Retro Games in Kodi: Complete Setup Guide (IAGL & RetroArch)

This is the ultimate and complete setup guide for setting up and installing retro games in Kodi. Get tips and troubleshooting help for setting up your controller with Kodi, installing emulators, finding retro video game roms, and more. Updated with the current Internet Archive Game Launcher install method, since the old repository link most guides (including our old one) used to point to has stopped working.

Protect Yourself While Using Kodi

The Internet Archive Game Launcher and the other third-party addons in this guide are unofficial Kodi addons, so Kodi will show its standard warning about addons accessing personal data the first time you install one. That’s normal, not unique to this addon, but it’s worth using a Kodi VPN while you stream and download so your connection stays private.

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Latest Update

The latest version of the IAGL Kodi addon is v4.0.6, released January 4th, 2026. IAGL now needs Kodi 20 “Nexus” or newer to install (if you’re still on Kodi 19 or earlier, see our Kodi update guide first). A few other things have changed since our last update:

• The addon’s own developer now recommends installing IAGL directly from its official GitHub repository rather than through third-party sources like the old Fusion/tvaddons.co installer. We’ve rewritten the install steps below to match
• Setup now requires a free Internet Archive account (archive.org) to download ROMs, which wasn’t the case in older IAGL versions
• A configurable download cache and a Favorites list for bookmarking games have been added
• Kodi 22 “Piers,” currently in beta, adds hardware-rendered RetroPlayer support that will finally bring N64 and Dreamcast emulation to Kodi. More on that below

Retro Games in Kodi: Introduction

Kodi 20 & 21

Since the release of Kodi 18 Leia, the Kodi software has had full support for retro video games in Kodi. That means that you can:

1. sync a controller to Kodi (or use a keyboard)
2. install classic video game consoles (called emulators), and
3. load retro video games (called roms).

Kodi allows retro video games through its inclusion of the RetroPlayer framework, which is a popular software package containing some of the biggest emulators.

The current stable release is Kodi 21 “Omega” (21.3), and it continues full retro game support. Newer Bluetooth controllers are also compatible.

What Video Game Systems Are Supported in Kodi?

Kodi 21 includes support for a number of video game systems, including:

• Nintendo / Super Nintendo / Nintendo DS
• Gameboy / Gameboy Advance / Gameboy Color
• Playstation One
• Sega Saturn
• DOS
• Lynx
• Atari 2600

Over 50 different gaming consoles are supported by IAGL.

Can You Play N64 & Dreamcast Games on Kodi?

Not yet on the current stable release. Two popular retro consoles, the Sega Dreamcast and the N64, still aren’t playable on Kodi 21. Both need OpenGL hardware rendering that Kodi’s RetroPlayer hasn’t had until now.

That’s changing.

Kodi 22 “Piers,” currently in beta, merges hardware-rendered RetroPlayer support, which unlocks libretro cores that require OpenGL/GLES, including Mupen64Plus-Next (N64), Flycast (Dreamcast), Dolphin (GameCube/Wii), melonDS (Nintendo DS), PPSSPP (PSP), and LRPS2 (PS2). Once Kodi 22 reaches a stable release, we’ll update this section with the install steps.

For now, you will not be able to play Sega Dreamcast or N64 retro games internally on stable Kodi. We will show you how to set these up to an external app (RetroArch) later on!

Next up, we will have a look at how to get your controller setup in Kodi.

Syncing and Configuring Game Controllers in Kodi

This area of the guide is to help you setup and configure your game controller for retro games in Kodi. It covers a few important components, including:

1. What Controllers are Supported in Kodi?
2. How to Pair Your Controller
3. Getting Kodi to recognize your controller
4. Installing controller addons for each controller
5. Configure your controllers for games

What Controllers are Supported in Kodi?

Kodi supports a number of the most common controllers, including:

• XBox
• Sony Playstation
• Nvidia Shield
• Generic game controllers (as long as they have Bluetooth or USB support)

How to Pair Your Controller

To get your controller working with Kodi, you first have to set it up on the hardware you have Kodi loaded onto. For most people, that is probably and Android TV box, but this guide should work for Mac, Windows, and Linux as well.

If you want to use the controller wired, then plug it into your device. If you want to use the controller over Bluetooth, just turn it on and make sure it is NOT synced with anything else turned on.

How to Pair Game Controller on Amazon Fire

If you are using the Amazon Fire as your hardware of choice, then you want to navigate to Settings > Controllers & Bluetooth Devices.

Select the Game Controllers option and then click on Add New Game Controller.

