How to Play Retro Games on Kodi: In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to play retro games on Kodi using the Internet Archive Game Launcher (IAGL). These instructions apply to all devices that support Kodi, including Windows PCs, macOS, FireStick, Fire TV, Nvidia Shield, Android smartphones, and more.
What Is the Internet Archive Game Launcher (IAGL)?
IAGL is a powerful Kodi addon that allows you to launch classic video games directly from the Internet Archive’s vast library. It supports a wide range of retro systems, such as Atari, Amiga, MS-DOS, NES, and many others. With IAGL, you can stream and play these retro games on your Kodi device using a few essential tools.
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A New Way to Play Retro Games on Kodi
Previously, accessing these classic games was limited to web browsers. Now, thanks to IAGL and Kodi’s built-in RetroPlayer, you can enjoy nostalgic gaming right on your media device.
To get started, you’ll need:
- The Internet Archive Game Launcher (available from the Zack Morris repository)
- An emulator: Emulators allow your device to run software meant for other systems.
- RetroPlayer: This is Kodi’s core gaming engine that lets you choose which emulator to use for each game.
- A compatible controller: A standard remote won’t cut it. You’ll need a USB or Bluetooth controller to play most games properly.
By setting up IAGL with the right emulator and a working controller, you can transform Kodi into a retro gaming powerhouse.
Is Internet Archive Game Launcher Safe and Legal?
Internet Archive Game Launcher (IAGL) is a third-party Kodi addon, which means it’s not part of the official Kodi repository. As such, its safety can’t be guaranteed in the same way as official addons. However, after scanning the Zach Morris Kodi Add-ons Repository—the source of IAGL—for viruses or malware, no threats were detected.
In terms of legality, IAGL is distributed under the General Public License Version 3, and its databases are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. This means you are allowed to use the addon for non-commercial purposes as long as proper credit is given. That said, because you’re accessing retro games from the Internet Archive (some of which may be in a legal gray area depending on your country’s copyright laws), it’s a smart idea to use a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN for privacy and protection.
Key Features of IAGL (Internet Archive Game Launcher)
- Clean and easy-to-use interface
- Access to thousands of classic retro games through Kodi
- Full support for Kodi’s built-in RetroPlayer
- Completely free to use
- Organized game library by genre, release year, and more
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How to Install Internet Archive Game Launcher on Kodi
You’re now ready to install IAGL on your Kodi setup. The installation process is divided into three clear parts, each with step-by-step instructions to help you set up the addon smoothly and start playing retro games in no time.
Part 1: Enable Unknown Sources on Kodi
Since the Internet Archive Game Launcher (IAGL) comes from a third-party repository (Zach Morris Repository), Kodi needs permission to install from unknown sources.
- From the Kodi home screen, click the Settings (gear icon) in the upper-left corner.
- Select System (bottom-right corner).
- In the left-hand menu, click Add-ons, then toggle Unknown sources to ON.
- A warning popup will appear—click Yes to confirm and proceed.
Part 2: Install Zach Morris Repository via G-Source Repository
To access the IAGL addon, you’ll first need to install the Zach Morris Add-ons repository through the G-Source Repository.
Follow these steps:
- Return to the Settings menu and select File manager.
- Click Add source.
- Choose <None> when prompted.
- Enter the following URL:
- To name the source, select the default name (gsource) or create your own, then click OK.
- Confirm everything by pressing OK again.
- Head back to Kodi Settings and choose Add-ons.
- Click Install from zip file.
- When prompted, click Yes to continue.
- Select the source you just added (e.g., gsource).
- Choose the file:
- Wait for the confirmation: G-Source Repository Add-on installed.
- Click Install from repository.
- Select G-Source Repository.
- Go to Add-on repository.
- Choose Zach Morris Add-ons.
- Hit Install and wait for the message: Zach Morris Add-ons Add-on installed.
Part 3: Install the Internet Archive Game Launcher Addon
Now that the Zach Morris repository is installed, you’re ready to install IAGL.
- Still on the Install from repository screen, click Zach Morris Add-ons.
- Select Video add-ons.
- Scroll down and click Internet Archive Game Launcher.
- On the info screen, click Install (bottom-right corner).
- A list of additional dependencies will pop up—click OK to continue.
- The addon will now download and install. Once it finishes, you’ll see a confirmation: Internet Archive Game Launcher Add-on installed.
You can now launch IAGL from your Kodi addons section. When prompted to set up YouTube, click No to skip.
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Stay Safe While Streaming on Kodi
Before diving into streaming with Kodi addons or builds, it’s important to know that everything you watch can be monitored by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and government authorities. If you’re streaming copyrighted content—whether it’s movies, TV shows, live TV, or sports—you could unintentionally run into legal trouble. The good news? You can protect your privacy by using a reliable VPN with Kodi. A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your online activity, helping you:
- Avoid ISP tracking
- Bypass throttling
- Unlock geo-restricted content
I personally use and recommend ExpressVPN—it’s one of the fastest, most secure options available. It’s easy to set up and works on nearly every streaming device.
