What versions to play?
Not every versions of Rayman games are made equal. Some are objectively better than others while sometimes it rely on nostalgia and personnal preferences. This guide aims to helps gamers to choose their way to enjoy the different Rayman games according to their personnal preference, availability and overall better versions.
Tip #1
Every Rayman game is better with a controller, avoid touchscreen or keyboard & mouse.
Tip #2
Console experience tends to be superior than Vanilla PC ones. On PC you want to mod the game to have a good (and modern) experience. This guide recommend using Rayman Control Panel tool (or RCP for short) for a easier management of your PC games and emulated ROMs but this is available for Windows only.
Warning
To make every recommended versions as accessible as possible I shared link to emulators and ROMs from what I consider safe sources. This might violate some copyright and intellectual property in your country, download at your own discretion! Consider legal copies if you can.
I decline all responsabilities for malware infection or law violation!
Rayman (1995)
This one has a bad reputation of being one of the hardest 2D platformer of all time, despite its beautiful arts and original world design, universe and characters. But that's because most of gamers played the PS1 version which is not the best one in my opinion.
1. Atari Jaguar
Rayman was initially developped for the Atari Jaguar and thus is the best way to enjoy not only for graphics and sound quality but also for game difficulty which is more fair and balanced.
However Atari Jaguar tends to be extremely expensive due to low sells and Atari's prestigious name from the History of retro-gaming. Even the Rayman cartridge itself is expensive. So you might consider using an emulator to play.
πΉοΈ BigPEmu Windows & Linux (iOS and iPadOS for $9.99)
πΉοΈ RetroArch (with virtualgaguar libretro) Windows, macOS, Linux, Android & many more systems
πΉοΈ Virtual Jaguar Windows (Linux from source only)
π΄ββ οΈ ROM / 2 / 3
2. Redemption (PC fanmade)
Rayman Redemption is a reimagination of the original Rayman game made by Ryemanni. It features a lot of new content, including new worlds, levels, minigames and other stuff to collect and complete.
It is made for Windows10 but run well on Windows11. On Linux you can easily make it run using Wine or Proton, simply import it on Steam as a Non-Steam Game and voilΓ . Alternatively you can use Bottles or Lutris if you prefer. On macOS you can use CrossOver or WineBottler.
3. Sony Playstation (1)
This is the most known version of the game and may has traumatized a whole generation from its difficulty. That's why some people prefer it over the PC port or original Jaguar version. You can find Playstation and the game for a fair yet not cheap price online. If you don't have an original Playstation you can use a Playstation 2 thanks to retro-compatibility between these two system or an emulator.
πΉοΈ Duckstation Windows, Android, macOS and Linux
π΄ββ οΈ ROM PAL / 2 / π΄ββ οΈ ROM NTSC / 2
Rayman 2: The Great Escape
The darkest title of the franchise consider by some as the best 3D experience of that era and I tend to agree. However versions differ greatly from a system to another
1. Sega DreamCast
It's known from the community that the dreamcast version is by far one of the best to play. Originally Rayman 2 was developped for the Nintendo 64 with a PC port but these are not great versions due to low resolution textures and more. You can get a copie for a fair price online but the DreamCast can be a bit more expensive. You can also use an emulator if ou don't have original hardware.
πΉοΈ FlyCast Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and more
π΄ββ οΈ ROM PAL / 2 / π΄ββ οΈ ROM NTSC
2. Modded PC
The PC version is not the best out-of-the-box, mainly due to be a Nintendo 64 port of the original version. But thanks to the modding community you can make it a solid experience to play. It's best to get the digital DRM-free version from GoG. To more easily manage your mods and Rayman games I recommend using the Rayman Control Panel or RTC for short, that way you can install all the recommended mods such as Ray2Fix, Remove Pirate Head DRM and Higher Quality Official Textures.
