The best websites to download retro video games for free and safely

Immerse yourself in the world of retro and old video games is to open a door to nostalgia, history, and timeless fun. Those who grew up between the 80s and 2000s fondly remember those era-defining titles on classic consoles, computers, and arcades. However, Find reliable and safe places to download these games It's not always easy, especially if we're looking for legal, well-organized options that guarantee both compatibility and ease of use on current devices.

In this article, we will explore in depth The best websites and resources for downloading old retro video gamesYou will see that there are portals specialized in abandonware, freeware, complete collections and emulators that make it easy to enjoy gems from the past. Plus, you'll learn key tips to avoid risks and get the most out of your retro experience, both on PC and Mac. mobile devices or browsers.

What is abandonware and why is it so popular?

The concept of abandonware It is essential to understand the download of retro video games. It is a combination of the terms “abandoned” and “software”, and refers to programs, games or applications that Its owners have stopped commercial exploitationAlthough they retain copyright, it is generally not exercised, either because the company has disappeared, the titles are considered of marginal interest, or they have simply been forgotten.

This situation allows thousands of historical games to be played. shared and downloaded on the Internet With virtually no legal issues, as long as it's for personal use and not distributed commercially. This way, fans and curious people can revisit titles that shaped their childhood or rediscover authentic classics.

The best websites to download retro and old video games

There are numerous portals on the Internet that host huge collections of retro video games, both for PC and for a multitude of classic platforms: Consoles from the 80s and 90s, historic computers, arcades and much moreMany of these sites have gained recognition for the quality of their files, their ease of search, and, in some cases, their inclusion of guides or instructions for launching the games on modern computers.

• MyAbandonware: One of the world's references, with more than 30.000 video games released between 1965 and 2012. It not only covers PC titles, but also consoles, classic computers and even industrial arcades. It allows you to filter searches by platform, year, genre, publisher, or developer, making it easy to find that gem from your childhood. Its most notable games include Prince of Persia, Sid Meier's Civilization, SimCity, Pac-Man, Need for Speed ​​II, among others. It offers detailed fact sheets, complete descriptions, technical information, screenshots, and tips for running the games on modern systems (often through emulators like DOSBox or ScummVM).
• AbandonPartners: This Spanish portal is ideal if you are looking for games in Spanish and you want detailed information about each title. Their sheets include system requirements, extensive descriptions, compatibility data with Windows 10 and download links. For example, here you'll find classics like Divinity II: Ego Draconis, Black & White 2, Ultima VIII: Pagan, and Where is Carmen Sandiego? Search for her worldwide! CD-ROM. They also usually indicate whether it is necessary to use an emulator (such as DOSBox for older MS-DOS or Windows 3.1 games).
• Retrotic: Specialized in Console ROMs legendary (NES, SNES, Mega Drive, Game Boy, N64, Atari, among others), allows you to download files for free for use in compatible emulators.
• Old GamesDownload: Offers over 4000 classic games by category and platform, filtered by release date and with a wide variety of supported systems. It focuses especially on titles from the 80s through the mid-2000s.
• Abandon: One of the veterans in the abandonware field, with a selection of old PC games, especially from the DOS era.
• ClassicReload vs DOS Games Archive: Other very popular websites for old MS-DOS and Windows games, in both cases with downloads direct and information sheets.
• Internet Archive (archive.org): Over 2000 PC games for download, along with emulators and various retro software. It's the largest repository of older software and digitized cultural material. Learn more about how emulators work at the Internet Archive.
• GOG.com (Good Old Games)Although it's primarily focused on sales, it does feature some free older games optimized to run on modern systems without any issues. It's ideal if you want security and support.

What types of games can you find?

The offer is overwhelmingly varied and covers all platforms, genres and erasYou will find:

• PC and MS-DOS classics: Iconic strategy, graphic adventure, simulator, platform, role-playing and action titles.
• ROMs for legendary consoles: NES, SNES, Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, Game Boy, Atari 2600, N64 games, among many others.
• Classic Macintosh, Amiga, Commodore, Amstrad, and Apple II games: Highly sought after by collectors and nostalgic fans of 80s computing.
• Arcade and arcades: Perfect emulations of classic arcade machines.
• Educational software and puzzle gamesFrom the legendary "Where is Carmen Sandiego?" to logic and puzzle classics.
• Freeware: Titles released by their creators, perfectly legal to download, share and enjoy.

Sagas such as Sid Meier's Civilization, Need for Speed, Prince of Persia, Dune II, SimCity, Street Fighter II, Arkanoid and Donkey KongEach page typically includes screenshots, technical specifications, minimum requirements, and help links to get you up and running.

How to download and play retro games on PC and other devices?

