Customization

Overview of all Playback settings and configuration options.

Playback settings are accessed by clicking the Playback logo (top-left) and selecting Settings. Settings are organized into tabs for different categories. Configure language, gameplay features, and data options. Playback Settings: Full reference Key...

Configure language, features, and data options in the Playback settings tab.

The Playback settings tab contains general application settings, gameplay features, and data verification options. Access it by going to Settings > Playback. Found a translation error? Let us know. You can also contribute translations through our <a...

Configure emulation speed, rewind, rumble, and other Playback-provided settings.

The Emulator Settings contain options provided by Playback alongside any core-specific settings. Access them by going to Settings > Emulator. Core-specific settings vary depending on which emulator core you're using. This article covers the settings...

How Playback integrates emulators to play your cartridge games.

Playback uses industry-standard emulator technology to play your games with excellent accuracy and performance. Playback is built on the libretro API, a cross-platform standard that provides a consistent interface for emulators. This technology...

Configure display palettes, color correction, borders, and audio options.

The Video and Audio settings let you customize how games look and sound, from authentic retro aesthetics to modern quality improvements. Note: Many of the settings described below are specific to the mGBA core (GB Operator). Each emulator core may...

Customize your gameplay with Super Game Boy borders and color palettes.

Playback supports Super Game Boy® features including custom borders and color palettes, bringing the console experience to your desktop. Note: This article applies to Game Boy® games played with the GB Operator. Many Game Boy® games included special...

Install custom shaders for CRT effects, scanlines, and more.

Shaders add visual effects to your games, from CRT monitor simulation to artistic filters. Playback supports custom GLSL shaders for a personalized look. Start any game in Playback Click the Shaders button in the emulator menu bar Select Install...

Complete guide to setting up and troubleshooting controllers in Playback.

Playback supports a wide variety of controllers including Xbox®, PlayStation®, Nintendo®, and third-party gamepads. This guide helps you get your controller working and troubleshoot common issues. Connect your controller to your computer (USB or...

Configure controllers, keyboard mappings, and input devices.

The Controls settings let you configure how you control your games, whether using a gamepad, keyboard, or specialized peripherals. Access controls by going to Settings > Controls. The SN Operator supports 2-player games. Select which player's...

Configure and customize your gamepad buttons and behavior.

Fine-tune your gamepad configuration for the best gaming experience. Playback comes pre-configured for most popular controllers, but you can customize everything to your liking. Playback includes button mappings for most popular gamepads. When you...

Default keyboard controls and shortcuts for Playback.

Playback supports full keyboard controls for gameplay and navigation. All bindings are customizable in Settings > Controls. These are the default keyboard bindings for gameplay: To customize your keyboard layout: Open Settings > Controls Select...

How to add support for controllers not automatically recognized by Playback.

Most wired and wireless controllers work automatically with Playback. If your controller isn't recognized, you can create a custom mapping and help us add support for it. Use the SDL2 Gamepad Tool to generate a mapping for your controller: Download...

Play games in fullscreen for an immersive experience.

Fullscreen mode provides an immersive gaming experience by hiding all UI elements and displaying the game across your entire screen. Start playing a game Move your mouse to reveal the control bar at the bottom Click the fullscreen button (expand...

Play games in a floating window while using other applications.

Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode lets you play your game in a small floating window while using other applications. PiP must first be enabled in settings: Open Settings (click the Playback logo > Settings) Go to Playback Find Enable Picture-in-Picture...

Optimize Playback performance for your system.

The Performance settings help you get the best gameplay experience on your hardware, from high-end gaming PCs to modest laptops and single-board computers. Some game code contains "idle loops", sections where the CPU runs at full speed but nothing...

Run multiple Playback windows for local multiplayer setups.

Playback supports running multiple instances simultaneously, enabling local multiplayer setups and multi-device configurations. Set up multiple Operator devices for local co-op or competitive play: Racing games with multiple players Competitive...