Retro gaming handheld console displaying classic games emulator interface

Ultimate Retro Gaming Emulator & ROM Guide

Ready to fire up classic games on your Android handheld or PC? This comprehensive guide covers emulators and ROM file types for every system RetroArch supports, plus other top emulators. From Arcade brawlers to PlayStation 3 epics, we've got all the consoles, handhelds, and computers you love.

Perfect for Anbernic RG406V, RG Cube, or any retro gaming setup, this reference pairs emulators with the right file formats so you can start gaming like it's the '90s! Browse our full selection of retro gaming handhelds to find your perfect device.

What You'll Need

Before diving into the emulator list, make sure you have:

  • A retro gaming handheld or PC
  • ROM files for your favorite games
  • Sufficient storage space (check out our accessories collection for SD cards and storage solutions)
  • RetroArch or standalone emulators installed

Arcade Systems

System Emulator ROM File Types
Arcade (MAME) MAME, FinalBurn Neo .zip
Neo Geo FinalBurn Neo .zip
CPS1/CPS2/CPS3 FinalBurn Neo .zip

Nintendo Systems

System Emulator ROM File Types
NES Mesen, FCEUmm .nes, .unif
SNES Snes9x, bsnes .sfc, .smc
N64 Mupen64Plus .z64, .n64, .v64
GameCube Dolphin .iso, .gcm
Wii Dolphin .iso, .wbfs
Wii U Cemu .wud, .wux, .rpx
Switch Yuzu, Ryujinx .nsp, .xci

Nintendo Handhelds

System Emulator ROM File Types
Game Boy Gambatte, mGBA .gb
Game Boy Color Gambatte, mGBA .gbc
Game Boy Advance mGBA, VBA-M .gba
Nintendo DS DeSmuME, melonDS .nds
Nintendo 3DS Citra, Azahar .3ds, .cia

Sega Systems

System Emulator ROM File Types
Master System Genesis Plus GX .sms
Genesis/Mega Drive Genesis Plus GX .md, .bin, .gen
Sega CD Genesis Plus GX .cue, .chd
32X PicoDrive .32x
Saturn Beetle Saturn, Yabause .cue, .chd
Dreamcast Flycast .cdi, .gdi, .chd

Sega Handhelds

System Emulator ROM File Types
Game Gear Genesis Plus GX .gg

Sony Systems

System Emulator ROM File Types
PlayStation Beetle PSX, DuckStation .cue, .chd, .pbp
PlayStation 2 PCSX2 .iso, .chd
PlayStation 3 RPCS3 .pkg, folder
PSP PPSSPP .iso, .cso
PS Vita Vita3K .vpk

Other Systems

System Emulator ROM File Types
Atari 2600 Stella .a26, .bin
Atari 7800 ProSystem .a78
Atari Lynx Handy, Beetle Lynx .lnx
TurboGrafx-16/PC Engine Beetle PCE .pce
WonderSwan Beetle Cygne .ws, .wsc
3DO Opera .iso, .chd

Computer Systems

System Emulator ROM File Types
Commodore 64 VICE .d64, .t64
Amiga PUAE .adf, .ipf
DOS DOSBox .exe, .bat
ScummVM ScummVM folder

Ready to Start Gaming?

Now that you know which emulators and ROM file types you need, it's time to get your retro gaming setup ready! Check out our complete collection of retro gaming handhelds including the latest Anbernic RG406V, RG406H, and RG Cube.

Don't forget to grab essential accessories like protective cases, screen protectors, and high-capacity SD cards to expand your game library!

Happy retro gaming! 🎮

Back to blog