Commonly Asked Questions

We ensure that all our emulated games (Amiga, MS-DOS, C64, Genesis, etc.) work correctly. If you experience issues, double-check that you’ve extracted the files properly (see #1). On Windows, be sure you’re running the correct file, often a ".BAT" or ".LNK" file (like PrinceOfPersia.bat), not an EXE unless it’s a Windows-native game. For Mac, launch the game by opening the app icon. For non-emulated games (like Windows 9x titles), they may not work on newer systems like Windows 10/11, even though they work on older versions such as Windows 7 64-bit.

First, ensure that you've used Keka for extraction (see #1). If the archive contains a DMG file, double-click it, then drag the game icon to a new location, like Applications or Desktop. Never run it directly from the installation folder, as that can prevent saves from working. If the game won’t launch, go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy and check for any security messages about apps from unidentified sources. For Amiga games, if saving doesn’t work, refer to #5 for additional guidance.

Unfortunately, we can’t provide game-specific help, but sometimes game manuals are included as an additional download. If not, you can search for the manual online, or better yet, check platforms like GOG.com or Steam. These platforms often provide comprehensive documentation, as well as customer support for technical issues.

Do not use the emulator's save states for Amiga games (see next question). Instead, use the in-game save/load feature. If you can't find your save file, it's probably because you didn’t exit the emulator properly. After saving, always exit the game back to AmigaOS (often by pressing F10), then close FS-UAE from there to prevent losing progress.

While it's technically possible to use save states, it can cause issues. For example, you may encounter errors like "Installed program has modified the VBR..." due to bugs with FS-UAE and WHDLoad games. To avoid crashes, we recommend using the in-game save system and properly exiting the game as mentioned earlier.

DOSBox is an emulator for running old DOS-based games. To use it, download and install the software from its official site. After installation, mount the directory where your game files are located, then run the game by typing the executable file name in the DOSBox command line (e.g., "PrinceOfPersia.exe").

Yes, you can. Mount your disk image file (.img, .iso, etc.) in DOSBox using the "mount" command. After mounting the image, run the game directly from the disk image to play the game as it was originally intended.

Some of the best emulators for Commodore 64 games include Vice, CCS64, and Frodo. These emulators provide excellent support for a wide range of C64 titles and include features like joystick compatibility, disk image mounting, and various customization options.

Absolutely! Many retro games are playable on smartphones through various emulators available for both Android and iOS. Popular emulators include those for NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, and DOS. Once you install the emulator, simply load the game ROMs and start playing!

Many older games were designed for outdated operating systems, such as DOS or classic consoles, and need specialized emulators like DOSBox or ScummVM to function on modern systems. These emulators replicate the original environment for the game to run correctly.

Yes, you can! Use Windows' compatibility mode or employ emulators like DOSBox or VirtualBox to run older PC games that were originally designed for older Windows versions (e.g., Windows 95/98).

Abandonware refers to software or games that are no longer sold or supported, typically because the publisher has stopped maintaining it. Freeware, however, is software that is offered for free by the creator, usually for non-commercial purposes or as a promotional offer.

Yes! All games listed on RetroPCArt are legally available for download, typically categorized as abandonware or freely distributed software. Always check the licensing terms for each game to ensure its legality before downloading.