Getting started with emulation

Emulation allows you to replay your games on a device other than the original console: a PC, a phone, a handheld console or even another modified console. It's also a wonderful tool for preserving video game heritage. Here are the basics to get started right.


Emulator, BIOS, ROM: the vocabulary

• The emulator is the software that imitates a console's hardware. The vast majority are free and open source.
• The BIOS / firmware is the internal software of some consoles (PlayStation for example). It is protected by copyright: it is recovered from your own console.
• The ROM or disk image is a copy of a game. Legally, it is the backup of a game you own, made by yourself.

The must-haves

• RetroArch: a single interface that brings together dozens of emulators ("cores"), ideal for 8 and 16 bit consoles, handhelds and arcade.
• Dolphin: the reference for GameCube and Wii, with resolution upscaling and Wii controller support.
• DuckStation and PCSX2: respectively for the original PlayStation and PlayStation 2.
• PPSSPP: for the PSP, available almost everywhere, including on phone.
• RPCS3 and Xenia: impressive projects for PS3 and Xbox 360, which require a powerful PC.

Emulating recent consoles remains a sensitive subject: several projects have been shut down in recent years under legal pressure from manufacturers. Always prefer official versions of still-maintained projects.


Recovering your own games

Depending on the console, there are tools to copy your cartridges, discs and saves: USB cartridge readers, "dump" homebrews on Wii, PS3, PSP or Switch... You will find the methods in the tutorials of each console and the tools in the downloads.


Our advice

• A good controller changes everything: most USB or Bluetooth controllers are recognized.
• Enable the "shader" or filter you like, but keep the original ratio to avoid stretched images.
• Save regularly with the game's save system: "save states" are convenient but less reliable between emulator versions.

Unsure between two emulators or stuck on a setting? The forum is the right place to talk about it.