If you miss the early days of console gaming, you don’t need to shell out big bucks on eBay. Just load up the emulator on a modern device. Here are the best systems for the most popular systems of the past.
Every year, hundreds of retro video games become unplayable because older consoles, from the Super NES to the PlayStation 1 , stop working.
Many older games are available through PlayStation Now and Nintendo Switch Online, but what happens when the subscription service is no longer supported and the company stops storing games on its servers? Unless you have a DRM-free copy of the game and how to play it, you are at the mercy of the game publisher and its bottom line.
Enter emulators, which allow you to play game ROMs on modern platforms. There are emulators for every retro console (some even support multiple systems) and various operating systems. There is a legal gray area in the ownership of ROM files, and while some emulators require complex setup, they are one of your best options for nostalgic gaming. Read on to learn about your emulator options.
Best GameCube and Wii Emulator: Dolphin
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
If you want to mimic a GameCube or Wii game, your best bet is the Dolphin. It found a way to emulate the Wii’s motion controls , so even if you don’t have a Wiimote, you can still play games that require it, like Skyward Sword and Mario Galaxy. Dolphin also emulates a Nintendo Wi-Fi connection, allowing you to add online playFor supported games.
While this sounds great, there are some downsides. Since GameCube and Wii games are a bit more complex than earlier systems, some computer technical limitations may get in the way here. The developer recommends a powerful CPU and GPU to avoid glitches.
from the download page of the site , but be careful here. Scroll down to the Stable Releases section and click Download on the Windows or macOS button next to the latest update. Dolphin allows you to turn on cheats, set the memory card path where files are saved, and change the default resolution and aspect ratio. You can also enable overclocking to improve gaming performance and add anti-aliasing or other graphics enhancements.
By default, Dolphin is set to use the keyboard for all input commands, but you should change this. Dolphin supports wireless controllers , GameCube peripherals (such as DK Bongos), actual GameCube controllers with adapters, and Wiimotes via Bluetooth. You can also connect multiple gamepads at once for local multiplayer.
The dolphin simulator also runs on the Android device. Some games can be choppy, and the Wii motion controls don’t translate well to the touchscreen, but it’s an excellent choice for mobile gaming.
Best DS Emulator: DeSmuME
Platforms: Windows, Linux, Android
Alternatives: Melon DS, Intense (Android, Paid), International ID (Apple)
There are many ways to play Nintendo DS games, but Desmoume is considered the best emulator for overall performance. It’s available via the command line or as a graphical program, but the tradeoff is the lack of a mobile version.
As an emulator, DeSmuMe offers features like saving states, screenshot support, cheats, and video and audio recording. The program does a good job of mimicking the real handheld experience by offering screen filters, microphone support, and screen gap customization.
You can also link controllers or customize keyboard inputs and hotkeys. If you’re wondering how a desktop program emulates DS touchscreen functionality, DeSmuMe allows you to click the cursor for in-game movement and interaction.
Best Sega Genesis Emulator: Kega Fusion
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Alternative: Genesis Plus
Best Arcade Game Emulator: MAME
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Best PS1 and Sega Saturn Emulator: Mednafen
Platform: Windows, Linux
Alternatives: PCSX-R , ePSXe
Best NES Emulator: Mason
Platforms: Windows, Linux
Alternatives: Black Utopia UE , Punes , FCEUX
Best NES Emulator: Mason
Platforms: Windows, Linux
Alternatives: Black Utopia UE , Punes , FCEUX
Best PlayStation 2 (PS2) Emulator: PCSX2
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Alternatives: Play!
Best PlayStation Portable (PSP) Emulator: PPSSPP
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
