eli5: What does people mean when they say that a computer system runs on different architecture from another computer? Like when somebody says that an emulator can run N64 games faster theoretically but because of different architecture in practicality it cant?

Question

eli5: What does people mean when they say that a computer system runs on different architecture from another computer? Like when somebody says that an emulator can run N64 games faster theoretically but because of different architecture in practicality it cant?

In: Technology

Answer 1

Consider different architectures as different creatures. One (let say it is A-creature) with strong 6 legs and strong 2 arms, specialized to live in forests and climb trees, another one (B-creature) with 2 legs and 8 arms, specialized to live in flatlands. Consider a game is a dance. If a dance invented in B-creatures tribe and is performed heels over head, A-creature may perform this dance, but it will be slower and a bit clumsy, than if this dance will be performed by a B-creature.