Newbie Emulation Guide
Things to know:
What is an emulator? A software emulator allows computer programs to run on a platform (computer architecture and/or operating system) other than the one for which they were originally written. Emulation refers to the ability of a program or device to imitate another program or device. Emulation tricks the software into believing that a device is really some other device.
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[Only Registered Users Can See Links. Click Here To Register]
What is required to start emulating consoles?
BIOS: Depending on the console, a BIOS may be needed. The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is the software the console runs when it is first turned on. An example of an emulator that needs a BIOS is the Playstation. Obtaining this BIOS is
illegal and will not be discussed on MiiTalk.
Plug-ins: Plugins are responsible for different functions other than the core of the some emulators. For example, the N64 emulator, Project64, requires a video, sound, input, and (optionally) a netplay plug-in. Often you'll also have to configure them to run at the best balance of compatibility and performance.
How fast does my computer need to be? Emulation is slow, so you will need a very fast computer to play modern (or some-what modern) games at perfect or reasonable speeds. Any computer nowadays can run SNES games and the like. A PS2 emulator will require a high-end computer.
What about the games?
There are two different types of files:
ROMS: These are dumps of cartridge-based games such as NES, SNES, and N64 and their extensions are .nes, .smc, and .z64, respectively.
ISOs: These are rips of discs such as Playstation, Playstation 2, Neo-Geo CD, and Gamecube. Their extensions may vary. Some examples are .iso, .bin, .mdf, and .ccd.
Note: Since these programs are obviously not developed by the makers of the console, not all games will run as they should. Emulators, after all, are not perfect.
Getting Started:
These emulators have been personally tested and recommended by me. If you'd like to suggest an emulator for another console, don't hesitate to tell us! 
What are the best/most developed emulators?
N64:
Project64 [
[Only Registered Users Can See Links. Click Here To Register]] - Plugins included.
SNES:
ZSNES [
[Only Registered Users Can See Links. Click Here To Register]]
GameBoy Advance:
Visual Boy Advance [
[Only Registered Users Can See Links. Click Here To Register]]
Playstation:
ePSXe [
[Only Registered Users Can See Links. Click Here To Register]] - BIOS and plug-ins required.
Playstation 2:
PCSX2 [
[Only Registered Users Can See Links. Click Here To Register]] - Requires a high-end computer; compatibility far from perfect at this point; BIOS and plug-ins required.
Playing the games:
If the emulator doesn't require plug-ins, you're almost set to go! There should be minimal configuration required and all you need to do is download a ROM or ISO.
If the emulator do require plug-ins, then you should visit their respective forum for guidance.
View this thread for ROM sites:
[Only Registered Users Can See Links. Click Here To Register]
What about Wii?
If you are looking for Wii emulators for your PC, sorry, you are out of luck as there is no such thing yet.
However, there are emulators for some of the aforementioned consoles for the Wii. You'll need a prepackaged disc with roms and emulators, a GameCube controller, a GC memory card, and a modded Wii. To get the ISO, check your local torrent site
If you'd like to see more information, visit
[Only Registered Users Can See Links. Click Here To Register] or
[Only Registered Users Can See Links. Click Here To Register].
If you've found something inaccurate or you'd like to add more information, feel free to let me know.
Happy gaming!
I'll add it to the list.
Linear Mode
