diff --git a/emulators/00_example.yml b/emulators/00_example.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..5a180782
--- /dev/null
+++ b/emulators/00_example.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+emulator: "00_example"
+type: test
+source: "https://github.com/libretro/libretro-samples"
+cores:
+  - 00_example
+systems: []
+
+notes: |
+  Test/example core from libretro-samples. Minimal "hello world" libretro
+  implementation demonstrating the core API contract (retro_init, retro_run,
+  retro_load_game, etc.). Renders a simple color pattern to the framebuffer.
+
+  No system files, BIOS, or firmware required. Not an emulator.
+
+files: []
diff --git a/emulators/2048.yml b/emulators/2048.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..fad51b8f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/emulators/2048.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,10 @@
+emulator: "2048"
+type: game
+source: "https://github.com/libretro/libretro-2048"
+cores: [2048]
+systems: []
+files: []
+notes: >
+  Libretro port of the 2048 sliding puzzle game by Gabriele Cirulli.
+  Self-contained core with all assets compiled into the binary.
+  No content file, BIOS, or system directory files required.
diff --git a/emulators/3dengine.yml b/emulators/3dengine.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..612331b0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/emulators/3dengine.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+emulator: 3DEngine
+type: utility
+source: "https://github.com/libretro/libretro-3dengine"
+cores: [3dengine]
+systems: []
+files: []
+notes: >
+  Tech demo rendering a 3D scene using software rasterization.
+  Demonstrates libretro hardware-accelerated rendering capabilities.
+  Self-contained core with all geometry and textures built in.
+  No content file, BIOS, or system directory files required.
diff --git a/emulators/advanced_tests.yml b/emulators/advanced_tests.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..c9bb54a8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/emulators/advanced_tests.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+emulator: advanced_tests
+type: test
+source: "https://github.com/libretro/libretro-samples"
+cores:
+  - advanced_tests
+systems: []
+
+notes: |
+  Advanced test core from libretro-samples. Exercises extended libretro API
+  features: subsystems, memory descriptors, serialization, multi-disk control,
+  and other optional environment callbacks. Used by frontend developers to
+  validate their implementations.
+
+  No system files, BIOS, or firmware required. Not an emulator.
+
+files: []
diff --git a/emulators/anarch.yml b/emulators/anarch.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..d073c6e8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/emulators/anarch.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+emulator: Anarch
+type: game
+source: "https://github.com/libretro/anern"
+cores: [anarch]
+systems: []
+files: []
+notes: >
+  Libretro port of Anarch, a public domain suckless FPS game by Miloslav Ciz.
+  Entirely self-contained with all levels, textures, and sounds compiled
+  into the binary using procedural generation and hardcoded data tables.
+  No content file, BIOS, or system directory files required.
diff --git a/emulators/chailove.yml b/emulators/chailove.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..58d1cb9f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/emulators/chailove.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+emulator: ChaiLove
+type: game
+source: "https://github.com/libretro/libretro-chailove"
+cores: [chailove]
+systems: []
+files: []
+notes: >
+  2D game framework for libretro inspired by LOVE2D, using ChaiScript.
+  Loads .chai or .chailove game files as content. The core itself is a
+  game engine runtime with no system directory dependencies.
+  No BIOS, firmware, or system directory files required.
diff --git a/emulators/craft.yml b/emulators/craft.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..e9a24b5f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/emulators/craft.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+emulator: Craft
+type: game
+source: "https://github.com/libretro/Craft"
+cores: [craft]
+systems: []
+files: []
+notes: >
+  Libretro port of Craft, a simple Minecraft clone by Michael Fogleman.
+  Procedurally generates a voxel world with basic block placement and removal.
+  All textures and shaders are compiled into the binary.
+  No content file, BIOS, or system directory files required.
diff --git a/emulators/dinothawr.yml b/emulators/dinothawr.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..53490c05
--- /dev/null
+++ b/emulators/dinothawr.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+emulator: Dinothawr
+type: game
+source: "https://github.com/libretro/Dinothawr"
+cores: [dinothawr]
+systems: []
+files: []
+notes: >
+  Puzzle game developed by the libretro team as a reference libretro core.