𧩠Ray2Fix mod - 2 / 𧩠Remove Pirate Head DRM mod / 𧩠Higher Quality Official Textures mod / 𧩠LoadScreenRemoveR2 (require Twofold) / 𧩠Twofold modloader
3. Revolution - Sony Playstation 2
Rayman 2: The Great Escape has been ported to Playstation 1, however this version is even worse than the original Nintendo 64 version due to reduced texture resolution, removed levels and more. But Sony got a unique port of the game for the Playstation 2 called Rayman Revolution. Some says it's better than the DreamCast port and should be the Definitive Edition and some disagree. There is multiple changes in this version for exemple raymanian was replace by actual language such as french or english, the central hub is kinda an open world, the order of levels has changed a bit, new ennemies and more...
As I said this port is unique, I discovered it later thinking at first that it was a new rayman game I never played, then realized after that it's "just" a different Rayman 2. Playstation 2 being the most sold console of all time, it is easy to find. Every model will play this game fine but to my personnal preference I recommend getting a 39xx or Slim 70xx. The game can also be found for cheap, especially the Platinum edition of it. Playing it on PC using a Playstation 2 emulator is also a possibility with improved resolution and textures.
πΉοΈ PCSX2 Windows, macOS and Linux
πΉοΈ Play! (might have issues) Windows, macOS, Linux Android and iOS
πΉοΈ NetherSX2 Android
π΄ββ οΈ ROM / 2 / 3
Bonus: Redreamed (PC fanmade)
A fanmade project came to existence first in the name of Rayman 2: The Great Adventure HD to be later renamed Rayman 2: Redreamed in order to better represent their vision of this fan recreation. NewDawnGames are using Unreal Engine 5 (they started with UE4) and remodelling, reanimating, recompositing music, etc... A total redreamed version of it. For Rayman 30th anniversary they dropped a playable demo at Rayman ALIVE 2025.\ You can enjoy this demo on Windows or Linux through Wine/Proton translation layer.
β¬οΈ Download from GameJolt
π Website
Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc
The HD ports of Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 are buggier and thus less enjoyable overall! Consider using the originals.
This is probably the most iconic 3D platformer of the franchise thanks to its humor and story with a solid yet not that challenging gameplay.
1. Nintendo Gamecube
While other version such as the Playstation 2 one are great this one still have the best performance and still hold up to it's day. Gamecube isn't the cheapest hardware to find due to its low sells but you still can find ones for good price if you're not seeking for perfect conditions. However gamecube prices are quite high these days, Rayman 3 isn't the most desired but usually is more pricey on the Gamecube than the Playstation 2 for exemple. A modded gamecube with native digital output through HDMI is the desired way, however a stock gamecube will still deliver an awesome experience. The system is also very simple to emulate and can be a great way to enjoy that game too.
πΉοΈ Dolphin
π Dolphin wiki
π΄ββ οΈ ROM PAL / 2 / π΄ββ οΈ ROM NTSC
2. Modded PC
PC version isn't as good as the Gamecube one, for exemple cutscene are more compressed but with the help of the modding community you can get a damn good experience with higher resolution textures and more QoL improvments. It's best to get the digital DRM-free version from GoG. To more easily manage your mods and Rayman games I recommend using the RCP, that way you can install all the recommended mods such as Better Rayman 3, PlayStation 2 FMVs, Higher Quality Texture Ports and more.
𧩠Better Rayman 3 / 2 / 𧩠PlayStation 2 FMVs / 𧩠Higher Quality Texture Ports
3. Playstation 2 (and Xbox)
Don't get me wrong the Xbox (OG) version is fantastic too and even run well on emulator. Honestly it was hard to decide between PS2 and Xbox on this. I ended up choosing Playstation2 because the hardware is more common and it's easier to find a PS2 and the game. Plus it would let you do Rayman Revolution too on the same system.
PS2
πΉοΈ PCSX2 Windows, macOS and Linux
πΉοΈ Play! (might have issues) Windows, macOS, Linux Android and iOS\
π΄ββ οΈ ROM PAL / 2 / π΄ββ οΈ ROM NTSC
Xbox
πΉοΈ xemu Windows, macOS and Linux
πΉοΈ Cxbx-reloaded Windows
π΄ββ οΈ ROM PAL / 2 / π΄ββ οΈ ROM NTSC / 2
Bonus: Havoc Reignited (PC fanmade)
A talented man by the name of MarkedasUnreal is recreating a modern Unreal Engine 5 based remake with everything handmade by himself from model, textures, and animation, with the exception of sound design made by NoΓ© Mathieu. He made everything close to the original including the voice actors original audio in every language. But he also added some new features such as skins and challenges. He document everything on his YouTube channel and for Rayman 30th anniversary he dropped a playable demo at Rayman ALIVE 2025.
