Modern gaming is great and all, but there is something about retro gaming that just hits different. Forget about the multi-million dollar AAA behemoths of the modern day for a minute and think back to your childhood. No day one patches or season passes to worry about, just good old-fashioned fun. The only issue is that game preservation is something of a shambles, and so many classic titles are either too hard to track down or are lost to time completely.

If you are itching to replay a hidden gem from the days of old and you cannot be bothered to dig out your old dusty PS1 console and hook it up, or maybe you just don’t want to deal with the risk of buying pre-owned games that are decades old on eBay, then what you need is an emulator! If you are not sure where to start, then don’t worry, this guide will walk you through the best emulators for PC in 2025, letting you know why each entry is worth your time and the games it can play.

How Do the Best Emulators for PC Work?

For those new to emulation, it is worth breaking down how the best emulators for PC actually function. An emulator is a piece of software that mimics the operating system of a classic console. By recreating the environment of a Super Nintendo or a PlayStation 2, the emulator tricks the game into running as if it were being played on the original console it was intended for. This allows your PC to become a machine capable of running a multitude of retro games, even ones previously locked to an old platform that is no longer supported.

The best emulators for PC strike a balance between accuracy and accessibility. Some emulators focus on meticulously recreating the original experience, ensuring that every frame and sound effect is delivered exactly as it was decades ago. Others prioritize user friendliness, offering more of a plug-and-play setup that beginners won’t be put off by. The best emulators for PC are the ones that do both, offering modern compatibility with little technical hassle, letting the player have fun instead of spending hours troubleshooting.

Are Emulators Legal?

This is one of the major debates when it comes to the best emulators for PC: game preservation by any means necessary versus moral obligation to the original creators. The answer to whether emulation is legal is somewhat nuanced. Using an emulator itself is perfectly legal, but downloading a bunch of ROMs for free from an unofficial website is not.

ROMs are digital copies of games and thus, if you own a copy of a game you didn’t officially purchase, then technically that is piracy. So you can see why it is something of a grey area for many. That said, countless players use the best emulators for PC every day without facing legal trouble. If you want to stay on the safe side, the best way is to create ROMs from games you already own; that way, you are legally covered.

The Best Emulators for PC in 2025

Now that the basics are out of the way, let’s get into the best emulators for PC that are worth downloading in 2025. Each entry has stood the test of time and remains the go-to option for its respective console.

PCSX2 (PlayStation 2)

Let’s start with a fan favorite; PCSX2 has long been considered one of the best emulators for PC because it recreates the incredible PlayStation 2 library with remarkable accuracy. The PS2 is still one of the best-selling consoles of all time, and via PCSX2, you can dive back into its vast back catalogue of classic titles. This emulator supports more than ninety percent of PS2 games, which is a rather impressive percentage when you consider how many PS2 games were released.

PCSX2 has been around for over a decade at the time of writing, and it has benefited from constant updates during its lifespan. This means that game performance has been continually refined, countless bugs have been fixed, and compatibility has greatly improved over time. It is also one of the best emulators for PC if you are a beginner, thanks to its fairly straightforward setup.

Recommended games for PCSX2:

• Metal Gear Solid 3
• Max Payne
• Devil May Cry
• GTA: Vice City
• Burnout 3: Takedown

PPSSPP (PlayStation Portable)

If handheld nostalgia is what you are after, PPSSPP deserves a place on your machine. The PlayStation Portable was a legendary device when it launched, and PPSSPP recreates that magic beautifully. It is widely considered one of the best emulators for PC because of how well it handles upscaling. Games that originally ran on a tiny screen are able to look truly sharp and detailed on a modern monitor.

PPSSPP is open-source, meaning it is constantly being updated by developers and the community. It runs smoothly on most PCs and its interface is clean and user-friendly, making it one of the most accessible options on this list and an easy recommendation.

Recommended games for PPSSPP:

• God of War: Chains of Olympus
• Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
• Assassin’s Creed Bloodlines
• Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
• Killzone: Liberation

Dolphin (Nintendo Wii and GameCube)

Few emulators have the reputation that Dolphin does. For almost two decades, Dolphin has been regarded as one of the best emulators for PC because of its ability to replicate both GameCube and Wii titles. The compatibility on show within Dolphin is impressive, and many games run perfectly, with some even containing technical improvements that make them look better than they did originally.

Dolphin supports HD upscaling, has a range of customization options, and is available across Windows, Linux, macOS, and Android. It is also one of the best emulators for PC if you are interested in Steam Deck gaming, since it has been optimized for portable play as well.

Recommended games for Dolphin:

• Madworld
• The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker
• Red Steel
• Animal Crossing
• No More Heroes

RetroArch (Multi-Platform)

RetroArch is less of a single emulator and more of a framework that hosts many others, making it one of the best emulators for PC if you want an all-in-one solution. Instead of downloading a dozen other programs, you can set up RetroArch and access a wide range of platforms from a single hub.

The downside is that RetroArch is not the most beginner-friendly software, and getting everything to work smoothly can take a bit of time and effort. That said, if you do persist, RetroArch can become one of the most versatile tools for retro gaming, and that is why it can still be considered one of the best emulators for PC.

Recommended games for RetroArch:

• Metal Slug
• Metroid
• Battletoads
• Metal Gear
• The Legend of Zelda

SNES9x (Super Nintendo)

The SNES is still one of the most beloved consoles in gaming history, and SNES9x is the best way to relive its library today. SNES9x is one of the best emulators for PC, and it also keeps things simple. It doesn’t require a complex setup, can run on almost any PC, and offers solid compatibility when it comes to SNES titles.