+  Push blocks on ice to solve puzzles. Game data (maps, sprites, music)
+  ships in the libretro repo and is loaded as content.
+  No BIOS, firmware, or system directory files required.
diff --git a/emulators/dolphin_launcher.yml b/emulators/dolphin_launcher.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..7929ed79
--- /dev/null
+++ b/emulators/dolphin_launcher.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+emulator: "Dolphin Launcher"
+type: launcher
+source: "https://github.com/RobLoach/libretro-dolphin-launcher"
+cores:
+  - dolphin_launcher
+systems: [nintendo-gamecube, nintendo-wii]
+
+notes: |
+  Launcher stub that passes games to standalone Dolphin (dolphin-emu-nogui,
+  dolphin-emu, or Flatpak org.DolphinEmu.dolphin-emu). The core itself does
+  no emulation - it calls system() with the game path, waits for Dolphin to
+  exit, then signals RETRO_ENVIRONMENT_SHUTDOWN.
+
+  Requires Dolphin installed separately on the host. All BIOS/firmware files
+  (IPL.bin, DSP ROMs, fonts, Wii NAND) are managed by the standalone Dolphin
+  install, not by RetroArch system/. See dolphin.yml for those files.
+
+  No system files, BIOS, or firmware required by this core.
+
+files: []
diff --git a/emulators/gam4980.yml b/emulators/gam4980.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..cd451e67
--- /dev/null
+++ b/emulators/gam4980.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,78 @@
+emulator: GAM4980
+type: libretro
+source: "https://github.com/ThisBoringWorld/gam4980"
+cores:
+  - gam4980
+systems:
+  - bbk-longman-4980
+
+# GAM4980 is a BBK Longman 4980 electronic dictionary game emulator for
+# libretro. Original code from https://codeberg.org/iyzsong/gam4980, based
+# on the BA4988 BBK simulator by Wuyun.
+#
+# The device uses a 6502-based CPU with banked ROM access.
+#
+# ROM loading (src/libretro.c:1171-1177, retro_init):
+#   The core gets the RetroArch system directory via RETRO_ENVIRONMENT_GET_SYSTEM_DIRECTORY,
+#   appends "/gam4980" to build the ROM directory path, then calls sys_init(romdir).
+#
+# sys_init (src/libretro.c:693-723):
+#   Opens romdir/8.BIN and reads 0x200000 bytes (2 MB) into sys.rom_8 (font ROM).
+#   Opens romdir/E.BIN and reads 0x200000 bytes (2 MB) into sys.rom_e (OS ROM).
+#   Both files are mandatory -- no fallback, no error handling. The core will
+#   crash if either file is missing.
+#
+# Memory map (src/libretro.c:109-110, 300-305):
+#   0x800000-0x9FFFFF  rom_8 (font ROM, 8.BIN)
+#   0xE00000-0xFFFFFF  rom_e (OS ROM, E.BIN)
+#   These ROMs must be dumped from a physical BBK Longman 4980 dictionary.
+#
+# The .info file does not declare firmware entries. The core is marked
+# is_experimental = true.
+
+notes: |
+  Place 8.BIN and E.BIN in the RetroArch system/gam4980/ subdirectory.
+  Both files must be 2 MB dumps from a BBK Longman 4980 dictionary:
+    8.BIN - font ROM, dumped from address range 0x800000-0x9FFFFF
+    E.BIN - OS ROM, dumped from address range 0xE00000-0xFFFFFF
+  The core will crash without these files (no error handling in sys_init).
+  Game files use the .gam extension.
+
+files:
+  - name: "gam4980/8.BIN"
+    size: 2097152
+    md5: ddfc001a6859d63ed46368ea7fe9f20c
+    sha1: 062067e6d661c3d3e10d910435be4a59db1bee9f
+    required: true
+    system: bbk-longman-4980
+    bundled: false
+    note: "Font ROM (2 MB). Loaded at 0x800000. Dumped from physical device (src/libretro.c:716-718)."
+    source_ref: "src/libretro.c:716"
+
+  - name: "gam4980/E.BIN"
+    size: 2097152
+    md5: 72a16fd0d2453108321edc65cd347c77
+    sha1: b486b6eda5cd7e79bb5605d1fbe36eb88bfc6724
+    required: true
+    system: bbk-longman-4980
+    bundled: false
+    note: "OS ROM (2 MB). Loaded at 0xE00000. Dumped from physical device (src/libretro.c:720-722)."
