. For most people, this requires port-forwarding: the network connections have to be forwarded from your local network access point (i.e. gateway or router) to the device running RetroArch. RetroArch requests a port-forwarding from the local network using the UPnP IGD protocol, or, you can manually create a port-forwarding rule on your network device. For those who can't forward the ports for whatever reason, please refer to the Setup Guide below.

Does it support more than two players?

Does it support more than one player on one computer?

Does it support the host spectating while a client performs as player 1?

  • Yes! By default, the host is always assigned Controller 1, but see Mutliple Controllers Guide on how a client can 'Request Device' to be controller 1.

What do you need for RetroArch netplay to work?


Does RetroArch support cross-platform netplay?


Which cores work for netplay?






Can I trade Pokémon via RetroArch Netplay?

  • No.

Troubleshooting NetPlay

RetroArch says "Content not found, try loading content manually"


As Client: "Failed to Initialize Netplay"

"Failed to Initialize Netplay" often means you were not able to connect to the host. Confirm that you have the correct IP address for the host, and that the host has begun hosting a NetPlay session. Tell the host to check if their host-based firewall is allowing RetroArch to accept connections, and confirm that they have port-forwarding working.

As Host: "Port Mapping Failed"

"Port Mapping Failed" probably indicates a UPnP port-forwarding problem. If you can manually configure your network gateway to forward TCP port 55435 to the local-network IP address of your RetroArch device, then you can do that. Alternatively, enable the use of a Relay Server.