People talk about video game emulation when they discuss the act of playing video games on personal computers or mobile devices through the use of specialized software known as video game emulators. These emulators are typically created by video gamers (with computer coding and software development skills) for the enjoyment of other video gamers.
In this post, I am going to list my favorite top 10 video game emulators for the PC. I am going to rank them according them on how well they are known to work well on low-end PCs, ease of setting up, and games compatibility.
Disclaimer: I do not want to promote piracy. If you want to play your desired games on an emulator, it is best to use only legally obtained ROMs and to own the original games or use the legally obtained ROMs from the companies themselves.
Finally, it is important to be mindful of the legality of emulators and ROMs in your country. You should always check your local laws and regulations.
10. yuzu
Yuzu is a Nintendo Switch emulator that surprised me. Modern PCs with only integrated graphics can run some popular Switch games with it at lowest settings. You need a minimum of 8 gigabytes of memory though.
Yuzu is not hard to set up because of Youtube tutorials available. Its working games list is still not plentiful enough due to the emulator being in its "pre-teen" stage.
9. ePSXe
ePSXe is an emulator for PlayStation One games. It is darn lightweight and it can run on most PCs with integrated graphics. It will support virtually all PlayStation One games, as well as it has the options to improve or customize the games' graphics and audio. I was delighted that it can make my favorite PS1 games have a cell-shaded look or make the rough 3D edges smoother.
It is a bit of a drag to set up though if you are too damn lazy to read and follow instructions.
8. PCSX2
A darn good emulator for PlayStation 2 games. It requires a bit more power than Dolphin (down on the list), but is still relatively lightweight and can run on most modern PCs with integrated graphics. PCSX2 is the go to emulator for those who like games in 3D but can't run them in their low end PC. Setting it up is almost a bitch too like ePSXe.
A very good PS2 games compatibility list means no worries in choosing the games that can run well.
7. MAME
MAME stands for "Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator." It's a type of software that allows you to play the old classic arcade games on your computer. These games are the ones that you would typically find in an arcade.
The system requirements for MAME can vary depending on the version you are using and the games you want to play. However, in general, MAME is not a very demanding program and can run on a wide range of computers. Setting it up is not as attentive as ePSXe.
The list of arcade games that will work on it is massive. You can even run arcade games from the late 1970s.
6. SSF
I favor SSF Emulator as the go to for emulating Sega Saturn game titles. I had no issues so far with the emulator like the others of its kind and it works wonders with low end PCs. However, for beginners, it may be a little confusing to set it up.
Almost all Saturn titles are covered in its compatibility list.
5. Dolphin
Dolphin is an emulator for the Nintendo GameCube and Wii games. It is relatively lightweight and can run on most PCs with integrated graphics. Setting it up is easier than some listed above emulators.
Compatibility list is good enough: Over 60% of Gamecube and Wii games are playable.
4. Nestopia
The first emulator that I have ever used. Nestopia is a great emulator for the NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) that boasts high levels of accuracy. It is able to run the majority of NES games on very low end PCs without any issues. Additionally, Nestopia is loaded with features such as the ability to scale textures and to play games online.
Setting up is damn easy by just only doing a few steps and you are good to go.
3. PPSSPP
PPSSPP can run Sony PSP games on most low end PCs in HD resolution, and play them on Android phones too. It can even upscale textures that would otherwise be too blurry as they were made for the small screen of the original PSP.
Setting up is easy and the compatibility games list is high.
2. WinKawaks
WinKawaks is the second emulator I have ever used. A great emulator for Capcom and NeoGeo arcade games. It will work damn well on even old low end PCs like it loves them! Easy to set up and run and its games list is superb.
1. Project64
I never had problems using this Nintendo 64 emulator. Project64 can run even on old low end PCs running on Windows XP like it was made for it. It works straight out of the box with the easiest little set up (only the controller). It is a lazy emulator user's happy dream come true.
Project64's working games list is complete. Need I say more?
So what are your favorite video game emulators? Let me read your comments so I can try them out.