+    source_ref: "src/libretro.c:720"
+
+platform_details:
+  bios_mapping:
+    target: "0x800000-0x9FFFFF (font), 0xE00000-0xFFFFFF (OS) in banked address space"
+    source_ref: "src/libretro.c:109-110, 300-305"
+    notes: |
+      sys.rom_8 and sys.rom_e are flat 2 MB arrays. The CPU accesses them
+      through bank-switched memory (PA() macro resolves virtual to physical
+      address). rom_8_vread and rom_e_vread handle indirect reads via
+      the banking system.
+
+  load_path:
+    source_ref: "src/libretro.c:1173-1177"
+    notes: |
+      retro_init() builds the path as {system_directory}/gam4980/ and
+      passes it to sys_init(). Files must be named exactly 8.BIN and
+      E.BIN (case sensitive on Linux). No .info firmware declarations
+      exist, so RetroArch won't warn about missing files at scan time.
diff --git a/emulators/gme.yml b/emulators/gme.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..68548b39
--- /dev/null
+++ b/emulators/gme.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,12 @@
+emulator: Game Music Emu
+type: utility
+source: "https://github.com/libretro/libretro-gme"
+cores: [gme]
+systems: []
+files: []
+notes: >
+  Libretro wrapper around Blargg's Game Music Emu library.
+  Plays chiptune music files from various consoles: NSF (NES), SPC (SNES),
+  GBS (Game Boy), VGM/VGZ (Sega), HES (PC Engine), AY (ZX Spectrum),
+  SAP (Atari), KSS (MSX). Loads music files as content.
+  No BIOS, firmware, or system directory files required.
diff --git a/emulators/gong.yml b/emulators/gong.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..c6b4cfd7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/emulators/gong.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,10 @@
+emulator: Gong
+type: game
+source: "https://github.com/libretro/gong"
+cores: [gong]
+systems: []
+files: []
+notes: >
+  Simple Pong clone written as a minimal libretro core example.
+  Self-contained with all rendering done programmatically.
+  No content file, BIOS, or system directory files required.
diff --git a/emulators/holani.yml b/emulators/holani.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..d8501ae7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/emulators/holani.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+emulator: Holani
+type: libretro
+source: "https://github.com/LLeny/holani-retro"
+cores: [holani]
+systems: [atari-lynx]
+verification: existence
+
+notes: |
+  Holani is a cycle-stepped Atari Lynx emulator written in Rust by LLeny.
+  The libretro port (holani-retro) loads lynxboot.img from the system
+  directory at retro_load_game time (lib.rs:110-121). Path is built as
+  system_directory + "/lynxboot.img", no subdirectory.
+
+  The core library (holani/src/rom.rs) embeds a free boot ROM from
+  https://bjoern.spruck.net/lynx/ as FREE_BOOTROM (512 bytes), used as
+  the default when no external ROM is loaded (Rom::default()). The
+  libretro wrapper attempts to load the real lynxboot.img, but if the
+  file is missing or the system directory is invalid, Lynx::new() already
+  has the free boot ROM initialized. No hash validation on the external
+  file; Rom::from_slice() only checks length == 512.
+
+  Unlike Handy and Gearlynx, Holani always boots because the free ROM
+  is compiled in. The real BIOS provides more accurate boot behavior
+  (encrypted cart loader, original RSA key), while the free ROM
+  reimplements the boot sequence without proprietary code.
+
+  ROM extensions: .lnx, .o
+  Core options: none.
