The Vectrex is a fairly niche system, and this is also the case when looking for the best Vectrex emulator. It is certainly not a system that was as commercially successful as the Atari 2600 for example, which adds to its rarity and is part of its appeal to collectors. The Vectrex is also unique in that it has vector graphics rather than a typical pixel-based display, so emulating it faithfully isn’t technically possible without such a display.
Fortunately for Vectrex fans and those who are curious to experience Vectrex games, we have links to the best Vectrex emulators available for PC, Android & Mac.
What Is The Best Vectrex Emulator For PC & Linux?
The PC has several options for Vectrex emulation, here are a few that we recommend. ParaJVE is the best standalone Vectrex emulator, but RetroArch vecx core is probably the best long-term solution since it is considered one of the best in terms of emulation and benefits from all the other settings that RetroArch offers in terms of visual filters, etc.
| Emulator | Description |
|---|---|
| RetroArch – VecX core | As ever, Retroarch delivers by offering a Vectrex core. Vecx is the core you need to download in Retroarch to get up and running quickly. |
| ParaJVE | ParaJVE is a PC Vectrex emulator and comes bundled with a range of original and homebrew games for you to try. There is also a Linux version available. |
| JSVecX | The quickest way for you to play try out some Vectrex emulation by using this browser-based port of the VECX emulator. |
What Is The Best Vectrex Emulator For Android?
There are limited options for Android users, but there is at least one option on Google Play Store.
| Emulator | Description |
|---|---|
| VecDroid X | Android Vectrex emulation is quite limited and VecDroid is by default the choice Android Vectrex emulator. This is also a paid app. |
| RetroArch Plus – vecx core | RetroArch Plus on Android has access to the vecx core. In theory, this works fine, but there are some reported issues here and there, so give it a go to see if it works well with your device. It is free, so its worth a try. |
What Is The Best Vectrex Emulator For Mac?
Similar to the PC, ParaJVW is available on Mac and RetroArch is another way to get your fix of Vectrex on a Mac.
| Emulator | Description |
|---|---|
| RetroArch – vecx core | Probably the easiest way to play Vectrex on your Mac, RetroArch proves itself crucial for retro fans who own Macs. |
| ParaJVE | ParaJVE also has a version for Mac, so give this a try if RetroArch is not your thing! |
If you are looking for other retro emulators, check out our comprehensive emulator guide, where you’ll find loads of recommended emulators for PC, Mac, Linux & Android.
A lifelong avid gamer and computing enthusiast, Matt has decades of Retro Gaming experience. Now over 40 years old, Matt now even considers himself retro, but fortunately, nobody has developed a Matt emulator (not yet at least!).