Emulation Software & Cores Directory — HandheldWiki
The authoritative encyclopedic reference for all 22 video game emulators and Libretro cores on modern handheld gaming devices. Compare target architectures, graphics APIs, custom driver requirements, and handheld optimization guides.
| Emulator / Core | Type | Target Consoles | Supported OS | Graphics Backends | License | Wiki Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dolphin | Standalone | GameCube, Wii | Android, Windows, Linux, macOS | Vulkan, OpenGL, Direct3D 11, Direct3D 12 | GPLv2+ | Guide |
| PCSX2 | Standalone | PlayStation 2 | Windows, Linux (Steam Deck), macOS | Vulkan, Direct3D 11, Direct3D 12, OpenGL | GPLv3 | Guide |
| NetherSX2 | Standalone (Community Build) | PlayStation 2 | Android | Vulkan, OpenGL | Freeware / Community Patch | Guide |
| DuckStation | Standalone & Libretro Core | PlayStation (PS1) | Android, Windows, Linux, macOS | Vulkan, OpenGL, Direct3D 11, Software | GPLv3 | Guide |
| PPSSPP | Standalone & Libretro Core | PlayStation Portable (PSP) | Android, Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS | Vulkan, OpenGL, Direct3D 11 | GPLv2+ | Guide |
| Flycast | Standalone & Libretro Core | Dreamcast | Android, Windows, Linux, macOS | Vulkan, OpenGL, DirectX 11 | GPLv2 | Guide |
| Redream | Standalone | Dreamcast | Android, Windows, Linux, macOS | OpenGL, Direct3D 11 | Freeware / Commercial ($5 Premium for 1080p+) | Guide |
| DraStic DS Emulator | Standalone | Nintendo DS | Android | Custom Software Dynarec, OpenGL ES | Freeware (Open Source transition) | Guide |
| melonDS | Standalone & Libretro Core | Nintendo DS | Android, Windows, Linux, macOS | OpenGL, Software | GPLv3 | Guide |
| Mupen64Plus FZ | Standalone | Nintendo 64 | Android | GLideN64, Glide64, Rice, Angrylion | GPLv3 | Guide |
| Lime3DS | Standalone | Nintendo 3DS | Android, Windows, Linux, macOS | Vulkan, OpenGL | GPLv2+ | Guide |
| Sudachi | Standalone | Nintendo Switch | Android, Windows, Linux, iOS | Vulkan | GPLv3 | Guide |
| Ryujinx | Standalone | Nintendo Switch | Windows, Linux (Steam Deck), macOS | Vulkan, OpenGL | MIT | Guide |
| Cemu | Standalone | Wii U | Windows, Linux (Steam Deck), macOS | Vulkan, OpenGL | GPLv3 | Guide |
| RPCS3 | Standalone | PlayStation 3 | Windows, Linux (Steam Deck), macOS | Vulkan | GPLv2 | Guide |
| Beetle Saturn | Libretro Core | Sega Saturn | All Platforms | Software, OpenGL | GPLv2 | Guide |
| YabaSanshiro | Standalone & Libretro Core | Sega Saturn | Android, Windows, Linux, iOS | Vulkan, OpenGL ES | GPLv2 | Guide |
| mGBA | Standalone & Libretro Core | Game Boy Advance, Game Boy & Game Boy Color | All Platforms | Software, OpenGL | MPL 2.0 | Guide |
| Snes9x | Standalone & Libretro Core | Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) | All Platforms | Software, OpenGL, Vulkan | Snes9x License (GPL compatible) | Guide |
| Genesis Plus GX | Libretro Core | Sega Genesis / Mega Drive | All Platforms | Software | GPLv2+ | Guide |
| Mesen | Standalone & Libretro Core | Nintendo Entertainment System (NES / Famicom) | All Platforms | Software, DirectX, OpenGL | GPLv3 | Guide |
| RetroArch | Universal Frontend / Core Framework | Game Boy & Game Boy Color, Nintendo Entertainment System (NES / Famicom), Sega Genesis / Mega Drive, Game Boy Advance, Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), PlayStation (PS1), Nintendo 64, Sega Saturn | All Platforms | Vulkan, OpenGL, Direct3D, Metal | GPLv3 | Guide |