- This article is dedicated to operating systems/home computers that have been discontinued.
- See also History of emulation page.
- For software that runs these systems on other hardware see x86 CPUs, Macintosh emulators, Commodore 64 emulators and MSX emulators, Microsoft Phone/Mobile emulators.
In this article "Legacy systems" means unsupported by manufacturer, whether it is a 80's home computers such as Commodore 64 or an operating system/series of operating systems no longer getting updates such as Microsoft's Windows 9x series of operating systems
The reason to discontinuing these products varies, in the case of home computers outdated hardware is normally the reason support ceases. For operating systems it varies from lack of profit/lack of commercial success (such as BeOS, OS/2) to devices it was designed for becoming outdated or failing themselves (such as BlackBerry OS).
- Before diving in;
- Note that many of these emulators are forks of other emulation projects, as such these versions may be marked as inactive while the main version is still active.
- If you have one of these systems (preferably on date-accurate hardware) please consider contributing to the this article by marking emulators with good speed and good compatibility as recommended
- Platforms in this article
- Microsoft products
Microsoft: MS-DOS, MSX-DOS, MSX-BASIC, Windows 9x, Pocket PC, Windows Mobile, Windows Phone.
- Computers/Desktop operating systems
Commodore: Commodore 64
Apple: Classic Mac OS NeXT: NeXTSTEP IBM: OS/2
Silicon Graphics: IRIX Be Inc: BeOS, Terry A. Davis: TempleOS
- Mobile operating systems
BlackBerry: Blackberry OS Nokia & Intel: MeeGo Palm, Inc: Palm OS
BeOS
BeOS was a operating system developed by Be Inc., BeOS originally targeted the PowerPC platforms BeBox and Macintosh, and later 32-bit x86 computers.
- BeOS History
BeOS was developed by former Apple employee Jean-Louis Gassée, the first version of BeOS was released with the BeBox. In 1996 the CEO of Apple Inc., Gil Amelio started negotiations to buy Be Inc., the negotiations ended not working due to the Be Inc. CEO Jean-Louis Gassée wanting $300 million[1] with Apple offering $125 million , Apple instead purchased NeXT (Including NeXTSTEP) from Steve Jobs.
Consoles
- Nintendo
- Nintendo Entertainment system/Famicom
- Super Nintendo Entertainment system/Super Famicom
- Nintendo 64
- GameBoy/GameBoy Color
- Game Boy Advance
- Sega
- Sega Genesis/Megadrive
- Atari
- Atari 5200
- Atari Lynx
- Magnavox
- Odyssey²
| Name
|
Latest version
|
FLOSS
|
Active
|
Recommended
|
| O2EMBeOS
|
?
|
!
|
✗
|
!
|
- SNK
- Neo Geo
- NEC
- PC Engine/Turbo Grafx 16
- Arcade
Computers
- Commodore
- Commodore 64
- Commodore Amiga
- Commodore 16
- Apple
- Macintosh
- Apple II
- Microsoft
- MSX
| Name
|
Latest version
|
FLOSS
|
Active
|
Recommended
|
| fMSX BeOS
|
?
|
!
|
✗
|
!
|
- x86 CPU
- Sinclair
- ZX Spectrum
- Sharp
- X68000
- Acorn
- BBC Micro
Source Ports
BlackBerry
Blackberry OS
|
| Developer
|
BlackBerry Limited
|
| Type
|
Operating systems
|
| Release date
|
1999
|
| Latest release
|
2000 (3.6)
|
| Successor
|
BlackBerry 10
|
BlackBerry OS was an operating system developed by BlackBerry Limited for their devices.
BlackBerry OS later completly reworked into BlackBerry 10 which has since was itself discontinued in 2018. The latest operating system developed by BlackBerry Limited "BlackBerry Secure OS" is based on Android, first used for the Blackberry phone BlackBerry Priv.
- Sony
- PlayStation Portable
Palm
Palm OS
|
| Developer
|
Palm, Inc.
ACCESS
|
| Type
|
Operating systems
|
| Release date
|
1996
|
| Latest release
|
2007 (Garnet OS 5.9.4)
|
Palm OS was a mobile operating system developed by Palm Inc. for personal digital assistants (PDAs), and later for smartphones. Palm OS was installed on Palm Inc's PDA devices, as well as many other devices not developed by Palm Inc.
- Computers
- Apple II
- Commodore 64
- Consoles
- Multi System
- Source Ports
- Doom
- Hexen
- Hexen 2
- Quake
DOS
- For software that emulates DOS on other hardware, see x86 CPUs.
Born from the dawn of the digital age, DOS, reigned supreme through the 80s and early 90s. Though far from sleek, its unassuming might empowered millions to navigate the nascent world of personal computing.
