Open Source Emulators
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Browse free open source Emulators and projects below. Use the toggles on the left to filter open source Emulators by OS, license, language, programming language, and project status.
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DeSmuME
DeSmuME is a Nintendo DS emulator
DeSmuME is the most seasoned open source Nintendo DS emulator. It sports tools designed for hackers, speedrunners, youtubers, and casual gamers. Homebrew programs are supported and can even be debugged through GDB. The Windows and OSX versions are both relatively feature rich, and there is a small universe of forks and mods that add even more features for casual gaming. DeSmuME is the origin of RetroArch and OpenEmu Nintendo DS support and is used by several mobile Nintendo DS emulators, with the notable exception of DraStic. DeSmuME's source code is now hosted at https://github.com/TASVideos/desmume/ win32 autobuilds @ https://ci.appveyor.com/project/zeromus/desmume/build/artifacts -
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NetherSX2 Classic
Continuation of NetherSX2 based on AetherSX2 3668
NetherSX2-classic is a companion and variant of NetherSX2 that targets a specific older base version of the AetherSX2 emulator (based on the 3668 branch), applying similar custom patches to provide a stable and performant PS2 emulation environment on Android devices. The project stitches in anti-tampering modifications, RetroAchievements notification fixes, and controller and GameDB updates while maintaining the legacy behavior of the classic build for compatibility with titles that might perform better on the older codebase. Because this classic branch starts from a slightly different upstream version than NetherSX2-patch, users often choose it for performance reasons on lower-power devices or for games with known regressions in newer builds. As with the patch variant, the repository includes configuration changes, fixes for widescreen and deinterlacing behavior, and updated game and controller support developed by the community. -
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Winlator
Android application for running Windows applications with Wine
A software that enables users to run Windows applications on Android devices, providing an emulation layer that supports various Windows applications and games. -
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Null-modem emulator
The virtual serial port driver for Windows.
The Null-modem emulator (com0com) is a kernel-mode virtual serial port driver for Windows. You can create an unlimited number of virtual COM port pairs and use any pair to connect one COM port based application to another. The HUB for communications (hub4com) allows to receive data and signals from one COM or TCP port, modify and send it to a number of other COM or TCP ports and vice versa. -
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Retrobios
Complete BIOS and firmware packs for RetroArch, Batocera, Recalbox
Retrobios is a low-level systems programming project focused on recreating or emulating BIOS-like functionality for legacy or experimental computing environments. It is designed to provide a minimal firmware layer that initializes hardware and prepares systems to boot, often used for educational purposes or retrocomputing experiments. The project likely explores how early computing systems managed hardware abstraction, memory initialization, and device communication before modern operating systems take control. It emphasizes simplicity and transparency, allowing developers to study and modify core boot processes at a granular level. The architecture is typically close to bare metal, requiring knowledge of assembly language and hardware interfaces. It may also serve as a foundation for building custom operating systems or experimenting with low-level system design. Overall, retrobios functions as a learning and experimentation platform for understanding foundational computing concepts. -
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PrimeOS, the ideal Android based OS for mobile games on PC/Laptop.
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GNS3
An advanced network simulator to design and configure virtual networks
Build, Design and Test your network in a risk-free virtual environment and access the largest networking community to help. Whether you are studying for your first networking exam or building out a state-wide telecommunications network, GNS3 offers an easy way to design and build networks of any size without the need for hardware. -
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VICE
Versatile Commodore Emulator
VICE is an emulator collection which emulates the C64, the C64-DTV, the C128, the VIC20, practically all PET models, the PLUS4 and the CBM-II (aka C610). It runs on Unix, MS-DOS, Win32, OS/2, Acorn RISC OS, BeOS, QNX 6.x, Amiga, GP2X or Mac OS X machines. -
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RetroBIOS
Complete BIOS & firmware packs for RetroArch, Batocera, Recalbox, etc.
