I Turned My Apple TV Into a Sega Genesis [RetroArch Explained]

The retro game emulator app RetroArch brings a cool new twist to Apple TV, but there’s a catch with tvOS that holds it back. CNET’s Bridget Carey shows how to use RetroArch and get Sega Genesis games to run on Apple TV.
00:00 How RetroArch Turned My Apple TV Into a Sega Genesis
01:18 RetroArch on AppleTV Is Easier Than It Seems
02:02 How to Find Legal ROMs for RetroArch
03:20 Pair a Nintendo Switch Controller with AppleTV
04:01 Apple’s tvOS App Storage is Very Limited
05:46 Thoughts on Apple TV with HomePod Speakers
07:15 tvOS Updates Might Come at WWDC
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#apple #sega #applenews #appletv4k #segagenesis

[@thecunninlynguist]

cnet doing retroarch vids. Never thought I'd see the day they promote emulation, haha. Gotta love that section of finding legal roms, hehe.

[@SIllidge-yf7fv]

😂

[@Watch-0w1]

If it's Apple they will review it praise they're Apple god

[@powerhouse884]

@@Watch-0w1its OK that nobody cares about your piece of plastic. I am sure you are very happy with it and you are not here out of spite. lol

[@gdot1803]

More Apple normies discovering Emulation = bigger Emulation community to fight back against Nintendo's anti Emulation BS.

[@joshxkerrigan]

THIS!!! No idea why there’s so much flack whenever apple finally adds a feature like this. It literally could not be better for end users but people still find reasons to complain.

[@blakerivers1321]

Not really discovering, more like impatiently waiting for about a decade lol.

[@sweedishpie360]

​@joshxkerrigan I think people are more upset that now that Apple has added it, youtubers act like it's a totally new thing.

[@NeroVingian40]

We’ve been fighting against Nintendo’s BS for decades now. Nothing ever change, not even with these Apple users. Good luck, I guess.

[@treehuggerjohn]

Yes!!! This. Agreed. It was the only thing I missed from the switch to iOS from android!

[@joshuastuller7191]

Awesome. Thank you for doing this

[@BlackArroToons]

Genesis Golden Axe, Streets of Rage 1, 2 and 3, Sonic, etc. Great classic games that are still fun all these years later.

[@applea.m.h.3560]

AirPlay emulator from iPhone and you can get all the save files you want. I didn’t notice any latency issues and you can connect multiple controllers as well.

[@lamp007]

There is a slight latency issue especially with Ocarina of Time

[@tonyrosario1940]

There is absolutely input lag when mirroring. It is not playable for precision platformers like Mario. Not a realistic workaround I’m afraid. 🍻

[@powerhouse884]

@@tonyrosario1940NO, your internet is just crap.

[@tonyrosario1940]

@@powerhouse884 I wish it were that simple but it’s not. My internet is plenty fast. I’m guessing you just aren’t sensitive to input lag. I realize I’m in the minority. Enjoy your lack of sensitivity, lol. 🍻👍🏼

This is só far the best vídeo on this channel!!! Awesome!

[@Alex_Power]

Good explanation of the issue with persistent storage

[@onkelhiphop]

I didn’t know about the storage space that was a new one for me🤔 Great video keep up the good work🤘😎

[@nathanmerritt1581]

I always knew she was a Sega fan. That is just a sign of great tastes lol

[@thecunninlynguist]

Sega does what nintendon't

[@nathanmerritt1581]

@@thecunninlynguist To be this good takes AGES, To be this good takes Sega!

[@nrs7_9_6]

ya

[@useduction]

Love your shirt!

[@koreyb99]

Rad! Going to try this.

[@bmannepalli]

Great video! Thanks for posting it. Apple actually tried to get Netflix to integrate with its TV app/universal search functionality so that when you search for a show or a movie, it will show you all the apps where you can watch that show or movie, including Netflix. But Netflix has steadfastly refused to do so. So this is on Netflix, not Apple. It’s not for a lack of Apple trying.

[@hellotherenameishere]

Same with Spotify. They claim Apple undercuts their music service, yet they actively choose not to make their service work on HomePods via voice control. That’s on you, Spotify. 🤷

[@tymepilot8471]

Exactly!

[@mateoconk]

Came here to say this! ALL ON NETFLIX. My guess their main reason is they don’t want to be in Apple’s Watch Later section of the 🍎TV App, which doesn’t allow them the opportunity to push other content and try to keep people in their ecosystem. Would be nice if Apple found a middle ground (at least for those Apps that do work with them) and had a suggested feed that is streamer-agnostic but only includes services you’re paying for.

[@ninjanerdstudent6937]

There should be a way to transfer the save files back to a computer over the network, and transfer it back before game time.

[@joeyg283]

Haha, you’re not the only one enjoying Oregon Trail. There is even a board game version of it that’s pretty fun!

