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RetroAchievements

Earn achievements while playing your original cartridges.

3 min read

Playback integrates with RetroAchievements.org, a community that adds achievement systems to classic games. Earn achievements, track your progress, and compete on leaderboards — all while playing your original cartridges.

Note: RetroAchievements requires an internet connection to verify and sync achievements.

Creating an account

If you don’t have a RetroAchievements account:

  1. Visit retroachievements.org/createaccount.php
  2. Fill out the registration form
  3. Verify your email address

Linking your account in Playback

  1. Open Settings (click the Playback logo > Settings)
  2. Go to Integrations
  3. Find the RetroAchievements section
  4. Click Login
  5. Enter your username and password
  6. Click Login

Once logged in, you’ll see your profile picture, display name, and points (hardcore and softcore).

Playback saves your credentials securely and automatically logs you in on future launches.

Viewing achievements during gameplay

  1. Start a game that has achievements
  2. Look at the control bar at the bottom of the screen
  3. Click the Achievements button (trophy icon)

The Achievements button only appears if the current game has achievements on RetroAchievements.org.

Achievements window

The window displays:

SectionWhat it shows
HeaderGame icon, title, progress bar (e.g., “12 of 25 achievements”)
Active ChallengesAchievements you’re currently working toward
LockedAchievements you haven’t earned yet
UnlockedAchievements you’ve completed
UnsupportedAchievements that can’t be earned with your current core

Each achievement shows:

  • Icon (locked/unlocked state)
  • Title and description
  • Points value
  • Rarity percentage (how many players have earned it)
  • Badges: Missable, Progression, Win Condition
  • Unlock time (if completed)

Settings

Configure RetroAchievements options in Settings > Integrations:

SettingDefaultDescription
Hardcore ModeOffDisables rewind, fast-forward, and slow-motion. Achievements earned are marked as “hardcore.” Requires restart.
Encore ModeOffRe-experience previously earned achievements (points not re-awarded). Requires restart.
Show Leaderboard NotificationsOnDisplay notifications when entering/completing leaderboards.
Show Leaderboard TrackerOnShow live leaderboard position during gameplay.
Show Progress IndicatorOnDisplay progress toward multi-step achievements.
Show Challenge IndicatorsOnHighlight when special challenge conditions are active.

Core compatibility

DeviceCoreRetroAchievements
GB OperatormGBASupported
SN OperatorbsnesNot supported

RetroAchievements are available for Game Boy®, Game Boy Color®, and Game Boy Advance® games using the mGBA core. For SNES®, the default bsnes core does not support RetroAchievements, but other cores are available that do.

Tips

  • The trophy icon only appears for games with achievements
  • Some achievements are “missable” — check descriptions before playing
  • Hardcore Mode earns you more respect in the community
  • Visit retroachievements.org to see which games have achievements

See also

Still need help? Contact our support team