Emuelec Supported Platforms < 99% Validated >

If you are reading this to purchase a new device for EmuELEC, here is your TL;DR shopping list:

Final Pro Tip: Always download the img.gz file from the official GitHub releases page (https://github.com/EmuELEC/EmuELEC/releases). Never trust "pre-configured" images from YouTube videos; they often include malware or broken DTB files.

By matching the correct SoC family to the right device tree, you turn a $30 disposable Android box into a retro gaming console that rivals a $200 dedicated machine. Happy emulating. emuelec supported platforms


Realtek RTL8211F vs. RTL8211E vs. JL2101 (cheap clone). Each requires a different kernel module. The wrong DTB will boot but have no network.

| Device | Chip | RAM | Performance Sweet Spot | Price (used) | | ------------------- | ---------- | ------ | -------------------------------- | ------------- | | ODROID-GO Ultra | RK3326 | 1GB | Perfect GBA/PSP mini handheld | $60 | | X96 Max Plus | S905X3 | 4GB | Dreamcast + PS1 w/ CRT shaders | $35 | | Khadas VIM3L | A311D | 2–4GB | 1080p RetroArch with Vulkan test | $85 | | Orange Pi 5 | RK3588s | 8GB | Partial EmuELEC (mainline WIP) | $120 | If you are reading this to purchase a

⚠️ Wi-Fi/BT note: Chinese SBCs often use non-standard chips (e.g., RTL8723, Broadcom). EmuELEC supports these inconsistently. Always check per-device forums.


For a quick reference, here is the tier list of what you can expect to play on a standard mid-range device (e.g., S905X3): Final Pro Tip: Always download the img

| Tier | Platforms | Emulator Cores | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Perfect | Atari, NES, SNES, Genesis, GBC, GBA, PS1, Neo Geo, CPS1/2/3 | Various (Snes9x, Genesis Plus GX, PCSX-ReARMed) | | Great | Nintendo DS, PSP, Dreamcast, N64, Saturn (Partial) | DeSmuME, PPSSPP, Reicast, Mupen64Plus | | Playable | Nintendo Wii, GameCube, PS2 (Selective) | Dolphin, Play!, LRPS2 | | Experimental| Nintendo 3DS, Sega 32X | Citra (Very hardware dependent) |