RetroAssembly

RetroAssembly is a self-hosted web application that brings classic gaming right to your browser. It lets you upload and organize your personal ROM collection, covering over 25 retro platforms — from 8-bit home consoles to portable handhelds and arcade cabinets. You can play any title directly in your browser, whether on desktop or mobile, without needing to install emulators or plugins on any device. Built with TypeScript and powered by Nostalgist.js, it combines a polished library interface with full emulation support and user account management. All of this runs from a single Docker container backed by SQLite, meaning no external database is required.

Common Use Cases

RetroAssembly is designed for anyone who wants a private, browser-accessible retro game collection. Collectors and enthusiasts use it to organize ROM libraries they've accumulated over the years into a searchable, artwork-rich interface. They can access this from any device on their network. Parents set it up as a family game server so children can play classic titles on phones or tablets using the on-screen controller, without needing any additional hardware. Retro gaming communities run shared instances where members can upload and play together through their own accounts, complete with separate save states. Developers use it as a reference platform for testing browser-based emulator performance across various hardware. Travelers who keep a VPS running can access their game library from any browser, anywhere in the world. With save states persisted server-side, progress is never lost between sessions.

Key Features

• Support for over 25 classic platforms, including NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, Arcade, Atari 2600, Virtual Boy, WonderSwan, and many more.
• Automatic box art and game metadata retrieval, so your library displays covers and titles instead of just bare filenames.
• Save state system with manual and automatic snapshots, plus configurable limits per ROM.
• Gameplay rewind on supported emulators, allowing you to undo mistakes without reloading a save state.
• Retro CRT and shader visual effects that recreate the look of original hardware displays.
• Virtual on-screen controller for mobile and tablet play, even without a physical gamepad.
• Spatial navigation support for keyboard and gamepad browsing through your game library.
• Multi-user accounts with per-user save states, preferences, favorites, and launch history.
• SQLite-backed storage — no external database required, and all data lives in a single volume.
• Built on Hono.js and Drizzle ORM with a React Router frontend for fast, modern performance.

Why deploy RetroAssembly on Hostinger VPS

Running RetroAssembly on a Hostinger VPS gives you a private game library that's accessible from any browser on any device, without depending on cloud gaming services or local emulator installations. Since the application uses SQLite and stores everything in a single volume, backups are as simple as copying one directory — there's no separate database server to manage or snapshot. A VPS provides the persistent storage needed for a large ROM collection and the network bandwidth for smooth in-browser emulation. Meanwhile, Traefik handles HTTPS automatically, ensuring your library is securely reachable from outside your home network. Hostinger's one-click deployment gets RetroAssembly up and running in under a minute, ready for you to start uploading your collection.