You can enjoy this demo on Windows or Linux through Wine/Proton translation layer.
Rayman Origins
A return to 2D platformer for the franchise, and what a return. Considered by many as one of the best 2D platformer of all time, Rayman Origins stands out by its unique artstyle, gorgeous animations and amazing gamefeel thanks to a meticulous gameplay.
1. Microsoft Xbox 360 (Xbox Series S/X)
The 360 version of Origins is the better version, more stable than the PS3 and thanks to the backward compatibility of the new Series S/X you can emulate this game in a near perfect manner with a beautiful upscaled 1440p or 4K signal instead of 720p. 360 are not really hard to find and the game is also quite common. It can also be emulate on PC.
πΉοΈ Xenia Windows (& Linux through Wine/Proton)
2. (Modded) PC
The PC version has a DRM-free version on GoG and honestly it's a great edition too allowing you to play on big resolution too. You don't need the Ubisoft Connect buggy launcher. However the cinematics are more compressed than on the Xbox 360, but don't worry if you want less-compress FMVs, modders got it working for you. It also doesn't support more than 60Hz but can be fixed fairly easily. Like other PC version this guide recommend RCP if you're on Windows to make it easier.
Choose DXVK if prompted!
Fullscreen mode defaults to 60 Hz, even if the screen refresh rate is set higher than that.
- Download ThirteenAG's d3d9 wrapper (d3d9.zip).
- Extract contents to
. - Open d3d9.ini and set
FullScreenRefreshRateInHzas needed; e.g.FullScreenRefreshRateInHz = 360.
𧩠FMVs mod / 2 / 𧩠ThirteenAG's d3d9 wrapper
3. Sony Playstation Vita
The PS3 version is decent while it tends to have less consistent framerate than on Xbox while cinematics are less compressed than on PC. However a nice way to play Origin is on the go with the Playstation Vita port. This is a solid handheld version of the game, unlike the 3DS one. However the Vita (especially the OLED model) can be harder to find and more expensive due to popularity among the homebrew community. The PS Vita can also be emulated, but it's still experimental and Origins is marked as playable with audio issues, however according to EmuReady it's perfectly playable.
πΉοΈ Vita3K Windows, macOS, Linux & Android
π firmware / π font package
π΄ββ οΈ ROM PAL / π΄ββ οΈ ROM NTSC 2
π΄ββ οΈ NoPayStation
Rayman Legends
If you're on PC you should vote for a DRM-free version of the game on GoG Dreamlist. Because the UbisoftConnect edition isn't great and it's partially because of its DRM.
Definitive Edition - Nintendo Switch (2)
This is the Definitive Edition of the game and oh boy it's good wether it's on the go, undocked, or docked on a TV. The Switch 2 is backward compatible and you would benefit from it but on the original Switch you would still have an amazing experience if not the second best. Thanks to the emulation scene this Definitive Edition can be easily run on PC or Android thanks to switch emulators.
πΉοΈ Ryubing Windows & Linux
πΉοΈ Eden Windows, Linux & Android (macOS soon)
π΄ββ οΈ ROM / 2 / 3
Sony Playstation 4 (Pro)
The playstation version is once again better than the PC one and run even better on the PS4 Pro and Playstation 5. However the Definitive Edition is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch so this one has less content like other versions. It should run on PS4 emulation but the Switch emulation has better compatibility any way.
πΉοΈ ShadPS4 Windows, macOS and Linux
Nintendo WiiU
Some prefer the WiiU Edition because of the gamepad features unique to it, however these features exists on undocked switch and are optional unlike on the WiiU. The original hardware is becomming harder to find but the game is not that rare. WiiU is a really well emulated system on PC and start to get somewhere on Android too.
πΉοΈ CemU Windows, macOS and Linux