What the methods mean
Each row says how the PC version was made. All four end in a program that runs on your computer, but they are built very differently:
- Static recompilation: tools such as N64Recomp, XenonRecomp or ReXGlue read the original console code and translate it, once, into C or C++ that compiles for a PC. Graphics and system calls are handled by a runtime written for the project. See Xbox 360 games recompiled for PC for how this works on the Xbox 360.
- Decompilation: people rebuild readable source code that compiles back into a byte-identical copy of the game, then port that source to the PC. It takes years, but it allows the deepest fixes and mods.
- Game-specific runtime: used for PS4 games. The PS4 and the PC share the same kind of processor, so the game’s own code runs directly; a runtime written for that one game replaces the PS4’s system libraries. Most borrow the graphics code of the shadPS4 emulator.
- Emulator fork: an emulator build patched and tuned for a single game. Still emulation, but often the only way a game runs well.
The tools behind the list
Most rows are built with one of a handful of open-source toolchains. They are tools for developers, not games, so they have no row of their own:
- N64Recomp: static recompiler for N64 games (Majora’s Mask, Banjo-Kazooie, Star Fox 64 and others).
- XenonRecomp and ReXGlue: Xbox 360 recompilers. Most of the newer Xbox 360 projects use ReXGlue or a fork of it.
- PS2Recomp: an experimental PS2 recompiler; per-game projects build on it.
- SwitchRecomp: several unrelated repositories share the name. The most complete, SwitchRecomp by MZ Labs, is a general Nintendo Switch recompiler first published in October 2026. When we checked, no finished game port made with it had been published, so it has no row yet; the Switch row below uses a different toolchain.
What we leave out
We only list projects that work with a game you can legally own. Projects that need a build that was never sold, such as the unreleased Xbox 360 remaster of GoldenEye 007 (the 2023 Xbox One release is not supported by any recompilation we found) or the debug builds behind some decompilations, are not listed. Neither are bundles that ship games already set up. Many recompiled ports do ship a ready-made program, which contains the game’s code translated for PC; we list those, because they still need files from your own copy to run.
Why you always need your own copy
None of these projects include the game. The code that was translated, and the art, music and levels, still belong to the publisher, so every project asks for files from a copy you own. We describe what each project needs, but we never explain or link where to get game files, and we leave out bundles that ship games already set up.
How to read the status
- Working: stable releases you can play through, with the usual caveats.
- Beta: playable, but labelled alpha or beta by its makers, with known crashes or missing features.
- Early: published, but not ready for normal players yet.
- Offline / Taken down: the repository is gone, or was removed after a takedown request.
The “Checked” column is the last day our script opened the project’s repository. Rows with a Guide link have their own page on this site with requirements, setup notes and known problems; the others link the project’s own repository.
FAQ
What is a recompiled game?
A console game whose original machine code has been translated, ahead of time, into a native program for a PC. The game then runs directly on your computer instead of inside an emulator, which usually means better performance and room for features like high frame rates and widescreen.
Are recompiled games free?
The projects are free and usually open source, but none of them include the game. You need game files from your own copy of the original console game, and this site never links to game files, ROMs or ISOs.
What is the difference between recompilation and decompilation?
Recompilation translates the original machine code mechanically into code for a PC. Decompilation rebuilds readable source code that compiles back into the same game, which takes much longer but makes deep changes and ports easier. Both end in a native PC program.
Is a recompiled game the same as an emulator?
No. An emulator imitates the console's hardware while the game runs. A recompiled game has been turned into a PC program beforehand. Some PS4 projects are in between - emulator forks or runtimes tuned for one game - and we label those separately.
How often is this list updated?
A script checks every project's repository every day and records the date. New projects are added when they appear, and the newest ones are shown at the top of the list.