150 Best Retro Console Games to Play on Emulators in 2026
Retro gaming is not just nostalgia — it’s a way to experience timeless gameplay that modern titles often can’t match.
With emulators and tools like EmuDeck, you can play classic games from 14 retro consoles — from 8-bit NES adventures to the late-generation consoles like PS2 and Wii — directly on your PC.
We also include Nintendo Switch, a modern system with stable emulation through Yuzu and Ryujinx, allowing players to enjoy newer classics alongside older titles. This way, the list bridges generations of gaming, giving you both retro and recent must-play experiences.
From 8-bit NES adventures to Switch exclusives, this list brings together 150 must-play games across 15 systems.
Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned gamer, these titles will let you explore gaming history like never before.
Below, you’ll find each console’s top 10 games — carefully selected classics that were never released on PC or are hard to find.
1️⃣ NES (Nintendo Entertainment System)
- Super Mario Bros. 3
- The Legend of Zelda
- Metroid
- Mega Man 2
- Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse
- Ninja Gaiden
- Contra
- DuckTales
- Final Fantasy
- Excitebike
2️⃣ SNES (Super Nintendo Entertainment System)
- Super Mario World
- The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
- Super Metroid
- Chrono Trigger
- Donkey Kong Country
- Final Fantasy VI
- Secret of Mana
- F-Zero
- Super Mario Kart
- EarthBound
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3️⃣ Sega Mega Drive / Genesis
- Sonic the Hedgehog 2
- Streets of Rage 2
- Gunstar Heroes
- Shining Force II
- Phantasy Star IV
- Golden Axe
- Mortal Kombat II
- ToeJam & Earl
- Earthworm Jim
- Ecco the Dolphin
4️⃣ Neo Geo
- Metal Slug
- King of Fighters ’98
- Samurai Shodown II
- Garou: Mark of the Wolves
- Fatal Fury Special
- The Last Blade 2
- Shock Troopers
- Puzzle Bobble
- Neo Turf Masters
- Magician Lord
5️⃣ 3DO
- Gex
- Need for Speed
- Road Rash
- Star Control II
- Alone in the Dark
- The Horde
- Crash ‘n Burn
- Return Fire
- Samurai Warrior: The Battles
- Killing Time
6️⃣ PlayStation (PS1)
- Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
- Metal Gear Solid
- Final Fantasy VII
- Tekken 3
- Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped
- Spyro the Dragon
- Resident Evil 2
- Gran Turismo
- Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2
- Suikoden II
7️⃣ Nintendo 64
- Super Mario 64
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
- GoldenEye 007
- Mario Kart 64
- Star Fox 64
- Banjo-Kazooie
- Paper Mario
- F-Zero X
- Donkey Kong 64
- Perfect Dark
8️⃣ Sega Saturn
- Virtua Fighter 2
- Panzer Dragoon Saga
- Nights into Dreams
- Sega Rally Championship
- Guardian Heroes
- Radiant Silvergun
- Burning Rangers
- Shining Force III
- Dragon Force
- Daytona USA
9️⃣ Dreamcast
- Shenmue
- Soul Calibur
- Crazy Taxi
- Jet Set Radio
- Resident Evil Code: Veronica
- Skies of Arcadia
- Marvel vs. Capcom 2
- Power Stone 2
- Samba de Amigo
- Sonic Adventure 2
1️⃣0️⃣ PlayStation 2
- God of War
- Shadow of the Colossus
- Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
- Final Fantasy X
- Kingdom Hearts
- Devil May Cry 3
- Gran Turismo 4
- Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy
- Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal
- Okami
1️⃣1️⃣ Wii
- The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
- Super Mario Galaxy
- Super Mario Galaxy 2
- Metroid Prime 3: Corruption
- Donkey Kong Country Returns
- Mario Kart Wii
- Xenoblade Chronicles
- Kirby’s Epic Yarn
- Punch-Out!!
- Super Paper Mario
1️⃣2️⃣ Nintendo DS
- Pokémon Black/White
- The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
- Mario Kart DS
- New Super Mario Bros.
- Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow
- Advance Wars: Dual Strike
- Professor Layton and the Curious Village
- Dragon Quest IX
- Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney
- Chrono Trigger DS
1️⃣3️⃣ Nintendo 3DS
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D
- Fire Emblem: Awakening
- Super Mario 3D Land
- Pokémon X/Y
- Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate
- Bravely Default
- Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon
- Xenoblade Chronicles 3D
- Mario Kart 7
- Kid Icarus: Uprising
1️⃣4️⃣ Nintendo Switch
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Super Mario Odyssey
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Splatoon 2
- Fire Emblem: Three Houses
- Xenoblade Chronicles 2
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
- Octopath Traveler
- Luigi’s Mansion 3
- Pokémon Sword/Shield
1️⃣5️⃣ GameCube
- The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
- Metroid Prime
- Super Smash Bros. Melee
- Luigi’s Mansion
- Mario Kart: Double Dash!!
- Resident Evil 4
- Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
- Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem
- F-Zero GX
- Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
Final Thoughts
With this list of 150 must-play games across 15 classic consoles, you can start building the ultimate retro gaming library.
Emulation allows you to experience titles that never made it to PC and preserves gaming history.
Whether you want nostalgia, discovery, or a new challenge, these games are timeless.
Plug in your controller, fire up EmuDeck, and start your journey through the best games of the past 30+ years.
👉 Check How to Turn Your PC Into a Retro Console in 2026