RPCS3 reads PS3 discs directly now, but dumping to ISO is still safer for preservation. Seven tools to dump, verify, and archive PS3 game discs on Windows and Linux.
RPCS3 handles PS3 well, but seven other emulators cover PS2, PSP, PS1, PS4, and beyond on Windows, macOS, and Linux — pick the right one for your library.
Nintendo's 40th Anniversary Direct hits September 2026. Eight emulators and PC ports for Windows, macOS, and Linux that cover the Zelda catalog, GameCube to Switch.
Persona 1 and 2 remakes are years away. Eight emulators for Windows, macOS, and Linux that let you play the classic JRPG library right now, from PS1 to DS.
Konami's 40th anniversary put its arcade era back in the spotlight. These Android emulators are the fastest way to play the shoot-em-ups that started it all.
The official LEGO PlayStation set has PS1 nostalgia at a peak. Here are the seven best PlayStation 1 emulator apps for Android to play your old library on your phone.
The writer of Another Code and Hotel Dusk just announced a new game, and it made the DS backlog worth revisiting. Here are the seven Nintendo DS emulators to run on desktop today.
A 4:3 CRT-inspired monitor is only half the setup. These seven PC apps handle the shaders, scaling and BIOS work that make retro games look right.
The 7 desktop apps that dump, verify, and preserve physical console discs and cartridges. Redump-accurate rips, cart dumpers, and library managers for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
The ROG Xbox Ally X20 launches October 15. These 8 Windows apps handle library, thermals, controller, and cloud gaming so the handheld actually feels finished.
Activision, Atari, and Konami are shipping physical classic collections again. Here are the eight desktop apps that turn scattered rereleases into one browsable library.
RetroArch on desktop is a config marathon. Seven emulator frontends and standalone emulators that give you Windows, macOS, or Linux retro gaming without the setup wall.
RetroArch is powerful but the setup wall is real. Seven Android emulator frontends that get you playing faster, with clearer menus and per-system tuning.
Netplay works, if you pick the right emulator. Eight PC emulators and helpers that make GameCube, N64, PS1, PS2, and SNES online multiplayer actually playable in 2026.
The C64 Mini brought '80s Commodore gaming back into the spotlight. Six Android emulators that run the same disks on a phone with save states and controller support.
ShaderGlass drops 1200+ CRT and retro shaders over any window, but it cannot touch exclusive fullscreen. Seven ShaderGlass alternatives for Windows, tested.
Fans just added Gen 2 Pokémon to FireRed and LeafGreen. Six Android apps that apply IPS, UPS, and xdelta patches so you can play those hacks on a phone.
ESP32 handhelds are getting real. These 7 desktop tools cover firmware for streaming games, playing native ROMs, and stream-to-browser Game Boy clones.
Best apps for turning a Fire TV Stick into a retro console in 2026. RetroArch, PPSSPP, Dolphin, and the sideloader you need to install them.
Emulators and save editors that receive Wonder Cards and Mystery Gift events on modern PCs, so old Pokémon games unlock their event content again.
The Pokemon Emerald Unreal Engine 5 remake put fan projects back in the spotlight. Seven apps for finding, tracking, and safely running Pokemon fan games on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Decompilation toolchains and porting frameworks that turn N64 ROMs into portable C source, following the workflow the GoldenEye 007 team just used to hit 100%.
The Analogue Pocket keeps selling out. Here are 7 desktop and FPGA alternatives that scratch the same accurate retro itch.
Windows 11's built-in Application Compatibility Database only goes so far. Here are 8 apps that make old games actually work on modern PCs.
Zelda fan ports now cover 4 games and often beat Nintendo's own re-releases. Here are 7 apps that let you play them safely on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Mario Sunshine and Wind Waker can run on a phone, but only with the right stack. Eight apps for GameCube emulation on Android, tested and ranked.
The best apps for Steam library management on desktop in 2026: seven launchers and organizers that unify stores, add tags, and import emulator games.
Windows keeps a hidden compatibility database going, but old games still stall. These seven tools pick up where Windows leaves off, from DOS through Win98.