RetroBIOS is an open-source project that provides complete BIOS and firmware packs for a wide range of emulators and retro gaming platforms. It includes thousands of verified system files required to run consoles and arcade systems accurately across tools like RetroArch, Batocera, RetroPie, and EmuDeck. Each BIOS file is validated against emulator source code to ensure correctness, compatibility, and proper functionality. The project simplifies setup by offering automated install scripts that detect your platform and download only the required missing files. It also includes detailed documentation, cross-platform mappings, and verification tools to help users manage and audit their BIOS collections. Overall, RetroBIOS serves as a reliable, structured solution for retro gaming enthusiasts who want accurate and hassle-free emulator setups. -
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Citra Emulator
A Nintendo 3DS Emulator
Citra is an experimental open-source Nintendo 3DS emulator/debugger written in C++. It is written with portability in mind, with builds actively maintained for Windows, Linux and macOS. Citra emulates a subset of 3DS hardware and therefore is useful for running/debugging homebrew applications, and it is also able to run many commercial games! Some of these do not run at a playable state, but we are working every day to advance the project forward. (Playable here means compatibility of at least "Okay" on our game compatibility list.) Citra is licensed under the GPLv2 (or any later version). Refer to the license.txt file included. Please read the FAQ before getting started with the project. If you want to contribute please take a look at the Contributor's Guide and Developer Information. You should also contact any of the developers in the forum in order to know about the current state of the emulator because the TODO list isn't maintained anymore. -
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Eglantine
VERY experimental Nintendo Switch 2 emulator
Eglantine is a free, open-source Nintendo Switch 2 emulator designed to run compatible Nintendo Switch 2 games on Windows, macOS, and Linux computers. Written in C++, the emulator builds upon the foundations of the Eden, Yuzu, and Sudachi projects, extending their emulation technologies to support Nintendo's newer gaming hardware. Eglantine aims to recreate the functionality of the Nintendo Switch 2 through software, allowing users to run supported games on desktop computers without requiring the original console for gameplay. The emulator is currently in an experimental stage of development, with reported compatibility for games such as Mario Kart World and Splatoon Raiders, although performance varies depending on hardware specifications and configuration. Eglantine provides downloadable builds, developer documentation, and build instructions for users interested in testing the software or contributing to its development. -
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WSABuilds
Run Windows Subsystem For Android on your Windows 10 and Windows 11
WSABuilds is an open-source project that provides customized builds of the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA), enabling users to run Android applications on Windows with additional features and modifications not included in official releases. The project offers prebuilt packages that integrate enhancements such as Google Play Services support, root access, and improved compatibility with a wider range of Android applications. It simplifies the installation process by packaging these modifications into ready-to-use builds, reducing the complexity typically associated with manual configuration. WSABuilds also includes options for different system architectures and configurations, allowing users to choose builds that best match their hardware and use cases. The project emphasizes flexibility, enabling advanced users to customize their Android environment within Windows. -
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GoldHEN - PS4 Homebrew Enabler
PS4 Homebrew Enabler
GoldHEN is a homebrew enabler and payload designed for PlayStation 4 systems that enables the execution of unsigned code, modifications, and custom applications by leveraging kernel-level access. It functions as an enhancement layer built on top of exploited firmware environments, allowing users to unlock additional capabilities beyond what is normally permitted by the console. The project provides a wide range of system-level features, including debugging tools, cheat engines, and plugin support, making it popular within the console modification community. It integrates closely with the PS4 operating system to provide seamless functionality while maintaining system stability. GoldHEN also supports features such as FTP access and file system browsing, enabling users to manage internal data and install custom content. Its modular design allows developers to extend its capabilities through plugins and updates. -
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Wine
Run Windows applications on Linux, BSD, Solaris, and Mac OS X
Wine is an Open Source implementation of the Windows API on top of X and Unix. Wine provides both a development toolkit for porting Windows sources to Unix and a program loader, allowing many unmodified Windows binaries to run on x86-based Unixes. -
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PCSX2
The Playstation 2 emulator
PCSX2 is a free and open-source PlayStation 2 (PS2) emulator. Its purpose is to emulate the PS2's hardware, using a combination of MIPS CPU Interpreters, Recompilers and a Virtual Machine that manages hardware states and PS2 system memory. This allows you to play PS2 games on your PC, with many additional features and benefits. The PCSX2 project has been running for more than ten years. Past versions could only run a few public domain game demos, but newer versions can run most games at full speed, including popular titles such as Final Fantasy X and Devil May Cry 3. Visit the PCSX2 compatibility list to check the latest compatibility status of games (with more than 2500 titles tested), or ask for help in the official forums. The latest officially released stable version is version 1.6.0. Installers and binaries for both Windows and Linux are available from our website. -
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Vectras VM
It's a Virtual Machine App for Android Which is Based on QEMU
Vectras VM Android is a mobile virtualization platform built on top of QEMU that enables users to run full desktop operating systems directly on Android devices. It functions as a complete virtual machine manager, allowing the emulation of systems such as Windows, Linux, macOS, and even other Android environments within a single app. The project is designed to push the limits of mobile hardware by leveraging modern smartphone CPUs and RAM configurations to simulate full computing environments. It includes a graphical interface and setup tools that simplify the process of creating and managing virtual machines, making it accessible beyond purely technical users. The emulator supports different architectures and integrates additional components like 3dfx wrappers to improve graphical compatibility and performance. Due to the heavy computational requirements, it is optimized for newer devices with high-end processors and sufficient memory. -
