There are many different emulators for the Raspberry Pi with each of them having their own unique pros and cons.
On this page, we highlight some of the best emulator packages that you can install. It includes RetroPie, Lakka, and RecalBox.
If we’re missing any be sure to let us know and we will look at including the emulator package.
We plan on adding more and more Raspberry Pi emulators to this list, so be sure to check back later.
RetroPie is currently one of the most popular retro game emulator packages available. It’s easy to set up and is a great way to play hundreds of classic games such as the original Doom.
Retropie runs emulationstation as the frontend which provides a friendly user interface and an easy way to configure controls and other settings.
Learn How to Setup RetroPie
The Lakka Raspberry Pi emulator package is a serious contender to RetroPie. It can run hundreds of classic games and is relatively stable. It’s super easy to get installed and running.
Lakka runs RetroArch, which is a front end for a whole range of different emulators. RetroArch helps with shaders, multiplayer, saves, netplay, controllers, and so much more.
Learn How to Setup Lakka
Recalbox is one of the main competitors of RetroPie. Like the rest of the Raspberry Pi emulator packages, it is open source, and you can follow the work over on their GitLab.
Like RetroPie, it uses emulationstation for the frontend. It features over 40 emulators and also has the Kodi media center installed. It’s a must try if you’re looking for an all in one package.
Learn How to Setup Recalbox
DOSBox is an emulator that allows you to run programs designed for the DOS operating system. It is one of the many emulators included in the software packages mentioned above.
It’s super easy to set up and will give you the ability to run hundreds of classic games from the DOS era. You can even run some DOS programs if games don’t take your fancy.
Learn How to Setup DOSBox
As you may already know the Raspberry Pi uses an ARM processor which makes it incapable of running x86 programs. Luckily, x86 Raspberry Pi emulators that will help remove this drawback.
Unfortunately, not all programs will run using this emulator, but it will gain you the ability to run applications such as notepad plus-plus, or Skype.
Learn How to Setup x86 Emulator