DOSBox vs DOSBox 3DS
DOSBox
dosbox.comDOSBox 3DS
github.comSide by side
| Figure | DOSBox | DOSBox 3DS |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 0 |
| Spec score · MS-DOS Emulators | 9.0 (#1) | 7.2 (#19) |
| Configuration | Settings are controlled through command-line options and text configuration files that are generated automatically. | DOSBox creates a configuration file on first run, and its settings can be changed to customize behavior. |
| Downloads | The download page lists DOSBox 0.74-3 builds or packages for Mac OS X, Windows, Fedora and Debian, as well as source code. | The repository page has no listed releases. |
| Networking | DOSBox supports IPX networking through its internal IPXNET program. | The manual describes serial null-modem multiplayer over a network or the internet. |
| Purpose | DOSBox is a DOS emulator intended to run older programs and games that do not run on newer computers. | DOSBox 3DS is a port of DOSBox-SVN for Nintendo 3DS. |
| Security | The DOSBox site recommends using config -securemode with untrusted files; this mode disables MOUNT, IMGMOUNT and BOOT. | The README says DOSBox cannot harm a computer more than any other resource-demanding program. |
| Sound emulation | The project emulates SoundBlaster and Gravis UltraSound hardware for compatibility with older games. | The README lists emulation for legacy devices including PC speaker, AdLib, Sound Blaster, Gravis Ultrasound and MPU-401. |
| Support | The crew page directs questions about using DOSBox or running a specific game to the forum. | The included manual directs users with questions to the DOSBox site and forum. |
Plans
In their own words
DOSBox
DOSBox is a free, open-source DOS emulator for running older programs and games that may not run on newer computers. It emulates 286 and 386 CPUs in real and protected modes, along with XMS and EMS memory. Its graphics support covers Tandy, Hercules, CGA, EGA, VGA, and VESA, while sound emulation includes SoundBlaster and Gravis UltraSound cards. Users can mount floppy and CD-ROM images, including ISO and CUE/BIN formats. DOSBox also supports IPX networking through its internal IPXNET program and can emulate a serial nullmodem cable over a network or the internet. The site identifies version 0.74-3 as the latest version and lists builds or packages for Mac OS X, Windows, Fedora, and Debian, along with source code. Its game compatibility list uses statuses including runnable, playable, and supported. For untrusted files, the site recommends secure mode; that mode disables MOUNT, IMGMOUNT, and BOOT. DOSBox runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS, and the forum is the suggested place to ask about usage or a particular game.