How to Set Up Netplay: Online Multiplayer on Retro Handhelds

Local co-op is great, but sometimes your gaming partner is across the country. RetroArch netplay lets you play retro games together over the internet, so you can run through Streets of Rage or trade blows in Street Fighter II without being in the same room. It takes a little setup, and a stable connection matters, but once it works it feels like magic. Two handhelds, two players, one shared game.

This guide explains how netplay works, how to host and join a session, and how to keep matches smooth. We frame all of this around playing games you both already own.

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How Netplay Works

RetroArch netplay connects two or more copies of RetroArch running the same game. One person hosts, the other joins, and RetroArch keeps both games in sync over the internet. It works across devices too, so a handheld can play with someone on a PC, as long as both run the same core and the same game.

A few things matter for a good experience. Both players need the exact same game file and the same core. A wired or strong WiFi connection helps a lot. And lower-latency games, like 2D fighters and beat 'em ups, work better than twitchy precise ones.

What You Need

• Two devices running RetroArch, such as two handhelds
• The same core installed on both
• The exact same game file on both, ideally matching versions
• A stable internet connection on both ends

Our RetroArch setup guide covers installing cores and games if you are new to it.

Step 1: Match Your Cores and Games

This is the part people miss. Both players must use the same core and the same game file. Even small differences can stop a session from connecting or cause desyncs. Agree on the game ahead of time and confirm you both have the same version. The same goes for any required BIOS.

Step 2: Host a Session

On the host device:

1. Load the game you want to play in RetroArch.
2. Open the RetroArch quick menu, then go to the Netplay section.
3. Choose to host a netplay session.
4. RetroArch starts hosting. If you are using the public lobby, your session appears in the netplay room list for others to find.

If you are playing with a specific friend rather than the public lobby, you may need to share your IP address, and the host may need to allow the netplay port through their router. Many setups also work through the public relay server, which avoids router configuration.

Step 3: Join a Session

On the joining device:

1. Load the same game and core as the host.
2. Open the Netplay section in the quick menu.
3. Either pick the host's room from the public lobby list, or connect directly using the host's IP address.
4. Once connected, both screens sync up and you are playing together.

Player one is usually the host, and player two is the one who joins. You can confirm and remap controls in the input settings if needed.

Step 4: Settings for Smooth Play

A few settings make a real difference over the internet.

• Use the relay server if direct connection fails. It routes traffic through a public server, which avoids router setup. It can add a little latency, but it is the easiest path.
• Set input latency frames. A small amount of input latency smooths out connections with higher ping. Raise it if you see stutter or rubber-banding.
• Pick the right games. Turn-based, puzzle, and slower action games feel great. Fast fighters work but are more sensitive to lag. Twitchy platformers are the hardest.
• Close other network apps. Downloads and streaming on either end eat bandwidth and add lag.

Troubleshooting

Cannot connect at all. Confirm both players use the exact same core and game version. Try the public relay server to rule out router issues.

The game desyncs partway through. This usually means mismatched game files or cores. Re-confirm both match exactly, then restart the session.

Laggy or stuttering gameplay. Raise the input latency frames a little, switch to a wired connection if possible, and close other network apps. Pick a less twitchy game if lag persists.

One player has no controls. Check the input device assignments. The host is usually player one and the joiner player two.

Prefer Local Play

If your gaming partner is in the same room, local multiplayer is simpler and lag-free. Connect a handheld to a TV and pair two controllers. Our how to pair a Bluetooth controller and best retro handhelds with HDMI out guides cover that setup. For game ideas either way, see our best local multiplayer games list.

Recommended Handhelds

Netplay works best on a device with strong WiFi. A capable Android handheld like the

has solid wireless and plenty of power for RetroArch. For a budget device with WiFi that handles netplay on lighter systems, the is a good pick.

New to RetroArch? Start with our RetroArch setup guide.