Create a root folder (e.g., RetroArch/roms/) and sort by system:

RetroArch/
├── roms/
│   ├── nes/
│   ├── snes/
│   ├── gba/
│   ├── n64/
│   ├── psx/
│   ├── psp/
│   ├── nds/
│   ├── arcade/
│   └── dreamcast/
├── saves/        (in-game saves)
├── states/       (save states)
└── system/       (BIOS files)

✅ Why? RetroArch’s “Scan Directory” works perfectly with this layout.

| Method | Best for | |----------------|----------------------------------| | USB cable | Large CHD/PSP/DS sets | | adb push | Many small files (NES/SNES) | | MicroSD (exFAT) | Best for large libraries (>200GB)|

⚠️ Avoid FAT32 if you have files >4GB (e.g., PS2 via AetherSX2 — but that’s not RetroArch).

Place ROMs in:

| Setting | Effect | |-------------------------------------|---------------------------------------| | Threaded Video = ON | Smoother on midrange devices | | Audio Latency = 64 ms | Less crackling | | Rewind = OFF | Saves CPU (unless you need it) | | Hard GPU Sync = ON | Reduces input lag (keep frames=0) |

Instead of fullsets, users should seek "Curated ROM Packs" or create their own. The "Better" approach involves quality over quantity.