The 11 best NES emulators for PC

It is true that games are becoming more modern and realistic, voice sounds and even motion sensors. However, nothing stops the experience of going back to the 8-bit classics of the NES — Nintendinho for the closest fans — and remembering an era in which the simplest video games guaranteed — and a lot — the fun of the time. If you're from a generation that didn't experience the NES era, this could be an opportunity to discover the console that changed the gaming scene.



The console was launched in 1983 and was Nintendo's big bet to enter the video game market. The NES was — and still is — a worldwide success, approximately 61 million consoles sold. Although the relic is not easily found these days, computer emulators allow game lovers to quench their nostalgia.

We have separated here, the 11 best NES emulators for PC, so you can remember (or know) the classic games of the 80s. Check the list. 

1. Month

The 11 best NES emulators for PC
“Streemerz” being emulated by Mesen. Photo: Reproduction/Mesen

Mesen is the most accurate among NES emulators, as it supports almost all licensed games that have already been published for the console.

The emulator has an audio equalizer panel, a code finder (for nicknames), a wide variety of filters and an overlock system to prevent FPS drops.

Mesen is also great for youtubers, as it comes with a sound and video recorder to capture gameplay, as well as a video player to watch replays. It is also possible to play online through Netplay.


Visit the Mesen website to download


2. VirtualNES

The 11 best NES emulators for PC
"Captain Tsubasa III" being emulated by VirtualNes. Photo: Playback / VirtualNes

Straight from Japan, VirtualNes is relatively new, but it has been conquering more and more NES lovers.

The emulator, which already has versions in English and Japanese, has a retro and nostalgic display. It also has Netplay (to play online), four FPS controllers, an entire panel dedicated to codes and shortcuts on the keys for all functions.

Although it runs on almost any PC, you must have the latest version of DirectX.

Visit the VirtualNES website to download 

3. Nestopia

The 11 best NES emulators for PC
“Megaman” being emulated by Nestopia. Photo: Reproduction / Nestopia

Nestopia — which runs on Windows, Mac and Linux — as well as the best NES emulators, supports Netplay for online multiplayer mode.

It also has an automatic save, code panel and a music recorder for you to document the soundtracks of classic games.

Go to the 0ldsk00l website to download Nestopia

4.RetroArch

The 11 best NES emulators for PC
"Super Mario Bros" being emulated by RetroArch. Photo: Playback / RetroArch

Well known for the gamer unit, RetroArch is certainly among the highlights of the list.

In addition to Netplay mode, RetroArch supports you to stream directly from Twitch or YouTube.

When it comes to configuration, the emulator allows changes in game latency, video calibration and several other features for you to customize your gameplay. It also has a built-in multimedia player, and runs on Windows, Mac and Linux computers.


Visit the RetroArch website to download

5. Jens

The 11 best NES emulators for PC
"Metroid" being emulated by Jnes. Photo: Playback / Jnes

Unlike most emulators that use Netplay for multiplayer games, Jnes offers Kailera.


Although the options for audio settings are more modest, there is still a video option that supports the resolution of your monitor, in addition to the modern emulator interface and very intuitive panels.

Go to the Jnes website to download

6. BizHawk

The 11 best NES emulators for PC
"Metal Fighter" being emulated by BizHawk. Photo: Playback / BizHawk

What BizHawk has for simplicity, for efficiency. Although the emulator has a modest appearance, it is full of useful tools.

The difference is in the tool to support Speedruns, which speeds up the gameplay so that the player can "zero" the game in a shorter time.

Access the GitHub profile to download BizHawk

7. FCEUS

The 11 best NES emulators for PC
"Ninja Gaiden II" being emulated by FCEUX. Photo: Playback / FCEUX

If someone wants to play online through this emulator, they will have to go back to the old guard and enter a lobby using their IP, port number, password etc.

FCEUX has a way to speed up games and there is an automatic shooting feature for games that require accuracy in aiming.

The emulator also counts codes and video player.

Visit the Tasvideo website to download FCEUX

8. Nintendulator

The 11 best NES emulators for PC
Display of the Nintendulator emulator. Photo: Playback / Nintendulator

The emulator, which initially started out as a code tester for the NES, allows you to connect two controllers via USB ports.


Also features gameplay recorder, default audio and video settings and code support.


Nintedulator supports the following ROM formats: .NES, UNIF, FDS (fwNES format) and NSF.

Visit the qmtpro website to download Nintendulator

9. higan

The 11 best NES emulators for PC
“Galaxy 5000” being emulated by higan. Photo: reproduction/higan

NES emulator for Windows 10 is fast and accurate in running games. After downloading it, a quick configuration (10 seconds) will be necessary for the system to start running.

The difference in the higan emulator is its support for other consoles, not just Nintendo. it, it is possible to play titles from the Master System, Game Gear, Mega Drive, in addition to the Fusajiro Yamauchi family of consoles, of course. 

Go to the byuu website to download higan

10. Nemulator

The 11 best NES emulators for PC
“Punch Out” being emulated by Nemulator. Photo: Playback/Nemulator

Do you want a simple emulator, just to download and play? Nemulator may be the solution.

As it does not have a menu of options or panels, it will be necessary for the player to learn keyboard shortcuts for internal settings.

To download, visit the Nemulator website

11. Dolphin

The 11 best NES emulators for PC
“Animal Crossing” being emulated Dolphin. Photo: Reproduction / Dolphin

The last on the list is known to lovers of emulation. Although it was initially designed to emulate Wii and GameCube, the latest versions supported NES.

Dolphin supports most NES games and runs on all major platforms: Windows, Mac and Linux.

Visit the Dolphin website (in Portuguese) to download

Via: Emulator Club

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