Emulation
Ongoing coverage on Emulation.
Latest coverage
PlayStation 3 emulation gets a huge boost with new improvements to its best emulator
The RPCS3 emulator for PlayStation 3 has received a significant performance boost due to a breakthrough in emulating the console's Cell CPU. Developers discovered new SPU usage patterns that optimize PC code, leading to performance improvements across all games, with Twisted Metal seeing a 5-7% FPS increase. This advancement benefits all emulation rigs, including the Steam Deck.
Twisted Metal dev was "convinced" the PS3 would "never be" emulated, and now he's congratulating RPCS3 on proving him wrong: "Amazing work"
The developers behind the PlayStation 3 emulator RPCS3 have announced a significant breakthrough in emulating the console's complex Cell CPU, leading to performance improvements in games like the Twisted Metal reboot. James Stanard, the original game's principal engine developer, expressed his surprise and admiration, having previously believed the PS3 would be un-emulatable. This advancement is crucial for the preservation of the PS3's game library.
RPCS3 Breakthrough Enhances Performance for All PS3 Games - GameHaunt
The RPCS3 PlayStation 3 emulator received a significant performance patch on December 12, 2024, improving SPU emulation for the Cell processor. This update provides a 5-7% frame rate increase in demanding titles like Twisted Metal across all PC hardware. The optimization enhances emulation efficiency by generating more streamlined machine code for modern CPUs.
The best tool for playing obscure old PC games now supports the sublime FMV cheese of Crime Patrol 2: Drug Wars and a Lovecraftian adventure one YouTuber scored a 'terribly low 2/10'
The emulation tool ScummVM, known for playing old PC games, has expanded its support to include FMV titles like Crime Patrol 2: Drug Wars and the Lovecraftian adventure Necronomicon: The Dawning of Darkness. The article highlights the appeal of playing both notoriously bad and obscure old games, referencing a YouTuber's low score for Necronomicon.
Super combat 3 - An Amiga multiplayer game was lost and now recovered thanks to emulation.
The lost Amiga multiplayer game Super Combat 3, originally developed in 1995, has been recovered and made public through modern emulation techniques. This intense two-player action title features local combat with objectives such as hostage rescue and base destruction.
Sony may never support PS3 games again, but at least the platform's best emulator is getting massive improvements…
The RPCS3 emulator for PlayStation 3 games has received significant updates, improving the handheld experience with a reworked overlay and redesigned settings menu. While Sony has not officially supported PS3 backwards compatibility on newer consoles like the PlayStation 4, these emulator enhancements allow users to play PS3 classics on devices such as the Steam Deck.
"Best-in-class emulation from over five decades of gaming" - The Evercade Nexus is a brand new cartridge-based handheld with thumbsticks, local multiplayer support, and a bonus N64 Banjo-Kazooie collection
Blaze has announced the Evercade Nexus, a new cartridge-based retro handheld featuring dual analogue sticks, a 5.89-inch screen, and local multiplayer support. It will launch in October for $199.99 and includes Banjo-Kazooie and Banjo-Tooie. The device aims to offer a modern handheld experience for emulation fans, with a special limited "64 Edition" also planned.
ScummVM 2026.2.0 "Railmonicon" out now supporting more retro games
ScummVM 2026.2.0 "Railmonicon" has been released, adding support for eight new classic games including Necronomicon: The Dawning of Darkness and Mad Dog McCree. This update also includes various fixes and improvements to existing game engines, PC Speaker emulation, and launcher functionality across multiple platforms like PC, PlayStation 3, Wii, and iOS.
The Anbernic RG Vita is now available, but I'd be tempted to pick up an original PS Vita handheld instead
The Anbernic RG Vita, a modern handheld designed for emulation, is now available but may not be the best choice compared to an original PlayStation Vita. While the RG Vita Pro offers impressive specs for its price, other devices like the Retroid Pocket 5 provide superior performance. The author suggests that for those seeking a Vita-like experience, an actual PlayStation Vita might be a more compelling option.
Blaze is teasing a new Evercade Nexus console, and the retro gaming glutton in me is hoping it'll be a PS2 era…
Blaze has teased a new retro gaming console called the Evercade Nexus, with speculation suggesting it could emulate PlayStation 2 era games. While official details are scarce, the company is accepting mailing list sign-ups for more information. The article discusses potential pricing and its place in the competitive retro hardware market.
