Sometimes, it's enjoyable to throw back at the classic 8-bit games we grew up with. However, the fact remains that not everyone possesses an old console to play them. Fortunately, there's no need to spend time searching for an old PS2 or SNES in a distant store now as we've compiled a selection of the best video game console emulators for you to experiment with. Let’s take a look!
Table of Contents
RetroArch
RetroArch is a central hub for all your emulation needs, enabling game enthusiasts to download and install many emulation "cores," organize ROMs and game files, as well as customize your gaming experience using one interface. While it may require some initial effort to set up, overall, it is a good video console emulator that is easy to use.
Nintendo FCEUX
The NES revolutionized the gaming industry, introducing iconic game series such as Super Mario Bros, Final Fantasy, The Legend of Zelda, and Mega Man. Although not as powerful as modern devices and smartphones, the emulator is still perfect for playing old-school NES games.
Installing and using FCEUX is a breeze. Just download it, then open it and select the ROM you want to play using Ctrl + O or the File menu. You don't even need to extract the ROMs; FCEUX can play them directly from the zip or 7zip package.
Launchbox
Launchbox is another option similar to RetroArch, offering a convenient way to organize all your ROMs and games from different sources. It's hassle-free, automatically organizing your GOG, Steam, and ROM files into a single launcher. With Launchbox, you can customize how your titles are arranged using a user-friendly interface.
Nintendo Project 64
Project 64 stands out as one of the most compatible Nintendo 64 emulators available, and unlike its PS equivalent, it doesn't need a BIOS image to run.
The default plugins, while appearing simple, excel at simulating the authentic sound and image features of the Nintendo 64. Though lacking advanced features, the emulator provides cheat options, multiplayer assistance, and a user-friendly feature to adjust the aspect ratio without distorting the original viewing experience.
Nintendo Dolphin
Dolphin is the best option for simulating GameCube and Wii games, assisting many top titles from both systems. In addition to quick-save and anti-aliasing options, Dolphin allows for gameplay in impressive 1080p HD resolution, a feature that was missing in the original GameCube and Wii systems. Syncing your Nunchuck is easy with a simple two-click process, as long as your computer has an inexpensive Bluetooth receiver.
Nintendo SNES9X
SNES9X emerges as the top choice for the best video game console emulator, allowing gamers to play some of the greatest SNES games like Chrono Trigger, Super Metroid, Donkey Kong Country, etc. It boasts exceptional compatibility, even supporting later Super Famicom releases. Over the years, it has been polished with a lot of features including image upscaling, video filters, online multiplayer, and cheat support.
Nintendo Ryujinx
Currently, Nintendo Switch emulation options are not as extensive as for other consoles, but a dependable choice is Ryujinx. It's accessible on Windows, Linux, macOS and Steam Deck, completely free, and offers a library of over 4,000 titles, with about 80% of them being playable.
Nintendo DeSmuME
DeSmuME is known as the top DS core for RetroArch, yet it still has some drawbacks compared to other best video game console emulators. For example, its DSi compatibility is notably lacking, and BIOS files are not supported in the RetroArch core version. In spite of these minor limitations, it's easy to set up and use, offers various options to customize graphics and audio settings, and even includes support for GBA emulation.
>>> Read more: Top 10 Best Emulators For Nintendo Consoles
Gameboy VBA-M
There are numerous Game Boy emulator options available, but VBA-M highlights as it integrates the top characteristics of various Game Boy emulators into one. It has options for both color and grayscale options. You can find VBA-M on SourceForge, and it's regularly updated on GitHub.
Additional notable features include a range of graphic enhancements, tools for debugging, utilities for taking screenshots, real-time patching with IPS files, a full-screen mode for immersive gameplay, support for auto-fire functionality, and a fast-forward button similar to those found in other popular emulators.
Wii U CEMU
Wii U emulation is still in its initial phase, with approximately half of the Wii U games playable, demanding extremely strong PC hardware because of the high resource requirements. Nevertheless, there is Wii U emulation available and it is progressing rapidly, even with the challenging hardware. CEMU is the only emulator for Wii U.
