Which is better Yea Forums? Let's settle it.
RetroArch advantages:
>consolidated UI and settings for hundreds of different emulators
>run-ahead
>full rebinding
>VRR, BFI, and sync to exact framerate (for example, can match exact framerate of a game, whether it is 54fps like Raiden Fighters Jet, or 61.68fps like TGM)
>huge amount of shaders, filters, and overlays
>audio customization and level
>unlimited save states with save state thumbnails, undo save state/undo load state, pause, rewind, fast-forward, frame advance
>cheat support
>network play
>50+ different hotkeys with full rebinding
>Retro achievements that are uncheatable with an optional hardcore mode to disable save states, cheats, pause, rewind, and fast forward
>updated forks of some emulators that are the best way to play and just don't even have a standalone equivalent (PCE, PSX, N64, Genesis)
>being able to set any aspect ratio or refresh rate
>Rotation/TATE support
>recording, screenshots, and streaming
and being able to save ALL OF THESE, as well as specific core options and global settings, on a per-game, per-core, per-directory, and global basis. That means each and every game can have its own rebindings, shaders, volume and audio settings, run-ahead level, core and core options, rotation, aspect ratio, etc.
RetroArch disadvantages:
>it takes a couple minutes to learn UI
Standalone advantages:
>sometimes slightly more up-to-date
>easier to use
Standalones disadvantages:
>none of the above features or customization or configuration