Where can I find abandonware and game emulators?

Abandon warez, also known as abandonware is software developed several years ago that is no longer being produced or sold and is considered by many as abandoned. Similar to abandonware console and other game emulators are software programs that computer users use to play old games that were found in the old arcades, Nintendo games, Sega games, Atari games, etc.

While this area is considered by most to be a gray area we believe the overall condenses is that these programs for the most part are still protected under copyright laws and therefore considered illegal in most places in the world including the United States where Computer Hope resides. Therefore we cannot provide users with steps, help, or web pages that contain either abandonware or game emulators.

How do I find old software?

Most of the software programs, utilities, operating systems, and games are only sold for a few years and then phased out by the developer and/or reseller because of more up-to-date programs, compatibility issues, and/or the lack of sells. When this is done it can make it very difficult for users to find and buy older software programs they still wish to purchase.

Below is a listing of different methods of how users can find older software programs, operating systems, utilities, and games that they still may wish to purchase and/or use on their computer.

Internet Search

Try performing searches for the name of the program you are attempting to locate, often there are many obscure software resellers that still sell old and/or out-of-date software. Click here to open a search with Google and Amazon, two of the most likely places to find many programs.

Online Auctions

Online auctions such as eBay are a great resource to locate old software and old software documentation. Many users who no longer use their software will auction their software on these sites and unless in high-demand you can usually pick up a program for a very reasonable price.

A listing of online auctions can be found on our online auction dictionary definition page.

Company

Some companies may still have copies of their programs that can be shipped to customers. If the company and/or developer of your software program is still in business try contacting the company to see if a copy of the program can be purchased and/or any other company that may still sell the program.

A listing of companies and developers and their contact information can be found through our company support page.

New console systems

Newer game consoles such as the Nintendo Wii, Sony PS3, and Microsoft Xbox now have online shops where users can purchase and run old game classics on their new console devices. If you have any of these devices you may want to see if the old game you're looking for is on it.

Abandonware

Software that is no longer able to be purchased, is no longer supported by a company, company is no longer in business, or is several years old is often considered abandoned. There are several sites that have been specifically setup to enable users to download any software considered abandoned. If you wish to find such sites search for "abandonware" on any popular search engine.