Changing roms

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Learn how to marry the majesty of your PC to classic games by emulating

NES
This 8-bit box was Nintendo’s opening salvo in the console wars, though they had been troubling the arcades with Donkey Kong and Popeye for a few years previous. Those early platformers were ported to the NES and helped establish it, but barely hinted at what was to come. Almost all of Nintendo’s biggest brands were born on the NES, with titles like Metroid and the Legend of Zelda having a complexity almost undreamt of previously.

Get it working

1) Nestopia is one of the best emulators doing the rounds at the moment, though there’s still active development on the scene.

Above: For nostaliga purposes, feel free to blow into your mouse

Essential games

Metroid
A bold step in freeing action games from a linear path, this blended platforming, shooting and puzzle-solving. Also: OMG - it’s a woman.

Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out
A game that features both Mario and boxing’s rapiest, ear-chewingest star. An admirably tough challenge.

Metal Gear
The core concepts of stealth and violence were in this first, straight-to-the-point offering. Plus, you got to beat dogs to death.