The Amazon Fire will now search for known game controllers using Bluetooth.

If you are using the Playstation 4 controller, you must hold down the center PS button and the ‘Share’ button at the same time. For most other game controllers, you simply turn on the controller and then press the ‘sync’ button on the controller.

When the Amazon Fire recognizes your controller, it should be added to the list on the screen. You will be able to use the controller to navigate the menus.

How to Pair Game Controller on Android TV

If you have an Android TV box, pair your controller by navigating to Settings (gear icon) > Devices & Accessories > Add Accessory.

If you are prompted to turn Bluetooth ON on your Android TV box, allow this to happen. Your box will now be looking for game controllers.

If you are using the Playstation 4 controller, you must hold down the center PS button and the ‘Share’ button at the same time. For other game controllers, you simply turn on the controller and then press the ‘sync’ button on the controller.

When the Android TV box recognizes your controller, it should be added to the list on the screen. If your controller has been recognizes, scroll down and click OK. You will be able to use the controller to navigate the menus.

How to Get Kodi to Recognize Your Game Controller

By default, you should be able to use your controller and launch Kodi from your boxes main menu as normal. You will probably get to navigate Kodi using your controller right at this point.

If Kodi does not recognize your controller by default, it may be disabled in Kodi’s settings. To fix this issue:

1. From the Kodi main menu, click on Settings (gear icon)
2. Select System and head to the Input tab.
3. On the right, click on Configure attached controllers.
4. Kodi will prompt you to enable the add-on configuration. Select Yes.
5. A window will show your installed game pad along with any profiles you have set up. Simply click “OK” to save and exit and see if your controller works now.

Now that your game controller is set up, you are closer to playing retro games in Kodi!

How to Install Controller Addons in Kodi

In order to properly use each emulator (like Nintendo, Super Nintendo, etc), you need to install specific controller addons. These addons map out how your connected controller simulates each console’s native controller as follows:

1. From the Kodi main menu, click on the Add-ons icon (open box icon).
2. Select Install From Repository
3. Click on the Kodi Add-on Repository
4. Click on Game Add-ons
5. Select Controller Profiles

From this screen, you must install controller profiles for all of the emulators you wish to use. So if you plan on playing Super Nintendo and Atari 2600 games, you must install these controller profiles.

How to Configure Your Controllers for Retro Games in Kodi

Next, you need to configure the buttons for all of the controller addons you just installed. You have to map buttons from each original controller to your new controller which you have synced.

1. From the Kodi main menu, click the Settings gear icon.
2. Select System and then navigate to the Input tab.
3. Select Configure attached controllers.
4. If Kodi asks you to enable the addon configuration, select Yes.
5. You will see all of the controller addons you installed.
6. Choose the one you want to edit and then scroll to the right where the Buttons are listed.
7. Click each button and select it. The assigned button will be replaced by a prompt for you to press the equivalent button on your controller. So if you select the “A” button, then you’ll want to click the button on your controller you want to match A.
8. Repeat this process for each button on every controller.
9. When you are done, select OK to save your settings,

You have now installed controller addons and configured them and are one step closer to playing retro games in Kodi!

Next we get to the fun part – installing and playing games!

How to Install & Play Video Games in Kodi

Retro video games in Kodi are made possible by the use of roms and emulators. Emulators are little software programs that mirror old video game consoles. Roms are software replicas of video games that can be read by the Retroplayer emulator that comes packaged by Kodi.

Next, we will show you how to install emulators since you already have everything you need in Kodi.

How to Install Emulators in Kodi

1. From the Kodi main menu, click on the Add-ons icon (open box icon).
2. Select Install From Repository
3. Click on the Kodi Add-on Repository
4. Click on Game Add-ons
5. Select Emulators

From the giant list of emulators you now see, you have to install the ones you wish to use.

For some of the consoles where there is more than one emulator listed, here are our recommendations:

• Ninetendo DS = DeSmuME
• Game Boy Advance = mGBA
• NES = bnes
• SNES = Snes9x
• Sony Playstation = PCSX ReARMed

If you are having trouble getting some games to work with the emulators you have installed, feel free to try others!

Next, let’s move on to talking about the roms, which are the actual retro games you want to play in Kodi.

There is an awesome addon called the Internet Archive Game Launcher (IAGL) that allows you to play any and all retro games in Kodi. Let’s walk through how to install the IARL addon. Then we’ll show you how you can add your own roms into Kodi and setup a directory to play them.