[@pipp33]

I believe Netflix not being integrated with Up Next and Search on Apple TV is Netflix's choice. It's the only streaming service I use that doesn't integrate so it ends up being backburnered for me a lot. I tried moving the app to the dock so most recently watched items would show up if I go to the app screen and highlight it but it still ends up a little out of sight, out of mind when all of the other stuff I'm watching automatically pops new episodes etc up in the Up Next section.

[@msean101]

💯 I was going to make a similar comment. I find it weird that she acknowledges that Apple’s search and “up next” list integration works with most other streaming services, but then she blames *Apple* for Netflix not playing ball. I probably watch a lot less Netflix these days because I have to work harder to find content. I would love for Netflix to be integrated with tvOS.

[@powerhouse884]

Yeah, they do the same with Amazon Firestick.

[@WriteJus]

hello, I might be a little slow, but when you say "Download the file", where am I downloading it to? I don't see it anywhere. Thank you for the video.

[@ross-carlson]

@4:02 - Bridget I know you're new to RetroArch and I haven't used it on AppleTV _but_ standard RetroArch lets you "Save State" of a game, so you can reset to that point if you die, very much like a "save" button except you pick the exact moment you want to save to restart from. It's great if you're having trouble with a tricky point, etc. Your daughter (who is very cute) will love it!!! EDIT: Looks like save states can't be transfered just yet but I'm guessing that'll get fixed soon so be on the look out for "save states".

[@frostgodx]

Your weird

[@richv1893]

An external hard drive if Apple TV can take advantage of one for all game files.

[@vlg12]

So much potential in the Apple TV and tvOS, I agree, just allow the apps to use the storage!

[@NeroVingian40]

For people just getting into Retroarch, it really is just like how she said it; it looks intimidating, but once you understand where things goes and how things flow, it will all make sense. Most settings wouldn’t even need to tinkered with, they should all work by default (only a few settings needs to be changed, depending on your device). Retroarch is like an Android device; you think you need to change every settings in order for things to even work because the app lets you do that, but in reality, you don’t have to, things works fine by default. Watch a starter/beginner guide for Retroarch on KZbin and you’ll be set.

[@nrs7_9_6]

ok

[@TheCloveart]

With Delta, you can mirror your iPhone to your TV and connect a controller to the iPhone. That is a way to get around the Apple TV storage issues. But the Delta app only uses roms from Nintendo up to N64.

[@MrSamoDude]

Doesn't that add huge amounts of latency? A lot of retro games require low latency to not become incredibly frustrating, and even with game mode enabled on TV's these days, the latency still doesn't compare to how it played on a CRT with a wired controller.

[@TheCloveart]

@@MrSamoDude I agree. I haven’t tried it personally, but I heard it’s possible. I noticed some of these games do feel more difficult than before. That is probably the issue.

[@nicktomaras5669]

Is there a way to download MAME as a core on RetroArch?

[@vanzzini]

I just love Bridget ❤

[@disastermaster1413]

Her husband has a certain set of skills. He will find you

[@JimPryde]

Now that I'm finished with grad school, I'm looking to start playing with retro gaming on my Apple TV. I had a Raspberry Pi for this function, but it suffered hardware failure. I appreciate the review and the heads-up about saving file data in TV OS. I'll end by saying that I absolutely love my Apple TV, save for 1 thing: Its remote needs to die a fiery death. Disconnects, odd issues with games, and horrid sensitivity issues with the integrated touchpad.

[@evertonfrancisco9149]

But can app from apple tv have access to icloud to load/buffer games?

[@johnbod]

Great video. Just a note to the editor, it seems that you messed up somewhere around the 3:30 mark in including the “you can’t use an Apple Remote” explanation after already saying it and explaining how to setup the controller. Doesn’t make sense being there.

[@mweiland88]

Honestly, would love an over the air TV tuner so can get some live tv incorporated into the box.

[@hotdavesweet]

retroarch MUST be more User Friendly...Delta emulator is winning on that

[@BeardsBaconTech]

Can you make a video showing how to use the different emulator apps on the iPhone and how to download the games onto them and where to get them and how to do everything

[@lonster3000]

No one is going to make a video showing where to find roms.

[@expotemkin]

Google "Myrient" for games.

[@JimiJamma]

I use Delta on my iPhone connected to a Nintendo Switch controller and airplay to my Apple TV.

[@Printman3332]

Why does the browser say Not Secure? isn’t that a bad thing?