There are thousands of games available for the SNES, and SNES9x is able to handle them with ease. Whether you are replaying old favourites or discovering classics for the first time, this emulator is worth your time.

Recommended games for SNES9x:

• Super Mario World
• Chrono Trigger
• Super Metroid
• Donkey Kong Country
• Super Mario Kart

Project64 (Nintendo 64)

The Nintendo 64 is an iconic console, and Project64 is the easiest way to revisit its classic lineup of games. It earns its place as one of the best emulators for PC thanks to its straightforward interface and broad compatibility. It is not the flashiest piece of software on this list, but it is very reliable.

What makes Project64 stand out is its accessibility when it comes to lower-end machines. Even if you are running a PC with basic specs, there is a good chance that this emulator can still be run. Thus, if you are new to emulation, this makes for a pretty great entry point.

Recommended games for Project64:

• GoldenEye 007
• Banjo-Tooie
• F-Zero X
• Star Fox 64
• Perfect Dark

LaunchBox (Multi-Platform)

LaunchBox is another multi-platform emulator, but with more of an emphasis on presentation. It is one of the best emulators for PC because it brings together retro and modern libraries in one sleek package. You can even import your current Steam library into LaunchBox alongside your retro games, and manage everything in a single place.

LaunchBox has a polished interface, customization options, and broad compatibility with everything from Atari to PlayStation.

Recommended games for LaunchBox:

• Wasteland
• Fallout
• Crazy Taxi
• Rollercoaster Tycoon
• Super Smash Bros. Brawl

ePSXe (PlayStation 1)

If you are looking to play games from the original PlayStation, ePSXe stands out as one of the best emulators for PC. It is fast, reliable, and offers high compatibility with a ton of PS1 titles. Despite its age, it still holds its title as the go-to emulator for Sony’s first console.

It also supports a range of input devices, from keyboard and mouse to various controllers, meaning that it is flexible to lots of different playstyles. If you are looking to revisit late 90s PlayStation classics, this is the emulator to download.

Recommended games for ePSXe:

• Metal Gear Solid
• Resident Evil 2
• Silent Hill
• Tekken 3
• Gran Turismo 2

FCEUX (Nintendo Entertainment System)

If you are looking to go even further back, FCEUX is one of the best emulators for PC when it comes to NES titles. It is user-friendly in the way that it allows you to get into the action with minimal setup. There is nothing particularly fancy about it, but that simplicity is part of its charm.

The NES library is packed with iconic games, and FCEUX makes that collection accessible. It is an ideal starting point if you want to explore the roots of console gaming.

Recommended games for FCEUX:

• Super Mario Bros.
• The Legend of Zelda
• Mega Man 2
• Ninja Gaiden
• Kirby’s Adventure

KEGA Fusion (Sega Genesis / Mega Drive)

Sega fans, we’ve got you covered with this one. KEGA Fusion is one of the best emulators for PC if you have a desire to explore the Genesis and Mega Drive era. It is stable, reliable, and capable of running almost every game released for those consoles.

Fusion also expands to cover other Sega systems, offering compatibility with the Master System and Game Gear as well. If you are looking for a comprehensive Sega collection on your PC, KEGA Fusion is hard to beat.

Recommended games for KEGA Fusion:

• Sonic the Hedgehog
• Streets of Rage 2
• Gunstar Heroes
• Beyond Oasis
• Castlevania: Bloodlines

Which Emulator Should You Choose?

With so many options, you may be wondering which of the best emulators for PC is the right one for you. The answer depends on what you want to play. If you are looking for PlayStation 2 classics, PCSX2 is unbeatable. If you want Nintendo nostalgia, Dolphin and SNES9x are essentials. For the widest possible range of platforms, RetroArch and LaunchBox are the way to go.

The good news is that almost every emulator listed here is free, so you don’t have to choose just one. You can download multiple and build a retro gaming setup tailored to your own personal taste.

The Best Emulators for PC Recapture Gaming’s Magical Past

That completes our comprehensive guide of the best emulators for PC in 2025. From single console emulators like SNES9x and ePSXe to multi-platform powerhouses like RetroArch and LaunchBox, there are a ton of ways to relive gaming’s various golden eras. Retro gaming is more accessible than ever, and with a little setup, your PC can become the ultimate time machine for video games.

So go ahead and fire up your favourite emulator, load up a classic, and see for yourself why these experiences are still being talked about decades later. The best emulators for PC are more than just software; they are a gateway to the roots of gaming, and that deserves to be experienced.

FAQ

Is there a free emulator for PC?

Yes, all of the emulators listed above are completely free! This means that you are able to test each of them out without spending a penny. This will let you work out where your preferences lie.

What emulator is best for retro games on PC?

Well, that depends on what era of retro gaming you are looking to revisit. For the PS2 era, you want to download PCSX2, for the Wii, you want Dolphin, and for the N64, check out Project64.

Are Android emulators safe to use on PC?

Yes, Android emulators are usually safe to download and run on a PC as long as they were downloaded from a reputable source and not a dodgy website full of pop-up ads.

Can you play console games on PC with an emulator?

Yes, you can; that is sort of the idea. Although you can’t run an emulator on a console natively, unfortunately, the process doesn’t work both ways. Another positive point for PC gaming, I guess.

Does using an emulator affect PC performance?

Like any piece of software, an emulator will take up RAM while it is running and will add some load onto your CPU, but most well-made emulators won’t put too much strain on your system. Especially not the ones that have been around for years and have been tested continuously for a long time. Obviously, your mileage will vary depending on your own PC specs.

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