Do you miss classic games and want to enjoy that experience on your Android device? Thanks to emulators, today any retro video game lover can carry in the palm of their hand a variety of historical titles from different consoles. From the nostalgia From the Game Boy or the NES to the excitement of arcade machines or the power of the PSP, the catalog of emulators for Android is broader and more versatile than ever.
In this definitive guide we gather the best emulators for Android, including highlights for each classic console and the most comprehensive multi-system options. We show you how to choose the ideal emulator based on your preferences, the level of your device and the gaming experience you are looking for.We also offer essential tips for getting ROMs, security recommendations, legal issues, and ways to optimize your retro experience.
What is an Android emulator and why should you use it?
An emulator is an application that reproduces the environment and functionality of a classic console or system on another device—in this case, your Android phone or tablet. This allows you to run original games or ROMs from legendary consoles that are no longer available or are difficult to obtain.. So you can relive legendary titles anytime, anywhere, without relying on legacy hardware.
The key advantages of Android emulators include:
- Access to a huge catalog of retro games across multiple platforms. You can play titles from the Super Nintendo, Mega Drive, Game Boy Advance, PlayStation, or Nintendo 64, as well as the arcade games that once dominated the arcades.
- Flexibility and comfort: Enjoy your favorite games on mobile or tablet, with customizable touch controls or by connecting external controllers.
- Visual and performance improvementsMany emulators allow you to enhance graphics, apply filters, use HD resolutions, and take advantage of the power of today's devices.
- Save games at any time, rewind, speed up, use cheats and much more.
- Zero extra expense on original hardware and maximum portability.
Essential aspects before installing an emulator on Android
Before you jump into installing any emulator and downloading games, it's essential to keep in mind some considerations and tips that will optimize your experience and prevent problems:
- Legality of emulators and ROMsEmulation software is legal, but ROMs (copies of the original games) may be copyrighted. Download them only if you own the original game, or look for copyright-free alternatives.
- Download security: Use official sources and trusted stores to avoid malware or security issues.
- Device compatibilitySome emulators require powerful devices (e.g., for PSP, PS2, Wii, or GameCube games), while others work on low-end mobile phones.
- Customization and controls: Choose emulators that allow you to remap buttons, use Bluetooth controllers, and customize gameplay to your preferences.
Best Android Emulators: The Most Complete List
The Android emulation world is vast. Here's a comprehensive selection of the best options for both specific systems and multi-system emulation, along with their features, benefits, and download links.
1. RetroArch: The most versatile multi-system emulator
RetroArch It's an open-source emulation platform capable of playing almost any classic console from a single app. Thanks to its core system, you can add support for NES, SNES, Game Boy, Sega Mega Drive, PlayStation, Neo Geo, Dreamcast, and many others. It is the perfect solution for those who want to centralize all their retro games in a single, highly customizable interface..
- Intuitive and customizable interface with multiple menus and advanced options.
- Support for graphics filters, shaders, rewind, local and online multiplayer, quick saves, control mapping, and much more.
- Supports external controllers and game sync options.
- Achievement system and very active community for constant updates.
2. PPSSPP: The best PlayStation Portable (PSP) emulator for Android
PPSSPP It's the undisputed benchmark for emulating games from Sony's legendary handheld on Android. It runs the vast majority of PSP titles smoothly, with improved graphics and many additional options.
- Allows you to increase the resolution of games and apply graphic filters for an enhanced experience.
- Support for save states, cheats, speed up/slow down gameplay, and full control over display and sound.
- Supports physical and touch controls, cloud sync functionality, and advanced customization options.
- It works on mid-range devices, although for demanding titles a powerful processor and sufficient RAM is recommended.
- It has a free version and a paid Gold version to support development.
3. Dolphin Emulator: Wii and GameCube on your Android
Dolphin emulator It has become the favorite alternative for Nintendo Wii and GameCube fans who want to play on Android. It offers superior emulation and the ability to play HD titles, as long as you have a high-end phone or tablet.
- It allows you to play at higher resolutions than the original consoles and supports visual enhancements and filters.
- Support for physical controllers and touchscreen, as well as control customization.
- Multiplayer, save games, turbo speed, and a large developer community.
- Requires powerful devices for a smooth experience, especially in demanding games.
4. DraStic DS Emulator: The best Nintendo DS emulation on Android
DraStic DS Emulator It's the fastest and most efficient emulator for enjoying the extensive Nintendo DS catalog. It lets you take full advantage of the dual screen, customize the layout, scale 3D graphics, and save games at any time.
- High speed and performance, even on mid-range devices.
- Options to improve graphics, adapt controls and use external controllers.
- Google Drive sync and rewind feature.
- Allows you to save and load games at any point in the game.
- Compatible with most of the console's catalog.
5. My Boy!: GBA Emulator for Game Boy Advance
My Boy! It's one of the highest-rated and fastest Game Boy Advance emulators for Android. It lets you play almost the entire GBA catalog, save states, use cheats, and customize the interface.
- Cloud game synchronization for playing on multiple devices.
- Speedup option, save/load states, and use of cheat codes.
- Clear and easy-to-use interface, support for Bluetooth controllers and advanced touch control settings.
