- Home
- Emulation Frontends
- RePlayOS
RePlayOS
What it is
RePlayOS is a Linux distribution for running classic game and computer emulators on supported Raspberry Pi boards. Its streamlined libretro frontend works with Raspberry Pi Zero 2, 3A/B/B+, 4B, and 5B, and supports both LCD and CRT displays. The DynaRes display engine offers native CRT timings, timing adjustments, CRT profiles, dual-screen modes, and LCD operation at game refresh rates. More than 700 controllers and up to six players are supported, along with RetroAchievements in compatible cores and games. Replay Control, a companion web app, can 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-network multiplayer. The built-in Alpha Player handles audio and video files, with Raspberry Pi 5 recommended for movies. RePlayOS is free; a separate Pixel Insider plan is $5 a month. The FAQ says it does not work on PC. Most distribution components use open-source licenses, while the frontend is proprietary and has limits on modification, redistribution, and commercial use.
For and against
For
- Free public version for supported Raspberry Pi models
- Supports more than 700 controllers and six players
- Offers CRT and dual-screen display modes
- Companion app manages games over a local network
- Built-in player handles audio and video files
Against
- Does not work on PC
- Frontend has modification and redistribution restrictions
- API uses plain HTTP rather than HTTPS
The verdict
RePlayOS combines Raspberry Pi emulation with display options for CRT and LCD setups, multiplayer support, and a local-network companion app. Its hardware focus and proprietary frontend restrictions are important considerations.
Who it suits
RePlayOS suits people setting up a Raspberry Pi-based retro gaming system, especially those using CRT or LCD displays or multiple controllers. It is not intended for PC use.
Plans and prices
Public RePlayOS
latest public version · supported Raspberry Pi models
Read 1 Oct 2026 · replayos.com
Pixel Insider
roadmap access · RePlayOS beta and release candidates · Discord access
Read 1 Oct 2026 · patreon.com
On the record
- Achievements
- RePlayOS supports RetroAchievements in compatible libretro cores and games.replayos.com · read 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.replayos.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- Controllers
- The system supports more than 700 game controllers and up to six players.replayos.com · read 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.replayos.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- RePlayOS supports core-managed Link Play multiplayer over a local network.replayos.com · read 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.replayos.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- 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.replayos.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- Media playback
- The built-in Alpha Player multimedia core plays audio and video files, with Raspberry Pi 5 recommended for movies.replayos.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- Platform limitation
- The FAQ says RePlayOS does not work on PC and is developed around ARM architecture and Raspberry Pi devices.replayos.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- RePlayOS is a Linux distribution with a streamlined libretro frontend for emulating classic game consoles, arcade machines, and computers.replayos.com · read 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.replayos.com · read 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.replayos.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- Support channels
- The maker points users to official Discord and Telegram servers for community discussions, support, and updates.replayos.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- Supported models
- The requirements list Raspberry Pi Zero 2, Raspberry Pi 3A/B/B+, Raspberry Pi 4B, and Raspberry Pi 5B.replayos.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- Target hardware
- RePlayOS is optimized for Raspberry Pi boards and supports LCD and CRT screens.replayos.com · read 1 Oct 2026
