NeoCD-Libretro
NeoCD-Libretro: A free, open-source Neo Geo CD core with broad image, audio, and save support. Ranked #8 of 18 in Neo Geo Emulators by our editors (7.6/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free Neo Geo CD emulation with save features.
At a glance
- Editor score7.6 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forFree Neo Geo CD emulation with save features
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- AES emulationNo
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Hardware-level Neo Geo CD-ROM emulation
- Supports CUE and MAME CHD disc images
- Savestates, rewind, region selection, and CD speed controls
Where it doesn't
- Requires RetroArch as a libretro core host
- Does not support Neo Geo AES or MVS
- Platform support centers on Windows, Linux, and Raspberry Pi
Our verdict on NeoCD-Libretro
NeoCD-Libretro is a free, open-source libretro core for emulating Neo Geo CD software through RetroArch. It is aimed at players who want Neo Geo CD support across Windows, Linux, or Raspberry Pi, with options for both disc-image handling and in-game state management. The core emulates the CD-ROM drive at hardware level and supports multiple Neo Geo CD BIOS variants, making it a focused choice for this specific part of the Neo Geo library rather than a general arcade emulator.
Its feature set covers the practical requirements of Neo Geo CD emulation. NeoCD-Libretro accepts CUE and MAME CHD disc images, while audio support includes WAV, FLAC, Ogg Vorbis, and MP3. Savestates and rewind add flexibility during play, and region selection provides control over regional behavior. A CD speed hack and automatic skipping of loading sequences address the pauses associated with CD-based software without expanding the core beyond its main purpose.
The main trade-off is scope and format. NeoCD-Libretro is a libretro core, not a standalone consumer application, so users need RetroArch or another compatible libretro host. It also targets Neo Geo CD rather than Neo Geo AES or MVS. Choose it if free Neo Geo CD emulation, open-source availability, save states, rewind, and flexible disc and audio formats are the priorities. Choose another emulator if you need AES or MVS support, or if you prefer software that runs independently of a libretro environment.
Your product? Our editors can test NeoCD-Libretro in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
NeoCD-Libretro pricing
NeoCD-Libretro fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| AES emulation | No |
| MVS emulation | No |
| Neo Geo CD support | Yes |
| Related SNK arcade | Not verified |
| Supported platforms | Windows, Linux, Raspberry Pi |
| Netplay | Not verified |
| Save states | Yes |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, Linux |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to NeoCD-Libretro
- GeolithA broad desktop emulator for Neo Geo cartridges, arcade software, and discs.9.4
- NEO.emuA paid, open-source emulator with broad Neo Geo support and flexible controls.9.0
- NeoRAGExA portable, feature-rich choice for free Neo Geo AES and MVS emulation on Windows.8.8
See all NeoCD-Libretro alternatives →
NeoCD-Libretro vs the competition
- NeoCD-Libretro vs Geolith
- NeoCD-Libretro vs NEO.emu
- NeoCD-Libretro vs NeoRAGEx
- NeoCD-Libretro vs GxGeo
- NeoCD-Libretro vs MVSPSP
- NeoCD-Libretro vs NeoDS
Compare NeoCD-Libretro with any tool side by side →
Used NeoCD-Libretro? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used NeoCD-Libretro for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
NeoCD-Libretro is listed in our Neo Geo Emulators directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/neocd-libretro/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/neocd-libretro.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update