Explore
Machines
A page for every machine, by category, home computers, consoles, handheld gaming, pocket computing, fantasy consoles and esoteric designs.
All machines →Chips
The chips behind every machine, by category, family and chip, each with a complete instruction-set reference.
All chips →Operating systems
The operating systems and system ROMs of every era, down to each version.
All systems →What is emulation?
An emulator is software that reproduces the behaviour of another system, its processor, graphics, sound and timing, accurately enough to run the original software unmodified. Point it at a game or disk image and the old machine comes back to life in a window, usually with modern conveniences bolted on: save states, fast-forward, rewind, higher resolutions, controller mapping and netplay.
It is also how we preserve computing history. As original hardware ages and fails, a faithful emulator keeps the software it ran playable for the next generation.
Getting started
Pick a machine
Decide which machine you want to relive, then find a well-supported emulator for it.
Get the software
Supply games you own as ROM or disc images, plus any system files the emulator needs.
Boot it up
Map a controller, load a title and play, then explore save states, shaders and netplay.