This article explains how to use a software emulator so that you can play your favorite video games directly on your computer.
Steps
Step 1. Find the game console software emulator referenced by the game you want to play on your computer
There are many websites dedicated to the world of emulators and to sharing the corresponding ROMs.
Step 2. Once you've found the emulator that's right for you, download the installation file
Don't forget to check the file to avoid that it contains viruses and malware that can infect your computer.
Step 3. Remember that emulators are only part of the tools you need to be able to play a specific video game on your computer
The fundamental key is represented by the ROM of the video game you want to play. A ROM is the software counterpart to the game cartridge or CD / DVD that is inserted into the console for which it is intended.
In this case the web is the fundamental tool that will allow you to find and download ROMs. Search using the following keywords "(console_name) ROM"
Step 4. After identifying the ROM of the video game you want to play, which is compatible with the emulator you have installed on your computer, download the corresponding file
Again, before using the file, scan it with an antivirus program to make sure it is not infected and therefore not harmful to your computer. ROM file extensions usually refer to the console they correspond to (for example "SuperMarioBros.nes" represents the Super Mario Bros. game ROM for NES).
Step 5. In most cases, ROMs are shared as a compressed archive, for example in ZIP or RAR format
In this case you will need to have a specific program to decompress this type of file, such as Winzip (there is a free trial version) or 7-Zip (completely free program). In some cases the ROM file can be placed in the dedicated folder of the emulator in its compressed format without the need to decompress it first. All files you download should be stored in the corresponding folder, so that all ROMs are stored in an organized manner in a dedicated directory.
Step 6. Some emulators have a specific default folder where all ROMs are to be saved, so make sure you transfer all ROM files into that directory
If the emulator you are using does not have a default folder for ROMs, you can set one yourself.
-
Most emulators allow you to import ROMs by accessing the menu
File
and choosing the option
Open ROM
- . At this point you will simply have to select the ROM file to load into the emulator.
Step 7. Choose the game you want to play
You will simply have to select the corresponding ROM and start the game.
Step 8. Have fun
Advice
- It is known that not all video games work perfectly on all emulators.
- Most emulators allow you to store multiple keyboard key or controller button configurations. Take advantage of this possibility to choose the control scheme that best suits the type of video game you are playing.