With bare bones efficiency, DOS offered accessible power. Simple commands unlocked a plethora of tasks, from crafting documents to unleashing the magic of text-based adventures. For countless users, DOS wasn't just a tool; it was a canvas for exploration, a gateway to programming adventures and tinkering with the very fabric of digital logic.
While its limitations challenged and its error messages mocked, DOS fostered a generation of resourceful pioneers, adept at navigating command labyrinths and conjuring digital magic from lines of code. This era forged a unique bond between user and machine, where every keystroke held consequence and mastery felt truly earned.
Though DOS may grace museums now, its influence echoes in every modern operating system. Its legacy of simplicity and raw power reminds us that the most transformative innovations often arise from humble beginnings.
Windows 1.0x/2x/3x were graphical user interfaces (GUIs) built on top of MS-DOS. Those were the programs that runs a window manager on top of MS-DOS operating system. Many of the underlying device drivers and protocols had to be loaded in DOS for 3.11 to use them. On the other hand, Windows 9x (95, 98, ME) were standalone operating systems with DOS compatibility mode. Also NT3.x was an operating system as it included its own micro-kernel and device drivers [1].
Consoles
- Atari
- Atari 2600
- Atari ST
- Nintendo
- Nintendo Entertainment System/Famicom
- Super Nintendo Entertainment System/Super Famicom
- Game Boy / Game Boy Color
- Game Boy Advance
- DSiWare
- Sega
- Master System / GameGear
- Genesis / Mega Drive
- VMU
- Sony
- PocketStation
- Magnavox
- Odyssey
- Odyssey²
- NEC
- PC-FX
- PC-8800 series
- P88SR
- Only compatible with DOS/V incompatible PC-98 machines running MS-DOS.
- GCE
- Vectrex
- Emerson
- Emerson Arcadia 2001
Computers
- Commodore
- Commodore 64
- Amiga line
- Sinclair
- ZX81
- ZX Spectrum
- Sharp
- X1
| Name
|
Version
|
X1T
|
X1TZ
|
X1Tw
|
FLOSS
|
Active
|
Recommended
|
| X1EMU
|
0.5
|
✓
|
✗
|
✗
|
!
|
✗
|
✗
|
- Apple
- Macintosh line
- Microsoft
- MSX series
- Amstrad
- Amstrad CPC
- x86
Source ports
- Super Mario 64
Arcade
- Multi-Arcade
- CPS-1
Commodore 64
- For software that emulates the Commodore 64 on other hardware, see Commodore 64 emulators.
The Commodore 64 (C64) is an 8-bit home computer released in 1982 by Commodore. It is notable for being one of the first widespread home computers, helping it to expand its collection of games as a result.
- Apple
- Apple I
- Chip-8
MeeGo
MeeGo
|
| Developer
|
Nokia, Intel, Linux Foundation
|
| Type
|
Operating systems
|
| Release date
|
2010
|
| Successor
|
Tizen, Mer
|
Meego is a discontinued operating system based on Linux, using code from Moblin
The Linux Foundation canceled MeeGo in September 2011 in favor of Tizen, which Intel then joined in collaboration with Samsung.[2] A community made fork called Mer forked MeeGo, Mer has been merged into projects such as Sailfish OS, Nemo Mobile (no longer based on Mer, now based on Manjaro Linux), and Yuanxin OS.
- Sony
- PlayStation Portable
MSX-DOS and MSX-BASIC
- For software that emulates MSX on other hardware, see MSX emulators.
The bustling landscape of 1980s home computing witnessed the emergence of the MSX platform, a standardized architecture for home computers. Beyond its versatile hardware, the MSX's success stemmed from its robust software environment, anchored by two key components: MSX-DOS and MSX-BASIC.
- MSX-DOS - A Tailored Disk Operating System
Derived from its namesake, MS-DOS, yet significantly streamlined for the MSX's limited memory footprint (64kB), MSX-DOS provided essential file management and disk access functionalities. Its compact design allowed efficient operation on early MSX machines, enabling users to store programs and data on floppy disks, expanding the platform's potential beyond mere game consoles. The intuitive command-line interface, akin to MS-DOS, fostered accessibility and a community of enthusiastic programmers comfortable navigating its text-based environment.
- MSX-BASIC - Bridging the Gap to Creativity
Built upon an extended version of Microsoft's Basic, MSX-BASIC served as the primary programming language for the MSX platform. Its accessible syntax and clear commands lowered the barrier to entry for coding, empowering users to unlock the creative potential of their machines. A rich library of built-in graphics and sound commands facilitated the development of games, animations, and even music, transforming MSX computers into versatile tools for artistic expression. The standardized nature of MSX-BASIC across different models encouraged collaboration and software sharing, fostering a vibrant community of users and programmers.