+
+files:
+  - name: "lynxboot.img"
+    description: "Atari Lynx boot ROM"
+    region: "World"
+    required: false
+    size: 512
+    sha1: "e4ed47fae31693e016b081c6bda48da5b70d7ccb"
+    md5: "fcd403db69f54290b51035d82f835e7b"
+    crc32: "0d973c9d"
+    source_ref: "holani-retro lib.rs:110-121 (bios load path), holani rom.rs:14-47 (FREE_BOOTROM embedded fallback), rom.rs:72-79 (from_slice length check only)"
+    notes: "Optional. Core ships with a free boot ROM embedded at compile time. Real BIOS provides original encrypted cart loader. No CRC/hash validation on load, only size == 512."
diff --git a/emulators/jumpnbump.yml b/emulators/jumpnbump.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..90dc9c7b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/emulators/jumpnbump.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+emulator: Jump 'n Bump
+type: game
+source: "https://github.com/libretro/jumpnbump-libretro"
+cores: [jumpnbump]
+systems: []
+files: []
+notes: >
+  Libretro port of Jump 'n Bump, a multiplayer bunny-stomping platformer
+  originally by Brainchild Design (1998). Released as freeware.
+  Game data (sprites, levels, sounds) is compiled into the binary.
+  No content file, BIOS, or system directory files required.
diff --git a/emulators/mrboom.yml b/emulators/mrboom.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..856d574a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/emulators/mrboom.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+emulator: Mr.Boom
+type: game
+source: "https://github.com/libretro/mrboom-libretro"
+cores: [mrboom]
+systems: []
+files: []
+notes: >
+  Bomberman clone supporting up to 8 players. Ported to libretro from
+  the original x86 assembly game by Remdy Software.
+  All game assets are compiled into the core binary.
+  No content file, BIOS, or system directory files required.
diff --git a/emulators/oberon.yml b/emulators/oberon.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..8ba330e8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/emulators/oberon.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,39 @@
+emulator: Oberon
+type: libretro
+source: "https://github.com/libretro/oberon-risc-emu"
+cores:
+  - oberon
+systems: [oberon]
+
+# Project Oberon RISC emulator by Peter De Wachter.
+# Emulates the Oberon RISC processor designed by Niklaus Wirth.
+# The bootloader (512 words) is compiled into the binary from risc-boot.inc,
+# loaded into ROM at 0xFFFFF800 on startup (risc.c:75-77, risc_new).
+#
+# Content: .dsk disk images containing the full Oberon operating system.
+# The disk image is loaded via retro_load_game(game->path) and attached
+# as SPI disk (Libretro/libretro.c:209-214). No files are read from
+# the RetroArch system directory.
+#
+# Reference disk images ship in the repo under DiskImage/:
+#   Oberon-2020-08-18.dsk (990208 bytes, latest)
+#   Oberon-2019-01-21.dsk (988160 bytes)
+#   Oberon-2016-08-02.dsk (989184 bytes)
+#   Oberon-2016-04-18.dsk (989184 bytes)
+# These are game content, not system files.
+
+files: []
+
+notes:
+  architecture: >
+    Custom 32-bit RISC CPU (25 MHz emulated) with 1 MB RAM (expandable to 32 MB).
+    Monochrome 1-bit framebuffer. Keyboard input via PS/2 scancodes.
+    SPI bus for SD card (disk image) access. Serial port for PCLink file transfer.
+  boot_process: >
+    CPU starts execution at ROM address 0xFFFFF800. The embedded bootloader
+    reads the boot sector from the SPI disk and loads the Oberon inner core
+    (modules Kernel, FileDir, Files, Modules) into RAM, then jumps to it.
+  content_format: >
+    Disk images (.dsk) are raw sector images read via 512-byte SPI commands.
+    The core detects filesystem-only images (magic 0x9B1EA38D at sector 0)
+    and adjusts the sector offset accordingly (disk.c:57-58).
diff --git a/emulators/pascal_pong.yml b/emulators/pascal_pong.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..88f4243d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/emulators/pascal_pong.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,10 @@
+emulator: Pascal Pong
+type: game
+source: "https://github.com/libretro/libretro-pong"
+cores: [pascal_pong]
+systems: []
+files: []
+notes: >
+  Pong clone written in Pascal as a libretro core demonstration.
+  Self-contained with all rendering done programmatically.
+  No content file, BIOS, or system directory files required.
diff --git a/emulators/pocketcdg.yml b/emulators/pocketcdg.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..c3448dc6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/emulators/pocketcdg.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+emulator: PocketCDG
+type: utility
+source: "https://github.com/libretro/libretro-pocketcdg"
+cores: [pocketcdg]
+systems: []
+files: []
+notes: >
+  CD+G (CD+Graphics) karaoke player for libretro. Renders the subcode
+  graphics channel from .cdg files synchronized with audio.