How to Install the Internet Archive Game Launcher Kodi Addon (2026 Method)

IAGL’s own developer now specifically warns against installing it through third-party sources, builds, or “Fusion”-style installers, including the `fusion.tvaddons.co` method most retro-gaming guides (including our old one) used to recommend, which no longer works reliably. Install it straight from the official GitHub repository instead:

1. Using a web browser on your computer or phone, go to the official Zach Morris Kodi repository on GitHub.
2. Click the green Code button, then click Download ZIP. Don’t unzip it.
3. Transfer the zip file to your Kodi device (or download it directly on-device if your device’s browser supports it).
4. In Kodi, go to Settings > Add-ons and make sure Unknown sources is turned on.
5. Go to Add-ons > click the box/package icon in the top-left > Install from zip file, and select the zip file you downloaded.
6. Wait for the “Zach Morris Add-ons installed” notification.
7. Select Install from repository > Zach Morris Add-ons > Video Add-ons > Internet Archive Game Launcher > Install.
8. Wait for the Add-on enabled notification.

Note: if you’re still running Kodi 19 or earlier, the current IAGL release won’t install. You’ll need an older build from the repository’s GitHub releases page, or better, update Kodi first.

When you launch the Internet Archive Game Launch Kodi addon, you will see a ton of game consoles listed. Select a game you want to play and click Launch to open up the emulator and start playing.

How to Configure Internet Archive Game Launch Kodi Addon (IAGL)

In order to use the IAGL Kodi addon without any issues, there is a setup wizard that has to take place. Complete these steps:

1. Open the Internet Archive Game Launcher addon and accept the Terms of Use.
2. Press Yes to run the Setup Wizard.
3. You’ll be asked to sign in with an Internet Archive (archive.org) account. This is a newer requirement. Older IAGL versions didn’t need one. If you don’t have an account, create a free one at archive.org/account/signup first, then enter your username and password when prompted. You can skip this step and add your login later from the addon’s settings if you’d rather set it up on a computer.
4. Under Emulator Launcher, select either “Kodi Retroplayer” or “External” based on how you will be playing the majority of your emulators.
5. Select “Kodi Retroplayer” and we will show you how to update a few select emulators to external later if you wish.
6. Click on Execute Setup Wizard and follow the instructions.

Two smaller features worth knowing about: IAGL now has a download cache size limit you can raise from the addon’s Settings > General tab. By default it only keeps your most recently downloaded game, so if you’re replaying the same handful of titles, raising this saves you from re-downloading them every session. There’s also a Favorites list (right-click or long-press any game > Add to IAGL Favorites) for bookmarking the games you come back to, which matters more here than in most game launchers since IAGL’s full catalog runs into the thousands and isn’t easy to browse from scratch each time.

Other Retro Games in Kodi Help & Tips

How to Install Retroarch

First off, you need to install the Retroarch app, which is software that contains all of the same emulators you saw above.

A list of where to download and install Retroarch is as follows:

• Windows, OSX users: Download Retroarch from here.
• Linux users: Install Retroarch with from the PPA. See here for stable releases and here for nightly releases.
• Raspberry Pi users: Install the Kodi addon Gamestarter to install Retroarch directly from Kodi.
• LibreElec users (both x86 and RPi) have 2 options. Use the LibreElec “Remix” build here which includes Retroarch, or use the Kodi addon Gamestarter to install Retroarch directly from Kodi.
• OpenElec users (x86): Use the Kodi addon Gamestarter to install Retroarch directly from Kodi.
• Android users: Retroarch is available from the Play store.
• S905 users: Use the LibreElec “SX05RE” build here which includes Retroarch

Install Retroarch on your device.

Next, we have some basic Retroarch setup to perform to enable external app launching.

How to set up Retroarch External App

1. Launch the Retroarch app you installed above.
2. Go to Online Updater
3. Then, go to Core Updater
4. Click on at least one core for every system you’d like to play to update it.

It is highly recommended that you update the:

• Core Info Files
• Assets
• Autoconfig Profiles
• Cheats
• Databases
• Overlays
• Shaders

How to Configure Retroarch Location in IAGL Kodi Addon

1. Run Kodi and head into your video addons where the IAGL Kodi addon sites.
2. Hover over top of it and long press or press the menu (‘c’ button) and then select Settings.
3. Go into the External Launchers tab.
4. Click on My System Type and select it from this list.
5. You will have to complete all of the fields that now show up in order to get Retroarch to launch.

