Netplay

Before You Start

Use a stable connection and keep each game visible and the device awake. Multiplayer support depends on the system, game, core, and browser. A mode appearing in Rebit does not add multiplayer to a game that never supported it.

Use Link Cable for GB, GBC, and GBA, or Nintendo DS Multiplayer for DS local wireless.

Choose a Multiplayer Mode

Mode	How it works	What to prepare
Stream	The host runs the game and streams the screen; guests send controller input.	A host device capable of running and streaming the game, plus a stable connection.
Lockstep	Both devices run the game and wait for synchronized inputs.	The exact matching ROM in each player's library.
Rollback	Both devices run the game, predict missing input briefly, and correct it when needed.	The exact matching ROM and a supported device; visible corrections or pauses can occur.

Lockstep and Rollback currently support two players for NES, SNES, Genesis / Mega Drive, Master System, and Game Gear on supported cores. Use the available choices in the game menu; these modes are not offered for every system.

Stream player counts depend on the system and game. Choose an enabled player count in the host dialog, and use the game's own multiplayer menu after connecting.

Host a Game

1. Open the game from Library and select Play Now.
2. Open the in-game menu and select Netplay.
3. Choose Stream, Lockstep, or Rollback when the mode selector is available.
4. For Lockstep or Rollback, choose P2P or Edge Link. For Rollback, keep the initial Delay setting unless you need to adjust responsiveness.
5. Choose an enabled player count and select Start Host or Start hosting, as shown.
6. Copy the Room ID and tell friends to find the room in Netplay.

You can also create supported rooms from a game's menu in Big Picture.

Choose a Connection

P2P connects devices directly when the network allows it. Edge Link routes the session through Rebit's servers and can help when direct connections fail on mobile data or restrictive networks. Both still depend on each player's connection and device performance.

Guests use the host's mode and transport. To change them, leave and create a new room.

The current Netplay host menu does not offer the old Internet/LAN selector.

Join by Room ID

Find the matching Room ID in the Netplay room list, or open the host's room link when provided. Select Join and complete any game selection prompt.

For Lockstep and Rollback, Rebit checks the game file, including its region and revision. If it says No matching ROM found, upload the matching release first. Renaming a different ROM does not make it compatible.

Stream guests receive the host's game stream; they do not need to run their own copy of that game.

Join from Discover

Open an active-room entry when shown in Discover, or use the dedicated Netplay tab. Select Refresh if the list is stale, then Join. A full room cannot accept another player, but may still offer Watch.

Watch and Recordings

Supported rooms offer Watch without taking a player slot. Saved replay links are public. Live Watch and replay availability are separate; see Watch and Multiplayer Replays.

Leave a Netplay Session

Tell the other player before leaving. Save using the controls available for the active mode, wait for confirmation, then use the session's Leave action or Quit.

Save loading, changing cores, speed controls, and other solo actions may be disabled during a synchronized session. Do not use solo save instructions to replace the room's save flow.

Netplay Troubleshooting

• No matching ROM: check the exact region and revision.
• P2P will not connect: recreate the room with Edge Link when available.
• Stream is slow: try Performance Mode if offered, reduce work on the host device, and check its connection.
• Lockstep pauses: a player or connection may be falling behind; keep both games visible.
• Rollback stalls: wait briefly for recovery, or use Retry sync when offered. Create a fresh room if it cannot recover.
• A mode is unavailable: read its on-screen reason and update the browser or app. Do not join through a different mode expecting the same session.

See Troubleshooting for details to include in a useful problem report.