Top 10 Best Retro Software of 2026

RetroArch is a versatile, open-source frontend for emulators, game engines, and media players, built around the libretro API to support hundreds of cores emulating systems from NES and SNES to PlayStation and beyond. It provides a unified interface for retro gaming across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and consoles like Nintendo Switch. Key features include advanced shaders for visual enhancements, robust netplay for multiplayer, save states, and extensive customization options, making it the ultimate all-in-one retro software solution.

Batocera is a free, open-source Linux distribution designed specifically for retro gaming emulation, turning PCs, Raspberry Pi, and other devices into plug-and-play arcade cabinets. It features EmulationStation as its frontend, supporting over 200 console systems from NES to Dreamcast and beyond with pre-configured cores like RetroArch. Users can easily flash it to a USB drive for instant booting without altering the host OS, complete with automatic controller mapping and game scraping.

RetroPie is an open-source software project that turns Raspberry Pi and other single-board computers into powerful retro gaming emulation stations. It integrates EmulationStation as a sleek frontend with dozens of emulator cores supporting systems from Atari 2600 to PlayStation 1. Users can customize themes, shaders, controllers, and easily manage ROM libraries for an authentic arcade-like experience.

Lakka is a free, open-source Linux distribution designed specifically for retro gaming emulation, turning low-power devices like Raspberry Pi or old PCs into dedicated consoles. It leverages RetroArch and libretro cores to support hundreds of classic systems, from Atari to PlayStation 1, with optimized performance for ARM hardware. The interface mimics a traditional game console, booting straight into a user-friendly frontend for seamless gameplay.

Recalbox is a free, open-source retro gaming operating system that transforms devices like Raspberry Pi, PCs, and ODROID into dedicated emulation consoles. It leverages EmulationStation for a polished, console-like interface and supports emulators for systems ranging from NES and SNES to PS1 and some N64 titles. Users can easily share ROMs over the network, apply shaders for authentic visuals, and configure controllers without deep technical knowledge.

MAME (Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator) is a free, open-source software that accurately emulates thousands of classic arcade machines and vintage computer systems from the 1970s to the 1990s. It focuses on preserving hardware behavior with high fidelity, allowing users to run original ROMs on modern PCs. Developed by a dedicated community, it supports input devices like joysticks and is continuously updated with new systems and improvements.

DOSBox is a free, open-source emulator that accurately recreates the MS-DOS environment on modern operating systems, allowing users to run classic DOS games and applications from the 1980s and 1990s. It emulates x86 hardware including CPU cycles, sound cards like Sound Blaster, and graphics modes such as VGA, with support for mounting host directories as virtual drives. Highly configurable through a text-based conf file, it bridges the gap between legacy software and contemporary hardware without requiring physical vintage PCs.

ScummVM is a free, open-source virtual machine that allows users to play classic graphical adventure games from LucasArts, Sierra, Revolution Software, and others on modern hardware. It reimplements original game engines like SCUMM, AGI, and AGOS, requiring only the extracted game data files rather than full emulation of outdated systems. Supporting over 250 games across multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and consoles, it preserves retro gaming heritage with enhancements like high-resolution graphics and subtitles.

Mednafen is a free, open-source, command-line multi-system emulator that supports over 20 retro consoles including NES, SNES, Genesis, PlayStation, and Saturn with high accuracy. It emphasizes faithful hardware emulation without relying on libretro cores, making it ideal for purists seeking precise replication of original hardware behavior. Users configure it via text files and run it from the terminal, with optional frontend support for easier access.

Stella is a cross-platform, open-source emulator specifically designed for the Atari 2600 Video Computer System (VCS), providing cycle-accurate emulation of the original hardware. It supports a vast array of ROM formats, controllers, and enhancements like phosphor effects for CRT simulation. Users can access advanced features such as cheat codes, save states, recording, and a powerful built-in debugger for developers and enthusiasts.