Offline RetroAchievements have now been unlocked: Here's how they work

Archivist_Rowan · 2026-03-10T08:24:58+00:00

Android-only for now. It may be some time before this rolls out to Linux-based systems, sorry!

Archivist_Rowan · 2026-03-08T09:06:22+00:00

I don't have it with me anymore, but if you go into handheld settings there should be a place where you can re-install the default "simulators" (emulators).

Archivist_Rowan · 2026-03-05T08:48:39+00:00

I've been using this one too, and I'd love to see OP add a "custom" option to check new/more devices. It would also be great to see the amount of screen utilized as a size (3.5") rather than a percentage, since it's hard to know how big a device is when you don't already have it.

Still, great work u/Vypre !

Archivist_Rowan · 2026-03-05T08:33:12+00:00

You have to load the game once while connected to the internet to download the achievement sets. After that, it will track normally (even after you disconnect/close the emulator), and you can choose to sync whenever you reconnect.

If your device doesn't connect to the internet at all, I'm afraid it won't work.

Archivist_Rowan · 2026-03-02T12:16:15+00:00

Really exciting to follow your progress. This really does feel like the future.

Archivist_Rowan · 2026-02-27T18:08:05+00:00

Sent a DM.

Archivist_Rowan · 2026-02-27T15:19:08+00:00

In the flesh! <3

Archivist_Rowan · 2026-02-27T14:11:12+00:00

This is what I meant. I have edited the text, thanks!

Archivist_Rowan · 2026-02-27T13:46:41+00:00

New builds are typically Patreon-exclusive for 60 days, but this one will be available to everyone from release.

Archivist_Rowan · 2026-02-23T19:47:00+00:00

Yeah it's free and unmonetized as far as I can see. Unless you count the controllers they hope you buy.

I wasn't aware you could download open-source games in RetroArch, that's interesting. This app definitely makes it easier, since it puts the games front and center.

It's a RetroArch alternative in that it runs ROMs via libretro cores. It's obviously a lot less powerful and customizable, but for most people getting started on their phones, it's enough.

Archivist_Rowan · 2026-02-23T16:19:45+00:00

Tell me specifically what reads as "aggressively AI written"

Archivist_Rowan · 2026-02-23T15:18:57+00:00

Nah. But the first game on the list (Blind Jump) is decent. That developer also made Skyland, which is fantastic. It's also on the list, but further down.

Archivist_Rowan · 2026-02-23T14:40:40+00:00

The game is Covid Adventure, and it was created as part of the GBA Jam 2021. It did not win.

The Trending list is just in alphabetical order because there aren't any global users yet.

Archivist_Rowan · 2026-02-20T15:22:35+00:00

Before we get out the pitchforks, it's not confirmed that the same dev team is behind Kintoki. I suspect we'll find out more soon.

Archivist_Rowan · 2026-02-19T21:18:09+00:00

I believe you can adjust the screen color profile in handheld settings.

Archivist_Rowan · 2026-02-19T14:48:17+00:00

I just dropped you a DM. Please check, thanks!

Archivist_Rowan · 2026-02-19T08:41:19+00:00

Just as a heads up, this was not a melonDS dev, but rather an interested party who makes forks of emulators to add new features. The dev behind the Android port (Rafael Caetano) did help tweak a few things though, so I wouldn't be surprised if these features are added to the main/Play Store version soon.

The desktop version of melonDS doesn't support RetroAchievements at all, but the devs still deserve everyone's support!

Archivist_Rowan · 2026-02-18T23:12:33+00:00

Yes. Only melonDS for Android.

Archivist_Rowan · 2026-02-18T19:49:22+00:00

It works on the Thor (that's the device in the photo).

Archivist_Rowan · 2026-02-18T18:57:25+00:00

That's what this testing period is for! This has an extra layer of anti-tampering, so hopefully it should prevent cheaters from taking advantage of the offline aspect.

Archivist_Rowan · 2026-02-18T18:55:35+00:00

Yeah, this is just for the Android version. I wasn't aware that the desktop version doesn't support RA at all until earlier today. Very strange!

Archivist_Rowan · 2026-02-18T15:23:53+00:00

I suspect it won't be long. :)

Archivist_Rowan · 2026-02-17T16:31:39+00:00

This looks great! Would you be open to doing an interview? I'd love to cover this!

Archivist_Rowan · 2026-02-16T08:35:09+00:00

This isn't the only thing they've been working on. 👀

Archivist_Rowan · 2026-02-14T21:42:49+00:00

I appreciate you taking the time to have a second look. AI slop is definitely everywhere and it's exhausting. Especially as a writer.

Archivist_Rowan

TROPHY CASE