Native PC ports explained
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What is a native PC port?
A native PC port runs a console game as a community-made PC program; an emulator recreates the console to run its games. Ports can add smoother motion at higher frame rates, widescreen views, support for modern controllers and mods (player-made changes); check each game page for its features. We list native ports only; you supply your own original game data because the port download leaves out the game's content.
Compare approaches
| Approach | How it is made | What you need | Performance and room for changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decomp | Decompilation: developers reconstruct readable game code, then adapt it for PC. | The original game data supported by the port. | The team can change game code, controls and graphics. |
| Recomp | Recompilation: a tool translates the original game program into code built for PC before you play. | A game release supported by that project. | The translated code runs natively; controls and graphics improvements need additional work. |
| Hybrid | Native game code uses borrowed code to handle graphics, sound or other console functions. | A game release supported by that project. | The reused parts affect graphics compatibility and hardware requirements. |
| Reimpl | Reimplementation: developers write new game software that reads the original content. | The original game data supported by the new software. | Can add mouse controls, lighting options and mods tailored to the game. |
| Emulator | Recreates a console's behavior while running its game program. | A compatible console game. | One app runs many games and can add sharper graphics and modern controller support. |
Decomp
Developers work out how the original game behaves and reconstruct code that people can read and change. A port team then adapts that code for PC. Twilight Princess has Dusklight and TPVR, both built on its decompilation; the latter adds headset and motion-controller play.
Recomp
A tool translates the original game's program instructions before you play, rather than rebuilding each part by hand. The developer still needs to connect the result to graphics, sound and controls on your computer.
Hybrid
A project can combine native game code with graphics or other support code borrowed from an emulator. Wind Waker has hybrid projects that translate the game code in advance and reuse code for other parts of the console. This label tells you how the parts fit together; the game page explains the features and requirements that affect your choice.
Reimpl
Developers write a new engine, the software that handles the game's behavior and draws it on screen. It reads the original game's content, such as its maps, pictures and sounds. On this site, reimpl covers projects that need that original content, rather than fan remakes that supply their own.
Status labels
- Complete: A playable release has been shown to run from start to finish.
- Playable: A playable release is available, but a full playthrough has not been confirmed.
- In development: No playable release is available yet.
Original game data
Game data includes the original levels, artwork, music and other content that the port's code uses. Projects can expect a particular console edition, region or update: these releases may contain different files or arrange their data differently. A US copy and a European copy of the same game may therefore work with different projects.
Read the game-data requirements on the game page before choosing a download. They say which edition the project accepts, including any required update.
Choosing a project
Start with the game page's recommendation for your system: Windows, Linux, macOS or Steam Deck. Compare the project's status, hardware requirements and known problems with what you want to play. A project with a feature you want, such as headset support, may need extra hardware or setup.