[Feature Request] Fast-forward with real-time audio (like Azahar)

[Baggio94]

Hi,

I would like to suggest a feature that would greatly improve the fast-forward experience in RetroArch.

Currently, when using fast-forward, audio is either sped up or disabled, which can make gameplay feel less natural — especially in games where audio cues matter.

Some emulators (like Azahar for 3DS) offer an option to fast-forward gameplay while keeping audio at normal speed (real-time audio). This results in a much smoother and more comfortable experience.

It would be great to have a similar option in RetroArch, ideally as:

A toggle in Audio settings (e.g. "Real-time audio during fast-forward")
Or a core-level option when applicable

This would be especially useful for systems like GB, GBC, GBA, and others where fast-forward is frequently used.

Thanks for your amazing work on RetroArch!

[hizzlekizzle]

This is completely impossible as a general setting, unfortunately, as the vast majority of programs that support libretro generate audio and video in lockstep, rather than independently.

Cores that are capable of this--like Azahar--could potentially expose this functionality through a core option-based, modified fast-forward, but it's right out for GB/GBC/GBA et al.