A software emulator allows computer programs to run on a platform (computer architecture and/or operating system) other than the one for which they were originally written. Unlike simulation, which only attempts to reproduce a program's behavior, emulation attempts to model to various degrees the state of the device being emulated. High-level emulation uses a combination of the two approaches in an attempt to retain as much accuracy as possible while having the advantages of simplicity and speed provided by simulation.

A hardware emulator is an emulator which takes the form of a hardware device. Examples include printer emulators inside the ROM of the printer, and FPGA-based emulators.

A popular use of emulators is to mimic the experience of running arcade games or console games on personal computers. Emulating these on modern desktop computers is usually less cumbersome and more reliable than relying on the original machines, which are often old and hard to find, let alone repair.

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Yahoo! Shopping: Most Popular Video Games

Nintendo DS
Tue, 29 Mar 2005 19:47:05 -0800
$139.99 - $299.98 from 11 stores. User rating:4.3 out of 5. After dominating the handheld video game market for over a decade with the Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance, Nintendo diverges from its winning brand with the Nintendo DS. First announced in spring of 2004 and scheduled to launch near the end of that same year, the Nintendo DS is based on an unusual design that suggests possibilities of innovative player interfaces and new styles of gameplay. The most prominent feature of the DS, or "Dual Screen," is its two backlit display screens. The rectangular Nintendo DS is about the same size and shape as a contemporary PDA. It has a clamshell design, with a conventional display screen above, centered on the inside of the lid, and a touchsensitive screen, which can be used for both display and control, on the bottom of the unit. The two screens are aligned, one directly above the other, when the Nintendo DS is opened for use. Both screens are about three inches measured diagonally, comparable in size to the screen on a Game Boy Advance. Games for the Nintendo DS are stored and sold on DS cartridges, which are similar in size to the flash memory cards used in digital cameras and PDAs; considerably smaller than Nintendo's previous handheld media formats. The DS is backwardcompatible, however, and can also play the sinlgeplayer modes of nearly all existing GBA games. The device features two separate cartridge slots to accommodate the two media formats. Game Boy cartridges fit in a slot on the front of the handheld, and Nintendo DS cartridges go in a slot on the back. The control buttons of the Nintendo DS are somewhat similar to those of a Super NES. A crossshaped Dpad is to the left of the bottom screen and four action buttons "A," "B," "X," and "Y" are arranged in a diamond to the right. In games that support the distinguishing dual screen design, the bottom display may also be a primary means of control. The touchsensitive screen can be used with a precision stylus that comes with the handheld, or simply with the player's fingers and thumbs. The Nintendo DS also has two shoulder buttons. The overall performance power of the Nintendo DS has been equated to that of the Nintendo 64 console. The handheld is designed to produce audio, video, and 3D rendering of speed and quality comparable to the late1990s console. The DS supports both IEEE 802.11 and a proprietary format of wireless connectivity, allowing two or more players to join in multiplayer DS games without a physical "link cable" connection. The handheld also features a headphone jack (unlike its GBA SP predecessor) and microphone input for voicerecognition functions. A builtin, rechargeable battery provides an estimated 10 hours of gameplay. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide
ESPN Game Station
Tue, 29 Mar 2005 19:47:05 -0800
$179.99 from 1 store. User rating:3.3 out of 5.
Halo 2
Tue, 29 Mar 2005 19:47:06 -0800
$19.99 - $54.95 from 25 stores. User rating:4.7 out of 5. The sequel to developer Bungie's best-selling Xbox launch title returns for more first-person shooting action against a host of new alien races. Players once again assume the role of a genetically engineered soldier known as the Master Chief as he battles the remaining forces of the Covenant for control of the galaxy. The Master Chief will now be able to acquire new weapons from fallen enemies and explore the planetary landscapes from inside more than double the number of vehicles found in the original. In addition, Halo 2 features both a single-player campaign playable across multiple difficulty settings as well as online competition using the Xbox Live broadband service. No matter which mode is selected, players won't be alone in the conflict: allied forces will once again join in the battles and skirmishes to help repel enemy forces. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

GamePro.com

BioShock, MSG4, Guitar Hero, and Mirror's Edge love 8-bit graphics
Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0800
Gaming forums hold contests to "de-make" recent games into retro screenshots... and paint smiles on our faces.
Erstwhile Konami producer confirms Metal Gear Solid 5
Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0800
Kojima Productions assistant producer Ryan Payton is leaving his company for greener pastures, but on the way out he let slip that Metal Gear Solid 5 is already underway.
Report: Nintendo dual touchscreen handheld launching in 2009
Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0800
Tired of DS redesign rumors? Too bad! Here's another one about dual touchscreens in 2009.

Velocity Vector Video Game News

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New job board for indie game developers: www.indiegamejobs.com

Armado


Puzzle & Word Games - Best Software Downloads

Magic Crystals 1.0
Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:44:50 -0000
Drag a chain of 3 or more crystals of the same color.
Gift Quest 1.0
Tue, 26 Aug 2008 12:56:27 -0000
The ultimate gift matching adventure with holiday environment!
Magic Beads 3.5
Sat, 23 Aug 2008 18:56:57 -0000
A source of joy and entertainment for all lovers of rotate-and-match puzzles.

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