Video game console emulator

<p>A video game console emulator is a type of <a href="/facts/Emulator/FMHE8qDj">emulator</a> that allows a computing device to emulate a <a href="/facts/Video_game_console/K72D1NSS">video game console</a>'s hardware and play its games on the emulating platform. More often than not, emulators carry additional features that surpass limitations of the original hardware, such as broader controller compatibility, <a href="/facts/Time_standard/8WWvDBhl">timescale</a> control (such as fast-forwarding and rewinding), easier access to memory modifications (like <a href="/facts/GameShark/t8xy7EUu">GameShark</a>), and unlocking of gameplay features. Emulators are also a useful tool in the development process of <a href="/facts/Homebrew_(video_games)/jtWcUfBo">homebrew</a> <a href="/facts/Demo_(computer_programming)/yKunscS7">demos</a> and the creation of new games for older, discontinued, or rare consoles.
</p><p>The code and data of a game are typically supplied to the emulator by means of a <a href="/facts/ROM_file/D7ngQLxV">ROM file</a> (a copy of game cartridge data) or an <a href="/facts/ISO_image/LrE8odYa">ISO image</a> (a copy of optical media). While emulation softwares themselves are legal as long as they don't infringe copyright protections on the console, emulating games is only so when legitimately purchasing the game physically and <a href="/facts/Ripping/Smysw3hH">ripping</a> the contents. Freely downloading or uploading game ROMs across various internet sites is considered to be a form of piracy, and users may be sued for <a href="/facts/Copyright_infringement/33JDsS5S">copyright infringement</a>.
</p>

Video game console emulator open-in-new

Video game console emulator