Playing Games

This Documentation Sucks

Cannoli is in early preview. Expect the docs to get better as things progress and get finalized.

I'd rather just get feedback than commit to making good docs against a moving target.

Built-In Core Runner

Cannoli ships with a built-in libretro core runner. Press A on a game to play it.

Tip

Some platforms are not available in the built-in core runner. See Platforms for details.

RetroArch / Standalone Emulators

Cannoli can also launch your games using RetroArch or a standalone emulator.

You can configure which RetroArch core or standalone emulator handles a platform under Settings → Advanced → Core Mapping.

The directory structure for content (ROMs, saves, etc) is the same regardless of whether you use the built-in runner, RetroArch or a standalone emulator.

Resuming a Game

If a save state exists for a game, press X to jump back in. Use A to start the game without using the last save state.

Android handhelds: press the Menu button.
Android TV / Google TV: press Home on your controller. You'll need to enable the Accessibility Service first so the button isn't intercepted by the OS.

The menu gives you access to save states, settings, achievements, and more.

Multiple Controllers

Cannoli supports up to 4 controllers. The built-in controller (on handhelds) is always Player 1. External controllers that connect after the game starts are assigned to Players 2-4 automatically.

When a controller disconnects or reconnects you'll see a notification on screen.

If 2 or more controllers are connected, the IGM Controls screen will show a controller picker so you can configure each one individually.

Resume

Closes the menu and returns to gameplay.

Save State

Saves a snapshot of the game to the selected slot. There's an AUTO slot plus 10 slots.

The AUTO slot is a dedicated save file, separate from the slots. When you save to it, the previous auto save is placed into the first slot. All existing save states are then pushed back by one slot. This means your slots also double as auto save history.

The slots use the same file format as RetroArch, so save states are compatible between Cannoli and RetroArch.

Use Left / Right on the D-Pad to cycle between slots. Each slot shows a screenshot of what's saved in it.

A saves to the selected slot
Y deletes a slot
X undoes the last save, within a one-minute grace period

Warning

When all 10 slots are full, saving to AUTO will cause the oldest slot to be deleted.

Load State

Loads a previously saved snapshot. Same slot picker as Save State.

A loads the selected slot
Y deletes a slot
X undoes the last load, again within a one-minute grace period

Switch Disc

Only appears for multi-disc games. Use Left / Right to pick the disc, then A to confirm.

Guide

The IGM will allow you to view .pdf, .txt, .png and .jpg / .jpeg files. This is perfect for guides, manuals, maps and the like.

This menu option will only appear if the game you are playing has at least one guide file.

If you have one file this option will open it directly. If you have multiple files you will see a list. In both cases the IGM will remember the last page and position for each file.

Achievements

Only appears if you're logged into RetroAchievements and the game has achievements.

See the RetroAchievements page for details.

Settings

Opens the in-game settings with six categories:

Video - Screen scaling, sharpness, shaders, overlays
Emulator - Core-specific options (varies per platform)
Controls - Manage and assign button profiles
Shortcuts - Assign button combos to the following actions:
- Save State
- Load State
- Reset Game
- Save and Quit
- Cycle Scaling
- Cycle Shader
- Toggle Fast Forward
- Hold Fast Forward
- Open Guide
Advanced - Low latency mode, fast forward speed, debug HUD
Info - Displays the current core, ROM path, and save path

Reset

Resets the game to its initial state. Return to the IGM and press X to undo the reset within the one-minute grace period.

Quit

Exits the game and returns to the launcher.