Emulators overview
Emulators overview
Emulators are by far the most popular reason to put an Xbox One into Developer Mode. Several mature projects ship official UWP builds that sideload cleanly through the Device Portal, turning the console into a flexible retro and classic gaming machine.
The main options
| Emulator | Covers |
|---|---|
| RetroArch | Dozens of systems through cores |
| Dolphin | GameCube and Wii |
| PPSSPP | PlayStation Portable |
RetroArch is the swiss-army option, bundling many emulation cores under one interface so you can run everything from 8-bit consoles to several 32-bit machines. Dolphin is a dedicated emulator for Nintendo's GameCube and Wii, and PPSSPP focuses on the PSP. Each has its own page in this section.
What to expect
Performance is genuinely strong for older systems, particularly on the more powerful One S and One X. Retro consoles and handhelds typically run at full speed, while heavier targets like Wii are more demanding and vary by title.
Before you start
Every emulator needs broad file access enabled to reach your content, and you must supply your own legally obtained game files and any required BIOS. Keep that content on a USB drive to stay clear of the 2 GB per-app cap.
Only ever use software dumped from hardware you own. This wiki does not host or link to copyrighted ROMs, BIOS, or games.