The Top 10 Mac Gaming Emulators

Emulators Are Legal, Downloading ROMs Is Not

Looking for something enjoyable to play on your Mac? Why not explore the realm of classic games? Discover the top-notch emulators available to bring back the nostalgia of old games on your contemporary Mac.

The software enabling emulation is lawful, as demonstrated by the following projects. However, an emulator without any ROMs is equivalent to a game console without any playable games. It is important to note that downloading ROMs from the internet for games that you do not possess is unlawful.

None of the projects listed below will provide links to ROMs, so you will have to find a solution for that aspect on your own. It is worth mentioning that in this legally ambiguous territory, it is generally considered acceptable to produce ROMs from copies of games that you own.

Downloading a game ROM that you already possess may potentially fall within the scope of fair use, although the legal interpretation is not definitive. In fact, certain emulators necessitate original software firmware files for proper functioning, emphasizing the responsibility of users to generate these files on their own.

Curious to delve deeper? We engaged in a conversation with a legal expert who provided us with further insights into the complexities surrounding ROMs and copyright.

1. RetroArch: Multi-Platform Emulation

RetroArch is the ultimate emulator that covers all your needs. It is a versatile platform that combines multiple emulators into a single software, fully compatible with both Apple Silicon and Intel Mac models. These emulators, referred to as cores, are renowned for their exceptional performance in emulating various systems.

What makes RetroArch truly remarkable is its ability to provide a unified experience within a single application. You can easily download cores directly from the app, effortlessly navigate through your ROM folders, and customize your controller settings to suit your preferences. Plus, with automatic updates, you can stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in core technology, all conveniently managed within the app.

RetroArch is an excellent option for both old and new gaming systems. It offers a wide selection of cores, allowing you to choose the platform that suits your preferences. It provides support for various systems from Atari to PlayStation, Dreamcast, and Nintendo 64, as well as MAME releases and individual arcade boards. Additionally, it includes source ports for popular games like Doom and Quake II.

Moreover, RetroArch offers netplay support, enabling multiplayer gameplay over the internet. You can join a lobby or manually set up a game. To ensure smooth gameplay, it is essential that both players use the same ROM. Furthermore, you can even utilize this feature to play games over a local network if desired.

2. OpenEmu: Multi-Platform Emulation

OpenEmu is a platform for emulation similar to RetroArch. Unlike RetroArch, OpenEmu consolidates everything under one roof and utilizes separate emulation cores to support games from various systems. However, the project has been neglected in recent years and is currently only available as an Intel-based binary. Nevertheless, it can still be used on Apple Silicon Mac models through Rosetta 2 without any issues.

Due to this neglect, OpenEmu may not perform as well as RetroArch in certain aspects. However, this may not pose a significant concern, as the platform primarily focuses on older systems. The most modern handhelds supported by OpenEmu are the Sony PSP and Nintendo DS, while the original PlayStation is the most recent home console supported.

OpenEmu may be a preferable choice over RetroArch due to its more Mac-like user interface. OpenEmu is designed to be compatible with a mouse and organizes ROMs by system in a tiled interface. Adding ROMs is as simple as dragging and dropping them into the application, and you have the ability to rate your collection, take screenshots, and utilize save states.

Although the app is intended to download box art for any added titles, we encountered difficulties with this function during our last attempt, likely attributed to the project's outdated status. Hopefully, the project will regain momentum, especially considering the exceptional emulation capabilities of Apple Silicon hardware.

3. RPCS3: PlayStation 3

RPCS3, a promising PlayStation 3 emulator, stands out as a truly daring undertaking. It caters to both Apple Silicon and Intel Mac models through its Universal binary and boasts commendable "playable" compatibility with approximately 68% of tested PS3 games.

This open-source project has been active since 2011, gaining public attention with its initial release in 2012. However, it was not until mid-2022 that RPCS3 introduced Mac support, particularly excelling on Apple Silicon models due to an optimized build. To familiarize yourself with the necessary requirements and procedures such as installations, updates, save data management, and prerequisite files, refer to the comprehensive RPCS3 Quickstart Guide.

4. PCSX2: PlayStation 2

RPCS3 offers the flexibility to tailor your gaming experience according to your preferences, similar to other emulators. You can enhance the resolution or decrease the scaling quality if you encounter performance issues. Interestingly, RPCS3's compatibility list indicates that certain games can even be played via netplay using RPCN. This effectively fools the emulator into perceiving a connection to PSN.

With an extensive game collection and a memorable startup chime, the PlayStation 2 remains beloved. Thankfully, Mac users can now relish in this nostalgia and entertainment through PCSX2. Designed as an open-source project, PCSX2 can be easily accessed on macOS via the nightly builds option, allowing users to select "Latest Nightly" instead of "Latest Stable" on the download page.

Over 97% of the PlayStation 2 library is considered "playable," but only about 1% of those titles are deemed "perfect" according to the PCSX2 compatibility list. If you encounter any issues with the Mac release, you can seek assistance on the PCSX2 Mac Support forum. Additionally, the PCSX2 Wiki offers valuable resources to help you optimize the emulator.

Similar to other projects, you have the option to enhance the visual quality of PS2 games by increasing the rendering resolution. Furthermore, you can share virtual memory cards and save data, as well as create save states for a seamless return to the game without relying solely on in-game saving mechanics.

