ares vs retroemu
ares
ares-emu.netretroemu
github.comSide by side
| Figure | ares | retroemu |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Spec score · Multi-System Emulators | 8.9 (#2) | 7.9 (#28) |
| License | The source code is distributed under the ISC license. | The repository lists the project license as MIT. |
| Purpose | ares is a cross-platform, open-source multi-system emulator focused on accuracy and preservation. | retroemu runs classic console games in a terminal using libretro cores compiled to WebAssembly. |
| Supported systems | The catalogue includes Arcade, Atari 2600, WonderSwan, ColecoVision, NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, Sega systems, Neo Geo Pocket and PlayStation. | The README describes support for more than 25 systems, including NES, SNES, Game Boy, Genesis, Atari, and others. |
| What it does | ares is a cross-platform emulator for multiple game systems, built around accuracy and software preservation. | retroemu runs retro console games in a terminal with Node.js using libretro cores compiled to WebAssembly. |
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.