Some users have managed to run games like Twilight Princess HD and Mario Kart 8 relatively smoothly using the newest CEMU version on powerful systems with extensive configuration. Other games such as Splatoon or Mario 3D World can be launched and may even load, but are not playable at the moment.
Sega Genesis: Kega Fusion
Kega Fusion is the top option for playing Sega games on your computer through emulation. Unfortunately, the emulator lacks emulation abilities for Saturn and Dreamcast, but it can accurately run games from other popular Sega consoles such as the Genesis, Sega CD, and Game Gear.
That said, Fusion works with nearly every Sega game made for those systems and has all the typical features we expect from a reliable emulator, such as save states, online play, audio and video recording, cheat support, and different gamepad compatibility.
PS PCSX 2
To be honest, there is no flawless PlayStation emulator available, however, the PCSX-Reloaded does a good job replicating the original console. The emulator boasts a good range of typical features and strong compatibility that functions effectively with the majority of games but also necessitates a couple of video plugins and an authorized PlayStation BIOS image to operate correctly — an action that is technically against the law to acquire and share on the Internet.
The emulator works independently on Windows, Linux, and MacOS and includes a core called PCSX-Rearmed for RetroArch. While it's not necessary for your graphics card to be high-end, you will require increased power when transitioning to emulating advanced 3D games. It is more challenging to emulate PS games and games for newer consoles compared to older systems, but it is still possible.
PS2 PPSSPP
Speaking of emulating PSP games, PPSSPP is no doubt one of the best video game console emulators in the market because it performs incredibly well. PSP games perform and appear more polished on good PC hardware. The emulator can run games at double their original resolution to get rid of the jagged edges on polygonal models caused by the PSP's lower-resolution screen. Furthermore, the software can enhance the resolution of specific textures that may have seemed unclear on the device's display.
In contrast to emulators for Sony's home consoles, the PPSSPP does not need any potentially illegal BIOS files to operate. It can also be found on the Google Play Store.
PS3 RPCS3
It is truly impressive what the RPCS3 team has accomplished, especially when you take into account Sony's struggles with emulating the PS3. This is yet another open-source project that continues to expand each year without any cost. With that being said, this emulator is already perfect for most of your needs.
Even with a maximum of seven controllers, players can engage in local multiplayer matches across any game title with a multiplayer feature, which supports various input devices such as mouse, keyboard, and gamepads.
Dreamcast Redream
Redream is considered one of the best console emulator options when it comes to the quality of the games it supports. More than 95% of the games made for the system can be played here without any issues, displayed in either 1080p or even 4K, and are all set to play with just simple clicks.
One of the most remarkable features is that it also comes with an Android version, allowing you to enjoy your preferred Dreamcast games while on the move! You also receive top-notch emulation features such as save states and cheats.
Xbox 360 Xenia
If you have a newer Xbox, you don't necessarily need a 360 emulator, but Xenia is an option for playing games on PC. Many games have support already, and those that don't can be easily tagged for volunteers to fix issues and possibly update with corrections.
The disadvantage of Xenia is that it is not compatible with Linux or Mac, so you are limited to using it on your Windows PC. Not only that, this emulator is not capable of playing OG Xbox titles, unlike a physical 360 console, so you would have to obtain a separate emulator for that console to play those games.
Arcade MAME
MAME, available on Windows, Linux, and macOS, is an excellent choice for classic arcade game titles without the quarters. Characteristics are quite basic, with only a full-screen option included, and remain faithful to their original arcade origins despite advancements in technology and enhanced compatibility with ROMs throughout the years. MAME also allows for playing Neo-Geo games that are challenging to replicate on other platforms, yet the program has not been updated in quite some time.
Gurugamer.com has just introduced some of the best video game console emulators currently available in the gaming market. We hope you can find the one that best suits your preferences and enjoy your favorite games!
>>> Also check out: Top 5 Best Emulators for Pokémon Games On PC
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