Recommended emulators: Difference between revisions

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== What are recommended emulators? ==

{{for|a condensed list of the most recommended emulators|List of recommended emulators}}

Well, they're emulators that are recommended by ~~wiki authors~~/~~contributors~~.

===What are recommended emulators?===

Well, most importantly they're emulators that are recommended by /emugen/. The list of recommended emulators is available on each emulation page, check the Wiki page and look at the "'''Recommended'''" column.

~~Please consider these while recommending an emulator:~~

Emulators are listed in the order of most recommended at the top and least recommended at the bottom.

*have high compatibility (and mappers support for systems like [[Nintendo_Entertainment_System_emulators|NES]], [[Game_Boy/Game_Boy_Color_emulators|GB/GBC]], [[Master_System_emulators|SMS/GG]])

*various [https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php?title=Special:Search&limit=500&offset=0&profile=default&search=%22%7Chardware+features%22 hardware features] like connectivity, peripherals and special hardware support etc.;

*offering useful [https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php?search=%22%23Enhancements%7CEnhancements%22&title=Special%3ASearch&limit=500&profile=default&fulltext=1 enhancement features];

*be capable of running on various modern devices/operating systems and run full speed on [https://store.steampowered.com/hwsurvey/ modern affordable hardware] - ''something like: [https://registry.khronos.org/vulkan/specs/1.3-extensions/man/html/ Vulkan 1.3]/[[Wikipedia:Direct3D#Direct3D_12_levels|D3D12 (12_1)]] GPU with drivers still up-to-date and AVX2 supported CPU'';

*generally, be usable day-to-day by even the not-so-tech-savvy users;

*be improved regularly--in ~~other words, be active and, preferably, be open-source (not closed-source), as that ensures that any active programmer can keep~~ the ~~software in shipshape condition and able to run on latest operating systems.~~

*[[Emulation_Accuracy|accuracy]]-focused emulators are '''only recommended''' when they're have reasonable amount of compatibility compared to general-use emulators. This one should only be considered for users who want to use various homebrew/gamebrew software and development or just want to ensure they'll be able to play most ~~games with~~ the least ~~amount of unexpected/unreported glitches or timing issues etc~~. ~~(Do NOT use "preserve the hardware's inner workings for posterity" mindset for recommendation on emugen wiki)~~

~~And also there are~~ [~~https:~~//~~emulation~~.~~gametechwiki~~.~~com~~/~~index~~.~~php~~/~~Category:Very_early_emulation very early] or limited options for specific systems like~~ [[~~Xbox_360_emulators~~|~~Xbox 360~~]]~~, if that is the case, authors~~/~~contributors usually "recommend or somewhat recommend" that emulator '''if it has some level of compatibility'''.~~

===Recommendation levels===

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"

! scope="col"|Recommendation level

! scope="col"|Appearance

! scope="col"|Description

! scope="col"|Template call

|-

|Recommended

|{{✓}}

|[[#Recommended|Recommended emulator]]. One of the better emulators for the given system(s)

|<code>{{T|✓}} or {{T|Y}}</code>

|-

|Semi-recommended

|{{~}}

|[[#Semi-recommended|Semi-recommended emulator]]. Typically less compatible than higher recommended emulators.

|<code>{{T|~}}</code>

|-

|Unknown

|{{?}}

|Untested emulator. An emulator that has not been tested/tested enough.

|<code>{{T|?}}</code>

|-

|Further research needed

|{{R}}

|Further research needed to determine if it's recommended. Typically an emulator that was recently added to the article.

|<code>{{T|R}}</code>

|-

|Not recommended

|{{✗}}

|[[#Not recommended|Not recommended emulator]]. Surpassed by other emulators.

|<code>{{T|✗}} or {{T|N}}</code>

|}

~~The list of recommended emulators~~ is ~~available on each Console page~~. ~~Check the console page in [[~~:~~Category~~:~~Consoles]] and look at the "Recommended" column~~.

