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dmang-dev

mcp-retroarch

retroarch_reset

Trigger a soft reset of the running game, equivalent to pressing the console's reset button, to restart from the reset vector. Unsaved progress is lost.

Instructions

PURPOSE: Soft-reset the running game — equivalent to pressing the console's reset button (NOT a power cycle). USAGE: Use to start fresh from the game's reset vector. To return to a specific known-good point instead of boot, use retroarch_load_state_current or retroarch_load_state_slot with a previously saved state. Note this is a SOFT reset (button reset): RAM contents and any cart-internal state may persist depending on the system, unlike a true power cycle. BEHAVIOR: DESTRUCTIVE: triggers the loaded core's reset routine, which on most systems clears registers, resets the PC to the reset vector, and starts the boot sequence over. Unsaved game progress is lost. The loaded ROM stays loaded — only volatile state is affected. FIRE-AND-FORGET: the NCI does NOT acknowledge this command — the call returns as soon as the UDP datagram is sent, with no confirmation that RetroArch received or applied it. To verify the effect, follow up with an observable tool (retroarch_get_status for run state, retroarch_read_memory / retroarch_read_ram for memory mutations, retroarch_screenshot for visual state). UDP packets to a not-listening RetroArch are silently dropped. To confirm the reset took, follow up with retroarch_get_status (state should still be 'playing') and/or a screenshot. Transport: RetroArch's Network Control Interface (NCI) over UDP (default 127.0.0.1:55355, requires network_cmd_enable = true in retroarch.cfg). RETURNS: Single line 'Game reset' (UDP-send confirmation only — does NOT verify the reset executed).

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault

No arguments

Behavior5/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations are absent, so description bears full burden. It details destructiveness, fire-and-forget nature, silent UDP drops, persistence of cart-internal state, and lack of acknowledgment. Completely transparent.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness4/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is well-structured with labeled sections (PURPOSE, USAGE, BEHAVIOR, RETURNS) and front-loaded with key information. However, it is somewhat verbose with some redundant elaboration, earning a 4 rather than 5.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness5/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given no output schema and no annotations, the description covers purpose, usage guidelines, behavioral details, transport requirements, follow-up verification, and return confirmation. It is fully complete for a fire-and-forget tool.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

No parameters exist, so baseline is 4. The description does not need to add parameter meaning, and the schema coverage is 100%. No additional info required.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description explicitly states 'soft-reset the running game — equivalent to pressing the console's reset button', uses a specific verb-resource combination, and distinguishes from power cycle and load state tools.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines5/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

It provides when to use ('start fresh from the game's reset vector') and when not ('to return to a specific known-good point... use retroarch_load_state_current or retroarch_load_state_slot'), and recommends follow-up verification tools.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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