RePlayOS
RePlayOS is a Linux distribution for running classic console, arcade, and computer games through a streamlined libretro frontend.
What RePlayOS is
RePlayOS is a Linux distribution for running classic console, arcade, and computer games through a streamlined libretro frontend. It is built around Raspberry Pi boards, including the Zero 2, 3A/B/B+, 4B, and 5B, and supports both LCD and CRT displays. Its DynaRes engine offers CRT timings and profiles, timing changes, dual-screen modes, and LCD operation at game refresh rates. The system supports more than 700 controllers and up to six players, plus RetroAchievements in compatible cores and games. Replay Control, a companion web app, lets users browse games, launch them on a TV, manage favorites, and configure the system over a local network. Compatible cores can use Link Play for local multiplayer. Alpha Player handles audio and video files; Raspberry Pi 5 is recommended for movies. RePlayOS is free, and a separate Pixel Insider plan costs $5 a month. It does not run on PC. Most components are open source, but the frontend is proprietary and has restrictions on modification, redistribution, and commercial use.
Good
- Supports more than 700 controllers and up to six players.
- DynaRes includes CRT profiles and dual-screen modes.
- Replay Control can manage games over a local network.
- Free plan supports the listed Raspberry Pi models.
Watch out
- Does not work on PC.
- Frontend modification and redistribution are restricted.
- API uses plain HTTP rather than HTTPS.
Who it suits
RePlayOS suits Raspberry Pi owners who want a retro-gaming setup with LCD or CRT display options and support for multiple players. It is not for PC users.
Verdict
RePlayOS offers Raspberry Pi-focused emulation with broad controller support and display options. Its hardware restriction and proprietary frontend terms are important to consider before choosing it.
Plans and prices
From RePlayOS's own pricing page, checked 1 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Public RePlayOS | Free | latest public version · supported Raspberry Pi models |
| Pixel Insider | $5 a month | roadmap access · RePlayOS beta and release candidates · Discord access · $ 5 / month |
The facts
Each one read from RePlayOS's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Achievements
- RePlayOS supports RetroAchievements in compatible libretro cores and games.checked 1 Oct 2026
- API security
- API requests except get_version require the NET CONTROL CODE in the X-RePlay-Token header, while the API itself is plain HTTP rather than HTTPS.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Controllers
- The system supports more than 700 game controllers and up to six players.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Display engine
- The DynaRes engine provides native CRT timings, on-the-fly timing changes, CRT profiles, dual-screen modes, and LCD game-refresh-rate operation.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- RePlayOS supports core-managed Link Play multiplayer over a local network.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Licensing
- Most distribution components use open-source licenses, while the frontend is proprietary and restricted from modification, standalone redistribution, and unauthorized commercial use.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Media playback
- The built-in Alpha Player multimedia core plays audio and video files, with Raspberry Pi 5 recommended for movies.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- RePlayOS is a Linux distribution with a streamlined libretro frontend for emulating classic game consoles, arcade machines, and computers.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Replay Control
- Replay Control is a companion web app that browses games, launches them on the TV, manages favorites, and configures the system over the local network.checked 1 Oct 2026
- REST API
- RePlayOS includes a small HTTP JSON API for local or LAN control on port 55356 when network control is enabled.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Support channels
- The maker points users to official Discord and Telegram servers for community discussions, support, and updates.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Supported models
- The requirements list Raspberry Pi Zero 2, Raspberry Pi 3A/B/B+, Raspberry Pi 4B, and Raspberry Pi 5B.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Target hardware
- RePlayOS is optimized for Raspberry Pi boards and supports LCD and CRT screens.checked 1 Oct 2026
The company
- Maker
- Rubén Tomás Alonso, also known as RTA or rTomas, created RePlayOS and describes himself as a C, Python, HTML, and JavaScript programmer focused on Raspberry Pi frontends.checked 1 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Platform limitation
- The FAQ says RePlayOS does not work on PC and is developed around ARM architecture and Raspberry Pi devices.checked 1 Oct 2026
Alternatives to RePlayOS
- 1

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GameEx
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Attract-Mode
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EmulatorJS
Free planAndroidiOSWebSelf-hosted6.8Free plan
