File Extension Database

Open ELF File

The ELF extension files can be of various formats, depending on the application that requires it, some of which are listed below:

Nintendo Wii

In this first case. The ELF file is an executable file format used by the Nintendo Wii, from the Nintendo Company, Ltd.

Wii is a home console developed by Nintendo and launched in 2006, it introduced motion-controlled gaming to a wide audience of Nintendo fans as well as people who weren't traditional gamers.

In 2013, a cheaper version of Wii, Wii mini, was launched with which to enjoy Wii games.

Wii mini does not allow internet connection nor is it compatible with online functionalities.

The ELF file can be transferred to a PC and played on the Dolphin emulator, enabled for Nintendo Wii.

Wii "Homebrew" programs created by users can also be saved as ELF files.

They can be transferred to the Wii console via an SD card.

Executable and Linkable Format

ELF stands for Executable Linkable Format, which was formerly known as "Extensible Link Format".

Generally speaking, the Executable and Linkable Format is the standard binary format on operating systems such as Linux.

Some of the capabilities and features of ELF are dynamic linking, dynamic loading, imposing run-time control on a program, and an improved method for creating shared libraries.

The ELF file can store executable programs, core dumps, and shared libraries.

The ELF format is a standard file format used on many Unix-based systems.

Playstation Executable File

In this section, an ELF file is a file used by the PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable (PSP) game systems.

PlayStation is a brand and also a series of game consoles created and developed by Sony Computer Entertainment.

PlayStation was first introduced in December 1994 in Japan, when Sony released the first PlayStation console.

As of 2011, the brand encompasses three consoles, a handheld console, a media center, an online service, and a line of magazines, as well as POP material.

The ELF file contains most of the content of a video game disc, thus including game data, object code, shared libraries, and other data.

ELF files are sometimes edited to modify the PlayStation game.

PlayStation ELF files use the "Executable and Linkable Format", which is a standard file format used on Unix systems and mentioned above.

Software to open and work with an ELF file

How Can I Open ELF File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open ELF file is to find a ELF file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a ELF file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open ELF file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as ELF file opener then try to search online for "ELF viewer", "application to open ELF file" or "open ELF file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open ELF file

How Can I Open ELF File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a ELF file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a ELF file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with ELF file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as ELF file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open ELF file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open ELF file then try to search for "ELF viewer", "application to open ELF file" or "read ELF file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read ELF file

How Can I Open ELF File on Android

If you downloaded a ELF file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded ELF file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "ELF".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "ELF viewer", "ELF file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open ELF File on iPhone or iPad

To open ELF File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the ELF file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "ELF". This way you can find apps which can open ELF files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "ELF viewer" or "ELF file" online in your favorite search engine.

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