Retro games how to play classic video games on pc smartphone and tablet?

You can play retro games on PC, smartphone, and tablet today by using legal emulators and legally obtained ROMs, or by buying official re-releases and collections from digital stores. This guide covers the main methods, the software you need, the legal side, and how to get the best experience on each device.

What Counts as a Retro Game?

“Retro” usually refers to games from the 1970s through the early 2000s: Atari 2600, NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, Game Boy, PlayStation 1, and early PlayStation 2 and GameCube titles. The term is loose—some people call the Xbox 360 and Wii retro now. The important thing is that the hardware that ran these games is no longer sold new, and the games themselves are often not available on modern consoles without a re-release.

Because the original consoles and cartridges are aging, emulation—software that mimics old hardware—has become the standard way to play these games. Emulators are legal in most countries, but the games themselves (ROMs and ISOs) are a separate legal matter, covered below.

How Emulation Works

An emulator is a program that simulates the hardware of a console. It reads the game’s data file (ROM for cartridges, ISO or BIN/CUE for discs) and runs it as if it were on the original machine. Emulators also handle input from your keyboard, gamepad, or touchscreen, and output video and sound to your modern display.

Each console needs its own emulator because the hardware is different. For example, a NES emulator cannot run a PlayStation game. The most well-known emulators include:

• NES/SNES: RetroArch (a multi-system frontend), Mesen, Snes9x
• Sega Genesis: Kega Fusion, BlastEm
• Game Boy / GBA: mGBA, Visual Boy Advance
• PlayStation 1: DuckStation, ePSXe
• Nintendo 64: Project64, Mupen64Plus
• PlayStation 2: PCSX2
• GameCube / Wii: Dolphin

RetroArch is popular because it provides a consistent interface across many systems and runs on PC, Android, iOS, and even Raspberry Pi. It uses “cores”—small emulator modules—so you install one app and then add the cores for the systems you want.

How to Play on PC (Windows, Mac, Linux)

The PC is the most flexible platform for retro gaming. Here is the general process:

1. Choose an emulator for the console you want. For a single system, pick a dedicated emulator like DuckStation for PS1. For multiple systems, install RetroArch.
2. Download the emulator from the official website or a trusted repository like the Steam store (RetroArch is on Steam) or the developer’s GitHub page. Avoid random download sites that bundle adware.
3. Get the game files. This is the legal part: you need a ROM or ISO of a game you own, or a game that is in the public domain or freely distributed by the rights holder. Many homebrew games and public-domain titles are available legally from sites like the Internet Archive.
4. Load the game. In most emulators, you can drag the ROM file onto the emulator window, or use File > Open to navigate to it. The game should start immediately.
5. Configure controls. Go to the input settings and map your keyboard or gamepad. A USB controller is highly recommended for most games, especially those designed for a d-pad.

For disc-based games, you may need a BIOS file (like the PS1’s SCPH1001.bin) to run the emulator. These BIOS files are copyrighted, so you must dump them from your own console. The emulator’s documentation will tell you if a BIOS is required.

How to Play on Smartphone and Tablet (Android, iOS)

Mobile devices are powerful enough to emulate almost everything up to PlayStation 2 and GameCube, though performance varies by phone. The process is similar to PC:

1. Install an emulator app. On Android, you can get RetroArch, DuckStation, or M64Plus FZ from the Google Play Store. On iOS, emulators were historically not allowed on the App Store, but as of 2024, Apple relaxed its rules to permit game emulators, so apps like Delta (for NES, SNES, N64, GBA, and more) are now available. RetroArch is also on the App Store.
2. Transfer game files. You need to get ROMs onto your device. The easiest way is to download them directly in the browser, or use cloud storage (Google Drive, iCloud) to move files from your computer. On Android, you can also use a USB cable. On iOS, the Files app can store ROMs.
3. Load the game. In the emulator, navigate to the folder where you saved the ROM and tap it to launch.
4. Use touch controls or a controller. Most mobile emulators show virtual buttons on the screen. For a better experience, connect a Bluetooth controller like an Xbox or PlayStation pad. Some emulators support save states and fast-forward, which work well on touch.

One common issue on mobile is that some emulators require you to place ROMs in a specific folder. Check the app’s documentation. Also, on Android, you may need to grant storage permissions.

Official Re-Releases and Collections

Not every retro game requires an emulator. Many classic games have been officially re-released on modern platforms. These are the safest and easiest way to play, as they are legal and often include quality-of-life improvements like save states and rewind features.

