libretro / libretro/RetroArch

[Feature Request] Directories for RA related sounds!

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feature request
Dominant language
C
Stars
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Forks
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Avg merge
7h 35m
Merged PRs (30d)
51

Description

Implementing customizable directories for RetroAchievements sound files would be a highly beneficial feature for emulator users, both functionally and from a user-experience standpoint. Allowing users to define a dedicated folder for achievement sounds—rather than relying on a single default audio file or a hardcoded location—would introduce meaningful flexibility, organization, and personalization.

From a customization perspective, many RetroAchievements users enjoy tailoring their experience. Achievement sounds are a core part of the reward loop—similar to the recognizable tones used on consoles like PlayStation or Xbox. By enabling directory support, users could maintain multiple sound sets (e.g., classic console-inspired sounds, minimalist tones, or themed packs) and switch between them easily without manually replacing files each time. This would make the achievement system feel more integrated and personal.

This approach aligns with features already implemented in other emulators. Both DuckStation and PCSX2 allow users to configure directories for RetroAchievements sounds. Their implementations demonstrate that directory-based customization is practical, stable, and user-friendly. Maintaining feature parity with these emulators would not only modernize the experience but also meet expectations of users who are already familiar with such functionality elsewhere.

Contributor guide

Open the contributing guide

First steps

  1. Read the whole issue, then the project's contributing guide.
  2. Comment on the issue to say you are picking it up — it saves two people doing the same work.
  3. Fork the repository and make your change on a branch.
  4. Open a pull request that references the issue number.

Research direction

The issue names no files, tests, or entry points. Start by locating the existing RetroAchievements sound-file configuration and compare directory handling in DuckStation and PCSX2. Done means users can configure a directory for achievement sounds and use that directory without manually replacing the default file.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Tech stack
c
Domain
frontend
Issue type
Feature
Difficulty
4/5
Estimated time
3-5 days
Activity status
Quiet
Clarity
Needs clarification
Newbie friendliness
42/100

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