[Tutorial] Setup RetroArch + Sync Emulation Saves Between Devices (updated 2023 - see description)
637* I've updated the process using Syncthing! I've written a tutorial below, and I would highly recommend following that instead! I'd appreciate any feedback too! Thanks! :)
https://medium.com/@vimitation.official/sync-retroarch-saves-and-states-and-roms-between-devices-using-syncthing-c556e2dbc211
Previous Way (deprecated, follow the link above!):
*** I will not tell you where to get ROMs ***
You follow this tutorial at your own risk.
[Downloads]
RetroArch:
https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms
(please consider donating to support them. I'm not affiliated with them, I just think they've been doing a good job)
Google Drive Backup and Sync:
https://www.google.com/drive/download/backup-and-sync/
(You don't need to donate to these guys)
AutoSync for Google Drive:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ttxapps.drivesync&hl=en_US
RetroArch (Android 64-bit version):
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.retroarch.aarch64
RetroArch (Android 32-bit Version. *the 64-bit version is recommended):
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.retroarch
[Installation]
Steps:
(Windows/Mac)
Install Google Drive Backup and Sync on your computer.
Install RetroArch on your computer
Change the "Savefile" and "Savestate" folder directories within RetroArch to the Google Drive folder
(Android)
Install AutoSync and setup a 2-way sync with Google Drive
Install RetroArch. The 64-bit version is recommended if your device can run it.
Change the "Savefile" and "Savestate" folder directories within RetroArch to local folder that sync with Google Drive (via AutoSync).
I'd also recommend changing some setting in AutoSync, to make it only sync on WiFi (to save data) and turn off notifications since it will tell you everytime it syncs.
[Other]
How to install RetroArch on iOS:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMCXXabUR5k
App to sync Google Drive on iOS?
(**I don't know if this will work**):
https://apps.apple.com/app/documents-5-file-manager-pdf-reader-and-browser/id364901807
Reddit post about Sega Genesis on Steam and it's ROMs
https://www.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/7y1iga/sega_mega_drive_and_genesis_classics_is_75_off_on/
Also, you may not want to store your ROMs on Google Drive since they are technically copyright materials and I dunno if Google would snitch on you or not. I included it in the video for convenience sake, but you may want to manually transfer ROMs onto new devices (i.e. connecting your phone to the computer and copying them over). This won't affect the sync functionality of saves or save states.