A Beginner’s Guide to Retro Game Emulators

Retro games are making a massive comeback, and emulators are one of the easiest ways for gamers to dive back into the classics without hunting down original consoles or cartridges. But if you're new to the world of emulation, it might seem like a daunting world to step into. Fear not—this beginner’s guide will explain everything you need to know about retro game emulators, how they work, and which ones are best for each classic console.

What Are Retro Game Emulators?

An emulator is a piece of software designed to replicate the hardware of an old video game console on modern devices like PCs, smartphones, or tablets. Essentially, it allows you to play games from past systems—like the NES, Sega Genesis, or PlayStation—without the need for the original hardware.

To play a game on an emulator, you’ll need a ROM (Read-Only Memory), which is a digital copy of a game’s data extracted from a cartridge or disc. Think of the ROM as the game itself, while the emulator acts as the console. The emulator “runs” the ROM, letting you play classic games just like they were played decades ago.

How Do Emulators Work?

Emulators are highly specialized software that mimic the behavior of old gaming consoles. They recreate the processing environment that was unique to each system—its CPU, graphics chip, sound processor, and even input controls. By doing so, emulators allow your modern device to run old games without needing the original hardware.

Most emulators are designed to be lightweight and can run on fairly modest devices, but for certain newer or more graphically intense systems, more powerful hardware might be required.

Are Emulators Legal?

Emulators themselves are legal, but the legality of ROMs is more complicated. Downloading ROMs of games you don’t own could violate copyright law. However, backing up your own games by creating ROMs from your existing collection is considered legal in most places. There are also some websites and developers who have permission to distribute old games legally, so it’s always best to source your ROMs ethically.

Best Emulators for Popular Retro Consoles

Now that you know what emulators are and how they work, let’s dive into some of the best emulators for different retro gaming systems. These have been fine-tuned to replicate the experience of their respective consoles as closely as possible.

1. NES (Nintendo Entertainment System)

Best Emulator: Nestopia UE
Nestopia is one of the most accurate NES emulators available, with excellent performance and compatibility across nearly every NES game. It offers plenty of features, including texture scaling and save states, and is easy to set up for beginners.

Runner-Up: Retro FC Plus Portable Console
The Retro FC Plus is a handheld emulator that comes preloaded with hundreds of NES games. It features a compact design and built-in controls, making it a convenient option for gaming on the go. It’s a great alternative for those who want to play NES games without needing a PC setup.

2. SNES (Super Nintendo Entertainment System)

Best Emulator: Snes9x
Snes9x is the go-to emulator for playing SNES games. It's highly compatible with most SNES titles, easy to use, and performs well even on older PCs. Its options for graphical enhancements make the 16-bit classics look even better.

Runner-Up: Powkiddy Q90
For SNES games, the Powkiddy Q90 is a handheld console that supports multiple retro systems, including the SNES. It’s preloaded with thousands of games, features a bright display, and has an ergonomic design, making it a versatile alternative for retro gaming fans.

3. Sega Genesis (Mega Drive)

Best Emulator: Kega Fusion
Kega Fusion is widely regarded as the best Sega Genesis emulator. It supports a wide range of Sega systems (including the Master System and Game Gear) and offers excellent accuracy and performance.

Runner-Up: Retro-Bit Sega Genesis Mini
The Retro-Bit Sega Genesis Mini is an officially licensed Sega product that comes preloaded with classic Sega games. It’s a plug-and-play console that mirrors the original Genesis experience, offering a more authentic feel compared to software emulators.

4. PlayStation 1

Best Emulator: ePSXe
ePSXe is the most popular PlayStation 1 emulator, offering high compatibility with PS1 games. It supports plugins that allow for graphical improvements and custom controls. With its straightforward interface, ePSXe is a great starting point for beginners.

Runner-Up: X12 Plus Handheld Console
The X12 Plus is a popular handheld device that can emulate PS1 games, among others. It offers a large screen and physical controls, making it an excellent option for playing PS1 games on the go, without needing a PC.

5. Nintendo 64

Best Emulator: Project64
Project64 has been the top Nintendo 64 emulator for years. It’s incredibly easy to set up and use, offering great compatibility and graphical enhancements that improve the N64’s visuals. Plus, it works well on a variety of PCs, from low-end to high-end systems.

Runner-Up: N64 Classic Retro Console
The N64 Classic Retro Console is a plug-and-play emulator device that comes pre-installed with a selection of N64 titles. It offers the same nostalgic experience as the original hardware, complete with classic controllers.

6. Game Boy/Game Boy Advance

Best Emulator: mGBA
mGBA is a fast and accurate emulator that supports both Game Boy and Game Boy Advance titles. It’s simple to set up and offers features like save states, cheats, and customizable controls.

Runner-Up: Anbernic RG351P
The Anbernic RG351P is a handheld console that emulates Game Boy, GBA, and multiple other systems. It offers a high-quality display, long battery life, and a retro design, making it a great choice for those looking to play Game Boy games in a portable format.

7. Sega Saturn

Best Emulator: Mednafen
Sega Saturn emulation has always been tricky, but Mednafen handles it exceptionally well. It's known for being highly accurate, although it does require some manual setup.

Runner-Up: Powkiddy RGB10 Max
The Powkiddy RGB10 Max is a handheld emulator that can handle Sega Saturn games along with other retro systems and features a sleek, modern design with a large display, offering a convenient and portable way to enjoy Sega Saturn classics.

8. PlayStation 2

Best Emulator: PCSX2
PCSX2 is the leading PlayStation 2 emulator and supports a vast library of games. It offers numerous configuration options, making it possible to enhance the graphics far beyond what the PS2 was capable of. While it requires a relatively powerful system to run smoothly, it’s the best option for PS2 fans.

Runner-Up: A95X F4 Android TV Box
The A95X F4 is an Android TV box that’s capable of running PS2 emulators like DamonPS2. While it’s not a dedicated emulator console, this versatile Android device allows you to download emulation apps and play PS2 games on your TV with upgraded graphics and performance.

Embrace the World of Retro Gaming

Emulators open up a whole world of retro gaming possibilities. Whether you want to relive your childhood favorites or discover old classics you missed, emulators offer an affordable and convenient way to play games from consoles long past their prime. With the right emulator and ROMs, you can dive into the history of gaming, one pixel at a time.

Start exploring today, and rediscover the joy of retro gaming from the comfort of your modern device!