In this guide
If you already have a NES or GBA game file you have the right to use, WASM Arcade can run it in your browser. Local play is free and does not require registration or a desktop emulator installation. The browser still downloads the player engine on first use.
What you need
- A current browser with WebAssembly and WebGL enabled.
- A .nes or .gba file, or a ZIP containing one supported game. Keep each file and expanded game within 64 MiB.
- A connection for the first player and engine download.
If you do not have a game file, choose the included Star Catch demo. WASM Arcade does not provide a commercial game download catalog.
Start your first game
- Open WASM Arcade and choose Add your first game or Add a game.
- Select your file. Extract a ZIP that contains several games before importing.
- Select the imported game to start its engine. The ROM stays in this browser unless you separately choose a cloud upload.
- Use the arrow keys and open Keys for the full mapping. On a phone, use Touch controls.
- Before leaving, save your progress and export an independent backup.
Can I try it without a ROM?
Choose Try a demo to play our original Star Catch NES game. Move left and right to catch stars. Choose Add demo to my collection if you want to keep progress; the initial preview is temporary. The source and MIT license are public.
Will it work on my laptop or phone?
Keyboard, compatible gamepads and touch controls are supported, but performance depends on your browser, hardware and game. Importing a file successfully does not prove it will run correctly. The NES player uses FCEUmm and the GBA player uses mGBA through EmulatorJS. This site does not offer DS, SNES or PlayStation emulation.
For touch layout and landscape mode, read the mobile controls guide. School or workplace device policies can prevent browser emulation; the site does not bypass those restrictions.
Can I play offline later?
Open the app and launch the required engine while connected first. Later offline access depends on successful caching and the browser retaining those files. Optional cloud actions still need a connection. Keep your original ROM and exported save backups outside browser storage.
Choose your system
NES import and compatibility · GBA import and compatibility · Move progress to another device
Take your game room to another device
Sign in with Google or a verified email account to use cloud saves and a private cloud game library. Enable save sync in your cloud space; upload game files separately with Upload game. On another device, sign in to the same account, download your game and restore a compatible save from its history.
Cloud storage includes 256 MiB per account, with a 32 MiB limit per upload. Games run in your browser, not on a remote gaming server. Signing in alone does not upload your local games.
Ready to give it a try?
Open your game room, or start with the original Star Catch demo.
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