==System emulation status==

Assign these symbols in "Infobox system" panel section based on;

✓: Compatibility is approximately 40% or higher.

~: Compatibility is lower than 40%, even though functional emulators exist.

✗: No functional emulators exist, or compatibility is negligible (near 5%).

== ~~What aren't recommended~~ emulators? ==

==Recommending emulators==

Emulators that aren't the best in those categories. They still may be good emulators, and offer many great features, but are not the best option for general users or falls short compared to other emulators.

And also there are [https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php/Category:Not_yet_emulated unemulated systems] or [https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php/Category:Very_early_emulation very early] emulation systems like [[V.Flash_emulators|V.Flash]], if there are emulators for that ~~system that can~~'~~t run any of the commercial game~~ or ~~software then do NOT "recommend or somewhat recommend" that emulator (e.g. "just a stub with no actual execution", [[MAME]]~~'~~s "MACHINE_SKELETON" state).~~

If you want to change the recommendation of an emulator that is listed as 'unknown recommendation' or 'further research needed' you can:

* Ask /emugen/

* Use the discussion page to gather opinions from other editors

* Edit the article yourself, if you have conducted your own research

'''These are not strict rules but guidelines that should be considered while recommending an emulator:'''

===Recommended===

----

*Have high compatibility (and mappers support for systems like [[Nintendo_Entertainment_System_emulators|NES]], [[Game_Boy/Game_Boy_Color_emulators|GB/GBC]], [[Master_System_emulators|SMS/GG]], or operating systems support for [[PC_Emulator_Comparisons#Emulators|PC emulators]] etc.)

*Various [https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php?title=Special:Search&limit=500&offset=0&profile=default&search=%22%7Chardware+features%22 hardware features] like connectivity, peripherals and special hardware support etc.

*Offering useful [https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php?search=%22%23Enhancements%7CEnhancements%22&title=Special%3ASearch&limit=500&profile=default&fulltext=1 enhancement features].

*Supports arcade and other hardware variations[https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php?search=%22%23Arcade+variations%22&title=Special%3ASearch&profile=default&fulltext=1][https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php?search=%22%23Hardware+variations%22&title=Special%3ASearch&profile=default&fulltext=1].

*Capable of running smoothly at full speed on modern, affordable, and widely used hardware and operating systems. ''See [https://store.steampowered.com/hwsurvey/ Steam HW survey] and [[Computer specifications]] for that.''

*Generally, be usable day-to-day by even the not-so-tech-savvy users. (e.g. distributing binaries of the software, without requiring compiling)

*Being improved regularly--in other words, be active and, preferably, be open-source (not closed-source), as that ensures that any active programmer can keep the software in good shape and able to run on the latest operating systems.

*[[Emulation_Accuracy|Accuracy]]-focused emulators are recommended when they have a reasonable amount of compatibility compared to general-use emulators without demanding high-end hardware. Being accurate doesn't always mean more compatible.

===Semi-recommended===

This should be a small amount of the listed emulators, otherwise should be listed as recommended or not recommended.

* Meets only a few of the recommended guidelines, e.g hard to use GUI but accurate emulation.

* Emulators that aren't the best in those categories. They still may be good emulators, and offer many great features, but are not the best option for general users or fall short compared to other emulators.

* If it has some level of compatibility, emulators lacking competition (like [[Xbox_360_emulators|Xbox 360]], [[PlayStation_4_emulators|PlayStation 4]]), or any other system in the [https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php/Category:Very_early_emulation very early] emulation category.

===Not recommended===

* If the emulator cannot run any commercial software or game.

** [https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php/Category:Not_yet_emulated Unemulated systems], [https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php/Category:Very_early_emulation very early] emulated systems with little to no compatibility, [[MAME]]'s "MACHINE_SKELETON" state.

* It falls short compared to other emulators.

* If use of the emulator poses data privacy risks, or if the emulator is/has been associated with questionable practices (including but not limited to adware, bloatware, shady monetization, license violation, illegal activity).

