10 Retro Emulators for 80s Home Consoles - PC Gaming

The Evolution of Home Consoles and Emulators: The 1980s

Last Wednesday, we began exploring the history of home consoles and emulators, commencing with the Magnavox Odyssey, released in 1972, and concluding with the Intellivision in 1979. This exploration now proceeds into the 1980s, a decade that marked the beginning of a new generation of gaming systems.

The 80s also introduced iconic characters that continue to resonate with gamers today, including a famous Italian plumber and a spirited, azure hedgehog.

Emulation and ROMs

As in the prior compilation, emulators are designed to function across multiple platforms whenever feasible. To fully experience these emulators, you will require game files, commonly referred to as ROMs.

It's important to note that possessing digital copies of games is legally permissible if you are the original owner of the physical game. However, we are unable to provide information regarding sources for obtaining these ROMs.

Notable Consoles of the 1980s

• Atari 5200 (1982): A successor to the popular Atari 2600, offering improved graphics and sound.
• ColecoVision (1982): Known for its arcade-quality graphics and compatibility with Atari 2600 games via an adapter.
• Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) (1985): Revolutionized the home console market and introduced many iconic franchises.
• Sega Master System (1986): A strong competitor to the NES, offering a diverse library of games.
• TurboGrafx-16 (1989): Pioneered 16-bit gaming and featured unique graphical capabilities.

These consoles represent a significant leap forward in gaming technology, paving the way for the more advanced systems that would follow. The 1980s were a formative period for the industry, establishing many of the conventions and beloved franchises that endure to this day.

The advancements in hardware and software during this decade fundamentally changed the landscape of video games, creating a lasting legacy for generations of players.

1982 - Atari 5200 [Atari++]

The Atari 5200 SuperSystem debuted in 1982. It was designed to rival the widely-used Intellivision gaming console.

Internally, the 5200’s hardware closely mirrored that of the Atari 400 and 800 home computers. However, a key distinction was that the 5200 was specifically a gaming system and lacked keyboard functionality.

Game Library

A total of 69 games were officially published for the Atari 5200. The majority of these titles were conversions of popular arcade games.

Atari++ Emulator

Atari++ is an emulator enabling 8-bit Atari games to be played on Windows and Linux operating systems. Windows users can directly download a pre-compiled binary for their system.

Linux users, conversely, are required to compile the emulator from its source code. Comprehensive instructions detailing this process are readily available on the emulator’s official website.

1982 - Vectrex [ParaJVE]

The Vectrex stands as a remarkably innovative console within the annals of video game history.

Distinguished by its all-in-one design, it integrated both a console and a vector monitor, eliminating the necessity for a television connection to facilitate gameplay.

Included with the system was Minestorm, a compelling clone of the classic Asteroids game, which continues to provide enjoyable entertainment.

Original, functioning Vectrex consoles can be located on platforms like eBay, though their acquisition often comes at a considerable cost.

Emulation with ParaJVE

A total of just under 30 official game titles were released for the Vectrex.

However, a substantial library of homebrew games has also been developed by enthusiasts.

The ParaJVE emulator accurately replicates the functionality of this iconic system.

It is compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X operating systems.

Successful operation of the emulator requires a pre-existing installation of Java.

The Vectrex’s unique vector graphics display set it apart from other consoles of its era.

This technology allowed for crisp, clear lines and shapes, creating a visually distinct gaming experience.

The console’s built-in monitor also contributed to its portability and ease of use.

1982 - Emerson Arcadia 2001 [WinArcadia]

The Arcadia 2001, originating from US-based Emerson, succeeded the Vectrex in the early home console market.

Emerson extended its reach by licensing the console’s production to various manufacturers globally.

Hardware and Compatibility

Variations in hardware configurations and cartridge formats across these licensed versions led to game incompatibility issues.

Not every game designed for one system functioned correctly on all Arcadia 2001 iterations.

Regional Variations

This licensing approach resulted in the release of the console under a number of amusingly different names in different regions.

For example, the system was known as the "Rowtron 2000" in the United Kingdom and the "UVI Compu-Game" in New Zealand.

Game Library and Emulation

A total of 51 unique game titles comprise the software library for the Emerson Arcadia 2001 and its related systems.

The majority of these games are now playable on modern platforms through the WinArcadia emulator.

WinArcadia supports Windows, AmigaOS, and even the Game Boy Advance, offering broad compatibility.

1982 - ColecoVision [ColEm]

The ColecoVision console directly competed with the Atari 5200. Despite possessing more powerful hardware, the Atari 5200 experienced less market success.

Approximately 150 game cartridges were ultimately published for the ColecoVision system. An expansion module, though met with some debate, was released to provide compatibility with games designed for the widely-used Atari 2600 console.

About ColEm

ColEm is an open-source emulator designed to recreate the ColecoVision experience on various platforms.

