Changes

Depending on the studio, some developers may opt to release on the three main x86 platforms (Windows, Linux, macOS) but in most cases , PC ports are Windows-only (basically enforcing the catch-22 of Linux adoption) and may only get a polished but outsourced macOS port later on.

However, sometimes ports were sloppy, and prone to bugs and/or optimisation optimization issues (e.g. ''Grand Theft Auto IV''). Every port has its own issues so it has to be approached on a case-by-case basis. The game may also only have very outdated options, such as only a few resolutions. It's best to check [https://pcgamingwiki.com PCGamingWiki] for any potential issues you might have.

There are also community patches which can fix some of these issues, and depending depend on the complexity of the game, it may have a cross-platform [[game engine recreation]]. Depending on a game's popularity, it may even have a full remake. Obscure titles may have no fixes at all.

Older games may not have good controller support as Xinput does not have backwards backward compatibility with DirectInput. One of the most common problems is in the digital pad not being recognized. In that case, button mappers like [https://github.com/AntiMicro/antimicro/releases AntiMicro] can be helpful.

Since game consoles are much less powerful than PCs, it is recommended to avoid PC games ported to consoles. Typically the games have to be altered to fit the constraints of the console, and may be forced to use a radically different control scheme. An exception to this rule would be Indiana Jones and the Infernal Machine's N64 port, and the console versions of certain Disney games like ''Cars 2'' and ''Toy Story 3''. In the latter case , the PC versions suffer from downgraded graphics as a consequence of having to account for lower-end systems used by most families.

|SFC: Lower sound quality and altered graphics. Level order for the first few levels are is re-arranged from the Sharp X68000 version. Released only in Japan despite being developed by a British development team.

Many SNES games were ported to the GBA. These versions may have extra features, but at the cost of poorer audio and visuals. The resolution is lower, and it was never intended to be played on a full display. The screen area may also be reduced due to the lower resolution. The audio is much lower quality than the SNES. Also, the GBA has much stronger colors to compensate for the lack of contrast in the original GBA display. To compensate, a shader or an option is needed. Additionally , for controls, the GBA has two fewer buttons.

Several SNES games were ported to the PlayStation. These are typically emulated, and the CD format creates long loading times. Generally , it is recommended to avoid the PS1 ports for this reason and to stick with the original releases. However, in some cases , the PS1 port might offer more features.

|Features both the original game and an enhanced graphics mode. The port to 360, PS3, and PC is missing a few effects. All rereleases re-releases include ''Christmas Nights into Dreams'', but lack versus mode and Sonic the Hedgehog into Dreams.

The Xbox 360 version is largely similar to the original release. It removes loading times, but lacks FMVs for the North American version.

|Backgrounds/FMVs are the same resolution resolutions as the PS1 version. The original release had the music played through terrible MIDI instruments. The music can be fixed with a mod. The recent PC release on Steam release fixes all issues, making it the current definitive version. A PS4 and iOS port of the recent PC release will be released in the future.

|Saturn: Features a Bonus Mode with a gallery of official and fan-submitted artworks, a sound test, and watchable FMVs. Some also feature new music tracks and the ability fight Cut Man (MM1) and Wood Man (MM2). Original music is somewhat different due to using PCM encoding and FMVs , however , are worse quality than the PlayStation version due to compression format used to fit onto the Sega Saturn.

|PC: Music doesn't loop. Cutscenes don't sync up with audio properly. Requires a mapping program to play comfortably with an a XInput controller.N64: Simultaneously better and worse in the graphics department. Sound The sound is compressed so it can fit on a cartridge. Released as Mega Man 64 in North America.

GC: Full remake. Same on the Wii. Redone in HD for its most recent PC release, as well as on most modern HD consoles. The PC version plays at 60 FPS and lacks minor stability issues that the other HD versions have.

|Later rereleased re-released on the system with DualShock support and a new game mode.

|Titled ''Conker: Live and Reloaded''. It's censored, but has much better graphics and updated multiplayer. Only plays on an original Xbox. ''Rare Replay'' includes an emulated version of the original. Not sure if its it's censored or not. Has more stable framerates and slightly better graphics than original.

|The GameCube version has audio glitches when moving between areas in Clock Town, framerate issues, and random crashes. The 3DS version features enhancements similar to those in Ocarina of Time 3D, as well as manual camera control when played on a New Nintendo 3DS. However, it changes some key gameplay mechanics in ways that fans of the original might not prefer, and is missing some rumblefeatures.

|The DS remake has three more playable characters and some extra features, but has poorer controls, mixed graphical changes (they look more "accurate" but have less fewer polygons and worse textures), and altered progression. Some may prefer it, others not so much.

|The 3DS remake has updated graphics, a slightly different instrumentation, multiplayer, and some token 3DS features including an easy mode with a misleading name. It is missing rumblefeatures. It also has redone voices, for better or worse.