If you're interested in retro gaming , you've probably come across the terms ROM , ISO , and emulator . These terms are commonly used when talking about playing old video games on modern devices. However, they refer to very different things. Here's a clear guide to understanding this vocabulary and choosing the best solution to relive your favorite games without the hassle .
1. What is an emulator?
An emulator is a software program (or part of the system in a retro console emulator) that mimics the operation of an old game console, such as the NES , GameBoy , PS1 , or Nintendo 64 .
🔁 It allows you to run old games (ROMs or ISOs) on modern hardware such as a PC, an emulator console, or a smartphone.
Examples of popular emulators:
- RetroArch (multi-console)
- PPSSPP (PSP)
- Dolphin (GameCube/Wii)
- mGBA (GameBoy Advance)
2. What is a ROM?
A ROM is a digital file containing the data of a video game from an original cartridge (like on NES, SNES, GameBoy, etc.).
🔸 The word "ROM" comes from "Read-Only Memory".
🔸 We're talking about ROMs for cartridge console games.
Examples of ROMs:
-
Pokemon_Rouge.gba(GameBoy Advance) -
Zelda_LinkToThePast.sfc(Super Nintendo)
3. What is an ISO?
An ISO is an image file of a disc , typically used for games released on CD or DVD such as the PlayStation 1 , PlayStation 2 , or GameCube .
🔸 This is an exact copy of the contents of the disc.
🔸 ISOs can be read by CD/DVD compatible emulators.
Examples of ISOs:
-
Final_Fantasy_VII.iso(PS1) -
DragonBall_Budokai3.iso(PS2)
Simple summary
| Term | Definition | Used for... |
|---|---|---|
| Emulator | Software imitating a console | Make the games work |
| ROM | Game file from a cartridge | NES, SNES, GameBoy, etc. |
| ISO | Disc image of a game on CD/DVD | PS1, PS2, GameCube, etc. |
How to easily enjoy these games?
Setting up emulators, searching for reliable ROMs, adjusting graphics settings... it can all get technical. The good news? There's a ready-made, plug-and-play solution :
🔹 Choose a retro console emulator with thousands of pre-installed games
With our consoles like the RETRO Pocket , the Console X2 PRO and many others :
✅ You benefit from a simple and intuitive interface.
✅ You have access to thousands of preloaded games , across all consoles.
✅ You play on TV or in portable mode, alone or with others.
✅ You enjoy a smooth experience, with fast saves and optimized graphics.
No more searching, extracting, or manually configuring anything—it's all ready to play!
Conclusion
ROM, ISO, emulator... now you know the difference. And most importantly, you know that you can find all your cult games from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s in the blink of an eye thanks to a retro console emulator .
Ready to dive into the world of retro gaming without complicating your life? Discover our all-in-one consoles here!