Magic DosBox vs Retro-DOS
Magic DosBox
magicbox.imejl.skRetro-DOS
github.comSide by side
| Figure | Magic DosBox | Retro-DOS |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 0 |
| Spec score · MS-DOS Emulators | 8.3 (#5) | 7.0 (#22) |
| Android storage | The maker says Android 11-based changes block mounting the storage root and the Downloads folder. | Android users can choose a persistent read/write folder through the system picker or use app storage on any volume without granting storage permission. |
| Controls | It supports on-screen widgets, physical mouse, Samsung stylus, external gamepads, keyboard, and sound. | The app supports physical gamepads and on-screen controls, with per-game mappings, presets, and in-game remapping. |
| Maker | The app listing identifies the developer as Bruenor s. r. o. and gives an address in Sereď, Slovakia. | The GitHub repository is owned by CrownParkComputing. |
| Purpose | Magic DosBox is an optimized DOSBox port for Android that runs DOS games and applications and is designed for touch devices. | Retro-DOS is a DOS games launcher and emulator for handhelds, built on DOSBox-X with an SDL3 and Dear ImGui frontend. |
Plans
In their own words
Magic DosBox
Magic DosBox emulates MS-DOS so users can play their own classic DOS games on Android phones and tablets; games are not included. Its on-screen widgets can send keys, emulate a mouse, pause a game, and perform other actions. Users can customize widget appearance, size, and position, then export or share game profiles and layouts. It also supports physical mice, Samsung styluses, external gamepads, keyboards, sound, IPX networking, and serial modem connections. Games can be configured through a simplified interface or Expert settings based on a modified DOSBox configuration. The app lists ISO, GOG, INST, and CUE files, and supports save states. Magic DosBox Lite is free, with three widgets and a limited number of games in the collection. The $3.99, paid once plan includes all widgets and removes the collection limit. The maker says Google Play's required storage access can be slower than direct access, while Android 11-based changes block mounting the storage root and Downloads folder.