Consoles
- Nintendo
- Nintendo Entertainment System/Famicom
- Game Boy
- Sega
- SG-1000
- Coleco
- ColecoVision
Computers
- Commodore
- PET 2001
- Microsoft
- MSX
- Sinclair
- ZX Spectrum
- Amstrad
- CPC
Chip8
External links
Classic Mac OS
Classic Mac OS
|
| Developer
|
Apple
|
| Type
|
Operating systems
|
| Release date
|
1984
|
| Discontinued
|
2001
|
| Latest release
|
Mac OS 9
|
- For emulators that run on macOS (previously Mac OS X), see Emulators on macOS.
- For software that emulates Classic Mac OS on other hardware, see Macintosh line.
From 1984 to 2001, Classic Mac OS, with its revolutionary graphical user interface and iconic single-button mouse, sparked a digital revolution. It empowered users with intuitive interaction and laid the foundation for modern computing interfaces.
Consoles
- Nintendo
- Nintendo Entertainment System/Famicom
- Super Nintendo Entertainment System/Famicom
- Game Boy/Game Boy Color
- Sony
- PlayStation
| Name
|
Latest Version
|
68k
|
PPC
|
FLOSS
|
Active
|
Recommended
|
| Connectix VGS
|
1.4.1
|
✗
|
✓
|
✗
|
✗
|
✓
|
Computers
- Commodore
- Vic 20
- Commodore 64
- Sinclair
- ZX Spectrum
- Amstrad
- Amstrad CPC
- Tandy
- TRS-80
- Apple
- Apple III
- Palm
- Palm OS
NeXTSTEP
NeXTSTEP was developed by NeXT, NeXTSTEP was a Unix operating system using the Mach and BSD kernels. NeXT was bought by Apple Inc. which was used to base Darwin (macOS & iOS) off of NeXTSTEP.
- Calculator
- Apple
- Macintosh
- Source ports
OS/2
OS/2
|
| Developer
|
IBM
Microsoft (1.0–1.3)
|
| Type
|
Operating systems
|
| Release date
|
1987
|
| Latest release
|
2001 (4.52)
|
OS/2 (Operating System/2) is a series of Operating systems initially developed by IBM and Microsoft before their falling out.
- OS/2 history
- Joint development
IBM and Microsoft first signed the "Joint Development Agreement" in 1985, code named "CP/DOS". OS/2 1.0 was announced in April 1987 and released that december which only ran in Text mode, 1.1 released in 1988 and added the Presentation Manager (GUI) to OS/2, 1.2 added support to HPFS, 1.2 Extended Edition added TCP/IP and Ethernet support. in 1990 OS/2 1.3 release, the last version developed by IBM and Microsoft.
- Post-breakup develeopment
The deal to develop the Operating system together ended with Microsoft leaving development to IBM with Microsoft and IBM not agreeing on how to position OS/2 with Microsoft's Windows 3.0.[3]
Released in 1992 OS/2 2.0 was the first version of OS/2 with 32-bit support, in 1993 2.1 released, it boasted about it's compatibility with windows 3.0 (later windows 3.1). OS/2 3.0 labelled OS/2 Warp 3 released in 1994, Warp had more broad hardware support, better multimedia support, Internet-compatible netowrking, and included IBM Works, between Warp 3 and Warp 4 IBM developed the unreleased Workplace OS which only borrowed little sections of code from OS/2. OS/2 Warp 4 released in 1996 with java and speech recognition software.
- Forks
- eComStation (inactive) fork by PayGlobal Technologies BV
- ArcaOS fork by Arca Noae, LLC
- Microsoft
- MSX
- NEC
- NEC PC-8800
- x86 CPUs
- Coleco
- ColecoVision
Windows 9x
Windows 9x
|
| Developer
|
Microsoft
|
| Type
|
Operating systems
|
| Release date
|
1995
|
| Discontinued
|
July 11, 2006
|
| Latest release
|
Windows Me
|
| Successor
|
Windows NT
|
- For software that emulates Windows 9x on other hardware, see Windows 95/98/ME emulators.
From 1995 to 2000, Windows 9x based operating systems painted the nascent digital landscape with vibrant hues and infectious possibilities. Though often temperamental, its intuitiveness and accessibility ushered in a new era of personal computing.
The iconic desktop metaphor and pre-installed games beckoned exploration, while dial-up connections hummed the soundtrack to global connectivity. Floppy disks, the currency of shareware treasures, fostered vibrant communities, united by troubleshooting forums and a shared language of shortcuts and error messages.
Windows 9x was a democratizing force, empowering users to create, connect, and play. Paint and Game Maker unleashed creativity, while Glide-based games ushered in a new era of 3D graphics for computers. Its limitations fostered ingenuity, and every mastered tweak felt like a personal conquest.
Though now as a legacy OS, Windows 9x's influence on interface design, user interaction, and accessibility remains. It was a learning platform, a social hub, and a canvas for digital dreams. A colorful pixelated playground that forever changed the trajectory of personal computing.