The Game Boy Advance turned 25 this weekend, these are the retro handhelds that help it shine in 2026
The Game Boy Advance celebrated its 25th anniversary, prompting a look at modern retro handhelds that excel at emulating its games. Devices like the Anbernic RG Cube, RG28XX, and RG35XXSP are highlighted for their ability to run Game Boy Advance titles and other classic systems, offering various form factors and features for enthusiasts.
Switch 2's GameCube App Has Been Updated (Version 1.6.0)
The GameCube application for the Nintendo Switch Online service has been updated to version 1.6.0, reportedly improving analog stick range and HDR support for the CRT shader. While input lag is not believed to have changed, these updates are part of Nintendo's ongoing efforts to enhance its retro game libraries.
Nintendo seems to have improved GameCube emulation on Switch 2
Nintendo appears to have improved GameCube emulation on the Nintendo Switch. Key issues such as input lag and analog sensitivity have been addressed, though latency may still not be perfect for all users. This update enhances the emulation experience for GameCube titles on the platform.
Further Frustration as PS Plus' Latest Retro Game Arrives without PS5, PS4 Trophies
Tekken: Dark Resurrection, a PSP port of Tekken 5, is now available on PlayStation Plus Premium but lacks Trophies, a common issue with Bandai Namco's emulated retro titles. While Sony's policy allows for flexibility with retro releases, the absence of Trophies in Bandai Namco's offerings is a point of frustration for players hoping for support in games like Ridge Racer Type-4 and SoulCalibur 3. The game itself plays well on PlayStation 5, but the lack of Trophies remains a disappointment.
Remember the Nokia Twist and Motorola Flipout? This handheld brings their weirdest trick back
A leaked Anbernic prototype features a unique swiveling screen design that hides a gamepad, reminiscent of 2009-2010 mobile phones like the Motorola Flipout and Nokia Twist. This experimental form factor, if it reaches production, marks a departure from Anbernic's usual retro-inspired handhelds and could signal a new direction for the company in the handheld gaming market.
PlayStation 3 emulator RPCS3 gets easier to use with Steam
The free and open-source PlayStation 3 emulator RPCS3 has introduced a new feature allowing users to add games directly to Steam. This integration enables launching PS3 titles directly from Steam, leveraging its features and acting as a unified launcher, particularly beneficial for handheld PC users like those with a Steam Deck.
Nine years later, Hyperkin Retron HD is nowhere near as crumby as I remember, and it's a solid starting point for playing physical NES carts on any screen
The Hyperkin Retron HD is a budget-friendly NES clone that offers a serviceable way to play original cartridges on modern displays via HDMI. While it has some visual inaccuracies and minor input lag, it provides a convenient and affordable entry point for new collectors or those looking to use their existing NES libraries.
Modder behind cancelled Star Wars game's unofficial revival has 'no concern at all' about Disney reprisal: 'We pose little to no threat to any upcoming or ongoing titles'
A team of two modders has successfully revived the cancelled Star Wars shooter First Assault, enabling online multiplayer through a custom server and an emulator. Despite the game's original cancellation in 2013, the modders utilized AI and community efforts to overcome technical hurdles, including recreating a profile management server. The modders express no concern about potential reprisal from Disney, believing their project poses no threat to current or upcoming Star Wars titles.
There's a "TV apocalypse" in video game preservation as CRTs go extinct, expert says, and that's just the tip of the iceberg as work continues to save retro hardware
The extinction of CRT televisions poses a significant challenge to video game preservation, as many retro games were designed with their display characteristics in mind. Experts at the Game Developers Conference 2026 highlighted this 'TV apocalypse' as part of a larger crisis facing game historians, who are working to preserve not only playable games but also crucial development materials like schematics to aid in emulation and future game presentation.
Best Android DS Emulator
This guide details the best emulators for playing Nintendo DS games on Android devices, with melonDS highlighted as the top choice due to its free, open-source nature and regular updates. EmuBox is also mentioned as a versatile option supporting multiple console ROMs, though it features ads and requires an online connection.