• Nintendo Switch Online: Subscribers get access to libraries of NES, SNES, Game Boy, and N64 games, plus Sega Genesis titles. These are streamed or downloaded, and they run well.
• PlayStation Plus Premium: Offers a catalog of PS1, PS2, and PSP games on PS4 and PS5.
• Steam and GOG: Many classic PC games (like Doom, Fallout 1 and 2, and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic) are sold as digital downloads, often updated to run on modern Windows.
• Standalone collections: Companies like Sega (Sega Ages, Sonic Origins), Capcom (Mega Man Legacy Collection), and Konami (Castlevania Anniversary Collection) sell curated bundles of their old games.

These official options are the best for people who do not want to deal with emulator settings or legal gray areas. They are also the only way to play on current consoles like Xbox Series X or PS5 without modding.

Legal and Safety Considerations

The biggest misconception about retro gaming is that downloading ROMs is always illegal. In reality, the law is nuanced:

• Emulators are legal. They are software, and using them is not a crime. However, some emulators may include code that is copyrighted, so always download from official sources.
• ROMs are copyrighted. Downloading a ROM of a game you do not own is copyright infringement in most countries, even if you own the physical cartridge. The only safe legal options are: (a) dump your own ROMs from cartridges you own, (b) download games that are in the public domain or released as freeware by the rights holder, or (c) buy official re-releases.
• Abandonware is not legal. Just because a game is no longer sold does not mean it is free. The copyright is still owned by someone, even if they are not actively selling it.

To avoid malware, always download emulators from official websites or app stores. Never download ROMs from random sites that require you to disable your antivirus or install a download manager. Stick to well-known archives like the Internet Archive for public-domain and homebrew games.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Even with a good setup, you may run into issues. Here are the most common ones and their fixes:

• Game runs too fast or too slow. This is usually a frame rate issue. In the emulator, enable vsync or set the frame rate to match the original console (e.g., 60Hz for NTSC, 50Hz for PAL). Check the emulator’s video settings.
• No sound or distorted audio. Update your audio drivers, and in the emulator, try a different audio backend (e.g., DirectSound vs. WASAPI). Sometimes changing the sample rate to 48000 Hz fixes crackling.
• Controller not working. Make sure the controller is recognized by your OS first. In the emulator, go to input settings and manually map the buttons. Some emulators have separate settings for menu and in-game controls.
• Game crashes on launch. This often means the ROM is corrupted or the emulator does not support that specific game version. Try a different ROM dump, or check the emulator’s compatibility list.
• Screen is stretched or has black bars. Retro games have a 4:3 aspect ratio. In the emulator’s video settings, set aspect ratio to “4:3” or “Core Provided.” If you want to fill a widescreen, use a shader that adds bezels or scanlines.

If a game has graphical glitches, try a different video renderer (e.g., OpenGL vs. Vulkan) or enable “software rendering” in the emulator, which is slower but more accurate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to download ROMs if I own the original cartridge?

In most countries, no. Owning a physical copy does not give you the right to download a digital copy. The only fully legal way is to dump your own ROM using a device like a Retrode or a modded console. However, the practical risk of a lawsuit for personal use is very low, and many people do it anyway. The safest legal path is to buy official re-releases.

What is the best emulator for beginners?

RetroArch is the most versatile but has a steep learning curve. For a simple start, use a dedicated emulator like Snes9x for SNES or mGBA for Game Boy. On mobile, Delta (iOS) and RetroArch (Android) are good choices. Start with one system, learn the controls, and then expand.

Can my phone run PS2 games?

Yes, but only if your phone has a powerful processor. A Snapdragon 8-series or Apple A14 Bionic or newer can run many PS2 games at full speed. However, some games are still slow or glitchy. Check the PCSX2 compatibility list to see if the game you want is playable on mobile.

Do I need a BIOS file for every emulator?

No. Most cartridge-based systems (NES, SNES, Genesis) do not require a BIOS. Disc-based systems like PS1, PS2, and Sega Saturn do require a BIOS file, which you must dump from your own console. Some emulators, like DuckStation, include a built-in HLE (high-level emulation) BIOS that works for many games, but it is not 100% accurate.

What is a save state and how do I use it?

A save state is a snapshot of the game’s exact memory at a moment, allowing you to save anywhere, even in the middle of a level. In most emulators, you press a key (like F5) to save and another (F7) to load. On mobile, there is usually a menu button. Save states are useful for hard games, but they can also cause glitches if used excessively. Use them in addition to, not instead of, in-game saves.

Can I play retro games online with friends?

Yes, some emulators support netplay. RetroArch has built-in netplay that works for many systems. There are also third-party services like Parsec that let you share your screen for local multiplayer. The experience depends on your internet connection and the game’s latency sensitivity. For turn-based games, it works well; for action games, you need a low-latency connection.

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