How to Use ExpressVPN with Kodi (3 Simple Steps)
- Step 1: Sign up for ExpressVPN — It includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.
- Step 2: Download the ExpressVPN app for your device. (If you’re using a FireStick, follow the specific steps below.)
- Step 3: Open the app and press the Power icon to connect to a secure server. Your connection is now encrypted and private.
- Step 4: Subscribe to ExpressVPN if you haven’t already.
- Step 5: On the Fire TV home screen, click Find, then select Search.
- Step 6: Type ExpressVPN and select the app from the search results.
- Step 7: Click Download to install the app.
- Step 8: Open ExpressVPN and sign in using your email and password from registration.
- Step 9: Press the Power icon to connect to a server. That’s it—your FireStick is now protected with a secure VPN connection.
How to Set Up a Game Controller on Kodi
To fully enjoy retro gaming on Kodi using the Internet Archive Game Launcher (IAGL), you’ll need a game controller. A remote or keyboard just won’t provide the same experience.
Most USB and Bluetooth controllers are supported. Here’s how to connect and configure them:
- For USB controllers: Simply plug the controller into your device’s USB port.
- For Bluetooth controllers: Power on the controller, enable pairing mode, and connect it through your device’s Bluetooth settings.
Once your controller is connected, follow these steps to configure it in Kodi:
- From the Kodi home screen, click the Settings gear icon.
- Choose System.
- Navigate to Input, then select Configure attached controllers.
- Pick your controller profile and modify the buttons by selecting each one and pressing the corresponding button on your controller.
- Click OK to save the configuration. To reset everything, click Reset.
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How to Play Retro Games on Kodi with IAGL
Once you’ve installed the Internet Archive Game Launcher (IAGL), follow these steps to begin playing:
- From the Kodi home screen, go to Add-ons.
- Open Internet Archive Game Launcher under Video add-ons.
- On the first launch, you’ll see a Terms of Use popup. Click Agree.
- Next, the Setup Wizard will begin. Click Yes, then OK to proceed.
- You’ll be prompted to sign in with an Internet Archive account. This is optional—only a few ROMs require it. You can skip this step if you don’t have an account.
- When asked to select a game launcher, choose Kodi RetroPlayer (the default).
- For emulator installation, choose “Choose on launch only” to avoid long downloads.
IAGL may suggest pre-caching the game database. While optional, doing so helps reduce loading times when browsing games.
Browsing and Playing Retro Games
The IAGL interface is simple and intuitive. You can browse games in a few ways:
- Browse All Lists – View games organized by original platforms (e.g., NES, SNES, Atari).
- Categories – Filter games by Title, Genre, Year, Developer, and more.
- Search – Enter the game title manually.
- Random Game – Let IAGL surprise you.
To play a game:
- Select the game you want.
- Choose the emulator you prefer.
- The emulator will install (if needed), and the game will launch automatically.
While the games are freely available via the Internet Archive, in-game progress is not saved. Each session starts from the beginning.
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Final Thoughts
Retro games are a fantastic way to revisit the classics and preserve gaming history. With Internet Archive Game Launcher (IAGL) on Kodi, you can access thousands of iconic titles right from your device. Whether you’re playing on FireStick, Windows, or Android, it’s a nostalgic experience worth trying. Have questions or need help with setup? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What devices support playing retro games on Kodi with IAGL?
You can use Kodi and the Internet Archive Game Launcher on a variety of devices including Windows PCs, macOS, Amazon FireStick, Fire TV, Nvidia Shield, and Android smartphones, as long as they support Kodi and allow controller input.
Can I use any game controller with Kodi for retro gaming?
Most USB and Bluetooth controllers are compatible with Kodi. However, you should ensure your controller is recognized by your device’s operating system and configure the button layout within Kodi’s input settings for the best experience.
Do I need an Internet Archive account to use IAGL on Kodi?
Creating an Internet Archive account is optional. Some games may require it, but most retro games available through IAGL can be played without signing in.
How does Kodi RetroPlayer work with emulators?
Kodi RetroPlayer acts as a unified gaming engine that lets you choose and manage different emulators for various retro gaming systems, enabling smooth gameplay directly within Kodi.
Are saved game states supported when playing with IAGL?
Currently, IAGL does not support saving game progress or states. Each time you launch a game, it starts from the beginning.
What should I do if an emulator isn’t installed when launching a game?
IAGL will prompt you to install the required emulator automatically when you launch a game for the first time. You can also select “Choose on launch only” to keep downloads minimal and install emulators as needed.
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