• About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Submit For Review
  • Template Gallery
  • Excel 2016 Udemy Course
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

TheAppTimes

App Reviews, Tutorials, & Gadget News Hub

  • Gadgets
  • How To
  • Mobile Apps
  • Software and Web Apps
  • Buying Guides
  • Show Search
Hide Search
Home » Gadgets » Top Smartphone Emulators for Retro Gaming

Top Smartphone Emulators for Retro Gaming

July 4, 2013

In this era of 60-hour epic quests for the home consoles, many people look to smartphone games for simpler, more accessible titles that don’t require so much attention. These games often remind players of the games they played as a kid, when every game didn’t come with a 20-minute tutorial before they could even start playing. As it turns out, smartphones not only provide the familiar feel of the old classics, but in many cases, they enable us to play the very same games that got us hooked on gaming. Here are five of the best smartphone emulators for retro gaming.

Top Smartphone Emulators for Retro Gaming

Top 5 Smartphone Emulators for Retro Gaming

GBA4IOS

The Game Boy Advance is the best handheld system of all time, so what better place to start than with GBA4IOS? This Apple-specific app lets you play some of the GBA’s best moments, which includes some ports of classic titles such as “Super Mario World,” “Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past,” “Final Fantasy VI” and many more. The app is completely free and, best of all, you don’t have to jailbreak your iPhone to get GBA4IOS to work.

Free, available on iOS

John NES

For those who are looking to go a little more old-school, there’s John NES for Android devices. Like GBA4IOS, John NES does not require a rooted phone, and the program is free to use; however, the removal of ads necessitates the purchase of the full version. John NES features a split-screen setup that separates the controller portion from the main screen; the app also allows for save states and screenshots, staples of PC-based emulators.

Free ($3.49 for full version), available on Android

SNES 8x/9x

SNES 8x - Top 5 Smartphone Emulators for Retro Gaming

The Super Nintendo may be the best console ever created, boasting some of the best games of our lifetimes. Fortunately, these games can now be played via emulator on nearly all smartphones via SNES 9X, while Windows Phone users can download and enjoy the same games using SNES 8x. Both versions of this app support in-game saves in addition to the conventional save states, and compatibility with the Wii Remote and Classic Controller on Android phones ensures a nostalgic experience that avoids the pratfalls of touchscreen game play. All versions of SNES 8x/9x are free and contain no ads.

ALSO READ:  Which is better - the iPad or iPhone for mobile gaming?

Free, available on iOS (jailbroken only), Android, Windows Phone and Blackberry

RetroArch

retroarch - Top 5 Smartphone Emulators for Retro Gaming

As great as each of these emulators are, wouldn’t it be nice to play the games from all of the different systems via one app? RetroArch is the answer for those gamers who had multiple systems as kids and want to play all of their favorite games. You can play all of the 8-bit and 16-bit systems, as well as Playstation 1, Neo Geo Pocket Color and arcade games. RetroArch is available, for free and without ads, for all of the major smartphone platforms with the lone exception of Windows Phone.

Free, available on iOS, Android and Blackberry

Availability in App Stores

Emulators are technically illegal if you don’t already own the game. As a result, it’s often hard to locate and install emulators and roms, particularly on iOS, where a jailbroken phone is required to install most emulators.

Fortunately, you can always go “legit” and obtain the games you want through your phone’s app store. “Pac-Man” is available on all mobile formats in both trial and full versions. “Sonic the Hedgehog,” “Streets of Rage” and many other classic Sega titles are available for purchase in the iOS App store, while Square Enix sells updated versions of the early “Final Fantasy” games on Apple phones. However, we won’t see any of the Mario games on smartphones as long as Nintendo sells millions of handheld consoles every year, so emulation often becomes necessary to play the true classics.

Games available for various prices, available on iOS, Android, Windows Phone and Blackberry

Some apps are not made available to certain phones, like the Blackberry Bold from T-Mobile. For those phones, there are free games similar to old-school games that you don’t need a smartphone emulator for. “Ziptrix Battle” is similar to “Tetris,” while “Fightin’ Words” is similar to “Scrabble.”

Tweet
Share
WhatsApp
Pin4
Buffer
4 Shares

Filed Under: Gadgets, How To, Mobile Apps, Software and Web Apps Tagged With: emulators, gaming, smartphone

You May Also Like

Parimatch India App - TATFI
Parimatch India App: Experience Unmatched Benefits, Odds, and Support
1Win Betting App - TATFI
Enjoy the Best Betting App in India With 1Win
Top Gaming Mouse Brands in 2023 - TATFI
Top Gaming Mouse Brands to Maximize Your Gaming Experience in 2023

About Adeline Gear

Adeline is a tech enthusiast who loves exploring the latest tools and applications in the marketplace. She also loves her Android and spends time reviewing apps and playing games when she has the time.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Hottest New Gadgets!

Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 - TATFI

The Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5: A Fitness Smartwatch for Health Enthusiasts

Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed - TATFI

Razer Hammerhead Pro HyperSpeed: Ultimate Gaming Earbuds

MagEZ Folio 2 Magnetic Case for iPad Pro - TATFI

MagEZ Folio 2 is a Magnetic Case for iPad Pro With Convenient Viewing Angles

Logitech MX Anywhere 3S - TATFI

Logitech MX Anywhere 3S: The Wireless Mouse for On-the-Go Productivity

Logi Dock Flex - TATFI

The Logi Dock Flex Docking Station is a Great Solution to Manage Shared Workspaces

Best Earbuds for Android Devices (2023) - TATFI

Best Earbuds for Android Devices (2023)

Sony HT-S2000 Soundbar - TATFI

Sony Launches the Incredible HT-S2000 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar

Popular Tags

android android apps android games android how to apple casino games chrome extensions excel excel how to facebook gadgets gaming gmail google ios apps ios games ios how to ios tips ipad iphone kids apps learn excel management microsoft music apps new releases outlook how to photo apps powerpoint how to productivity Samsung security smartphone smartphones smartwatches software tablet tablets technology twitter web browsers windows 10 word how to xbox youtube

Disclosure

TheAppTimes is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Houseplant Care App Planta - TATFI

Planta: The Ultimate Houseplant Care App for iOS Users

Top Android Tower Defense Games to Play in 2023- TATFI

Awesome Android Tower Defense Games to Play in 2023

Assassin's Creed Mirage - TATFI

Assassin’s Creed Mirage: A Comprehensive Overview

Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 vs Google Pixel Watch - TATFI

Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 vs Google Pixel Watch: A Comparative Look

Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 vs TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra - TATFI

Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 vs TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra: A Comprehensive Comparison

How to Link Your iPhone to Windows 11 - TATFI

How to Link Your iPhone to Windows 11 for Seamless Connectivity

Cooperative Shooter Helldivers 2 for PS5 - TATFI

Intense Cooperative Shooter Helldivers 2 All Set to Return This Year

Windows 11 Features for Businesses - TATFI

Microsoft Unveils the Latest Windows 11 Features for Businesses

How to Lock Your Google Account from Your iPhone - TATFI

How to Lock Your Google Account from Your iPhone Using Google Smart Lock

Convert Handwritten Lists to Google Keep Notes - TATFI

How to Convert Handwritten Lists to Google Keep Notes: A Comprehensive Guide

Best VPN Services for Small Business - TATFI

Top VPN Services for Small Business in 2023

How to Control Your Apple Watch Using Hand Gestures

How to Use AssistiveTouch Gestures to Control Your Apple Watch

TheAppTimes © 2023 // Runs on StudioPress