Startup 1Retro unveils a specialised cloud backup platform designed to securely preserve and synchronise save files across a wide range of retro gaming devices and emulators, aiming to prevent progress loss and streamline portability.
1Retro is positioning itself as a specialist cloud backup service for retro gamers who want their save files to follow them across devices without manual copying or folder juggling. The platform is designed for Windows, macOS and Linux, and it watches emulator save locations in the background so new or changed files are uploaded automatically. It also promises to restore the latest versions when the app opens, keeping progress aligned across machines.
The service is aimed at players using a wide range of retro hardware and software, including OpenEmu, RetroArch, MiSTer, Analogue Pocket and other common emulators and handheld systems. According to 1Retro, it is intended to work with more than 43 gaming platforms, spanning consoles from Nintendo, Sega, Sony and Atari, as well as devices such as the Steam Deck and Android-based handhelds. The company says its desktop client is lightweight, while command-line tools are available for users who want more control or automation.
A central part of the pitch is versioning. 1Retro says each save is tracked separately in the cloud, which allows users to browse older copies and recover previous states through a web dashboard. It also claims to avoid unnecessary uploads by checking whether a file has actually changed, which should reduce sync times and limit bandwidth use. In the event of two devices altering the same save, the service says conflict resolution tools let the user decide which version takes precedence.
The company’s background material says the product grew out of a simple backup utility created by retro gamers frustrated by lost progress after corrupted storage, device changes or emulator reinstalls. That origin story helps explain the emphasis on preservation and portability rather than general-purpose file syncing. 1Retro offers a free tier, with paid plans for users who need more storage, save versioning and additional features, while pricing information on its site starts from $2 a month or $20 a year.
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