Arc Browser vs Retrox: Which One’s the Better Gaming Hub?

In the world of PC gaming, there are many advantages of using a frontend emulator over a traditional gaming console. Frontend emulators aren’t the most popular choice. However, they can still be useful and worth using.

The program acts as a middleman between the game and the console, allowing you to play your favorite game on your PC. The software emulates the console’s controller and allows you to play with a controller or keyboard and mouse.

There are many frontend emulators hence it can be a daunting task to settle on one that accurately meets your needs. The good news is that most of them are free to download and use.

We have an in-depth comparison of Windows 11 vs Android emulators. You can try a couple of them and compare their features such as compatibility with other systems, speed and storage before you settle on one.

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What is an emulator frontend? 

An emulator frontend is a piece of software that simplifies the use of emulators. It offers the possibility to control your retro gaming console from one place, without having to switch between different systems.

They can often be used to add features that aren’t included in the original emulator, such as better video filters or improved compatibility with different input devices.

It is easy to confuse them with emulators but there is a difference. Emulators are programs that replicate the hardware of another system. This makes it possible to run software made for that system on your computer.

Frontends on the other hand are programs that allow you to easily launch multiple emulators at once and switch between them easily. 

Although there are many frontend emulators out there, we settled on Arc Browser and Retrox. So, which one has the better gaming hub?

What is the best emulator frontend? 

1. Arc browser

Arc Browser is one of those simple frontend emulators gamers opt for because of its simplicity. You will not be bombarded by complicated features but it does its job pretty well.

• Simple UI – Arc browser has a very simple UI, with just a few options on its home screen.  Its minimalist design lets you focus on what matters most.

• Cloud storage – Another fan-favorite feature is its cloud storage system. You can upload files to your cloud account and access them anywhere, even when you’re offline. Storage is a key feature for most gamers given the number of games being updated on a daily basis.
• Speed – Its speed and performance are also unmatched. You can have a long list of games and the speed remains impeccable. You can scroll over a thousand games in seconds with no lag. This feature is definitely a winner for people who get easily annoyed when stuck in the same position for a while.

2. Retrox

Retrox is one of those easy to set up frontend emulators. You only need to install it and it will do the rest of the work for you.

• Automated – Retrox will automatically download and install the corresponding emulator required to play your selected game.
• Cloud storage – This feature saves your gameplay and allows you to pick up exactly where you left off. What’s even better is that you can play from anywhere.

• Supports cheats – Gamers will tell you that having unique cheats for certain games makes it worth playing. With Retrox supporting cheats, it puts it among the top contenders for the best frontend emulators.
• Themes – If you are the kind of person who likes to change up the look of your UI, Retrox has support for themes to make your games more interesting.

Arc Browser	Retrox
No cheat support yet	Supports cheats
Simple UI	Custom themes
Offers cloud storage	Offers cloud storage
Saves gameplay	Saves gameplay

How do I add games to my frontend?

It all depends on the emulator you are using. Each has its own set of instructions but the general rule is that you will import or upload your game to a given menu and the emulator will do the rest for you.

Aside from the two frontend emulators discussed here today, you can also check out our other list of lag-free Android emulators if you were not satisfied with the selection.

If you are looking for something more inclusive, you can opt for all-in-one emulators to play both retro and arcade games.

Feel free to share some of your favorite frontend emulators and what features make them stand out in the comment section below.