# Emulator

An Emulator is a hard- or software that enables a computer to behave like
another computer.
In the [gaming](/wiki/game.md) context this is mainly used to run games from a console on
another computer.
Emulators usually need ROMs to run games.
ROMs are a digital copy of a video game.
Please note that downloading ROMs of licensed games is not permitted due to copyright.
All [emulators](#list-of-emulator-software) should only use non copyright infringing ROMs.

Due to its form factor emulators can be installed and used nicely on a
[Steam Deck](/wiki/game/steam_deck.md).
Emulator games can even be
[started through the normal interface](/wiki/game/steam_deck.md#running-a-game-directly-through-the-interface).

## List of Emulator software

- [Citra](/wiki/emulator/citra.md) emulates Nintendo 3DS games.
- [Dolphin](/wiki/emulator/dolphin.md) emulates Nintendo GameCube and Wii games.
- [melonDS](/wiki/emulator/melonds.md) emulates Nintendo DS games.
- [mGBA](/wiki/emulator/mgba.md) emulates Nintendo Game Boy, Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advanced
  games.
- [Nestopia](/wiki/emulator/nestopia.md) emulates Nintendo Entertainment System games.
- [PCSX2](/wiki/emulator/pcsx2.md) emulates PlayStation 2 games.
- [PPSSPP](/wiki/emulator/ppsspp.md) emulates PlayStation Portable games.
- [simple64](/wiki/emulator/simple64.md) emulates Nintendo 64 games.
- [Snes9x](/wiki/emulator/snes9x.md) emulates Super Nintendo Entertainment System games.
- [yuzu](/wiki/emulator/yuzu.md) emulates Nintendo Switch games.