Linux · Ubuntu, Mint, Debian, Fedora

NES EMU Linux Download - Play NES Games on Ubuntu, Mint & PC Free

NES EMU Linux is the best choice for users who love old Nintendo Entertainment System games and want to play them on Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Debian, Fedora or any Linux PC. Run classic NES ROM games like Super Mario Bros, Contra, Mega Man, Zelda, Pac-Man and many more retro games on your computer.

Download NES EMU Linux FAQ
NES EMU Linux running a classic Nintendo game on Ubuntu
Free & Open SourceNo cost, no license
Ubuntu · MintDebian, Fedora & more
FCEUX / NestopiaPopular emulator cores
Overview

What is NES EMU Linux?

Are you searching for the NES Emulator Linux download and installation process for your Ubuntu or Linux Mint PC? This guide shows you how to download and install NES EMU on a Linux device. Linux has many free and open source emulator apps available, so you don't need to buy an old NES console to play your favorite childhood games.

NES is one of the most popular retro gaming consoles from Nintendo. In the old days, most of us played Mario, Contra, Adventure Island and many interesting 8-bit games on TV. Now, with the help of NES EMU Linux, you can enjoy those same games on your laptop or desktop computer with a keyboard, USB controller or gamepad.

NES EMU Linux is a Nintendo Entertainment System emulator that allows Linux users to open and play NES game files on a computer. Usually, NES games come in .nes format, and the emulator reads that game file and runs it like an old Nintendo console.

There are many NES emulator apps available for Linux, such as FCEUX, Nestopia UE and RetroArch. FCEUX supports NES, Famicom and Dendy game systems, while Nestopia is also popular because it includes save states, controller support, rewind options and many game settings.

NES emulators don't come with all the original Nintendo games inside them. You need to use game files which you own or legally have permission to use. For the best experience, always use your own backup game ROM files and avoid unknown download websites.

Features

Interesting Features on NES Emulator Linux

NES EMU for Linux comes with many useful features for retro game lovers — better screen size, controller settings and save game options.

NES & Famicom Support screenshot
Feature 01

NES & Famicom Support

NES EMU Linux supports classic NES and Famicom game files.

Classic 8-Bit Library screenshot
Feature 02

Classic 8-Bit Library

Play Mario, Contra, Zelda, Mega Man and other 8-bit games on a Linux PC.

Keyboard & Gamepad screenshot
Feature 03

Keyboard & Gamepad

Most emulator apps support keyboard, USB gamepad and joystick controls.

Save States screenshot
Feature 04

Save States

The save state feature lets you save game progress anytime.

Load Previous State screenshot
Feature 05

Load Previous State

Load your previous save state without starting from the first level.

Rewind Option screenshot
Feature 06

Rewind Option

The rewind option helps you go back when you lose a life in a difficult game level.

Display & Sound Settings screenshot
Feature 07

Display & Sound Settings

Change screen resolution, video filters and sound settings.

Recording & Screenshots screenshot
Feature 08

Recording & Screenshots

Some emulators provide game recording and screenshot features.

Free & Open Source screenshot
Feature 09

Free & Open Source

It's a free, open source emulator, so you can use it on Ubuntu, Linux Mint and other Linux distros. FCEUX is commonly available in Linux distributions and includes support for save states, gamepad controls, screenshots, recording, custom palettes, and other settings.

Walkthrough

Download NES EMU Linux for Ubuntu (FCEUX)

For Ubuntu users, FCEUX is one of the simplest NES emulator apps to install.

1

Open Ubuntu Software Center

Open the Ubuntu Software Center and search for FCEUX.

2

Install FCEUX

When the emulator page opens, click Install and wait a few seconds for the download and installation to complete.

3

Or use the terminal

You can also install FCEUX from the terminal:

4

Enter your password

Linux may ask for your system password — enter it and press Enter, then wait until FCEUX installs.

5

Launch FCEUX

Go to the Applications Menu and search for FCEUX, then launch the emulator.

6

Open your game

Click the File option, choose your NES game file, and start playing.

sudo apt install fceux
Installing FCEUX NES emulator on Ubuntu Linux
Alternative

Nestopia NES Emulator Install on Linux

Nestopia is another good NES emulator for Linux users. It supports NES, Famicom and also Famicom Disk System games. Nestopia UE offers save states, game rewind, NTSC/PAL support, controller configuration and GUI settings for many retro game users.

For Linux Mint, Ubuntu or other Flatpak-supported Linux devices, you can find Nestopia through Flatpak or your Software Manager. Open your software app, search Nestopia and click Install.

After installing, launch Nestopia from the Applications Menu. Click the Open Game option and select your .nes game file. You can also go to the Settings Menu to change Video, Audio, Keyboard and Gamepad controls.

If you have a USB controller, connect it before launching the game. Then open Input Settings and configure your Up, Down, Left, Right, A, B, Start and Select buttons. This gives you a more authentic NES console feeling while playing your old games.

Quick Reference

How to Play NES Games on Linux

First, download and install any NES emulator like FCEUX or Nestopia on your Linux PC, and keep your legally obtained NES game files in one folder so you can find them easily.

1

Launch your emulator

Open FCEUX, Nestopia or your installed NES EMU Linux app.

2

Open the File menu

Click on the File option from the emulator screen.

3

Choose Open ROM

Select the Open ROM or Open Game File option.

4

Navigate to your folder

Navigate to your NES ROM games folder.

5

Select and open

Choose the .nes game file, click Open, and wait a few seconds. Your NES game will start on the emulator screen.

6

Save your progress

Use keyboard controls or a USB game controller to play. To save, go to the Emulator Menu and find the Save State option — next time, select Load State to continue your previous progress.

Related Platforms

Other Ways to Play

On Windows, Mac, or mobile instead? Here's where to look.

NES Emulator for Windows Windows

The most mature emulator ecosystem.

View Windows Guide

NES Emulator for Mac macOS

Native builds for Apple Silicon and Intel.

View Mac Guide
Support

NES EMU Linux FAQs

FCEUX and Nestopia UE are both popular choices. FCEUX supports NES, Famicom and Dendy systems, while Nestopia includes save states, controller support, rewind options and many game settings.

Open the Ubuntu Software Center and search for FCEUX, then click Install. You can also open a terminal and run: sudo apt install fceux

Yes. Both FCEUX and Nestopia can be installed through your distro's Software Center or Flatpak app manager without using the terminal.

Yes. NES EMU Linux is an emulator app only. You need to use game files that you own or legally have permission to use, and should avoid unknown download websites.

Yes. Most emulator apps support keyboard, USB gamepad and joystick controls, and you can configure buttons for Up, Down, Left, Right, A, B, Start and Select in the input settings.

Yes. The save state feature lets you save game progress anytime, and you can load your previous save state without starting from the first level.

Ready to Play NES Games on Linux?

Download NES EMU Linux and start playing your favorite classic Nintendo games today.

Download NES EMU Linux