ares vs Cxbx-Reloaded
ares
ares-emu.netCxbx-Reloaded
cxbx-reloaded.co.ukSide by side
| Figure | ares | Cxbx-Reloaded |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 2 | 0 |
| Spec score · Game Console Emulators | 9.0 (#1) | 7.4 (#26) |
| Linux support | The project prefers that Linux users compile from source and links to third-party packages rather than providing official Linux binaries. | The project README describes Linux use through Wine and warns that Wine is relatively unstable and may affect compatibility. |
| Purpose | ares is a cross-platform, open-source multi-system emulator focused on accuracy and preservation. | Cxbx-Reloaded is an emulator for running Xbox games on Microsoft Windows. |
| Windows requirements | Official Windows downloads support Windows 7 or newer, while AMD64 builds require at least Intel Nehalem or AMD Jaguar architecture. | The project README lists Windows 7 or later x64 and a GPU supporting Direct3D 9.0c with Pixel Shader Model 2.x and Vertex Shader Model 3.0 as minimum requirements. |
Plans
In their own words
ares
ares is a free, open-source emulator for multiple systems, with a stated focus on accuracy and preservation. It supports systems including Arcade, Atari 2600, WonderSwan, ColecoVision, NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, and PlayStation, though some listed systems are experimental. Playback options include save states, run-ahead, rewind, and fast-forward. Pixel shaders and optional color correction can alter display characteristics, while Virtual Game-Pads let users configure controls for use across emulated systems. The interface framework uses WinAPI on Windows, Cocoa on macOS, and GTK2 or GTK3 on POSIX platforms. Simple debugging features such as trace logging support development of original software for supported systems. Windows builds support Windows 7 or later; AMD64 binaries require at least Intel Nehalem or AMD Jaguar architecture. macOS binaries require Catalina 10.15 and support Intel and Apple Silicon. The project prefers Linux users compile from source and points to third-party packages rather than official Linux binaries. Source code uses the ISC license. Android is not supported, and a BIOS is required.
Cxbx-Reloaded
Cxbx-Reloaded has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.