Buzz
While we can’t turn back time to the ‘90s, modern technology brings us remarkably close. Picture yourself in your contemporary 2022 home, surrounded by iPhones, OLED TVs, and smart devices, yet immersed in a space adorned with vintage posters, retro televisions, and shelves packed with classic games. This isn’t magic—it’s EmuVR.
EmuVR brings to life the ultimate ‘90s bedroom, where you can play over 70 classic consoles on one TV while enjoying retro cartoons on another. As a versatile emulator, EmuVR supports games from platforms like PlayStation, Nintendo 64, GameCube, Sega Dreamcast, SNES, NES, and even newer systems like the Wii.
What makes EmuVR truly stand out is its attention to detail in recreating the authentic gaming experience. Instead of navigating through menus or searching files, your games appear as physical cartridges and disks in your virtual room. Simply pick up a console, insert a game, and play—just like you did in the ‘90s. It’s an incredibly immersive and nostalgic experience.
While not all console models are supported yet, the list is impressive: PS1, N64, SNES (USA, PAL, and Japan), NES, GameCube, and PS2 all feature detailed, interactive models in the game. There’s even a VCR! The TVs are strikingly realistic—get close, and you’ll notice the pixels and scan lines. If you don’t own a CRT for your real-life retro setup, this is the closest alternative.
Customize your virtual room to reflect your style, from wall posters to the level of clutter. Multiplayer support lets you invite friends to your room or visit theirs. Take turns playing Super Mario Bros. on your virtual NES or head to their space for a round of Mario Kart 64.
As impressive as EmuVR is, it’s not universally accessible. It’s compatible only with Windows and PC VR systems like Oculus Rift, Oculus Link (Quest with PCVR), Valve Index, HTC Vive, and WMR. If you lack a VR headset, you can still play EmuVR on a 2D monitor like any other game or emulator. However, it’s unavailable on PSVR, Oculus Quest (without PCVR), Oculus Go, Gear VR, or cardboard VR. This limitation stems from EmuVR’s ROM-based emulation, requiring game files to be downloaded and saved on your Windows PC.
Another thing to note: EmuVR, like all emulators, doesn’t provide games. You’ll need to supply your own ROMs. If you’ve used emulators before, this won’t be a challenge. Just be aware that EmuVR offers no assistance in this regard.
How to Play EmuVR on Your PC
For those with a PC or PC VR headset eager to try EmuVR, start by visiting their Discord. Check out the #welcome channel to get acquainted with the platform, which also directs you to essential Wiki pages for setup. This page includes the installation guide, which, though detailed, simplifies to downloading and extracting EmuVR, transferring your games to the right folder, and scanning games while downloading cores before you’re set. Additional guides cover launching games, enabling light gun support, and resolving potential issues.
Rely on these guides instead of searching for YouTube tutorials. While video guides might seem easier for some, they can contain outdated or inaccurate information. The official wikis are consistently updated, ensuring you have the most current instructions for a smooth setup.
Although I don’t own a PC VR headset (I’m loyal to PS VR), I do have a PC, and I’m thrilled to use this virtual time machine to revisit my childhood.