+  Loads .cdg content files directly.
+  No BIOS, firmware, or system directory files required.
diff --git a/emulators/superbroswar.yml b/emulators/superbroswar.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..9846d671
--- /dev/null
+++ b/emulators/superbroswar.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+emulator: Super Bros War
+type: game
+source: "https://github.com/libretro/superbroswar-libretro"
+cores: [superbroswar]
+systems: []
+files: []
+notes: >
+  Libretro port of Super Mario War, a fan-made multiplayer battle game
+  where players stomp each other in Mario-style arenas.
+  Game data (maps, sprites, sounds) ships with the core repository.
+  No BIOS, firmware, or system directory files required.
diff --git a/emulators/syobonaction.yml b/emulators/syobonaction.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..4337add8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/emulators/syobonaction.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+emulator: Syobon Action
+type: game
+source: "https://github.com/libretro/syobonaction-libretro"
+cores: [syobonaction]
+systems: []
+files: []
+notes: >
+  Libretro port of Syobon Action (Cat Mario), a parody platformer known
+  for deceptive traps and unfair level design by z_gundam_tanosii.
+  Game data (maps, sprites, sounds) ships with the core repository.
+  No BIOS, firmware, or system directory files required.
diff --git a/emulators/tamalibretro.yml b/emulators/tamalibretro.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..d082567e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/emulators/tamalibretro.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+emulator: TamaLIBretro
+type: game
+source: "https://github.com/libretro/tamern-libretro"
+cores: [tamalibretro]
+systems: []
+files: []
+notes: >
+  Tamagotchi P1 virtual pet simulator for libretro based on TamaLIB.
+  Emulates the Bandai Tamagotchi P1 hardware (E0C6S46 CPU).
+  The original Tamagotchi ROM is compiled into the binary.
+  No content file, BIOS, or system directory files required.
diff --git a/emulators/test.yml b/emulators/test.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..0f81e20c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/emulators/test.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+emulator: test
+type: test
+source: "https://github.com/libretro/libretro-samples"
+cores:
+  - test
+systems: []
+
+notes: |
+  Basic test core from libretro-samples. Minimal software-rendered core
+  used for sanity-checking the libretro frontend loop (frame timing, input
+  polling, audio sample generation).
+
+  No system files, BIOS, or firmware required. Not an emulator.
+
+files: []
diff --git a/emulators/test_netplay.yml b/emulators/test_netplay.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..66f48ff8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/emulators/test_netplay.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+emulator: test_netplay
+type: test
+source: "https://github.com/libretro/libretro-samples"
+cores:
+  - test_netplay
+systems: []
+
+notes: |
+  Netplay test core from libretro-samples. Designed to validate the libretro
+  netplay subsystem: deterministic frame stepping, input synchronization,
+  savestate serialization for rollback. Renders a simple interactive scene
+  where two players can verify sync.
+
+  No system files, BIOS, or firmware required. Not an emulator.
+
+files: []
diff --git a/emulators/testaudio_callback.yml b/emulators/testaudio_callback.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..0a94a664
--- /dev/null
+++ b/emulators/testaudio_callback.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+emulator: testaudio_callback
+type: test
+source: "https://github.com/libretro/libretro-samples"
+cores:
+  - testaudio_callback
+systems: []
+
+notes: |
+  Audio callback test core from libretro-samples. Tests the
+  RETRO_ENVIRONMENT_SET_AUDIO_CALLBACK path where audio runs on a
+  separate thread managed by the frontend. Generates a simple tone
+  to validate callback-driven audio output.
+
+  No system files, BIOS, or firmware required. Not an emulator.
+
+files: []
diff --git a/emulators/testaudio_no_callback.yml b/emulators/testaudio_no_callback.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..4f019e96
--- /dev/null
+++ b/emulators/testaudio_no_callback.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+emulator: testaudio_no_callback
+type: test
+source: "https://github.com/libretro/libretro-samples"
+cores:
+  - testaudio_no_callback
+systems: []
+
+notes: |
+  Audio no-callback test core from libretro-samples. Tests the standard
+  synchronous audio path using retro_audio_sample/retro_audio_sample_batch
+  (no threaded callback). Generates a simple tone to validate the default
+  audio output mode.