[@laurencet7032]

With arcade… I think apple are onto a good thing with many devs on board, many games - a lot of originals and exclusives among them - are on this platform with more coming all the time, also there are “ad free” versions of many “freemium” games to consider too. Another issue aside from the tvOS software mentioned is that even on their phones as well as on their TV boxes, extended playtimes on certain games tend to overheat the device , causing a thermal throttle and slowing the game down/stutter frame rates etc (wreckfest seems to be apple’s Crysis based on the online scribblings I have found so far ). if apple were serious about making games from their arcade service play well, they need to sell hardware to reflect this. The latest tv boxes don’t come with any sort of cooling on their (at time of writing, Bionic range of) CPU’s. I would LOVE to see an actively cooled M-chip in an Apple TV box/device. The potential for gaming -retro to emulation to more modern titles- would be incredible!!

[@netrodex]

you see it's nice out of the garden ;)

[@destructodisk9074]

If you can store your ROMs on your computer and load them into RetroArch via a server the emulator created.. you can do the same thing with save files. C'mon Delta get this going.

[@adrian_orozco]

That 500kb of permanent storage is wild. I woke up the other day and all my ROMs were gone. Now that makes sense.

[@enzmondo]

Wait. 500kb? Why does VLC allow GBs worth of chache when using remote play on their Apple TV app?

[@enzmondo]

“Apple just needs to make a deal with Netflix.” i believe they did, Bridget.

[@rayala21]

Shot in the dark: I have 2 HomePod Minis… they called for an update, installed the update, they haven’t worked since. I contacted Apple 🤷🏻‍♂️ in March, and went back and forth, still nothing. I kept getting error -5320

[@tonyyayo2115]

Did Xbox block RetroArch in retail mode?

[@BDF5K]

As a kid, I tried to turn my Power Mac G3 into a Genesis (and other 8- and 16-bit consoles). But after learning about the legal issues, I only got as far as playing homebrew ROMs.

[@expotemkin]

Ive been emulating since I was like 10. Im 38 now. Still do it. Dont worry about it.

[@ricardovargas678]

“Game over means start from the beginning. Not been able to save build character “ 😅

[@lighthousephoto7143]

Eternal Champions!

[@Grimshin1]

it whipes EVERYTHING when it empties its cache! EEEVERYTHING!!! all the controller bindings, all the saves and all the roms!! PLUS - the controller-lag is TERRIBLE, but we´re getting close to having a complete box :) Other then that I think the Apple TV is by far the most price-worthy apple product - EVER

[@williamarroyo1109]

Netflix needs to play nice with apple as well!! They haven't for a long time!

[@livinlicious]

CNET discovering Emulation, is like your Grandmother discovering the internet.

[@DoubleO7-11]

0:57 childlike joy

[@frostgodx]

It ain’t that deep

[@C0LPAN1C]

Love my Apple TV. A little peeved I have to pay for infuse and the native Jellyfin app is kinda lame. So close to being perfect.

[@whatgaca]

They just need to change the app to read/write document dir or ApplicationSupport dir

[@nerikzniek5922]

It’s a common issue that people think Apple just isn’t playing nice with other apps or companies but truth is, they have always made it possible for these apps and companies to work together with apple software it’s just that the company or app that isn’t working is because of them. KZbin and other apps refused Picture in Picture not the other way around, and same with Siri integration and Apple TV.

[@pumpthewater419]

Let’s talk about the paperish blinds

[@aditya_on_youtube]

Millennials are the best!!

[@sad_michael]

I've sent multiple emails to Netflix over the years asking if they plan to allow Apple to integrate them into the Apple TV interface and every time they say they have no plans to do so. Seems like a Netflix problem, not an Apple problem.

[@MrSamoDude]

They can't even create a decent pin entry system, anyone in room can see what numbers you enter. I don't think they have any love for Apple TV. It probably doesn't help that Apple TV users can still share Netflix subscriptions, lol.

[@nerikzniek5922]

I agree when the facts are that it’s not an apple problem it’s annoying to hear people complain to apple not the other way around

[@brockhubbard6336]

All my Apple TV apps like KZbin and Netflix say “cleaning”

[@novice7T7]

Cool beans

[@gr8potatosaurusofthunderfart]

Millennials had it good back then... Man... What happened to us... 😂

[@expotemkin]

Now I see why Sega and Nintendo went after Vimms Lair.

[@Aragorn7884]

the 500kb limit is GD stupid...

[@_Clivey]

Dont get used to it, Valve, Google and Apple allow emulators one month, then they don't, then they are back again, then gone etc. Its a rollercoaster

[@mikhailryzhov9419]

TIL that you can get ROMs in other ways than dumping yourself or getting a pirated version.

[@TheTutastar]

Not just Sega Genesis but every console ever made from atari to PS1 😊😊

[@christiancrow]

Agreed I am done with Roku

[@PVFriends50]

I wanna do this by using Sega Genesis.

[@liketheduck]

Apple’s Walled Garden needs to be optional… let us own our own devices.