__NOTOC__

[[Category:Recommendations]]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-== What are recommended emulators? ==
+{{for|a condensed list of the most recommended emulators|List of recommended emulators}}
-Well,  they're emulators that are recommended by wiki authors/contributors.
+===What are recommended emulators?===
+Well, most importantly they're emulators that are recommended by /emugen/. The list of recommended emulators is available on each emulation page, check the Wiki page and look at the "'''Recommended'''" column.
-Please consider these while recommending an emulator:
+Emulators are listed in the order of most recommended at the top and least recommended at the bottom.
-*have high compatibility (and mappers support for systems like [[Nintendo_Entertainment_System_emulators|NES]], [[Game_Boy/Game_Boy_Color_emulators|GB/GBC]], [[Master_System_emulators|SMS/GG]])
-*various [https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php?title=Special:Search&limit=500&offset=0&profile=default&search=%22%7Chardware+features%22 hardware features] like connectivity, peripherals and special hardware support etc.;
-*offering useful [https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php?search=%22%23Enhancements%7CEnhancements%22&title=Special%3ASearch&limit=500&profile=default&fulltext=1 enhancement features];
-*be capable of running on various modern devices/operating systems and run full speed on [https://store.steampowered.com/hwsurvey/ modern affordable hardware] - ''something like: [https://registry.khronos.org/vulkan/specs/1.3-extensions/man/html/ Vulkan 1.3]/[[Wikipedia:Direct3D#Direct3D_12_levels|D3D12 (12_1)]] GPU with drivers still up-to-date and AVX2 supported CPU'';
-*generally, be usable day-to-day by even the not-so-tech-savvy users;
-*be improved regularly--in other words, be active and, preferably, be open-source (not closed-source), as that ensures that any active programmer can keep the software in shipshape condition and able to run on latest operating systems.
-*[[Emulation_Accuracy|accuracy]]-focused emulators are '''only recommended''' when they're have reasonable amount of compatibility compared to general-use emulators. This one should only be considered for users who want to use various homebrew/gamebrew software and development or just want to ensure they'll be able to play most games with the least amount of unexpected/unreported glitches or timing issues etc. (Do NOT use "preserve the hardware's inner workings for posterity" mindset for recommendation on emugen wiki)
-And also there are [https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php/Category:Very_early_emulation very early] or limited options for specific systems like [[Xbox_360_emulators|Xbox 360]], if that is the case, authors/contributors usually "recommend or somewhat recommend" that emulator '''if it has some level of compatibility'''.
+===Recommendation levels===
+{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
+! scope="col"|Recommendation level
+! scope="col"|Appearance
+! scope="col"|Description
+! scope="col"|Template call
+|-
+|Recommended
+|{{✓}}
+|[[#Recommended|Recommended emulator]].<br>One of the better emulators for the given system(s)
+|<code>{{T|✓}} or {{T|Y}}</code>
+|-
+|Semi-recommended
+|{{~}}
+|[[#Semi-recommended|Semi-recommended emulator]].<br>Typically less compatible than higher recommended emulators.
+|<code>{{T|~}}</code>
+|-
+|Unknown
+|{{?}}
+|Untested emulator.<br>An emulator that has not been tested/tested enough.
+|<code>{{T|?}}</code>
+|-
+|Further research needed
+|{{R}}
+|Further research needed to determine if it's recommended.<br>Typically an emulator that was recently added to the article.
+|<code>{{T|R}}</code>
+|-
+|Not recommended
+|{{✗}}
+|[[#Not recommended|Not recommended emulator]].<br>Surpassed by other emulators.
+|<code>{{T|✗}} or {{T|N}}</code>
+|}
-The list of recommended emulators is available on each Console page. Check the console page in [[:Category:Consoles]] and look at the "Recommended" column.
+==System emulation status==
+Assign these symbols in "Infobox system" panel section based on;
+    ✓: Compatibility is approximately 40% or higher.
+    ~: Compatibility is lower than 40%, even though functional emulators exist.
+    ✗: No functional emulators exist, or compatibility is negligible (near 5%).
-== What aren't recommended emulators? ==
+==Recommending emulators==