+
+  No system files, BIOS, or firmware required. Not an emulator.
+
+files: []
diff --git a/emulators/testaudio_playback_wav.yml b/emulators/testaudio_playback_wav.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..9475d1ad
--- /dev/null
+++ b/emulators/testaudio_playback_wav.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+emulator: testaudio_playback_wav
+type: test
+source: "https://github.com/libretro/libretro-samples"
+cores:
+  - testaudio_playback_wav
+systems: []
+
+notes: |
+  Audio WAV playback test core from libretro-samples. Loads a .wav file
+  as content and plays it back through the libretro audio interface. Tests
+  audio sample rate conversion, buffer management, and content loading for
+  non-ROM file types.
+
+  No system files, BIOS, or firmware required. Not an emulator.
+
+files: []
diff --git a/emulators/testgl.yml b/emulators/testgl.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..ce2e779b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/emulators/testgl.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+emulator: testgl
+type: test
+source: "https://github.com/libretro/libretro-samples"
+cores:
+  - testgl
+systems: []
+
+notes: |
+  OpenGL test core from libretro-samples. Validates the hardware-accelerated
+  OpenGL rendering path in the frontend. Renders a spinning triangle or cube
+  using GL calls through the libretro hw_render interface.
+
+  No system files, BIOS, or firmware required. Not an emulator.
+
+files: []
diff --git a/emulators/testgl_compute_shaders.yml b/emulators/testgl_compute_shaders.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..40006459
--- /dev/null
+++ b/emulators/testgl_compute_shaders.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+emulator: testgl_compute_shaders
+type: test
+source: "https://github.com/libretro/libretro-samples"
+cores:
+  - testgl_compute_shaders
+systems: []
+
+notes: |
+  OpenGL compute shader test core from libretro-samples. Validates compute
+  shader support through the libretro hw_render interface. Runs a compute
+  shader kernel and renders the output, testing GL 4.3+ / GLES 3.1+
+  capability in the frontend.
+
+  No system files, BIOS, or firmware required. Not an emulator.
+
+files: []
diff --git a/emulators/testgl_ff.yml b/emulators/testgl_ff.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..131607f5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/emulators/testgl_ff.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+emulator: testgl_ff
+type: test
+source: "https://github.com/libretro/libretro-samples"
+cores:
+  - testgl_ff
+systems: []
+
+notes: |
+  OpenGL fixed-function test core from libretro-samples. Similar to testgl
+  but uses the legacy OpenGL fixed-function pipeline (glBegin/glEnd, matrix
+  stack) instead of shaders. Tests frontend compatibility with older GL code
+  paths.
+
+  No system files, BIOS, or firmware required. Not an emulator.
+
+files: []
diff --git a/emulators/testinput_buttontest.yml b/emulators/testinput_buttontest.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..192418b8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/emulators/testinput_buttontest.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+emulator: testinput_buttontest
+type: test
+source: "https://github.com/libretro/libretro-samples"
+cores:
+  - testinput_buttontest
+systems: []
+
+notes: |
+  Input button test core from libretro-samples. Displays a visual
+  representation of all libretro input bindings (joypad buttons, analog
+  sticks, triggers) and highlights them in real time as they are pressed.
+  Used to debug controller mapping and input driver issues.
+
+  No system files, BIOS, or firmware required. Not an emulator.
+
+files: []
diff --git a/emulators/testretroluxury.yml b/emulators/testretroluxury.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..562e2d24
--- /dev/null
+++ b/emulators/testretroluxury.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+emulator: testretroluxury
+type: test
+source: "https://github.com/libretro/libretro-samples"
+cores:
+  - testretroluxury
+systems: []
+
+notes: |
+  RetroLuxury test core from libretro-samples. Demonstrates the rluxury
+  (RetroLuxury) middleware layer for libretro, which provides a simplified
+  game development framework on top of the core API. Used as a reference
+  implementation for the middleware.
+
+  No system files, BIOS, or firmware required. Not an emulator.
