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Head-to-head · TurboGrafx-16 Emulators

Geargrafx vs Mednafen

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score Geargrafx #1 in TurboGrafx-16 Emulators 9.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 4 features Visit Geargrafx
Mednafen #3 in TurboGrafx-16 Emulators 8.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 4 features Visit Mednafen

Geargrafx leads on 0 checks, Mednafen on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreGeargrafx · 9.4/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresGeargrafx · 3 of 4

Geargrafx scores higher on our rubric for turbografx-16 emulators: 9.4 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #3.

Geargrafx is the better fit for multi-platform TurboGrafx-16 enthusiasts. Mednafen is the better fit for windows and Linux multi-system users.

  • Geargrafx fits best

    Multi-platform TurboGrafx-16 enthusiasts

  • Mednafen fits best

    Windows and Linux multi-system users

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Side by side

Feature Geargrafx 9.4/10 Visit ↗ Mednafen 8.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 8.9
Ranking #1 in TurboGrafx-16 Emulators #3 in TurboGrafx-16 Emulators
Best for Multi-platform TurboGrafx-16 enthusiasts Windows and Linux multi-system users
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop, Mobile Desktop, Self-hosted
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Windows, Linux
Support Community, Docs Docs
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features Geargrafx 3/4 · Mednafen 1/4
Save states ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Cheat support Not checked yet Not checked yet
Netplay ✓ ✓
Video filters ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Specs
Supported platforms windows, macos, linux, ios, android Not checked yet
Console coverage Multi_system Not checked yet
License Open_source Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Supports TurboGrafx-16, PC Engine, SuperGrafx, and multiple CD formats
  • Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android
  • Includes save states, rewind, multiplayer, filters, and a full debugger
  • Supports 17 listed console and computer systems
  • Includes saves, rewind, shaders, compressed files, and snapshots
  • Offers standalone-server-based network play and BIOS support
Cons
  • TurboLink supports local shared-memory multiplayer, not internet multiplayer
  • Its advanced debugger and AI tools may exceed casual emulation needs
  • Standalone and RetroArch core availability varies by platform
  • Command-line design may require more technical setup
  • BIOS and firmware images are required for supported systems
  • Official downloads focus on Windows binaries and source code
Our verdict

Geargrafx is a free, open-source emulator for TurboGrafx-16, PC Engine, SuperGrafx, and PCE CD-ROM² systems. It is aimed at players who want one application for multiple related platforms, including CD-based variants such as Super CD-ROM²…

Read the review →

Mednafen is a free, open-source, command-line multi-system emulator for Windows and Linux users. Its published system coverage includes 17 listed console and computer systems, including Apple II, Atari Lynx, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance,…

Read the review →
  1. GeargrafxTurboGrafx-16 Emulators 9.4Free plan
  2. MednafenTurboGrafx-16 Emulators 8.9Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Geargrafx — where it wins

    • Supports TurboGrafx-16, PC Engine, SuperGrafx, and multiple CD formats
    • Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android
    • Includes save states, rewind, multiplayer, filters, and a full debugger

    Where it doesn't

    • TurboLink supports local shared-memory multiplayer, not internet multiplayer
    • Its advanced debugger and AI tools may exceed casual emulation needs
    • Standalone and RetroArch core availability varies by platform

  • Mednafen — where it wins

    • Supports 17 listed console and computer systems
    • Includes saves, rewind, shaders, compressed files, and snapshots
    • Offers standalone-server-based network play and BIOS support

    Where it doesn't

    • Command-line design may require more technical setup
    • BIOS and firmware images are required for supported systems
    • Official downloads focus on Windows binaries and source code

More comparisons

All TurboGrafx-16 emulators comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update