Snake, Bounce, Space Impact, and the rest of the Nokia era, on a modern Android phone. Seven apps that recreate classic mobile games without emulator hoops.
The fan-made 3D Pokemon port just added Gold support, and Android is back in the emulation conversation. Seven Pokemon emulator apps we tested across Game Boy, GBA, DS, and 3DS ROMs.
Waiting on the Hoenn Switch ports? Here are 7 Pokemon Ruby Sapphire Emerald alternatives for PC: GBA emulators plus modern creature-collection RPGs.
Windows 11 Xbox Mode shipped, and it works. These seven desktop apps replace the Windows shell with a console-style launcher, so the PC boots straight into a controller UI.
OpenEmu is Mac-only and stuck on legacy cores. Here are 7 OpenEmu alternatives on Windows, Linux, and macOS, ranked by cores, controller support, and ROM management.
One frontend, every emulator, one library. We tested seven multi-system emulator frontends on Windows, Linux, and Steam Deck.
The Archive of Retro Computing dropped a huge free trove. Seven desktop emulators to actually run DOS, Amiga, C64, ZX Spectrum, and arcade cabinets on modern hardware.
Turn your Kindle jailbreak or BOOX tablet into a portable Game Boy. Seven Android emulator and gaming apps tuned for e-ink displays, from RetroArch to KOReader.
Golden Sun turned 25 and the GBA classics still play beautifully on a phone. Seven Android emulator apps we tested for JRPG replays.
New ESP32-based handhelds prove the retro emulation niche isn't shrinking. Seven desktop emulator apps that run everything from a Game Boy to a Dreamcast.
PS1's disc-era catalogue is coming back to Steam this September, but that catalogue already runs beautifully on your phone. These seven Android emulators cover PS1 and PS2 without a controller cable.
The Archive of Retro Computing's showcase in South London is a reminder that the arcade era deserves preservation. These six Android emulators let you play that catalogue on your phone.
An XDA piece on turning an old phone into a retro handheld got us testing the frontends and emulators worth installing. Six apps that make an unused Android worth carrying again.
Microsoft's Xbox-on-PC rollout is landing this October, and disc-to-digital is on the way. Seven Windows, macOS, and Linux apps for playing Xbox titles on a desktop today.
XDA used Lossless Scaling to smooth Ocarina of Time on an emulator and never went back. We tested 7 apps that upscale, sharpen, or frame-generate retro emulator output.
The Xbox app on PC now plays original Xbox games, but a dedicated emulator still handles the deep catalog better. We tested six original Xbox emulators for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Microsoft's Xbox backward compatibility on PC does not cover every 360-era title, so emulators still matter. Seven Xbox 360 emulator apps for Windows and Linux ranked by compatibility.
XDA laid out four useful things to do with an old Fire TV Stick instead of tossing it. Seven apps we tested that turn an outdated Stick into something genuinely worth keeping.
Microsoft's Xbox PC app only covers a curated slice of the original Xbox library. Six original Xbox emulation apps for Windows, macOS and Linux, ranked by real compatibility.
Namco is finally porting Armadillo Racing to consoles after 30 years, but most of its arcade library is still stuck on original boards. Seven Namco arcade emulation apps for desktop we tested.
Turn an old Android phone into a PSP-inspired handheld with a launcher styled after Sony's cover-flow menus. Eight apps we tested for retro libraries and Bluetooth controllers.
Nintendo is winding down Switch 1 production in Europe. Seven Switch emulators for Windows, macOS, and Linux that still get updates in 2026 despite the DMCA takedowns.
Winlator's mod-support update is a big deal, but forks, Box64 apps, and closed-source rivals all give you more. Seven Winlator alternatives for running Windows games on Android.
N64Recomp Launcher, Portmaster and more: seven desktop tools that let you play native PC ports of retro games without wrestling with emulators.
LDPlayer is fast on Windows but the ad push and Windows-only build turn people off. We tested 7 LDPlayer alternatives for gaming, dev, and Apple Silicon.
EMU8086 teaches assembly with a visible CPU, but the software is aging. We tested 7 EMU8086 alternatives on Windows, macOS, and Linux for assembly learners.