- Some emulators for MS-DOS are able to be used on a windows 9x system, only emulators for/with a version for windows 9x are listed below.
Consoles
- Nintendo
- Nintendo Entertainment System/Famicom
- Super Nintendo Entertainment System/Super Famicom
- Nintendo 64
Arcade
- Multi-Arcade
- CPS-1
Source Ports
- ScummVM
Pocket PC
Pocket PC 2000/2002
|
| Developer
|
Microsoft
|
| Release date
|
2000/2001
|
| Discontinued
|
2005/2007[4]
2008[5]
|
| Emulated
|
✓
|
|
|
|
Consoles
- Nintendo
- Nintendo Entertainment System/Famicom
- Super Nintendo Entertainment System/Super Famicom
- Atari
- Atari 2600
- Bandai
- WonderSwan
- Coleco
- ColecoVision
- NEC
- NEC PC98
- PC Engine/Turbo Grafx
- Multi system
Computers
- Atari
- Atari ST
- Atari 800
- Apple
- Apple II
- Commodore
- Commodore 64
- Commodore Amiga
- Microsoft
- MSX
Calculator
Source ports
- Rick Dangerous
- FreeSCI
- Wolfenstein 3D
- Jazz jackrabbit
- Sierra On-Line Adventure Game Interpreter (AGI)
- ScummVM
Windows Mobile
- This section is about emulation on Windows Mobile. For the inverse, see the Microsoft section of Cellphone emulators.
Windows Mobile
|
| Developer
|
Microsoft Corporation
|
| Release date
|
2000
|
| Discontinued
|
2010
|
| Emulated
|
✓
|
|
|
|
- Atari
- Atari 2600
- Nintendo
- Nintendo Entertainment System
- Super Nintendo Entertainment system
- NEC
- NEC PC-8800
- Sharp
- Sharp X1
- Zeebo
- x86 CPUs
Windows Phone
- This section is about emulation on Windows Phone. For the inverse, see the Microsoft section of Cellphone emulators.
Windows Phone
|
|
| Developer
|
Microsoft Corporation
|
| Release date
|
2010
|
| Discontinued
|
2015
|
| Emulated
|
✗
|
|
|
|
- Nintendo
- Super Nintendo Entertainment system/Super Famicom
- Game Boy Advance
- libretro frontends
TempleOS
Terry A. Davis was a controversial person, this wiki is not a place to discuss him/add your opinions about him
Some references may contain controversial beliefs, please be aware before reading them
TempleOS (formerly J Operating System, LoseThos, and SparrowOS) is a discontinued operating system themed after the bible.
The operating system is coded in Davis's variant own of C (HolyC)[6]
- TempleOS history
For more detail on the reason for Davis creating this operating system see the wikipedia article.
Terry A. Davis developed TempleOS as God's third temple.[7] TempleOS had previous names (listed at the beginning of this section), TempleOS had it's final name change in mid-2013.[8] Development ceased in 2018 due to Davis's death Davis's death.
- There are two active forks of TempleOS;
- Consoles
- Nintendo - Game Boy
- Nintendo - Super Nintendo Entertainment System/Super Famicom
- Sega - Genesis/Megadrive
- Source ports
- Cosmo's Cosmic Adventure
- Doom
IRIX
IRIX
|
| Developer
|
Silicon Graphics
|
| Type
|
Operating systems
|
| Release date
|
1988
|
| Discontinued
|
2013
|
| Latest release
|
6.5.30
|
IRIX is a discontinued operating system developed by Sillicon Graphics (SGI) to run on their MIPS machines. based on UNIX System V
IRIX is the system where XFS and OpenGL originated
- Consoles
- Nintendo - Game Boy Advance
- Computers
- Atari - Atari ST
- x86 CPUs
- IBM - System 370/390/z
- Apple - Macintosh
Source ports
- ScummVM
- SuperTuxKart
- Oolite
- Ultima VII The Black Gate
- Defendguin
- Rick Dangerous
- Syndicate
- ClassiCube
- Quake 3
- Nicky boum
- Cave story
- Baldur's Gate I
References
- ↑ As calculated by Carlo Delhez's clkfreq, originally distributed with his XTender emulator. The ZX81 has relatively complicated timing mechanics, depending on signalling of WAIT during NMI; relative speed is a measurement of how closely an emulator matches a real machine in terms of clock cycles spent processing within a frame. 100.0% denotes the same execution speed as a real machine.
- ↑ After turning off the simulated hardware improvements that were not standard in the original computer.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Shareware. Requires license to unlock full version.
- ↑ Versions 2.15 α7 and its source code (2.15s) are currently lost. The latest version downloadable is 2.10 α6 along with its source code (2.10s).
- ↑ recommended if you have a 3dfx card
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