The Best Abandonware Sites to Find Retro Games

Last Updated on May 16, 2024

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. Some games 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 whether you’re happy with the legalities, it’s time to find some abandonware games.

The best abandonware sites for retro gaming

The following sites offer the best abandonware collections on the web.

1. My Abandonware

Arguably the most popular abandonware site, this has a vast library of games available for download. The site is easy to navigate with a search function to help you find abandonware titles, listed with screenshots and information, along with a link.

2. Abandonia

This site has been around since 1999, and boasts 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

This is a great site if you want to play retro games directly in your browser. There is a big selection of 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

This site has games initially released on Nintendo, Sega, PlayStation, and other platforms (including Amiga and MAME). Find games grouped by category, and look out for new titles.

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 the place to go if you’re looking for classic DOS games. The site has a large archive of games that you can download for free. Find some of the most popular DOS games (such as Advanced Civilization) of all time, either by browsing or searching.

How to download games from the best abandonware sites

Downloading and playing retro games on abandonware sites is relatively easy.

Find the game you want to download on an abandonware site.
Click on the download link and save the game to your computer
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.