Thanks to emulators we can enjoy old video games on modern systems.
Emulator is a term from the Latin word aemulātor that refers to that which emulates : that is, that imitates the functioning or actions of something else . The concept can be used as an adjective or as a noun .
Computer program
The notion of emulator is usually used in the field of computing to refer to the program that enables the execution of software on a platform other than the one for which it was created . Emulators ensure that the emulated software works exactly the same as the original architecture.
To achieve emulation, it is necessary to access the documentation of the system that is intended to be reproduced or to resort to so-called reverse engineering . The purpose of the emulator is to recreate the functionality of the software in a different environment.
The most popular emulators are those that seek to bring video games from consoles or arcade machines to a computer . Thanks to these programs, the PC user can enjoy arcade , PlayStation , Sega Mega Drive or Super Nintendo titles, to name a few possibilities.
These emulators are responsible for running a ROM image . It is a file that stores a copy of the information in a read-only memory ( ROM ), corresponding to the tape, floppy disk, or cartridge of the original video game.
Reverse engineering
Reverse engineering is a process by which an existing product, system or component is decomposed and analyzed to understand its internal workings , design, structure or source code. It is commonly used in areas such as software engineering, systems engineering, and electronic engineering.
The main goal of reverse engineering is to gain a deep understanding of how something works without having direct access to its original documentation or design . This may involve creating diagrams, models, visual representations, or even reengineering the product to improve or modify its features.
In software engineering, for example, reverse engineering is used to analyze the source code of a program and understand its internal logic, especially when detailed documentation is not available. In this way, it is possible to recreate the architecture of any console or computer.
It is important to mention that while reverse engineering can be a valuable tool for learning and improving existing technologies, in some cases it can conflict with legal issues related to intellectual property and copyright .
For a more precise experience it is possible to use a controller that also emulates an old design.
Most popular emulators
Below we list the most popular video game emulators, which allow users to play old console titles on modern platforms, such as computers and mobile devices:
- Dolphin - an open source emulator that allows you to play titles from the Nintendo GameCube and Wii consoles on Windows, macOS and Linux systems;
- ePSXe - Emulates the PlayStation 1 and offers a smooth experience on different platforms;
- PCSX2 – a PlayStation 2 emulator for Windows, macOS and Linux systems;
- VisualBoyAdvance (VBA) : allows you to play the catalog of the popular Game Boy Advance on various platforms;
- Project64 – a Nintendo 64 emulator for Windows;
- Citra – for Nintendo 3DS games on Windows, macOS, and Linux systems;
- RPCS3 – a PlayStation 3 emulator that is constantly in development for Windows and Linux;
- Snes9x : one of the favorites to enjoy the unique Super Nintendo (SNES) titles;
- MAME : classic Arcade emulator Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator (MAME) that allows you to play a wide variety of titles from old arcade machines, the so-called "fichines";
- PPSSPP – for PlayStation Portable (PSP) on Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices.
It is important to note that the use of emulators and ROMs can be a crime in certain countries. Some emulators may require a legal copy of the game to be used legally. It is always advisable to check local laws and terms of use before using them.