What is emulation?

Emulation is a technology that lets one computer system imitate another, so software made for the original system can run on the new one. Think of it as a translator that makes a program “speak” a different language without changing the program itself.

Let's break it down

  • Host device - the computer or device doing the emulating (e.g., your PC).
  • Guest system - the original hardware or platform being imitated (e.g., an old game console).
  • Emulator software - the program that recreates the guest’s CPU, memory, graphics, and other components in software.
  • ROM/BIOS files - digital copies of the original system’s firmware that the emulator needs to behave correctly. The emulator reads the guest’s instructions, translates them into something the host can understand, and then runs them, often adding extra code to handle differences in speed or hardware.

Why does it matter?

Emulation keeps old software alive, lets developers test apps on many platforms without buying every device, and makes niche or expensive hardware accessible to more people. It also helps preserve digital history-games, tools, and programs that would otherwise disappear when the original hardware fails.

Where is it used?

  • Gaming - classic console and arcade games run on PCs, smartphones, or modern consoles.
  • Mobile app testing - developers emulate Android or iOS devices on a desktop to test apps.
  • Legacy business software - old accounting or control programs run on modern servers via emulation.
  • Education and research - students explore old operating systems or hardware architectures without needing the original machines.
  • Cross‑platform development - tools like Wine emulate Windows APIs on Linux and macOS.

Good things about it

  • Preservation - saves old software from becoming unusable.
  • Cost‑effective - no need to buy rare or expensive hardware.
  • Convenient testing - developers can quickly switch between many virtual devices.
  • Accessibility - lets anyone with a modern device experience legacy content.
  • Flexibility - often adds features like save states, screen filters, or speed controls that the original hardware lacked.

Not-so-good things

  • Performance loss - emulating hardware in software can be slower than running on the real device.
  • Compatibility gaps - some programs rely on quirks of the original hardware that are hard to replicate perfectly.
  • Legal issues - distributing BIOS or ROM files without permission can infringe copyright.
  • Complex setup - configuring an emulator correctly may require technical knowledge.
  • Potential security risks - downloading emulator files from untrusted sources can expose users to malware.