FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How do I download a ROM?
Search for your game, click on it, then click the "Download" button. A short ad page will appear for a few seconds to support the site, then a 5-second countdown will start before the download begins.
Are the ROMs safe?
Yes! The vast majority of our ROMs are hosted on Internet Archive - the world reference for digital preservation - and on other reliable platforms. Files marked with a "Verified" badge have been tested.
Which consoles are available?
We offer games for PlayStation, Nintendo, Sega, and many other retro consoles. Check the Consoles page for the full list.
Is it really free?
Yes, 100% free! No registration required. A short ad is displayed before each download to help cover server costs and keep the site accessible to everyone. We use Internet Archive as a reliable host.
How do I emulate these games?
You will need an emulator compatible with your console. For example: PCSX2 for PS2, Dolphin for GameCube/Wii, RetroArch for multiple consoles.
Can I request a game to be added?
Yes! Contact us via the Contact page specifying the game name and console. We will do our best to add it.
Is it legal?
RetroVault is built around video game preservation. Owning the original game does not automatically make a download lawful, and the rules vary from country to country (in France, for example, it is not enough). Check the law that applies where you live before downloading anything; you remain solely responsible for how you use the files. See our Legal page for details.
Why is there a 5-second countdown?
The security countdown prevents automated bot downloads. A short ad page also appears just before it - this helps us fund the server and keep the site completely free. Thank you for your understanding!
What do the [!], [a], [b] badges on links mean?
These are quality indicators from the TOSEC and No-Intro databases. [!] = "Good dump": a perfect, verified copy of the original game - always prefer this one. [a] = "Alternative": an alternative version, often identical but not certified perfect. [b] = "Bad dump": a corrupted or incomplete copy - avoid it if possible. Always try to download a [!] link first.
What are TOSEC, No-Intro and Redump?
These are community projects that catalog and verify retro game ROMs. They compute digital fingerprints (MD5, SHA1, CRC32) to guarantee a file is an exact copy of the original game. No-Intro specializes in cartridge-based games (NES, SNES, Game Boy...), TOSEC covers a very wide range of old systems, and Redump focuses on disc-based games (PlayStation, Saturn, Dreamcast...).
Why do some links not have a quality badge?
Badges are assigned automatically when a match is found in the TOSEC, No-Intro or Redump databases. No badge simply means the file hasn't been verified yet - not that it's bad. Files hosted on Internet Archive are generally reliable.