Best Mini PC for Emulation 2024 [For All Budget]

Are you a gamer looking for the best Mini PC to enjoy your favorite retro games with top-notch emulation performance? Then you have come to the right place! In this article, we will introduce you to some of the best Mini PCs for emulation currently available in the market. Whether you’re on a tight budget or looking for a high-end Mini PC that can handle heavy gaming, we’ve got you covered. Our list features Mini PCs from popular brands like HP, Beelink, and MINISFORUM, each with its own unique specifications and features. And also have to you know how important it is to have a reliable and powerful mini PC for emulation. With the rise of retro gaming, there’s been a surge in demand for mini PCs that can handle various console emulators, from PS2 to Xbox 360, WiiU, and even PS3 and Switch. So, without further ado, let’s dive in and explore the best Mini PCs for emulation!

Related: Best Handheld for PS2 Emulation

1. HP Prodesk 600 G3

For those looking for an affordable Mini PC to run their favorite emulators, the HP Prodesk 600 G3 is a solid choice. Despite being a refurbished model, this Mini PC packs a punch with its Intel Core i5-7500T processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB SSD storage.

One of the best things about this Mini PC is its ability to easily run various emulations such as PSX2 for PS2, PPSSPP for PSP, Citra for 3DS, and Dolphin for Gamecube. Most games can run smoothly from 720p to 1080p at full speed, making it a great option for gamers who want to play their favorite classics.

The HP Prodesk 600 G3 may have only four cores and four threads, but it has a clock speed of 2.70GHz – 3.30 GHz, which is more than enough for running emulators and playing games. Although it’s a refurbished model, this shouldn’t be a big deal breaker for most people, especially when the performance is impressive for its price range.

Overall, if you’re on a tight budget and looking for the best Mini PC for emulation, the HP Prodesk 600 G3 is definitely worth considering. With its powerful specs and ability to run various emulation software smoothly, it’s a great value for gamers who want to enjoy their favorite classics without breaking the bank.

2. ACEMAGICIAN AM06PRO

The ACEMAGICIAN AM06PRO is another great budget Mini PC for emulation that offers solid performance at an affordable price. Powered by a Ryzen 5 5625U processor with 6 cores and 12 threads, this Mini PC can run PS2, Gamecube, and even some PS3 games at native, 720p, and some games at 1080p resolution with full speed.

While the Reatan TR5 may struggle with heavy 3D games, with some tweaks to the settings, you can play these games with decent performance. Additionally, if you play games at native resolution, you can play most games at full speed.

This Mini PC comes with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, which is not the highest specs available, but still great for most emulation needs. The processor has a clock speed of 2.3GHz – 4.3GHz, which is quite impressive for its price range.

Overall, the ACEMAGICIAN AM06PRO is the best budget Mini PC for emulation, especially for gamers who want to play their favorite classics without spending too much money. With its solid specs and ability to run various emulation software smoothly, it’s a good value for anyone looking for an affordable option.

3. Beelink SER5

The Beelink SER5 is a mid-range Mini PC that offers excellent performance for its price. Powered by a Ryzen 7 5800H processor with 8 cores and 16 threads, this Mini PC can handle most WiiU, PS2, PS3, and Xbox 360 emulation at 1080p resolution with 60 FPS, even in heavy games.

The Beelink SER5 is a well-balanced Mini PC that offers both performance and affordability. With its powerful Ryzen 7 5800H processor, you can enjoy a smooth and lag-free gaming experience on most emulation software. Additionally, the Mini PC’s 16GB of RAM and 500GB SSD ensures that you have enough space to store your favorite games and software.

The processor has a clock speed of 3.40 GHz – 3.80 GHz, which is quite impressive for its price range. With these specs, the Beelink SER5 can handle most emulation software with ease, making it an excellent choice for gamers who want a Mini PC that can handle most of their emulation needs.

Overall, the Beelink SER5 is a great mid-range Mini PC for emulation. Its impressive specs, solid performance, and good price make it an excellent value for anyone looking for a Mini PC that can handle most emulation software with ease.

4. MINISFORUM Venus UM773 Lite

The MINISFORUM Venus UM773 Lite is a high-performance Mini PC that offers exceptional performance for its price. Powered by a Ryzen 7 7735HS processor with 8 cores and 16 threads based on the RDNA 2 architecture, this Mini PC can handle most heavy emulation games at 1080p from 30 FPS to 120 FPS or more at full speed.

If you’re looking for a Mini PC that can handle emulation without doing any tweaks in the games, the MINISFORUM Venus UM773 Lite is an excellent choice. With its powerful Ryzen 7 7735HS processor, this Mini PC can handle Xbox360, and WiiU using CEMU, and PS3 emulation with RPCS3 without any issue or tweaking in the games.

The MINISFORUM Venus UM773 Lite comes with 32GB of RAM and 512GB SSD, which is more than enough for most gamers who want to store their favorite games and software. The processor has a clock speed of 3.2GHz – 4.75GHz, which is quite impressive for a Mini PC. With these specs, the MINISFORUM Venus UM773 Lite can handle most emulation software with ease, making it an excellent choice for gamers who want a high-performance Mini PC for emulation.

Overall, the MINISFORUM Venus UM773 Lite is a great high-performance Mini PC for emulation. Its impressive specs, solid performance, and good price make it an excellent value for anyone looking for a Mini PC that can handle most heavy emulation games at 1080p with full speed.

5. MINISFORUM Venus UM690

The MINISFORUM Venus UM690 is the ultimate high-end mini PC for emulation. With its powerful Ryzen 9 6900HX processor and Radeon 680M graphics, this mini PC can handle even the most demanding emulation tasks. It can run games on Yuzu for Switch emulation, RPCS4 for PS3, and Xbox 360 emulation at 1080p, 2K, and even 4K with impressive FPS rates ranging from 30 to over 100 FPS. Additionally, it can smoothly run most games at 60 FPS, regardless of the complexity of the game.

The MINISFORUM Venus UM690 comes with 32GB RAM, which is more than enough for any emulation needs. This high-end mini PC also comes with 1 TB SSD storage, which ensures fast loading times and speedy game performance. If you want a mini PC that can handle any emulation tasks without any compromise on performance, then the MINISFORUM Venus UM690 is the perfect choice for you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are various mini PCs that are capable of running emulation smoothly. The HP Prodesk 600 G3 and ACEMAGICIAN AM06PRO are great options for those on a tight budget, while the Beelink SER5 offers a well-balanced performance at a good price.

If you want to experience high-end emulation, then the MINISFORUM Venus UM773 Lite and MINISFORUM Venus UM690 are perfect choices with their powerful processors and graphics capabilities.

Ultimately, the best mini PC for emulation depends on your budget and the type of emulation you are interested in running. Consider your needs and budget carefully before making a decision. With the right mini PC, you can enjoy your favorite games from older consoles with ease.

Here are some of the best mini PCs for emulation to run from native to 4K in 2024.