Gone are the days when teenagers all over the world selflessly played game consoles, sitting behind them all their free time. With the growth of technology and the quality of graphics, the old consoles gave way to computers. Nevertheless, even after more than 20-30 years, you can recall the past and again plunge into the world of Super Mario, Tetris and Tanks.
Modern realities of the gaming industry
Of course, consoles are not a thing of the past. Today, such powerful game consoles as XboX, Sony Playstation and others already exist. But the fact is that not everyone can buy them, since their cost ranges from $ 1,000.
There is a solution, and it is called a console emulator. Yes, there is an alternative to fantastic graphics and crazy gameplay. Thanks to the emulator, you can plunge into the world of modern console games using a computer and a special program. But first things first.
8-bit console emulators
For those who want to remember their childhood and play the good old 8-bit games, there is an emulator of retro consoles, the so-called NES. And he is not even alone.
It is worth considering the best representatives of this category. These include:
- FCE Ultra. Perhaps the best 8-bit profile console emulator (Dendy). A lot of settings, the ability to use cheat codes (including adaptation for ArtMoney), autosave and autoload functions, support for network mode.
- Nestopia. Another excellent emulator. Large selection of video modes, support for saving and loading functions, interaction with packaged games (working with archives).
- VirtuaNES. The main advantage that this emulator of old consoles possesses is its full interaction with all versions of 8-bit games. Some ROM files open only in this emulator.
Emulators of 16-bit consoles
The next branch of the development of consoles was 16-bit consoles, based on Sega MegaDrive. Actually, 16-bit games differed from their predecessors in that they had better graphics, more interesting plots and somewhat more complicated controls.
Among the most popular emulators are:
- Super Nintendo. This console emulator has a very large functionality, including support for even weak PCs, a huge selection of games, the ability to customize controls, quick download and save functions, and gorgeous video settings.
- Gen32 - Genesis. Perhaps this emulator is the best. Despite the fact that its functionality has only English, it is not difficult to understand it. But it is equipped with innovative rendering technology, which allows you to maintain the quality of the graphics even with an increase in screen resolution. Well, a standard set of options - quick save and load, control settings.
32-bit console emulators
With the development of the 5th generation of game consoles, which already have 32/64-bit capacity, all parameters immediately improved - graphics, audio, powerful games appeared, network modes and the ability to download games over the Internet normalized. Accordingly, the prices of such consoles also increased.
As a result, 32-bit game console emulators appeared. The main thing that was required from these programs was to create an atmosphere of realism, as if the gameplay is being performed on the console. This was achieved, so the existing emulators will please fans of console games and graphics:
- Gens32. This emulator has a wide range of settings, which includes rendering, optimization of video parameters, and support for fast commands.
- Kega Fusion. And this ROM is so cool adapted for PC that it is able to maintain video quality even on large screens. In addition, it has support for cheat codes, the installation of its own plugins and much more.
- Regen. The remarkableness of this emulator lies in the fact that even pirated versions of games easily go on it. And, of course, it is equipped with a powerful set of tools to make the gameplay enjoyable and easy. In addition, it supports this linux console emulator, which makes it multifaceted and useful for all platforms.
Emulators of 64-bit platforms
The latest generation of gaming platforms, supporting 64-bit capacity, differs from its predecessors with an excellent graphics component. In addition, the range of games has expanded significantly, which are practically not inferior to PC versions, and even surpass them in some respects.
Naturally, the need for searching for analogues to such expensive platforms is growing. The latest emulators of 64-bit platforms have amazing functionality and convenient performance:
- Project64. This is the best emulator that supports all existing original games. Built-in settings functionality and Internet connection for games on the Web. A lot of quick commands, convenient controls and a wide range of video settings.
- 1964. This is a veteran of emulators of 64-bit platforms. Nevertheless, it is not inferior to more modern models in reliability. The only negative is that later ROMs will not load in this emulator. Everything else has high parameters. In addition, 1964 has very small system requirements, so it can be used even on weak PCs.
- Mupen64Plus. This console emulator is cross-platform and easily adapts to any OS. Moreover, it works at high power, while maintaining the quality and performance of the game. Initially launched using the command line, but it is also possible to install a standalone shell.
Universal emulators
In fact, what is a universal emulator? This is an application that supports several types of bit depths at once and allows you to run ROM games of different generations, for example, Dendy, Sega, PS. There are few such programs, since they are quite difficult to implement. We can even say that today only one representative of this family is functioning properly - RetroArch.
The principle of its action is to work individually with the kernels that, after launch, generate the right console for games. The program supports updates, so that problems with the launch of newer games should not arise.
Portable emulators
Modern technologies have reached such a level that you can play good old games with the help of special devices (like tablets). This is the so-called portable console. Dendy, Sega, Sony, or even Nintendo64 emulators support all the necessary bit depths. Naturally, depending on the manufacturer or quality. The most popular devices are Sony and Nintendo, as most of the retro games were produced by these companies.
However, today their good analogues are made by other, less well-known companies, albeit with somewhat limited functionality, but it is pretty decent, as for a small portable device.
Handheld Console Overview
Among the large number of portable console emulators produced, there are several of the most popular:
- Ritmix RZX-50. This device is equipped with a 4.3-inch LCD screen, the ability to connect to a TV. Supports 8.16- and 32-bit games, as well as slot machine emulators.
- NVIDIA Shield. This console is perhaps the best option to purchase. The name NVIDIA alone means that the quality of the graphics of even the oldest emulators will be at a tremendous height. Absolutely all existing emulators are supported (from 8 to 64 bits). In addition, when connected to a TV, it turns into a real game console - you just need to attach a gamepad.
- Portable Steam Smash Zero. This is a new generation console using touch controls. Powerful features, a large screen and synchronization with all existing emulators, including the PS3. The choice for true game lovers.