[@kawaiidere1023]

Bridget Carey being based once again (as always, she’s so cool)

[@mattb9664]

Apple TV is probably one of the best pieces of hardware to be emulating with...problem is capacity and no SD or USB slots!

[@tonyrosario1940]

It’s unusable after 3 days. Thank you for reporting on this! Apple TV only allows 500 kb of persistent storage per app. So all roms, settings, and save states will all be wiped after a few days, also when a new update is pushed out.

[@bacchusracine6094]

This is super disappointing (the storage issue) because I really do think that the Apple TV could be a great way to have streaming and console emulation in one box. They certainly have enough storage. But they don't let you USE that storage??? This is why people choose to go with less polished systems running Android. Because it can do it all, even if it isn't as nicely configured. Configuration is usually a one time thing then you can use it forever. If only Apple would get out of their own way....

[@j18r8rs]

Retroarch has been around for years.

[@tomtsai]

The Netflix gripe is on Netflix being stubborn refusing to integrate their library, there’s not much Apple can do about it..

[@JarmelSingsKaraoke]

HAPPY FRIDAY

[@MrWilsantiago]

Apple users just discovered emulators in 2024.

[@ComeNNHot]

We were deprived of such joys.

[@DJordydj]

5:58 please noooo, don't put speakers BEHIND the TV. Imagine spending $700 on speakers thatyou're just gonna cover with something in front of them 😱

[@STE999X]

500KB in 2024 ?? LOL 😂

[@user-py2ru8mr2c]

It was Netflix that pulled search integration in tvOS not Apple and they point blank refuse to re-enable in there app. So please point your disappointment to the correct party

[@netrodex]

well apple users welcome to Retroarch! ;)) enjoy the ride! that's the best thing apple have done !

[@djayjp]

Or just get an Nvidia Shield or some other Android TV device that doesn't have any persistent storage problems lol

[@britishkarthick4327]

Me using game emulators in my android phone for years

[@callmemarc]

Wow Apple lets you do something you could do elsewhere for decades. Totally amazing.

[@retrogaminga1072]

oh Bridget....❤❤❤❤❤ Im in love ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@manuelstoeckl1980]

What the box need: - M1 or better - Netflix in the TV app - Maybe Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, MAX, Netflix as an AppleTV channel - more storage and no limitations how huge the games has to be (I thought Apple will sell storage on his devices) - LiveTV+Programm Guide + Recording in the tv app - Maps

[@Mopsie]

Putting the speakers behind the tv 💀

[@spacecityerlan]

How did you get those roms? 🤔

[@fluxnekta]

She says she bought them on steam

[@aranperumal]

❤

[@ninjanerdstudent6937]

I have an apple tv in a drawer. I guess I can use this old tech.

[@DanceBruce]

Bothers me she says retroarch is the first emulator on the Apple TV. It’s not an emulator at all

[@headphoneboy]

Netflix refuses to allow integration of its content into platforms like Apple TV or Google Chromecast. They want to force their subscribers to spend time finding content within their own app. It’s Netflix’s fault, not Apple on this one.

[@GTV-Japan]

Open Emu clap clap clapclapclap!

[@kylespevak6781]

Welcome to 2010

[@odessastepsmag]

Bridget died from dysentery. 😉

[@lexlopez15]

I'm just now finding out steam sells roms. 😧... Not that I plan to buy any from there but it's good to know they are there if I can't find them elsewhere. 😜... As for apple loosening their grip on emulation, I think once they realize they're not making any money from it and big wigs like Nintendo asks them nicely to remove a "particular app" then Apple will rethink their decision...it's just a matter of time, wait for it.

[@gc3k]

You could buy a brand new Sega Genesis Mini at an affordable price. It's a miniaturized replica down to the packaging, it works on modern TVs, and you can directly support the company and creators that gave you your childhood memories

[@cuebal]

I blame apple fan people for the current state of apple hubris

[@powerhouse884]

The fact that Android fanboys are acting like we just discovered Emulation is quite telling of how clueless these people truly are 😂😂😂😂. I’ve been EMULATING on iOS since the iPhone 3gs days. Its always a good day when you don’t need to side load using a Laptop or jailbreak to get Emulations on your smartphone/tablet.

[@newfnshow031]

sure you explained it but even your explanation was confusing to me. Made my head hurt 😢

[@rogershark9223]

Rather just get a shiledTV and have all the same features with more power and no storage limitations

[@funnyberries4017]

It's old now. I have a mini pc from amazon with Ubuntu on it.

[@rogershark9223]

@@funnyberries4017 They're old but still very powerful. Way more powerful and cost the same as appleTV

[@bradavon]

MegaDrive

[@symfwon]

Lamo

[@j18r8rs]

Apple Folks are hilarious.

[@NormansWorldMovies]

43

[@Real_Sgt_Tom]

Welcome to 2015 Apple users...