+
+files: []
diff --git a/emulators/testsw.yml b/emulators/testsw.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..775f6a52
--- /dev/null
+++ b/emulators/testsw.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+emulator: testsw
+type: test
+source: "https://github.com/libretro/libretro-samples"
+cores:
+  - testsw
+systems: []
+
+notes: |
+  Software rendering test core from libretro-samples. Validates the basic
+  software framebuffer path (RETRO_HW_FRAME_BUFFER_VALID). Writes pixel
+  data directly to the framebuffer without any hardware acceleration.
+
+  No system files, BIOS, or firmware required. Not an emulator.
+
+files: []
diff --git a/emulators/testsw_vram.yml b/emulators/testsw_vram.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..1382ca18
--- /dev/null
+++ b/emulators/testsw_vram.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+emulator: testsw_vram
+type: test
+source: "https://github.com/libretro/libretro-samples"
+cores:
+  - testsw_vram
+systems: []
+
+notes: |
+  Software VRAM test core from libretro-samples. Tests the software rendering
+  path with VRAM access patterns, validating how the frontend handles direct
+  video memory writes and buffer management.
+
+  No system files, BIOS, or firmware required. Not an emulator.
+
+files: []
diff --git a/emulators/testvulkan.yml b/emulators/testvulkan.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..3c4fec46
--- /dev/null
+++ b/emulators/testvulkan.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+emulator: testvulkan
+type: test
+source: "https://github.com/libretro/libretro-samples"
+cores:
+  - testvulkan
+systems: []
+
+notes: |
+  Vulkan test core from libretro-samples. Validates the Vulkan hardware
+  rendering path in the frontend via the libretro hw_render_interface_vulkan
+  API. Renders a basic scene using Vulkan command buffers and swapchain
+  integration.
+
+  No system files, BIOS, or firmware required. Not an emulator.
+
+files: []
diff --git a/emulators/testvulkan_async_compute.yml b/emulators/testvulkan_async_compute.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..ad5842e8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/emulators/testvulkan_async_compute.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+emulator: testvulkan_async_compute
+type: test
+source: "https://github.com/libretro/libretro-samples"
+cores:
+  - testvulkan_async_compute
+systems: []
+
+notes: |
+  Vulkan async compute test core from libretro-samples. Extends testvulkan
+  to exercise async compute queue support in the Vulkan rendering path.
+  Tests concurrent graphics and compute workloads through the libretro
+  hw_render_interface_vulkan API.
+
+  No system files, BIOS, or firmware required. Not an emulator.
+
+files: []
diff --git a/emulators/thepowdertoy.yml b/emulators/thepowdertoy.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..24418213
--- /dev/null
+++ b/emulators/thepowdertoy.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+emulator: The Powder Toy
+type: game
+source: "https://github.com/libretro/ThePowderToy"
+cores: [thepowdertoy]
+systems: []
+files: []
+notes: >
+  Libretro port of The Powder Toy, a falling-sand physics simulation game.
+  Simulate various materials (powder, liquid, gas, explosive, electronic)
+  interacting with each other. Can load .cps save files as content.
+  No BIOS, firmware, or system directory files required.
diff --git a/emulators/vaporspec.yml b/emulators/vaporspec.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..b0748906
--- /dev/null
+++ b/emulators/vaporspec.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+emulator: VaporSpec
+type: game
+source: "https://github.com/libretro/libretro-vaporspec"
+cores: [vaporspec]
+systems: []
+files: []
+notes: >
+  Fantasy console for libretro inspired by retro hardware aesthetics.
+  Provides a virtual machine with fixed specs (256x192 display, 4-channel
+  audio) for running homebrew .vaporbin cartridge files.
+  No BIOS, firmware, or system directory files required.
diff --git a/emulators/vidtest.yml b/emulators/vidtest.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..cb94a8f7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/emulators/vidtest.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+emulator: vidtest
+type: test
+source: "https://github.com/libretro/RetroArch"
+cores:
+  - vidtest
+systems: []
+
+notes: |
+  Video test core built into RetroArch (not from libretro-samples). Tests
+  video driver capabilities: pixel format negotiation, resolution switching,
+  aspect ratio handling, and frame pacing. Renders test patterns for visual
+  validation of the video output chain.
+
+  No system files, BIOS, or firmware required. Not an emulator.
+
+files: []