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MAME
A multi-purpose emulation framework
On December 24th, 1996, Nicola Salmoria began working on his single hardware emulators, which he merged into one program during January 1997. He named the accomplishment by the name of Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator, or MAME for short. -
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Gopher64
Highly compatible N64 emulator
Gopher64 is a modern, cross-platform Nintendo 64 emulator focused on high compatibility and performance. It aims to accurately reproduce the behavior of the original hardware while providing enhancements that improve the user experience. The emulator includes features such as graphical upscaling, shader support, and netplay for online multiplayer sessions. It supports homebrew applications alongside commercial titles, making it useful for both players and developers. gopher64 also offers tools like save states and cheat support to extend gameplay flexibility. Built with modern programming practices, it emphasizes maintainability and portability across operating systems. Overall, it is a robust solution for emulating N64 games with enhanced capabilities. -
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shadPS4
PS4 emulator for Windows,Linux,MacOS
shadPS4 is an early PlayStation 4 emulator for Windows, Linux, and macOS written in C++. If you encounter problems or have doubts, do not hesitate to look at the Quickstart. To verify that a game works, you can look at shadPS4 Game Compatibility. To discuss shadPS4 development or suggest ideas, join the Discord server. To get the latest news, go to our X (twitter) or our website. -
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VirtualBox
Virtualization software for x86_64 hardware
VirtualBox is a powerful open-source full virtualization software that allows a user to run one or more “guest” operating systems simultaneously inside “virtual machines” on a single physical “host” machine. It supports a wide variety of host platforms (Linux, Windows, macOS, Solaris, etc.) and guest OSes, enabling, for example, running Linux on a Windows PC, running Windows Server on a Linux host, or even legacy OSes in a controlled environment. This flexibility makes VirtualBox ideal for developers, testers, sysadmins, or hobbyists who need different OS environments, want to test software across systems, or need isolation for development, sandboxing, or security experiments. VirtualBox offers both a user-friendly GUI as well as a command-line interface and headless mode, making it useful for desktop usage as well as server or automated environments. -
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A portable and cycle-accurate NES/Famicom emulator written in C++
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Simple64
Accurate N64 Emulator
simple64 is a Nintendo 64 emulator designed to provide accurate and performant emulation of classic N64 games. It aims to replicate original hardware behavior closely while maintaining compatibility across different systems. The emulator includes support for modern graphics plugins and enhancements, improving visual fidelity beyond original hardware limitations. It also provides features such as netplay for multiplayer experiences over the internet. Although development has been archived, it remains a functional tool for retro gaming enthusiasts. The project focuses on accuracy, stability, and usability for players seeking authentic gameplay. Overall, it is a reliable emulator for experiencing N64 titles on modern systems. -
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Xenia Canary
Xbox 360 Emulator Research Project
Xenia Canary is an experimental fork of the Xenia Xbox 360 emulator that moves faster than the mainline project to trial bleeding-edge improvements. It focuses on game compatibility and performance by iterating quickly on GPU and CPU emulation paths, shader translation, and timing correctness. Canary builds are where risky optimizations, new backends, and rewrites land first so they can be tested by a wider community before stabilizing. The project emphasizes pragmatism: make more titles boot and run with fewer glitches, even if it means carrying experiments that later get refined or rolled back. It also prioritizes developer ergonomics with logging options, debug overlays, and issue templates that help narrow down regressions. While aimed at enthusiasts and testers, it remains a valuable way for end users to play otherwise inaccessible 360 titles on PC when the mainline is lagging behind those fixes. -
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Flycast
Flycast is a multiplatform Sega Dreamcast, Naomi, Naomi 2
Flycast is a high-performance open-source emulator for Sega Dreamcast, Naomi, and Atomiswave systems, designed to accurately reproduce the behavior of original hardware while enabling modern enhancements. It supports a wide range of platforms including desktop and mobile environments, allowing users to run classic games across different devices. The emulator focuses on both accuracy and performance, using optimized rendering techniques to replicate original visuals while offering optional enhancements such as higher resolutions and improved textures. It includes support for online multiplayer, save states, and various input devices, making it more flexible than original hardware. Flycast also supports arcade systems based on similar architectures, expanding its compatibility beyond standard console titles. The project is actively developed, with ongoing improvements to compatibility, performance, and feature support. -
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Dolphin Emulator
GameCube and Wii emulator for PC (Windows, Mac, & Linux)
Dolphin Emulator is a powerful open-source emulator that allows PC gamers to play Nintendo GameCube and Wii games on modern hardware. It delivers a significantly enhanced experience by supporting full HD 1080p resolution and higher, making classic titles look sharper than ever. Dolphin is known for its high compatibility, with the majority of games running perfectly or being fully playable. The emulator supports a wide range of PC controllers, including keyboards, gamepads, and original console controllers via adapters. Advanced features like turbo speed and performance optimizations allow smoother gameplay and faster load times. With an active development community and frequent updates, Dolphin continues to improve accuracy, performance, and overall user experience.