Native support is provided for Windows, Linux, Maemo, and Symbian operating systems. Furthermore, ported versions of ColEm are available for both Mac and the PlayStation Portable (PSP).

The emulator allows users to play their favorite ColecoVision titles on modern devices.

Here's a list of supported platforms:

• Windows
• Linux
• Maemo
• Symbian
• Mac (ported)
• PSP (ported)

1983 - Sega SG-1000 [Bee] [Kega Fusion]

Sega’s initial foray into the home console market, the SG-1000, saw its marketing efforts primarily directed towards Asia and Australia.

Consequently, the console didn’t achieve significant popularity in either Europe or North America.

For those who didn't have the opportunity to experience it originally, the Bee emulator provides a solution.

This emulator can be found at [Broken URL Removed].

Emulator Capabilities

Bee boasts a high degree of compatibility with SG-1000 games.

It is designed to function seamlessly across Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux operating systems.

Beyond the SG-1000, Bee also offers emulation support for other classic systems.

Alternative Emulation Options

The ColecoVision and Atari 2600 are among the additional consoles that Bee can emulate.

Kega Fusion, an emulator specifically designed for Sega consoles, also includes support for the SG-1000.

Like Bee, Kega Fusion is available for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux platforms.

This provides users with a choice when seeking to relive the gaming experiences of the SG-1000.

1983 - Nintendo Entertainment System [FCEUX] [MESS]

The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) debuted in Japan concurrently with Sega’s SG-1000. Nintendo achieved significant commercial success with this console.

Over 60 million units were sold globally, establishing the NES as a landmark achievement for the company.

IGN recognized the console’s impact, ranking it as the greatest video game console ever created in their list of 25 top systems.

Software Licensing and Game Availability

Nintendo pioneered a new approach to software distribution by implementing a licensing system for third-party developers. This system governed the creation of games for the NES.

The console’s popularity, coupled with this licensing model, led to a vast library of over one thousand unique game titles.

These classic games can be experienced today through emulation, with FCEUX being a preferred choice among dedicated NES enthusiasts.

Emulation Options: FCEUX and MESS

FCEUX is available for both Windows and Linux operating systems, providing broad compatibility.

Alternatively, the MESS (Multiple System Emulator) offers NES game support as well.

MESS is a versatile emulator capable of running games from a wide range of classic computer and console platforms.

Both emulators allow users to relive the gaming experience of the NES on modern hardware.

1985 - Sega Master System [Gens] [Kega Fusion]

Initially launched as the Sega Mark III in Japan, the Sega Master System served as a key rival to the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). It achieved significant sales, moving approximately 13 million units worldwide.

Remarkably, production of the Master System continues in Brazil. Current models feature 132 pre-installed games and notably lack a cartridge slot.

Emulation Options

For those wishing to experience classic Sega titles, the Gens emulator provides an excellent option for Windows users. This emulator supports multiple Sega platforms, delivering nearly flawless emulation.

Users of Linux and macOS operating systems can utilize Kega Fusion. It offers comprehensive emulation capabilities for the Master System, alongside support for other Sega consoles.

Kega Fusion is a versatile choice for enjoying a wide range of Sega’s retro game library on alternative operating systems.

• Gens: Windows emulator for Sega systems.
• Kega Fusion: Linux and macOS emulator for Sega systems.

1986 - Atari 7800 [MESS] [ProSystem]

The Atari 7800 was launched as a competitor to the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and the Sega Master System. However, its arrival on the market in 1986 was delayed due to financial challenges faced by Atari.

Game Library and Compatibility

A total of 59 officially licensed game titles were developed for the 7800. Additionally, several games were released by third-party developers. A significant feature of the system was its backwards compatibility, allowing players to enjoy all games originally created for the Atari 2600.

Emulation Options

To experience the Atari 7800 on modern computers, specific system ROM files are required. These OS ROMs can be obtained for the PAL region here and for the NTSC region here.

Recommended Emulators

For Windows users, the ProSystem emulator is a highly effective choice for 7800 emulation. Alternatively, the MESS emulator also provides support for the Atari 7800 console.

Both emulators offer a way to relive the gaming experience of this classic system on contemporary hardware.

A Notable Omission

One home console from this period remains absent from the preceding list: the Casio PV-1000. Launched in Japan in 1983, it featured a library of only 15 distinct game titles.

The console experienced a rather restricted level of commercial success. Should you discover a functional emulator capable of running PV-1000 software, please share your findings in the comments section.

Should this article have been of interest, be certain to follow for the next installment. It will focus on consoles and their corresponding emulators released between 1987 and 1993.

What games from these platforms hold a special place in your memories? Were you a devotee of Sega or Nintendo? Did Sonic surpass Mario in your estimation? Or did Atari hold your exclusive allegiance?

Image Credits: Atari 5200, Atari 7800