You can install a video game emulator on your PC, Mac, iPhone, or Android device, which will allow you to play games from the past.
Step 1: Determine what systems you want to emulate.
More than any other platform, Windows computers have tons of options for emulation.What you plan to play will affect the emulator you choose.You can emulate most handheld systems.There is no stable emulators for PS3 or PS4.As of this writing, the Wii U has only one emulator, which is stable but very early.
Step 2: Decide on the device you want to use.
Once you have a good idea of the system you want to emulate, you can make a decision.The most stable option is RetroArch, a front-end for a variety of emulators.It's the best choice for all retro systems and Nintendo handhelds.It can be used to play old DOS games.The best emulator for PS2 is PCSX2, but be aware that each game will require its own configuration.The Dolphin can run GameCube and Wii games.One of the more stable Dreamcast emulators is nullDC.
Step 3: You can download the emulator at the site.
This guide will show you how to install RetroArch, which will give you access to a lot of video games.Click the link to visit the website.
Step 4: Click on the folder.
This will show the download options.
Step 5: Click on the x86_64 folder.
The files will be displayed for most modern computers.If you are using an older computer, make sure it is 32-bit or 64-bit first.
Step 6: The file is called RetroArch.7z.
This will start the download of the RetroArch system files.
Step 7: 7-Zip can be downloaded and installed.
The.7z format is required to open files with this program.You can find it on the 7-Zip website.Follow the instructions to download and install the EXE file.
Step 8: Click on the RetroArch.7z file.
You can find it in your Downloads folder.This will open the file.
Step 9: There is a new folder for the RetroArch program.
You'll be running RetroArch from this folder on your computer.
Step 10: The contents of the RetroArch.7z file should be moved to the new folder.
All you need to do to install RetroArch is copy the files from the.7z file into the folder.
Step 11: Click on retroarch.exe.
This will be the launch of RetroArch.
Step 12: Press X if you want to select the Load Core.
The menu option will be selected.Until you connect a controller, use this key.
Step 13: Select the one you want to download.
The keys are used to navigate.
Step 14: Press X to highlight the core you want to install.
You can find a list of available emulators.To download the emulator files, you have to find one for the system you want to play.Try the first one on the list if the system has more than one.
Step 15: Press Z if you want to go back.
This will bring you back to the previous menu.
Step 16: There are some game files that you can download.
There are no game files in RetroArch.You will need to find and download these on your own.To find files hosted on various websites, do a web search for "game name rom".
Step 17: There are folders dedicated to their system.
The easiest way to load your games into RetroArch is to sort your rom files.If you're loading a game, put all of your games in a "NES" folder.
Step 18: The + column can be selected in RetroArch.
Step 19: Press X if you want to highlight the Scan Directory.
Step 20: Go to the directory that has your files.
Step 21: Press X if you want to highlight a game.
The game will be loaded using the emulator you selected.Different systems will use different input mappings.
Step 22: Determine which system you want to emulate.
Some of the most popular ones are only available on Mac, but you still have options on Windows.You'll want to use RetroArch for most retro systems, handhelds, and early 3D consoles.RetroArch will be the focus of this guide.You should use PCSX2 for PS2.You should use Dolphin for Wii and GameCube.
Step 23: Go to the RetroArch download site.
The guide will focus on using RetroArch, as it gives you access to the widest variety of systems.
Step 24: Click the link to download.
Step 25: Click the osx folder if you want to go to the apple folder.
Step 26: Click on the x86_64 folder.
Step 27: Click the file to open it.
This will start the download of the RetroArch installer.
Step 28: Click the RetroArch.dmg file to open it.
Step 29: You can drag RetroArch into your Applications folder.
Step 30: Click on the RetroArch program to open it.
You will not be able to launch it by double-clicking.
Step 31: Click the button to open it.
Step 32: Press X if you want to highlight Load Core.
Step 33: Press X to download the core.
Step 34: If you want to download the emulator, highlight it.