RPCS3 now plays 75% of the PS3 catalogue on PC. Seven desktop apps that cover the emulator, online multiplayer, disc dumping, and game preservation.
Polygon reported PS5 emulation just loaded GTA 5 for the first time. Six PS5 and PS4 emulator projects for Windows, macOS, and Linux that are actually moving in 2026.
Retro arcade cabinet emulation apps for desktop in 2026: MAME, FinalBurn Neo, RetroArch, Supermodel, LaunchBox BigBox, HyperSpin and Attract-Mode compared.
Turn any mini PC or living-room desktop into a Steam Machine. Eight HTPC gaming apps we tested for Windows and Linux, ranked by couch experience and controller support.
The PSP library is easier to preserve than ever. Seven PSP emulator apps for desktop that cover accuracy, performance, front-end integration, and the Vita-hybrid workflow.
NiGHTS turns thirty and the Saturn library is finally within reach on modern hardware. Seven Sega Saturn emulators for Windows, macOS, and Linux ranked after testing.
BlueStacks App Player is the biggest name in Android emulators for Windows and Mac, but it eats RAM and pushes bundled offers. Here are seven desktop alternatives.
Nintendo just added four Game Boy Advance classics to Switch Online. Seven GBA emulator apps for Android that play your own library instead of renting it back.
Apple silicon and macOS Game Mode make couch gaming on Mac more realistic than it was. We tested 7 apps that turn a Mac into a real TV console.
Black Flag Resynced, Persona 4 Revival, Mega Man Dual Override — the remaster wave is loud in 2026. Seven retro game remaster collection apps for PC that curate the good ones.
The PS2 emulator apps worth installing on Windows, macOS, or Linux, ranked by compatibility, performance, and what actually plays your favorite games.
Fan decompilations turn Zelda, Mario, Doom 64, and Animal Crossing into native binaries for Steam Deck. Seven ports worth playing today, no emulator needed.
Sony is retiring the PS3 and PS Vita stores by 2027. Here are the best PS Vita emulator apps for desktop, tested for compatibility and active development.
A docked Steam Deck can replace a $1000 gaming PC for most players. Seven apps that turn SteamOS desktop mode into a real workstation and living-room console.
Sony ending physical PS5 discs raises the stakes for game preservation. Here are 7 Android apps that keep old games playable, ranked after testing.
Eurogamer reminded us this week that some of the most influential racing devs cut their teeth on PS1. Seven PS1 emulators for Windows, macOS, and Linux that hold up in 2026.
Eurogamer dropped a kernel anti-cheat unplayable list. Use these 7 desktop apps to check SteamOS, Steam Deck, and Linux compatibility before you buy.
The Oracle of Ages and Seasons turned 25 this year. Seven Game Boy Color emulators for Windows, macOS, and Linux that run the catalogue cleanly today.
PrimeOS turns a PC into an Android machine for gaming and apps. Seven PrimeOS alternatives covering full Android-x86 OSes, BlueStacks-style emulators, and Bliss OS forks.
Bazzite proved Linux can out-Xbox the Xbox. We tested 7 desktop apps for couch gaming on Linux, including Steam Big Picture, Bazzite, Lutris, and more.
GameNative v1.1.0's new Android-ready filters help, but it is not the only way to run PC games on Android. These 7 GameNative alternatives cover Wine, Box64, cloud streaming, and emulation.
Beacon Game Launcher turns an Android phone into a handheld gaming console, but it isn't the only option. We tested 7 Beacon alternatives on Android.
An old Android phone, a Bluetooth controller, and a handful of apps make a surprisingly good gaming handheld. These eight apps cover launchers, emulators, and game streaming.
Emulation handhelds finally got good enough that the Steam Deck is gathering dust. Here are 7 Android apps that make a Retroid or Anbernic device sing.
Emulation handhelds have gotten so good that the desktop frontend matters more than ever. Seven retro game frontends for Windows, macOS, and Linux, ranked and reviewed.
Stop Killing Games hit the European Parliament. Eight desktop apps for game preservation on Windows, macOS, and Linux, from DRM-free libraries to source ports.
