Sharp X68000 Emulation on Handhelds

The Sharp X68000 is a legend among retro enthusiasts, and most people in the West have never touched it. It was a high-end Japanese home computer from the late 1980s, powerful enough to run near-arcade-perfect ports at a time when consoles could only dream. Its library is a treasure trove of gorgeous shooters, fighters, and action games. Emulating it takes a little more setup than a console, but the payoff is access to one of the most impressive game libraries of its era.

We frame all of this around games you own and want to preserve.

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What Makes the X68000 Special

The X68000 was a computer, not a console, and an expensive one. That power meant developers could make ports that matched the arcade almost exactly. Capcom even used X68000 hardware in its development. The result is a library full of stunning versions of arcade classics, plus original games that pushed the hardware. For shooter and fighting fans especially, it is a goldmine.

A Bit More Setup Than a Console

Like other computers, the X68000 boots from disks and needs system files. Expect a few extra steps compared to a cartridge console, but nothing too difficult.

What You Need

• A capable handheld. The X68000 is heavier than a 16-bit console, so a mid-range device gives a smoother experience.
• The PX68k core in RetroArch, or a standalone X68000 emulator on Android.
• The X68000 system BIOS files, which you must provide from hardware you own. We do not link to BIOS downloads.
• Your own games as disk images.

How to Set It Up

1. In RetroArch, download the PX68k core.
2. Place the required BIOS files in the system folder. The X68000 needs its system ROMs to boot.
3. Add your games as disk images in the X68000 folder.
4. Load a game. Many games span multiple disks, and the core lets you swap disks from a menu when prompted.
5. Some games need keyboard input, so a key overlay or mapped keys helps.

If a game asks for a second disk, use the disk-swap menu to insert it.

Best X68000 Games

The library is full of standouts, especially for shooter and action fans.

• Castlevania (Akumajou Dracula). The X68000 version is a gorgeous, expanded take on Castlevania that later inspired the PS1 Chronicles release. A highlight of the system.
• Gradius II and Gradius III. Near-arcade-perfect ports of the legendary shooters. Stunning for their time.
• Final Fight. A far better port than the console versions of its era. Close to the arcade.
• Strider. An excellent version of the Capcom action classic.
• Cotton. A charming, colorful cute-em-up shooter. A fan favorite.
• Akumajou Dracula aside, try Star Wars and other arcade ports. The system is packed with impressive conversions.

For shooter and arcade fans, the X68000 is worth the setup just to see how good these ports were.

A Note on Performance

The X68000 is more demanding than a console. The most intense games run better on a mid-range or stronger handheld. If a game struggles on a budget device, that is expected. See our fix slow emulation guide for tuning tips.

Recommended Handhelds

A mid-range handheld gives the smoothest X68000 experience.

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Related Guides

• How to Organize ROMs and BIOS Files
• 20 Best Shmups for Handhelds
• MAME and FinalBurn Neo Setup Guide
• How to Fix Slow and Laggy Emulation on Handhelds