Try the first one on the list if there are more than one.It's possible to download a different one later.
Step 35: The emulator can be downloaded by pressing X.
Step 36: To return to the menu, press Z.
Step 37: There are some game files that you can download.
You need to get game files on your own, because RetroArch doesn't come with any games.You can find games for your emulator by searching for "game name rom"It is illegal to download files for games you don't own.
Step 38: There is a dedicated directory for the ROM files.
You should create a folder for each system you're going to download the roms for.You can place all of the games in a "SNES" folder on your desktop if you download SNES roms.
Step 39: The + column can be highlighted in RetroArch.
You will be able to add game files to RetroArch.
Step 40: Press X if you want to use the Scan Directory.
Step 41: Go to the folder containing the game files.
Step 42: Press X to add a game to RetroArch.
This will start the game.
Step 43: You can open the browser on your phone.
If your device is not jailbroken, the iPhone has very limited emulation options.The app store does not allow the installation of emulators through it.
Step 44: Visit the website.
There are emulators for the iPhone that can be downloaded and installed.Depending on whether or not Apple revoked the necessary certificates, the availability of these emulators varies.
Step 45: The apps tab is where you can tap.
This will show the emulators that are available to download.
Step 46: You can find the emulators you want to use.
You will want to install the emulators using the "Signed" method.There are a number of popular emulators that this works for.
Step 47: To open the install page, tap the emulator.
Step 48: The install button is on the screen.
Step 49: To confirm, tap Install again.
The screen will open with more instructions.
Step 50: The Home button should be pressed.
This will return you to your home screen.
Step 51: Go to the settings on the phone.
The settings app is on the Home screen.It seems like a gray gear.
Step 52: There is a Tap General.
This is at the top of the options.
Step 53: Click Device Management to scroll down.
You can find it at the bottom of the menu.
Step 54: The listing is in the enterprise apps section.
You may see multiple entries if you installed multiple emulators.You will need to do the same for each of them.The app has not finished installing yet.Once the app is downloaded and installed, try to check the Home screen.
Step 55: The trust name button can be tapped.
The company name will be generic.You can install the app without the App Store if you have a dummy company set up with certificates.
Step 56: To confirm, tap Trust.
Don't worry about your data.Personal data will not be accessible without your consent.
Step 57: You can find a file to use with your emulator.
There are websites that host game files for the emulators that you have installed.You can find the rom files you want by searching "system rom" or "game rom".It is illegal to download games that you don't own.
Step 58: The link for the file is on the screen.
Step 59: There is a link to the Open in Emulator.
This will appear after you download the file.You will see the link if you tap the download link.If you tap this link, you'll be able to add the rom to your game list in the future.If you don't see this, you can use your emulator.
Step 60: You can open the store.
The Play Store can be opened by tapping the button on your Home screen.
Step 61: You can find the emulators you want to install.
Most retro and handheld systems have a variety of emulators available from the Play Store.Some of the most popular are: DraStic (Nintendo DS), John GBC (Game Boy and Game Boy Color), MD.emu (Sega Genesis/Mega Drive), and My Boy!Nostalgia.NES and SuperRetro16 are games for the Game Boy Advance.
Step 62: You can install the emulator by tapping the button.
There is a free trial available for some emulators.
Step 63: You can open your browser on your phone.
You will need to use your browser to download the game files from the emulators.
Step 64: You can search for the game files.
You can download game files from dozens of websites.You'll be using roms for systems that didn't use the cartridges.ISO files for systems that used CDs.To find a specific game or a list of all available games, you can use the game name rom/iso.It is against the law to download game files for games you don't own.
Step 65: The download link is on the screen.
This will allow you to download the file to your phone.
Step 66: You can open your app.
After you've downloaded a game, start your emulator.
Step 67: Load your file.
Depending on the emulator you are using, the process will be different.If you want to locate the files, you'll be asked to browse your storage.You can find them in your Downloads folder if you downloaded them with your browser.Some games will be automatically scanned for game files.