Best Gaming Tools in 2025

RetroArch is a frontend for emulators, game engines and media players.

Key RetroArch features:

Versatility Cross-Platform Support High Customizability Rich Feature Set

Powerful, fast, and budget-friendly game server hosting for Minecraft, Rust and more.

Key craftlands.host features:

Instant Setup Mod & Plugin Support Full FTP Access

Try for free paid Free Trial €2.0 / Monthly (2GB of ram)

Console and Arcade video game emulator for macOS.

Key OpenEmu features:

User-Friendly Interface Multi-System Support Integration with macOS Game Library Management

Open Source

DS4Windows is an open-source gamepad input mapper and virtual emulator designed to use and connect your PlayStation controller (DualShock 3/4 and DualSense 5) to a Windows 10 & 11 PC.

Key DS4Windows features:

Customization Compatibility Macro Support Bluetooth and Wired Support

First and only gamepad mapper to make Xbox Elite paddles separate buttons.

Key reWASD features:

Versatility User Interface Customization Supported Controllers

Xpadder simulates the keyboard and mouse using your gamepad What does Xpadder let you do?

Key Xpadder features:

Customizable Controls Compatibility User-Friendly Interface Offline Functionality

LaunchBox is a portable, box-art-based games database and launcher for DOSBox, emulators, arcade cabinets, and PC Games. Download it free!

Key LaunchBox features:

User-Friendly Interface Wide Emulator Support Customizability Big Box Mode

Batocera.linux is an open-source and completely free retro-gaming distribution that can be copied to a USB stick or an SD card with the aim of turning any computer/nano computer into a gaming console during a game or permanently.

Key Batocera.linux features:

Wide Emulation Support User-Friendly Interface Open Source Active Community

Open Source

JoyToKey enables users to control the keyboard using any USB compatible controller (Dualshock 3, Xbox 360, etc.).

Key JoyToKey features:

Customizability Ease of Use Compatibility Offline Functionality

A Nintendo DS emulator with support for commercial games.

Key melonDS features:

High Compatibility Accurate Emulation Open Source Multiplayer Support

Open Source

DeSmuME is a freeware emulator for the NDS roms & Nintendo DS Lite games created by YopYop156.

Key DeSmuME features:

High Compatibility Active Community Save State Feature High Customizability

Open Source

Official website of Dolphin, the GameCube and Wii emulator. Download the latest version (5. 0-5763) now or ask questions on our forums for help. Enter your search in the box aboveDownloadDownload the latest version of the Dolphin Emulator (5.

Key Dolphin Emulator features:

High Compatibility Graphical Enhancements Cross-Platform Support Customizable Controls

Open Source

Source code generated using layoutit.com.

Key Playnite features:

Unified Library Open Source Extensible with Plugins Customizable UI

Open Source

Citra is a work-in-progress emulator for the Nintendo 3DS.

Key Citra features:

High Compatibility Cross-Platform Enhanced Graphics Active Development

Open Source