5. xemu: Xbox

Play original Xbox games on your Mac using xemu, an open-source emulator that allows you to play games from Microsoft's original console. This can be done using a Universal binary that is compatible with both Apple Silicon and Intel chips. Currently, approximately 83% of titles on xemu's compatibility list are rated as "playable" or "perfect".

Before you begin playing, it is important to familiarize yourself with xemu's prerequisite file requirements and understand how to convert your disc images to the necessary "xiso" format. Once everything is properly set up, most controllers, including Xbox One and Xbox Series controllers, as well as DualShock 4 and DualSense PlayStation controllers, should work seamlessly without any additional configurations.

Networking is currently only available for local system link games. You have the option to enhance the rendering resolution to achieve better accuracy. Certain games, such as Jet Set Radio Future, exhibit remarkably sharp visuals due to their unique art style, although the textures may appear slightly blurry and lack depth.

6. Dolphin: Wii and GameCube

Dolphin, considered one of the most renowned emulators, offers seamless compatibility with Nintendo Wii and GameCube games on both Apple Silicon and Intel-based Macs through its Universal binary. Widely recognized as a highly accomplished emulation initiative, Dolphin boasts an impressive track record, with over 97% of tested titles categorized as either "perfect" or "playable" according to the Dolphin compatibility list.

Ensure that you thoroughly go through the different setup guides in order to grasp the necessary steps to enhance performance, engage in online gaming through netplay, and establish connections for various accessories such as sensor bars, to fully immerse yourself in the experience. Alongside Wii and GameCube games, Dolphin also extends support to WiiWare games that were previously downloadable through the Shop Channel.

One of the most enticing advantages of playing with Dolphin, as opposed to using the original hardware, is the capability to enhance resolution, apply anisotropic filtering, and implement anti-aliasing.

7. Flycast: SEGA Dreamcast

Dreamcast games can be played on your Mac using Flycast, an emulator that supports SEGA's final console as well as the Atomiswave, Naomi, and Naomi 2 arcade boards. You can download Flycast from the project's GitHub page or install it via Homebrew. To install it with Homebrew, first download and set up Homebrew, then run the brew install -cask flycast command.

By doing this, you will get a Universal binary that is compatible with both Intel and Apple Silicon Mac models, allowing you to run many titles at full speed. However, since there is no official compatibility list for Flycast, there may be some trial-and-error involved. Nonetheless, we have successfully played Sega Rally 2, Sonic Adventure 2, and Metropolis Street Racer with minimal issues.

Boosting the internal resolution can improve image clarity but may affect performance. Additionally, implementing anisotropic filtering and enabling widescreen support for games that lack it initially can enhance the gaming experience. To gain further knowledge on BIOS files, arcade ROMs, and ways to quickly set up, it is advised to refer to the Flycast Wiki.

8. DOSBox-X: DOS/Windows 95 or 98

DOSBox-X is an enhanced version of the mature MS-DOS emulator, DOSBox. With a wide range of additional features, DOSBox-X offers an improved experience for running DOS software on modern macOS systems. It is compatible with both Intel and Apple Silicon chips, providing seamless compatibility and convenience when running DOS applications in a modern macOS environment.

DOSBox-X enhances the emulator's capabilities by introducing support for various features such as 3dfx Voodoo graphics card emulation, Glide rendering, printing, networking, and more. You have the option to create and launch configuration files for quick setup of DOSBox-X for specific tasks.

This includes the ability to install Windows 95 or 98 on a virtual hard drive, enabling you to play games from the late 90s. While the performance may not be on par with modern standards (there may be alternative ways to play some of these titles), spending a few hours with DOSBox-X and revisiting old classics can be a delightful way to spend an afternoon.

9. FS-UAE: Commodore Amiga

The Commodore Amiga range is famous for its significant impact on the music scene of the 1990s. However, it is also home to a treasure trove of classic games. To experience these games, all you need is FS-UAE. This emulator not only allows you to play old titles but also comes with modern conveniences that enhance your gaming experience.

FS-UAE is available as a Universal binary, compatible with both modern Intel and Apple Silicon Macs. To begin, launch the emulator's dedicated app. Within this launcher, you can load virtual disk drives, configure input methods, and switch between different computer models. Once you've set everything up, simply hit the "Start" button, and FS-UAE will come to life, ready to execute your customized gaming setup.

FS-UAE is a versatile emulator that offers robust support for a wide range of virtualized accessories, including hard drives, expansion and accelerator cards, as well as custom hardware. Fortunately, there exists an extensive FS-UAE documentation library that provides comprehensive guidance on various topics such as preserving your vintage floppy disks and configuring MIDI devices.

Go Beyond Emulation with FPGAs

If software emulation isn't sufficient for your needs and you have a substantial amount of money to spare, consider the ultimate choice for retro gaming: FPGAs.

FPGAs (field-programmable gate arrays) are chips capable of virtualizing other chips. Instead of simulating the functionality of a system through software, FPGAs replicate systems at the hardware level. This offers the convenience of digital storage while maintaining the precision of the original hardware. Discover more about FPGAs and their remarkable benefits for retro gaming.