EmulationStation Alternatives for Mac

EmulationStation is not available for Mac but there are some alternatives that runs on macOS with similar functionality. The best Mac alternative is RetroArch, which is both free and Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 25 alternatives to EmulationStation and seven of them are available for Mac so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Mac alternatives to EmulationStation are Mame, Pegasus, Lakka and Nostlan.

EmulationStation alternatives are mainly Game Emulators but may also be Game Library Managers or Linux Distros. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of EmulationStation.

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EmulationStation

Free • Open Source
Game Emulator

Windows
Linux
Raspberry Pi

EmulationStation is a graphical and themeable emulator front-end that allows you to access all your favorite games in one...

Learn more about EmulationStation

RetroArch
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Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Game Emulator
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Blackberry
iPad
OpenPandora
Steam
Raspberry Pi
Playstation
Xbox
139 alternatives to RetroArch
RetroArch is a graphical frontend for emulators, game engines, and media players.
Suggest and vote on features
RetroArch Features
1. Controller SupportRetroArch supports the use of a controller (XBOX, PlayStation, etc.).
2. Dark ModeRetroArch supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
Multi System Emulator
Multiplatform
Emulation
FOSS
Modular System
Variety
Gameboy emulation
Rewind button
RetroArch vs EmulationStation opinions
Some users think RetroArch is a great alternative to EmulationStation, some don't.
Guest
You need retroarch for emulationstation... they work together not alternates
Negative comment•
0

Guest
RetroArch allows you to emulate directly using "cores" included with the program and downloadable from their website. EmulationStation does not do emulation, and only acts as a front-end for other emulators installed on the system.
Negative comment•
4

OKTAYMERCAN
RetroArch is core (emulator) but emulationStation is like a interface or GUI.
Positive comment•
0
Mame
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Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Game Emulator
Mac
Windows
Linux
AmigaOS
MorphOS
15 alternatives to Mame
MAME stands for Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator. When used in conjunction with images of the original arcade game's ROM and disk data, MAME attempts to reproduce that game as faithfully as possible on a more modern general-purpose computer.
Suggest and vote on features
Mame Features
1. PortableMame can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
Integrated Android Emulator
Mame vs EmulationStation opinions
Some users think Mame is a great alternative to EmulationStation, some don't.
Pegasus
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Game Library Manager
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
Raspberry Pi
24 alternatives to Pegasus
Pegasus is a graphical frontend for browsing your game library (especially retro games) and launching them from one place. It's focusing on customizability, cross platform support (including embedded devices) and high performance.
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Pegasus Features
1. PortablePegasus can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
Game Launcher
Lakka
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Game Emulator
Linux Distro
Operating System
Mac
Windows
Linux
Cubieboard
HummingBoard
Raspberry Pi
Nintendo Switch
Odroid
21 alternatives to Lakka
Lakka is the official Linux distribution of RetroArch and the libretro ecosystem. Each game system is implemented as a libretro core, while the frontend RetroArch takes care of inputs and display.
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Lakka Features
Emulation
Linux-based
Gaming-focused
Lakka vs EmulationStation opinions
Nostlan
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Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Mac
Windows
Linux
115 alternatives to Nostlan
A front-end or user interface (UI) is the presentation and interaction layer of an app or website. Most modern emulator apps have basic game list UIs that you can interact with using a mouse/keyboard but not a game controller.
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Nostlan Features
1. Controller SupportNostlan supports the use of a controller (XBOX, PlayStation, etc.).
Emulation
Game Launcher
Xbox
MESS
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Yes
No
Free Personal • Proprietary
Game Emulator
Mac
Windows
Linux
99 alternatives to MESS
MESS emulates portable and console gaming systems, computer platforms and calculators. The project strives for accuracy and portability and therefore is not always the fastest emulator for any one particular system.
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MESS Features
Emulation
Multi System Emulator
AdvanceMenu
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Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Game Emulator
Mac
Windows
Linux
8 alternatives to AdvanceMenu
AdvanceMENU is a GNU/Linux, DOS and Windows front-end for AdvanceMAME, MAME, MESS, RAINE and any other emulator.

AdvanceMenu has no features, suggest some!