- Low resource consumption and excellent compatibility.
- Includes free version and premium version with more features.
6. ePSXe and FPse: Emulators for PlayStation 1
For fans of the original PSX, there are several emulation options, but ePSXe y FPse They stand out for their compatibility, speed, and audio and video quality. You can also check out The best PSX emulators for Android to expand your options.
- Compatibility with most PS1 games, both in ISO and BIN/CUE formats.
- Control customization, multiplayer functionality, and quick save.
- Graphic enhancement options and filters, crystal-clear sound, and the ability to use cheats.
- Compatible with external controllers and multiplayer modes.
- Regular updates to optimize the retro experience.
7. M64Plus FZ Emulator: Nintendo 64 on Android
If you want to relive the best Nintendo 64 titles, this emulator lets you play with high compatibility and advanced customization options. You can also find information about other Nintendo 64 emulators at The best emulators for Nintendo 64 on Android.
- Compatible with most N64 ROMs.
- Graphic enhancement options, filters, screen and sound control.
- It requires mid-range/high-end devices for some demanding titles, but it is very efficient with classic games.
- Support for physical controllers and customizable virtual controls.
- Quick save options and compressed file support.
8. MAME4droid: The best arcade emulator for Android
MAME4droid It's a favorite among those who enjoy arcade classics. With support for over 8000 arcade ROMs, it's the perfect emulator for fans of Pac-Man, Metal Slug, Street Fighter II, and other gems from video game history.
- Compatible with Android devices and tablets, allowing the connection of external controllers and using configurable touch controls.
- Includes CRT filters, scanlines, and visual enhancements to recreate the aesthetics of the original machines.
- Constant updates and support for NVIDIA Shield devices.
- It requires downloading external ROMs that usually come in compressed files.
- Ideal for reliving the arcade experience anywhere.
9. SuperNDS: Advanced emulation for Nintendo DS
SuperNDS is another powerful option for playing Nintendo DS titles on Android. It stands out for its compatibility with various file formats and its modern interface. You might also be interested in The best Nintendo DS emulators for Android to expand your options.
- It requires moderate hardware requirements (minimum 2GB RAM and four CPU cores to run without errors).
- Support for compressed files (7zip, ZIP, RAR, ACE), although it is recommended to use uncompressed ROMs for better performance.
- Allows you to save games at any point and easily organize games on the SD card or internal memory.
- Compatible with the bulk of Nintendo's handheld console catalog.
10. Nostalgia.NES: Relive the magic of Nintendo NES
For those who want to relive the titles of the original NES, Nostalgia.NES It's the essential app. Its performance is excellent and it's compatible with the vast majority of available ROMs. You can complement your experience by visiting play Mario Bros on mobile.
- Includes a rewind function to rewind the game and correct mistakes instantly.
- Supports physical gamepads, customizable virtual controls, and an autosave option.
- Ability to share saved files and screenshots.
- Intuitive interface, light weight and excellent audio and video quality.
- Compatible with devices from Android 4.0.
11. Snes9x EX+: Super Nintendo (SNES) on Android
Snes9x EX+ is an open-source project for playing the entire Super Nintendo library on Android. It requires a CPU of at least 1 GHz for optimal performance. To expand your emulator knowledge, you can also visit .
- It supports ROMs in .smc and .sfc formats, as well as compressed files (RAR, ZIP, 7Z).
- It offers good compatibility with most SNES titles.
- Simple interface, ability to save/load games and configure controls.
- Ideal for fans of classic Nintendo RPGs and platformers.
12. ClassicBoy Gold: All-in-One Multi-System Retro Emulator
Classic Boy Gold is an all-in-one solution for those looking to play titles from different platforms from a single application. It supports NES, SNES, N64, PS1, Sega Genesis, Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Color, NeoGeo, and more. To explore other multi-system emulators, visit The ultimate Android console for emulation and streaming.
- Simple and intuitive interface, easy to configure and customize according to your preferences.
- Supports multiplayer, quick save, customizable controls, and performance optimization.
- It works even on mid-range devices, although demanding games may require more advanced hardware.
- Perfect for those who want to maximize compatibility in a single app.
Frequently asked questions about Android emulators and how to get the most out of them
- What type of device do I need to play emulators?
Most emulators are optimized to run on mid-range mobile devices. For newer consoles (PSP, Wii, GameCube, Nintendo DS), a powerful processor and at least 2 GB of RAM are recommended. - Can I use physical controllers with emulators?
Yes, almost all emulators allow you to connect Bluetooth, USB, or OTG controllers for a superior gaming experience than touch controls. To do this, check How to connect a controller to Android. - Where can I get legal ROMs?
There are websites with ROMs of games already in the public domain or developed by the community. Remember that downloading commercial games without owning them may be illegal in your country. - How do I optimize performance?
Close other background apps, adjust the resolution, and use scaling or hardware acceleration if your emulator allows it. - Which emulator works for multiple consoles at once?
RetroArch and ClassicBoy Gold are the most complete solutions for multi-system gaming in a single app. - Can I play online or multiplayer?
Some emulators, like RetroArch, offer netplay, local multiplayer, or even Wi-Fi and Bluetooth multiplayer options. You can also check out .
