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Open-source emulators and compatibility layers

13 emulators and compatibility layers whose code is public under an OSI-approved license, rated for privacy with evidence. Picks first, then by score.

  1. Azahar Grade B

    Open source Nintendo 3DS emulator based on Citra, for desktop and Android.

    GPL-2.0. Source code

  2. Cemu Grade B

    Open source emulator for the Nintendo Wii U.

    MPL-2.0. Source code

  3. MAME Grade B

    Open source emulator for arcade machines and many vintage computers and consoles, aimed at preserving and documenting hardware.

    GPL-2.0, with some files under less restrictive licenses. Source code

  4. PCSX2 Grade B

    Open source emulator for the Sony PlayStation 2.

    GPL-3.0, with some components under compatible licenses. Source code

  5. Waydroid Grade B

    Open source tool that runs a full Android system in a container on Linux, using LXC and Wayland.

    GPL-3.0. Source code

  6. TrinityEmulator Grade D

    Research Android emulator for Windows, built on QEMU, that runs Android-x86 and renders graphics through a technique called graphics projection. Released as a beta research artifact.

    GPL-2.0. Source code

  7. Wine Grade D

    Open source compatibility layer that runs Windows applications on Linux, macOS and other Unix-like systems.

    LGPL-2.1-or-later. Source code

  8. xemu Grade D

    Open source emulator for the original Microsoft Xbox, based on QEMU.

    GPL-2.0. Source code

  9. Dolphin Grade D

    Open source emulator for the Nintendo GameCube and Wii consoles.

    GPL-2.0-or-later, with some files under compatible licenses. Source code

  10. Android Emulator Grade F

    Google's emulator for running Android virtual devices on a computer, included with Android Studio and based on QEMU.

    GPL-2.0. Google Play system images are proprietary. Source code

  11. PPSSPP Grade F

    Open source emulator for the Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP).

    GPL-2.0-or-later. Source code

  12. RetroArch Grade F

    Open source frontend for the libretro API that runs emulators, game engines and media players (cores) through one interface.

    GPL-3.0. Source code

  13. RPCS3 Grade F

    Open source emulator for the Sony PlayStation 3.

    GPL-2.0. Source code

Compare all 17 emulators and compatibility layers, open source or not.