Older games rarely run out of the box on modern computers due to differences in hardware, OS and compatibility. Fortunately, most portals provide guides and instructions for use emulators or compatibility tools. This is what you need to know:

• Emulators for PC: Programs like DOSBox, ScummVM, Magic DOSBox (especially useful in Android), VirtualBox or console-specific emulators. They allow you to "simulate" the game's original environment, making it easier to run on Windows 10, 11, MacOS, or Linux.
• Files and formats: You can find games in format ISO, ZIP, ROM or self-executing installersEach tab usually details what you need and how to install it.
• Mac and Linux: Many emulators have versions for these systems, so you won't have any problems playing in other environments.
• Play from the browserSome sites allow you to run older games directly in your browser using web emulators. This is ideal for quickly trying out titles without installing anything.

To Android mobile or tablet users, there are specific emulators that are downloaded from Google Play, such as Magic DOSBox (for DOS games), Gekko C64 (for Commodore 64) or ScummVM (for graphic adventures). You just need to copy the ROM or game file and open it with the appMany websites even list recommended emulators for each title.

Safety and legal advice when downloading abandonware

Downloading and running older games presents some challenges related to computer security and legality. Here are the basic tips to avoid disappointment:

• Always choose reliable websites. Recognized pages such as MyAbandonware, AbandonSocios, Abandonia or Internet Archive help to minimize the risks of malware or viruses.
• Scan all downloaded files with your antivirus before running it, especially if the site doesn't have a great reputation.
• Remember that although abandonware is a “legal gray area,” the download must be for personal useDistributing files without permission or selling them may violate copyright.
• Many games have indeed been officially released as freewareThese downloads are 100% legal and recommended.

The most reputable sites usually provide notice of download conditions and encourage respect for the rights of the original developers, as well as the authorship of fan translations or supplementary files.

Featured Games: Examples of Titles and Descriptions

To give you an idea of ​​what to expect, we've reviewed some of the most popular games you can find on these sites, along with their descriptions and key requirements:

• Divinity II: Ego Draconis (2009, Larian Studios NV): Third-person action role-playing game where the player takes on the role of a dragon hunter in a fantasy medieval world. Compatible with Windows XP/Vista and tested on Windows 10 64-bit using emulators or patches. 1-2 GB of RAM and a DirectX 9 compatible graphics card are recommended.
• Black & White 2 and Battle of the Gods (2005-2006, Lionhead Studios): A strategy and god simulator that lets you choose whether to guide your people with kindness or tyranny. Portable, compatible with Windows 2000 and running on Windows 10 with tweaks.
• Ultima VIII: Pagan (1994, Origin Systems): Classic role-playing game, a sequel to the Ultima legend. Action-adventure oriented with puzzles and combat. DOSBox emulator required to run on modern systems.
• Where is Carmen Sandiego? Search the world for her! (1995, Brøderbund): One of the most endearing educational video games, based on research, logic, and world geography. Compatible with older Windows systems and functional via Dosbox or Windows 3.1 emulators.

Each card includes the translation to Spanish or community-created language patches, as well as Tricks, maps and comments from other players that help resolve technical questions.

Playing on mobile: recommended apps and emulators

The retro experience isn't limited to PCs. More and more gamers are taking advantage of their mobile phones or tablets to relive old hits:

• Apps as Collection Retro Games On Google Play, they bring together authentic collections of console classics in a single application, with virtual controllers, game saving, and compatibility with a variety of physical controls.
• Recommended emulators for mobile: Magic DOSBox (very popular for PC games), Gekko C64 (Commodore 64) and ScummVM (LucasArts and Sierra graphic adventures). Simply download the ROM/game file and load it from the app.
• Some games can also be run from the Web navigator mobile, although the experience is more limited by controls and screen.

It is essential to choose apps and emulators that are safe and are well valued on Google Play, avoiding downloads from dubious sources to prevent malware.

Frequently Asked Questions About Downloading Retro Video Games

• Do games really run on modern computers? The vast majority do, although some may require emulators or patches, especially those released before 2000.
• Do I need special software to unzip or install? Many games come compressed in ZIP, RAR, or ISO formats. For this purpose, programs like WinRAR, 7-Zip, or similar will be useful.
• Can I share downloaded games? It is not recommended to do so beyond private use, as most are still protected by copyright.
• Is it possible to find royalty-free games? Yes, many portals have a specific section for freeware games and games voluntarily released by their creators.
• Can older paid games also be downloaded for free? Only in the case of titles that have entered the public domain, have been officially released, or have fallen into the abandonware category. GOG.com, for example, offers some for free and is perfectly legal.
• What do I do if my antivirus detects a suspicious file? Delete the file and try an alternative source. Leading portals in the abandonware sector are usually very careful in this regard.

Discovering, downloading, and playing old retro video games is easier than ever today thanks to the tremendous preservation work and passion of online communities. Whether you're looking to reminisce, explore the evolution of the medium, or simply enjoy timeless gems, you have thousands of titles at your fingertips, organized by platform, genre, or decade, with clear instructions and community support. All you have to do is choose the right website, check that the game is safe, and embark on the adventure of reliving the great classics of video game history.

Related article:

The Golden Age of Spanish Software: History, Protagonists, and Legacy

Isaac

Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.