Head-to-head · TurboGrafx-16 Emulators
RetroArch vs Ootake
RetroArch leads on 0 checks, Ootake on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreRetroArch · 9.2/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresOotake · 2 of 4
RetroArch scores higher on our rubric for turbografx-16 emulators: 9.2 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #6.
RetroArch is the better fit for broad multi-platform emulator management. Ootake is the better fit for free Windows TurboGrafx-16 emulation.
- RetroArch fits best
Broad multi-platform emulator management
- Ootake fits best
Free Windows TurboGrafx-16 emulation
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Side by side
| Feature | RetroArch 9.2/10 Visit ↗ | Ootake 8.4/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.2 | 8.4 |
| Ranking | #2 in TurboGrafx-16 Emulators | #6 in TurboGrafx-16 Emulators |
| Best for | Broad multi-platform emulator management | Free Windows TurboGrafx-16 emulation |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile | Desktop |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Windows |
| Support | Community, Docs | |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business |
| Features RetroArch 1/4 · Ootake 2/4 | ||
| Save states | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Cheat support | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Netplay | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Video filters | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | Not checked yet | windows |
| Console coverage | Not checked yet | Tg16_and_pce |
| License | Not checked yet | Freeware |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | RetroArch is an open-source frontend for the libretro API, designed for launching and configuring emulator, game-engine, and media-player cores from one graphical interface. It suits players managing collections across web, Windows, macOS,… Read the review → |
Ootake is a Windows emulator for the PC Engine, also known as the TurboGrafx-16. It is designed for players who want to run PC Engine and TurboGrafx-16 Hu-Card or TurboChip ROM images, along with PC Engine CD-ROM2 games from original discs… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
RetroArch — where it wins
- Downloadable cores and system-based game collection playlists
- Controller remapping, shaders, recording, rewind, and netplay
- Free, open-source apps for web, desktop, and mobile platforms
Where it doesn't
- Core-specific BIOS requirements can add configuration work
- Available features and cores vary by platform and distribution
- TurboGrafx-16 buyers should verify the relevant core and distribution
Ootake — where it wins
- Supports HuCard, TurboChip, CD-ROM2, and SuperGrafx games
- Includes save states, resume saves, screenshots, and controller configuration
- Offers filtering and configurable Direct3D or DirectDraw rendering
Where it doesn't
- Runs on Windows only
- PC Engine CD-ROM2 play may require a computer CD drive
- Distributed as freeware without a formal open-source license
- RetroArch9.2/10 · Free plan
A broad, free emulator frontend with strong collection, controller, video, and netplay tools.
Visit RetroArchFull verdict → - Ootake8.4/10 · Free plan
Free Windows emulation with HuCard, CD-ROM2, SuperGrafx, save states, and display controls.
Visit OotakeFull verdict →
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- Mednafen vs Ootake
- MagicEngine vs Ootake
All TurboGrafx-16 emulators comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update
