As exciting as 2020’s new releases have been, there are some gems in gaming history that are worth keeping alive through the use of emulators. TheRetroMiMi RK2020handheld game console, available inblackandpurple, can emulate GameBoy consoles, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Genesis, PSP, and more.

A growing number of game titles canbe found only on emulatorsnowadays, and there is a strong argument that the copying and distribution of ROMs is ethically positive by virtue of preserving titles that would otherwise be lost to time. While the RetroMiMi is capable of running many types of ROMs, it does not come with them pre-loaded.

Gameplay in Jeanne D’Arc is turn-based in this tactical fighter.

While owning and using an emulator is legal in the USA, downloading copyrighted software is still illegal according to Nintendo, which issueda cease-and-desist order against two ROM-hosting websitesback in 2018. On that note, the recommendation is to rip a ROM directly from the original game disk or cartridge, though Nintendo would argue that is also illegal. The following is not a comprehensive list of games worth playing on an emulator, but more of a selection of highly-rated titles that are worth playing through at least once.

Jeanne D’Arc(PSP, Metascore 87)

This turn-based tactical RPG was critically acclaimed in its time and follows a young crusader named Jeanne, who is called upon to use the power of five magical armlets to restrain demonic gods.The New York Timesdescribed its story and gameplay as “first-rate.”

God of War: Chains of Olympus(PSP, Metascore 91)

The narrative falls betweenGod of War: Ascensionand the firstGod of War, when the Spartan hero Kratos is spending a decade in service to the Greek gods.The boss fight with Persephoneat the end is considered one of the hardest in the franchise.

Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3(GBA, Metascore 91)

Any fan ofMario Brosshould know the harrowing tale behind Mario and Luigi’s birth. When Kamek intercepts the stork making the delivery, he is only able to kidnap Luigi, and Mario falls onto the back of a passing Yoshi, who takes it upon himself to return the baby to his rightful parents.

Metroid Fusion(GBA, Metascore 92)

After being attacked by a parasitic creature called X, Samus Aran finds herself stalked by a duplicate of herself while trying to exterminate the threat occupying the research station in orbit of SR388. This classic title just celebrated its18th birthday.

Arguably the best title to ever come out on SNES,The Legend of Zeldafranchisegets most of its content fromA Link to the Past. The puzzles are challenging, there are many secrets to be found, and fans say it is definitely worth getting to know Hyrule in its original pixelated splendor at least once.

Ships viewed in God of War: Chains of Olympus. Text reads, “Kratos had been called upon by the gods to confront an unthinkable evil."

Yoshi looks surprised with baby Mario in a bundle on his back. Text below says “Suddenly, a baby drops in onto his back."

Samus is sitting in her ship, enduring forces beyond her control. Text reads: “Once the X had infected my central nervous system, I lost consciousness."

Link explores a cave in The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past.