

We feel OpenEmu is easier for beginners, but you can only pick this program up for computers that run the MacOS – not Windows or Linux. OpenEmu has every feature a gamer could want, and while it doesn’t support as many systems as RetroArch, the selection is vast and covers all the major consoles.
BEST MAME EMULATOR FULL
Some of the flagship features of this emulator include enhanced gamepad options, graphic filters, and full save-state support. There’s also support for the Mega Drive, Nintendo DS, Game Gear, WonderSwan, and Atari Lynx, among others. With a few clicks, you can load popular emulators like Nestopia, PPSSPP, DeSmuME, or Dolphin. The OpenEmu emulator is a great option if you have a Mac. This multi-platform emulator makes organization a breeze, but it’s quite capable as well. That means your entire library is easy to browse whether you’re trying to fire up Bayou Billy or load a save state from a Game Gear ROM. The first thing you’ll notice about OpenEmu is the interface, which is smooth, streamlined, and feels right at home on a Mac. If you like what RetroArch brings to the table but prefer something with a more familiar UI, consider OpenEmu, the best emulator for Macs.

When you own a Mac, most of the apps have a certain design language that fits in with Apple’s sense of style. RetroArch is free to download and updated on a regular basis. It’s highly customizable as well, even if the settings can feel like overkill to beginners at first. RetroArch differs from other emulators on our list aside from OpenEMU as it’s a front-end, not a traditional emulator. The RetroArch emulator is a free, open-source program. Some of the more popular systems you can emulate through RetroArch include the NES, Sega Genesis, Commodore 64, PlayStation 2, and the Atari 2600. It downloads emulation cores for individual systems, so you can access everything from one application instead of a dozen. This emulator is designed to run on the Libretro Core system which allows you to emulate a variety of consoles and cabinets.
BEST MAME EMULATOR INSTALL
You can install RetroArch on a Raspberry Pi and make your own mini retro console or use it on a real console like the GameCube, Xbox, or PSP. It’s also the most versatile emulator on our list between the types of games you can play and the systems it runs on. RetroArch is a free, open-source program that’s been around since 2010.
BEST MAME EMULATOR PC
If you want to emulate games on a PC running Windows, macOS, or Linux, RetroArch is among the best emulators in 2023. Best Game Emulators for PCĬross-platform emulation is nothing new, but some programs pull it off better than others. While some systems like the Xbox and the PS Vita don’t have proper emulators, our list covers all the major classic consoles along with some systems from the 6 th and 7 th console generations. The best game emulators for PC allow you to relive the glory days of gaming whether you prefer Pitfall to Super Mario Brothers or you’re a massive Pokémon fan.Įmulation from a PC is nothing new and there are dozens of ways to emulate titles from older consoles. It’s also something that can be challenging for beginners. Emulation is the best way to play older video games without having to own a dozen consoles.