Here are some helpful hints about some of the options that you will see:

• Retroarch System Folder = This is the “com.retroarch” folder that installs when you install Retroarch on your Android box. It will be located at _//data/data/com.retroarch/ _for most users.
• Retroarch CFG Location = This is the “retroarch.cfg” file location, which stores a bunch of retroarch settings. It can be located in a number of locations including:
• Close Kodi on Launch = Some operating systems allow you to close Kodi when Retroarch is opened if you wish.
• Pause Kodi on Launch = Likewise, some operating systems pause Kodi when Retroarch is launched so that it doesn’t take up any resources.

How to Launch Retroarch From IAGL Kodi Addon

Once your external location is set up, we can force some retro games to launch via the external app.

1. Launch the Internet Archive Game Launch Kodi addon
2. Head into the Browse All Lists playlist
3. Hover on the console you want to launch using Retroarch, such a Sega Dreamcast or Nintendo 64.
4. Long press or press the menu button to bring open the context menu and then select Update Launch
5. Change this from Kodi to External to use the external settings you setup above.

Kodi Games on Xbox One Status

There is one giant exception to this entire guide – The Xbox. Microsoft allows Kodi to be installed on the Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S as long as Kodi complies with all of Microsoft’s terms.

One of those major terms is that Microsoft’s Windows Store policy bans any app that emulates a game system, on any device family. That means all of the Retroplayer dependencies and files are not included with the Xbox version of Kodi. You will not be able to play retro games on Xbox, and that isn’t expected to change since it’s a Microsoft store-wide policy rather than a Kodi limitation.

Slow Motion Game Fix

If you are seeing slow motion games and sound when you launch a rom, we have the fix for you. Follow these instructions:

1. From the Kodi main menu, navigate to System > Player > Videos
2. Uncheck the option to Allow Hardware Acceleration – *CodecName).

Internet Archive Game Launcher Not Working? How to Fix Common IAGL Errors

If you followed an older guide (including our previous one) and things aren’t working, or you’re seeing errors after installing the current version, these are the specific problems readers keep running into, and how to fix each one.

IAGL Archive.org Login Failed / Login Error

This is the most commonly reported IAGL problem right now: you enter your Internet Archive username and password during setup, but IAGL says something like “Download Request error: File not available or Archive requires login” or “Archive.org login failed. Check credentials.” This has been an open, acknowledged bug since at least v4.0.4 and users are still reporting it on the current v4.0.6. Try these in order:

1. Double check your archive.org username and password are correct by logging into archive.org directly in a browser first.
2. Open IAGL’s Settings (long-press or press C/menu on the addon) > Download Options, and make sure “archive.org login” is enabled, then manually re-enter your credentials there instead of through the setup wizard.
3. If it still fails, this is a known version-specific bug rather than something wrong on your end. Check the IAGL GitHub releases page for a newer build, since the developer has pushed fixes for this in past point releases.

Zach Morris Repository / Fusion Installer Not Working

If you’re getting a dead link or a failed install trying to add the Zach Morris repository through Fusion or `fusion.tvaddons.co`, that’s expected. That installer is no longer the supported method, and IAGL’s developer actively advises against using it. Use the official GitHub install method in the section above instead.

No Emulators Found or Games Won’t Launch

If IAGL downloads a ROM but then can’t find an emulator to run it, or Kodi closes/crashes the moment you try to launch a game, the emulator core for that specific console usually isn’t installed yet:

1. Go to Add-ons > Install from Repository > Kodi Add-on Repository > Game Add-ons > Emulators and confirm the emulator for that console is installed (see our recommended picks above).
2. If you’re using RetroArch as an external emulator, open it, go to Online Updater > Core Downloader, and download the core for the console that’s failing.
3. Also install the matching controller profile from Game Add-ons > Controller Profiles for that console. A missing controller profile can look identical to a missing emulator.

Internet Archive Game Launcher Not Working on Firestick or Android TV

On Firestick and Android TV specifically, run through this checklist before anything else:

• Confirm you’re on Kodi 20 or newer. Current IAGL builds won’t install on Kodi 19.
• Confirm Unknown sources is enabled under Settings > Add-ons.
• Confirm your gamepad is actually paired and recognized (see the controller section above). A controller that pairs with the device’s OS doesn’t always get recognized by Kodi automatically.
• If you’re on a very low-RAM Fire TV Stick, some emulator cores may simply be too demanding for the hardware; a stronger streaming box can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Do you have other retro games in Kodi setup questions or tips you want answered? Comment below or get in touch with us on Twitter and we will try to help you out!

Once again, if you have seen this guide on any other page than KODIT I P S.com, it has been stolen.

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