This is for the 2606.0 ANDROMEDA release only!
What is Pickles?
Pickles is a simpler way to run Libretro cores within MustardOS. It uses your current frontend theme, so the colours, fonts, and menu styling match your system instead of looking like a separate app. Everything feels right at home with Pickles!
Why is it called Pickles?
We already carry a condiment name, and Pickles just works on a burger with Mustard. Plus they’re delicious! It also means you can ask whether someone’s running “Mustard with Pickles” or “Mustard with RetroArch”.
Is Pickles a completely new emulation system?
Not exactly. Pickles and RetroArch both use Libretro cores, the underlying system that emulates each console.
Pickles is its own frontend, built specifically for MustardOS. It doesn’t run RetroArch underneath, and it isn’t RetroArch with some settings hidden.
Will games run better with Pickles?
Possibly, but we’re not promising a big performance difference. Some cores may run slightly better since Pickles and RetroArch handle things differently, but that’s speculation until we’ve tested more. For most people, the main difference is how games are set up and managed. I’m sure over time we’ll get feedback and performance statistics.
Why use Pickles instead of RetroArch?
Pickles aims to make everyday emulation tasks easier while keeping everything feeling like part of MustardOS. Game settings, controls, saves, and shaders are all handled through the same menu style. It also follows your current theme, so moving from the menus into a game feels seamless.
Is Pickles replacing RetroArch?
No. RetroArch remains available as an assignable system and core option. Pickles won’t suit everyone, and isn’t meant to replace every RetroArch feature. Anyone who prefers RetroArch or needs its advanced options can keep using it.
Is Pickles intended to match every RetroArch feature?
Pickles is a minimal play system with just the settings you need for everyday use, and it stays out of your way once you’re playing. New features are only added when they’re useful and fit naturally within MustardOS.
Does Pickles support multiplayer?
Sure does. Network Play is supported, so you can play with someone else over a local network session. Just be mindful that not all cores like to be played over a network.
Does Pickles support RetroAchievements?
RetroAchievements are supported, with achievements tracked while you play. Certain features are restricted during an achievement session, in line with how hardcore rules normally work.
Are Pickles’ settings global?
Nothing comes preconfigured, so everything is ready for you to adjust to your liking from the start. Settings can be saved per content, per core, or per directory, and each one is stored independently. There’s no “global” configuration, so changes in one place won’t carry over elsewhere.
How are controls remapped?
Through the Input Remap section in MustardOS settings. This keeps controller setup in one place, rather than separate systems in the frontend and Pickles.
Does Pickles support shaders?
Yes. Shaders are supported, though not enabled by default. They’re installed and ready to use whenever you need them. However, your typical RetroArch based shaders are not going to work with Pickles. They are structurally different and work completely separate.
How do saves work?
Pickles supports SRAM saves and save states, with save handling kept straightforward and reliable. Save states can also be given custom names, so it’s much easier to find the save you want instead of remembering what’s in “Slot 1”, “Slot 2”, or “Slot 3”.
Who is Pickles intended for?
Mainly people who want to pick a game, tweak a few things if needed, and start playing, without a separate frontend and configuration system to deal with.
Since it uses your current MustardOS theme and interface style, it feels like a natural part of the system. Anyone who enjoys detailed configuration or relies on advanced RetroArch features can keep using RetroArch as usual.