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
Intro & Multi-system
Intro
Best Emulators
An article listing the best video game emulators for each system. They're recommended in a variety of categories.
Read ArticleMulti-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 TutorialNintendo
GameCube/Wii
Dolphin
The #1 emulator for GameCube and Wii. It offers excellent game compatibility and many helpful features.
Nintendo 64
Project64
A once top 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
mGBA
Focused on being fast enough to run on lower end hardware than other emulators support, without sacrificing accuracy or portability.
GBA
Visual Boy Adv
A classic Game Boy and Game Boy Advance emulator that was once super popular. It offers lots of features and games run great.
Super Nintendo
Snes9X
A top emulator with near perfect compatibility, high-quality performance, and a nice selection of features.
NES
FCEUX
A classic emulator that's still a great option if you want something simple. It's friendly on older devices as well.
Game Boy
Gambatte
The best emulator for Game Boy and Game Boy Color, offering high accuracy. It's easy to use and offers the standard features.
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 TutorialPSP
PPSSPP
Currently the best PSP emulator. It's open source and has ports for every system! Has the usual assortment of features.
Read TutorialPlayStation 1
DuckStation
The current #1 PS1 emulator. It comes with all the hottest features including PGXP corrections for 3D graphics.
Read TutorialPlayStation 1
ePSXe
A famous emulator that's been wildly popular for decades. It uses a plug-in system to control its core functions.
Read TutorialPlayStation 1
pSX
A classic emulator that's easy to use and doesn't require fussing with plug-ins. It works best on older/slower computers.
Read TutorialArcade
Multi-system
RetroArch
This emulator has multiple 'cores' for MAME and FinalBurn, both the latest versions and legacy versions by year.
Read TutorialArcade
MAMEUI
Everyone knows about MAME. It's a powerhouse that supports ALL arcade games. MAMEUI is an old Windows build of MAME.
Read TutorialArcade
FB Alpha
FinalBurn Alpha is a top arcade emulator. It only supports Capcom, NeoGeo, Konami, and Cave games.
Read Tutorial
Android Video Game Emulators
Intro
Multi-system
Archived tutorials based on old Windows emulators that are no longer recommended:
ZSNES (SNES), Nestopia (NES), MagicEngine (TG16), Ootake (TG16), Kawaks (Arcade)