Emulation
Ongoing coverage on Emulation.
Latest coverage
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.
I feel like I can't escape Xbox drama, as even new retro handheld emulators are causing a stir over app charges
A controversy has emerged regarding an unofficial Xemu emulator port for Android, which is being sold for $8 on the Play Store. This has led to criticism from the original Xemu developers, who plan to release an official Android app. While a free version of the unofficial port is available on GitHub, the paid version on the Play Store has sparked debate about app charges for emulation software.
PlayStation 3 emulator RPCS3 is getting improved handheld PC support
The PlayStation 3 emulator RPCS3 is receiving updates to improve its user experience on handheld PCs like the Steam Deck and Legion Go. Upcoming features include a redesigned in-game home menu, on-the-fly settings changes, better button mapping, and the ability to add games to Steam directly from RPCS3.
Xbox 360 Emulation Arrives on iOS with XeniOS – BioShock Now Playable
The XeniOS project has released the first functional Xbox 360 emulator for iOS devices, allowing games like BioShock, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, and The Simpsons Game to be played on iPhones. While only a small percentage of tested games currently run properly, the developers are optimistic about expanding compatibility. This technical achievement is significant given the architectural differences between Xbox 360 and current mobile hardware.
An original Xbox emulator just hit Android and it’s already messy
An unofficial, paid port of the open-source original Xbox emulator xemu, named X1 BOX, has been released on Android without the original developers' approval, causing backlash. The xemu team confirmed they are working on their own free official Android release, while a free, unofficial build is also available via GitHub. Users will need to provide their own system files and game dumps to run titles, with performance varying significantly.
The cores in Nvidia's upcoming PC processor achieve 'performance parity' with Intel and AMD's latest chips, but will it actually be any good for games?
Nvidia's upcoming GB10 'Superchip' for PCs, featuring Arm's Cortex X925 cores, shows performance parity with the latest desktop CPUs from Intel and AMD. However, its suitability for gaming hinges on effective x86 code emulation, a feature not explicitly documented on the Cortex X925 core, unlike Qualcomm's Snapdragon X CPU.
Dataminer scoured code of Pokemon FireRed LeafGreen emulator finds ROMs are new and mention Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald
A dataminer has discovered new information within the code of Pokemon FireRed and Pokemon LeafGreen, which utilize the same emulator as the Nintendo Switch Online Game Boy Advance service. The findings include telemetry data sent to Nintendo and mentions of Pokemon Ruby, Pokemon Sapphire, and Pokemon Emerald within the emulator's code.
Lutris v0.5.21 and v0.5.22 arrive with Valve's Sniper runtime support and new game runners
Lutris, an open-source game manager for Linux, has released versions 0.5.21 and 0.5.22. These updates introduce support for Valve's Sniper runtime, new game runners for PS4 and Xenia, and various bug fixes and improvements, including updated Dolphin-emu runner and collapsible sidebar sections.
TrimUI Smart Pro S Now Available on Amazon at Official Price
The TrimUI Smart Pro S handheld emulator is now available on Amazon at its official $99.99 price, offering an alternative purchase option to the official website. The device runs on a Linux-based system, features a 4.96-inch IPS display, and is capable of emulating games up to the PlayStation Portable (PSP) level. It comes in various storage configurations and color options, making it an accessible choice for retro gaming enthusiasts.
You can run PC games like Cyberpunk 2077 on Android now, and it’s not streaming
Cyberpunk 2077 is now playable on Android devices through PC emulation layers like GameHub and WinLater, without requiring cloud streaming. Using a high-end Red Magic 11 Pro with active cooling, the game achieved playable frame rates, reaching the mid-to-high 40s with FSR frame generation enabled at 720p on low settings.
Nintendo strikes more emulators with DMCA takedown notices
Nintendo has issued a new wave of DMCA takedown notices to several emulators hosted on GitHub, including popular ones like Ryujinx and Suyu. This action follows previous legal cases against Yuzu and Tropic Haze, and Nintendo's recent tightening of its Account Agreement regarding emulation and piracy. Developers are exploring alternative hosting solutions as repositories face potential disabling.
