Last Updated on October 27, 2023
Grab some classic video games from the best abandonware sites on the web.
A recent statistic reveals that just 13% of published video games are available to buy and play on current gen systems. The other 13% are lost to time and collectors. Many cannot or will not be reissued, whereas others have been abandoned by their developers and publishers.
Such “abandonware” can be downloaded from the web, but where can you find the best abandonware sites?
Is abandonware legal?
It’s a question that comes up again and again. Is abandonware legal to use?
To be honest, it is a muddy area. Hopefully our guide explaining what abandonware is and the legalities surrounding it will help.
Once you’ve decided, you’re ready to find abandoned old games and revisit some forgotten classics.
The best abandonware sites for retro gaming
The following sites offer the best abandonware collections on the web.
1. My Abandonware
My Abandonware is one of the most popular abandonware sites and has a vast library of games available for download. The site is easy to navigate and offers a search function to help you find the game you’re looking for. My Abandonware also provides screenshots and information about each game, so you can learn more about it before downloading.
2. Abandonia
Abandonia is another popular abandonware site that has been around since 1999. The site has a large library of games, including some hard-to-find titles. Abandonia also offers reviews and ratings for each game, so you can see what other gamers think before downloading.
3. ClassicReload
ClassicReload is a great site for those who want to play retro games directly in their browser. The site has a large selection of games that can be played for free, including classic titles like Pac-Man and Doom, as well as less well-remembered titles. ClassicReload also offers a search function and allows you to save your favorite games for easy access.
4. Webmulator
Boasting games initially released on Nintendo, Sega, PlayStation, and other platforms (including Amiga and MAME), Webmulator groups games by categories and is adding titles all the time.
Pokemon games, Batman titles, Spider-Man adventures, GTA games, and many others are available to play on Webmulator. These classic games can all be played via your browser, without setting up any emulator or wasting time tweaking performance game-by-game – they’re simply ready to play!
5. Old Games Download
Old Games Download is a newer abandonware site that has quickly gained popularity among retro gamers. The site has a large library of games, including some rare titles that are hard to find elsewhere. Old Games Download also offers a user-friendly interface and a search function to help you find the game you’re looking for.
6. DOS Games Archive (one of the best abandonware sites)
DOS Games Archive is a great site for those who want to play classic DOS games. The site has a large library of games that can be downloaded for free, including some of the most popular DOS games of all time. DOS Games Archive also offers a search function and allows you to sort games by genre.
How to download games from the best abandonware sites
Downloading and playing retro games on abandonware sites is relatively easy. First, find the game you want to download on an abandonware site. Next, click on the download link and save the game to your computer. Finally, open the game and start playing!
However, it’s important to note that some abandonware games may not work on modern operating systems or hardware. In these cases, you may need to use an emulator to play the game. Emulators are programs that allow you to run software on a different platform than it was originally intended for. There are many emulators available for retro gaming, including DOSBox for DOS games and MAME for arcade games.
You must be logged in to post a comment.