Need help with video game emulators?
This is the BEST site for help with video game emulation. Here you will find a thorough introduction to emulation and tutorials for the most popular emulators.
Intro to Emulation
Everything a newcomer needs to know about video game emulation: what it is, the cool things it offers, and the legality.
Download & Setup
I review a few details pertaining to downloading ROMs. I also walk you through some basic Windows tasks such as how to work with zip files.
Gamepads
The emulation experience isn't complete without a gamepad! Here I list the best ones and review every category of gamepads.
Windows Video Game Emulators
Nintendo
GameCube/Wii
Dolphin
The #1 emulator for GameCube and Wii. It offers excellent game compatibility and many helpful features.
Nintendo 64
Project64
The #1 emulator for N64. It has good game compatibility, and conveniently comes bundled with the best plug-ins.
Nintendo DS
DeSmuME
An excellent emulator. Offers good options for handling the DS's dual display. Game compatibility is good and getting better.
GBA
Visual Boy Adv
Visual Boy Advance is the #1 Game Boy and Game Boy Advance emulator! Offers lots of features and games run great.
GBA
mGBA
Focused on being fast enough to run on lower end hardware than other emulators support, without sacrificing accuracy or portability.
Super Nintendo
Snes9X
A top emulator with near perfect compatibility, high quality performance, and a nice selection of features.
Super Nintendo
ZSNES
The original SNES emulator! Although old, it still has some cool features that other emulators don't have.
NES
Nestopia
A top NES emulator. People tend to favor Nestopia over FCE Ultra. Nestopia has more features such as better screen filters.
NES
FCEUX
Versus Nestopia, FCEUX seems to be friendlier with computer compatibility. If Nestopia is acting up then try this emulator.
Game Boy
Gambatte
The best cycle accurate emulator for Game Boy Classic and Game Boy Color. Although it lacks cool features such as what VBA offers.
Sega
Saturn
uoYabause
An excellent Saturn emulator with great game compatibility. 3D graphics render in higher resolution. Offers good features.
Read TutorialSaturn
SSF
Some prefer SSF over uoYabause. Game compatibility is high. It runs well on older/slower machines. Getting started can be confusing.
Read TutorialGenesis
Kega Fusion
An excellent, powerhouse emulator that supports Genesis, Sega CD, 32X, Sega CD+32X, Game Gear, and SMS!
Read TutorialGenesis
Gens/GS
This emulator is a build based on Gens, a legendary Genesis emulator. It also supports Sega CD and 32X.
Read TutorialSony
PlayStation 2
PCSX2
The first and best PlayStation 2 emulator! Offers good game compatibility. Its speed hacks really help for slower systems.
Read TutorialPlayStation 1
ePSXe
The #1 PlayStation 1 emulator! Its strength is its awesome and flexible plug-ins system, but it can be tricky to setup for newbies.
Read TutorialPlayStation 1
pSX
Not as awesome as ePSXe or PCSX-R, but it's easier to use (no fussy plug-in system) and works better on older/slower systems.
Read TutorialPSP
PPSSPP
Currently the best PSP emulator. It's open source and has ports for every system! Has the usual assortment of features.
Read TutorialNEC & Multi-system
Multi-system
RetroArch
Supports over 40 systems: NES, SNES, Genesis, GBA, Saturn, PSX, and more! It offers tons of features.
Read TutorialMulti-system
Mednafen
Supports nearly 20 systems: NES, SNES, Genesis, GBA, Saturn, PSX, and more! Even boots TurboGrafx-CD images!
Read TutorialTurboGrafx16
MagicEngine
The #1 emulator for TurboGrafx16/PC Engine. However, it costs $30 US and does not support booting CD images.
Read TutorialTurboGrafx16
Ootake
This is a free alternative if you don't want to pay for MagicEngine. Like MagicEngine, Ootake also does not support CD images.
Read TutorialArcade
Arcade
MAME
Everyone knows about MAME. It's a powerhouse that supports ALL arcade games. However, it can be confusing for new users.
Read TutorialArcade
FB Alpha
FinalBurn Alpha is a top arcade emulator. It only supports Capcom, NeoGeo, Konami, and Cave games.
Read TutorialArcade
Kawaks
Similar to FinalBurn Alpha, but offers more and cooler features. It only supports Capcom and NeoGeo games.
Read Tutorial
Android Video Game Emulators