Best Video Game Emulators for PC Retro Gaming

Video game emulators allow you to play games you can't buy anymore or the systems don't work anymore. But with hundreds of emulators out there, finding the best video game emulators for dozens of systems can be overwhelming. Well, have no fear, and check out our list of best video game emulators for PC retro gaming below.

How to use Game Emulators on PC to play old games

Video game emulation is the process of replicating a game console or computer system's original hardware using software. For the most part, emulation is entirely legal when used on games out of copyright, unavailable for sale currently, or otherwise unable to be played. 

Emulation is essential for archiving, preserving, and learning about video games and computer history. Moreover, modern game consoles and computers frequently use emulators, for example, Nintendo's Virtual Console or the Xbox 360's original Xbox emulation. 

However, it is essential only to emulate games you have legally acquired. If you use an emulator that utilizes a BIOS from the original console, you must operate a BIOS which you have 'dumped' (extracted) from your console. Having said that, these are arguably the best video game emulators for PC you can find on the internet.

Note: Copyright laws on emulation may apply, and we do not promote pirating. Pursue emulators at your own risk.

5 Best Old Consoles Emulators on PC - Retro Gaming

5. ZSNES - Super Nintendo Emulator

ZSNES is an emulator for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). One of the oldest emulators on this list but still one of the most reliable, ZNES has been active since 1997. Running on DOS but also functional in Windows, Mac OSX, Linux, and even Xbox, ZNES gives you access to the best Super Nintendo games and an incredible back catalog of 1757 titles.

Because of the advanced state of Super Nintendo emulation, ZNES also facilitates the use of new ROMs (game files) and ROM hacks. This means fan translations of older Japanese games, including some of the best JRPGs, or even original games for the system, are playable with this emulator. Not bad for a 24-year-old piece of software!

Related: 8 Best JRPGs on Nintendo Switch 2020

4. VirtualBoyAdvance - Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Color Emulator

One of the most comprehensive emulators on this list, VirtualBoyAdvance, allows you to experience the golden age of handheld gaming on a PC. On top of granting access to the Game Boy Advance's 1,534 games, the emulator can also handle the Game Boy Color's 915 games and original Game Boy games. This makes it the go-to platform for many attempting Pokemon Nuzlocke Challenges and other retro game trials.

Beyond this emulator's ability to run games, the system has easy-to-use audio and video recording plugins. This allows you to save WAV and AVI recordings for the games you play, making it an obvious choice for aspiring YouTubers in the past. Combine this with GBA Printer emulation and Gameboy linking over a LAN connection, and this is one of the best ways to experience Game Boy games today.

3. Dolphin – Nintendo Wii, Game Cube Emulator

Dolphin is an emulator for GameCube and Wii that allows you to play games from those systems on Windows, Linux, MacOS, and Android. Although initially only a GameCube emulator, the popularity of the software led to expanding its reach to Nintendo's next console. 

But beyond a simple emulator, Dolphin has become the nexus for the Super Smash Bros. community, who utilized Dolphin to play Super Smash Bros. Melee on newer hardware. Couple that with many features, including controller support for Wii nunchucks, virtual GameCube Memory Cards, and emulated Wii flash memory. This is the perfect way to enjoy some Nintendo classics. 

Related: Best Sega Saturn Games of all time

2. OpenEmu – Multiple

A hugely ambitious emulator project, OpenEmu is designed as an all-in-one emulator for as many game consoles as possible. OpenEmu incorporates other emulators' base code to support 32 emulatable platforms, ranging from the Atari 2600 to the Sony PSP.

Moreover, the emulator has many quality-of-life features, making it the go-to platform for most systems it emulates. Native gamepad support and Bluetooth compatibility mean you can play classic games with DualShock 3 and DualShock 4 controllers and Xbox 360 and Xbox One controllers. An incorporated library means no messing around with folders outside the system, and the automatic downloading of game info and cover art makes this an easy and reliable emulator.

1. DOSBox – DOS Emulator

Something a little different from the rest of the emulators on this list, DOSBox is a lifesaver for fans of older PC games. After the release of Windows XP in 2001, many games which previously worked on Windows no longer functioned as intended. DOSBox was created to give those games a second chance at life.

The best thing about DOSBox is its simplicity. Often, all it needs to make an older game run is to drag the .exe file onto the DOSBox icon and drop it. Then, DOSBox will do all the configuration and challenging stuff for you, giving you a windowed and functional version of your game.  

Do you want to try more free games on PC? Check out the Best Free-to-Play RPG Games on Steam on Pro Game Guides.