EmulationStation is a free, open-source application designed to provide a unified graphical interface for launching and managing emulators on Raspberry Pi, Linux, Windows, and macOS. The application provides a unified GUI (graphical user interface) for launching a variety of emulators and game systems. It is easy to setup and configure and features a modern, easy-to-navigate interface. The application provides support for a wide range of game controllers, allowing for a comprehensive gaming experience. Additionally, EmulationStation allows for customizing and configuring a variety of settings and options, allowing users to tailor the application to their needs and preferences. The application is often used in combination with RetroPie, a Raspberry Pi-based software package dedicated to providing a comprehensive emulation experience.
RetroArch allows you to emulate directly using "cores" included with the program and downloadable from their website. EmulationStation does not do emulation, and only acts as an interface to other emulators installed on the system.