XDA spotlighted a GoldenEye 007 recompilation that finally runs on PC. Seven desktop apps for Windows, Mac, and Linux that organise the ROM library that decision usually starts.
Pokemon emulation on desktop spans every generation from Red to Scarlet. Seven emulators for Windows, macOS, and Linux ranked after rebuilding our save library across Game Boy, DS, 3DS, and Switch hardware.
XDA spotlighted GoldenEye 007's canceled Xbox 360 remaster playing on PC via recompilation. Seven N64 emulator apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux that run the catalogue cleanly today.
The Pokemon Emerald cheating row pulled GBA emulation back into the spotlight. These six PC emulators cover accuracy, speedrunning, save-state stability, and the multi-system frontends.
Play classic NES, SNES, N64, and Game Boy games in a browser tab with no install. Seven web-based emulators tested across modern browsers on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Play FC Mobile (formerly FIFA Mobile) on a Windows or macOS desktop using Android emulators. Seven tested emulators including BlueStacks, LDPlayer, and NoxPlayer.
Run classic DOS games and software on modern PCs. Seven DOS emulators tested on Windows, macOS, and Linux including DOSBox, DOSBox Staging, and PCem.
Afterplay runs NES, SNES, GBA, and PS1 in your browser with cloud saves. Seven Afterplay alternatives for desktop, ranked by console range, save sync, and how the front end actually feels.
HD Hub Video Downloader has no native Windows or Mac build, and 'HD Hub for PC' pages are mostly emulator bundles. The honest install picture plus the desktop tools that handle the same job.
Lucky Patcher has no native Windows or Mac build, and 'Lucky Patcher for PC' pages are clone redirects or emulator bundles. The honest emulator picture and the safer desktop tools that solve the same jobs.
GameLoop runs Android games on PC well, but the Tencent integration and game restrictions push players to alternatives. Seven GameLoop alternatives for desktop in 2026.
PS3 emulation on Android is finally real in 2026. Here are the six apps and streaming workarounds that actually let you play PlayStation 3 games on a phone.
An Android phone with a clip-on controller is closer to a Steam Deck than the price tag suggests. We tested 9 apps that stream, emulate, and play locally.
Seven Android apps for mapping Bluetooth controllers, testing button latency, and remapping keys, tested on input lag, supported games, and how cleanly they survive system updates.
Seven PSP emulator apps for Android compared on accuracy, controller support, save-state handling, and which PSP titles actually run at full speed on modern phones.
After Nintendo's 2024 lawsuits buried Citra, the 3DS emulator scene split into a handful of community forks. Here are the 7 best 3DS emulator apps for Android.
Winlator and friends finally make local Windows PC gaming on Android real. Here are 7 apps that let you run PC games on a phone without streaming.
HappyMod has no native Windows or Mac build, and 'HappyMod for PC' pages are clone redirects. Here's the honest emulator picture and the safer paths to free PC games.
Phosphor glow, scanlines, mask blur, and aperture grilles. Seven Android apps and emulators that bring genuine CRT effects to retro games, ranked by shader fidelity.
The best reasons to use alternative app stores on Android: apps not on Google Play, open-source picks, emulators, indie games, region access, and safer APK checks.
Why Android gamers use Epic, F-Droid, GitHub, indie APKs, and emulators outside Google Play, with examples, safety advice, and source checks.
The Super Nintendo library is 32 years deep and most of the smoothest ways to play it are now on Android. These six SNES emulators cover the everyday picks, the power-user setup, and the upscaled HD route.
From the official Switch app to JoyCon mapping, voice chat fixes, and game database trackers, these seven Android apps cover the Nintendo Switch companion workflow in 2026.
A Star Fox 64 remake on Switch 2 sent everyone back to the originals. These six N64 emulator apps for Android cover free, paid, multi-system, and the libretro frontends that make them sing.
Play classic DOS games or run legacy DOS software on your Android phone. We tested every viable DOS emulator and ranked the ones that work without a physical keyboard.
Ryujinx shut down in October 2024. These are the seven Switch emulators worth using in 2026, with honest notes on legality, platforms, and risk.