-Emulators that aren't the best in those categories. They still may be good emulators, and offer many great features, but are not the best option for general users or falls short compared to other emulators.
-And also there are [https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php/Category:Not_yet_emulated unemulated systems] or [https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php/Category:Very_early_emulation very early] emulation systems like [[V.Flash_emulators|V.Flash]], if there are emulators for that system that can't run any of the commercial game or software then do NOT "recommend or somewhat recommend" that emulator (e.g. "just a stub with no actual execution", [[MAME]]'s "MACHINE_SKELETON" state).
+If you want to change the recommendation of an emulator that is listed as 'unknown recommendation' or 'further research needed' you can:
+* Ask /emugen/
+* Use the discussion page to gather opinions from other editors
+* Edit the article yourself, if you have conducted your own research
+'''These are not strict rules but guidelines that should be considered while recommending an emulator:'''
+===Recommended===
+----
+*Have high compatibility (and mappers support for systems like [[Nintendo_Entertainment_System_emulators|NES]], [[Game_Boy/Game_Boy_Color_emulators|GB/GBC]], [[Master_System_emulators|SMS/GG]], or operating systems support for [[PC_Emulator_Comparisons#Emulators|PC emulators]] etc.)
+*Various [https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php?title=Special:Search&limit=500&offset=0&profile=default&search=%22%7Chardware+features%22 hardware features] like connectivity, peripherals and special hardware support etc.
+*Offering useful [https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php?search=%22%23Enhancements%7CEnhancements%22&title=Special%3ASearch&limit=500&profile=default&fulltext=1 enhancement features].
+*Supports arcade and other hardware variations[https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php?search=%22%23Arcade+variations%22&title=Special%3ASearch&profile=default&fulltext=1][https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php?search=%22%23Hardware+variations%22&title=Special%3ASearch&profile=default&fulltext=1].
+*Capable of running smoothly at full speed on modern, affordable, and widely used hardware and operating systems. ''See [https://store.steampowered.com/hwsurvey/ Steam HW survey] and [[Computer specifications]] for that.''
+*Generally, be usable day-to-day by even the not-so-tech-savvy users. (e.g. distributing binaries of the software, without requiring compiling)
+*Being improved regularly--in other words, be active and, preferably, be open-source (not closed-source), as that ensures that any active programmer can keep the software in good shape and able to run on the latest operating systems.
+*[[Emulation_Accuracy|Accuracy]]-focused emulators are recommended when they have a reasonable amount of compatibility compared to general-use emulators without demanding high-end hardware. Being accurate doesn't always mean more compatible.
+===Semi-recommended===
+This should be a small amount of the listed emulators, otherwise should be listed as recommended or not recommended.
+* Meets only a few of the recommended guidelines, e.g hard to use GUI but accurate emulation.
+* Emulators that aren't the best in those categories. They still may be good emulators, and offer many great features, but are not the best option for general users or fall short compared to other emulators.
+* If it has some level of compatibility, emulators lacking competition (like [[Xbox_360_emulators|Xbox 360]], [[PlayStation_4_emulators|PlayStation 4]]), or any other system in the [https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php/Category:Very_early_emulation very early] emulation category.
+===Not recommended===
+* If the emulator cannot run any commercial software or game.
+** [https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php/Category:Not_yet_emulated Unemulated systems], [https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php/Category:Very_early_emulation very early] emulated systems with little to no compatibility, [[MAME]]'s "MACHINE_SKELETON" state.
+* It falls short compared to other emulators.
+* If use of the emulator poses data privacy risks, or if the emulator is/has been associated with questionable practices (including but not limited to adware, bloatware, shady monetization, license violation, illegal activity).
+__NOTOC__
 [[Category:Recommendations]]