mcp-retroarch
An MCP server that bridges Claude (and any other MCP client) to RetroArch via its built-in Network Control Interface (UDP, port 55355).
Works against any libretro core (NES, SNES, Genesis, GB/GBC/GBA, PSX, N64, etc.) — give the model memory r/w, save-state automation, screenshot, pause / frame-advance / reset, and on-screen messages.
What it can do
| Capability | Available? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Memory read / write | ✅ | Two paths: READ_CORE_MEMORY (system memory map, preferred) and READ_CORE_RAM (CHEEVOS, fallback) |
| Save / load state | ✅ | Current slot or explicit slot for load; save is current-slot-only (NCI limitation) |
| Screenshot | ✅ | Saved to RetroArch's configured screenshot directory |
| Pause / frame advance | ✅ | PAUSE_TOGGLE flips state; FRAMEADVANCE steps one frame |
| Reset | ✅ | Hard-reset the running game |
| On-screen message | ✅ | Useful for "look here" cues during scripted runs |
| Game info | ✅ | Title, system, CRC32 |
| Game-pad input | ❌ | NCI doesn't expose this. RetroArch has a separate "Remote RetroPad" core on UDP port 55400 that does, but it requires loading that specific core (you can't drive an existing emulation core through it). Not in scope for v0.1.0. |
