As an emulator, Fusion supports multiple save slots, cheat codes, screenshots, and netplay.

We may earn affiliate commissions from buying links, which help support our testing.

Here are the best ones for the most popular systems of yore.

Windows Game Emulator Free Copy Of

Many older games are available via PlayStation Now and Nintendo Switch Online, but what happens when a subscription service is no longer supported and companies stop storing games on their servers Unless you have a DRM-free copy of a game, and a way to play it, youre at the mercy of game distributors and their bottom lines.

Enter emulators, which allow you to play game ROMs on modern platforms.

There are emulators for every retro game console some even support multiple systemsand a variety of operating systems.

There are legal gray areas surrounding ownership of ROM files, while some emulators require complex setups, but theyre one of your best options for a hit of old-school gaming nostalgia.

Best GameCube and Wii Emulator: Dolphin Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android.

It found a way to emulate the Wiis motion controls, so even if you dont have a Wiimote lying around, you can still play games that require it, like Skyward Sword and Mario Galaxy.

Dolphin also emulates Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, allowing you to add online play for supported games.

The developers recommend using a powerful CPU and GPU to avoid glitches.

Windows Game Emulator Download On The

Scroll down to the Stable versions section and hit download on the Windows or macOS button next to the most recent update.

Dolphin allows you to turn on cheats, set a memory card path for save files, and change the default resolution and aspect ratios.

You can also enable overclocking to improve game performance and add anti-aliasing or other graphic enhancements.

By default, Dolphin is set to use your keyboard for all input commands, but you should change that.

Dolphin supports wireless controllers, GameCube peripheral devices (like the DK Bongos), actual GameCube controllers with an adapter, and the Wiimote through Bluetooth.

You can also connect multiple gamepads at a time for local multiplayer.

Some games can be choppy and Wii motion controls dont translate well to touch screens, but its a great option for mobile gaming.

Best DS Emulator: DeSmuME Platforms: Windows, Linux, Android Alternatives: melonDS, DraStic (Android, paid), iNDS (iOS).

It can be used through the command line or as a graphical program, but the trade-off is the lack of a mobile version.

As an emulator, DeSmuMe offers features like save states, screenshot support, cheats, and video and audio recording.

The program does well to mimic the experience of the real handheld device by providing screen filters, microphone support, and screen gap customization.

You can also link a controller or customize your keyboard input and hotkeys.

And in case you were wondering how a desktop program emulates the DS touch-screen features, DeSmuMe allows you to click with the cursor for in-game movement and interactions.

Best Sega Genesis Emulator: Kega Fusion Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux Alternatives: Genesis Plus.

Mac Windows Game Emulator