Update: We last updated this article with new Android emulators for different consoles on 5th August.
Remember those classic video games that you played during your childhood? Well, you can relive those on your mobile phones. As smartphones get more and more powerful, they can now emulate modern consoles like the PS3 and Nintendo Switch. Whether you wish to get a dose of nostalgia with those classic games or just want to play GTA 5 or Red Dead Redemption 2. These best emulators for Android that can help you run any game from Nintendo 64 to PS3 to PC.
Table of Contents
1. Nintendo NES Emulator: NES.emu (Paid)
Price: $3.99
Why We Recommend It:
Are you a diehard Nintendo fan who can’t get enough of those classic 8-bit games? The NES.emu is the best Android emulator. It has all the features, such as the ability to fast-forward or jump through annoying parts of the game. You can save and load the game at any point, and there’s support for hardware controllers. Oh, and if you like to have fun with cheats, there’s a dedicated cheat engine for tweaking the gameplay elements.
Who Should Download It:
If you’re a serious fan of NES classics such as Mario, Zelda, and Metroid. Also, if you want an emulator that supports advanced features like cheat toggles, customizable controls, and clean performance on modern devices, NES.emu is one of the best investments at just $3.99.The best part? It’s open source and has a dedicated community to ensure continued updates with new Android versions.
Who Shouldn’t Download It:
If you’re a casual user looking for a free option or prefer other platforms like SNES or PS1, NES.emu might not feel essential due to its cost. And if you only play infrequently or on a tight budget, the paid tag (though modest) might steer you toward a free alternative.
| Reasons to Download | Reasons to Skip |
|---|---|
| ✅ Can fast-forward, save, and load games | ❌ Paid app |
| ✅ Support Bluetooth/USB controllers and keyboard | |
| ✅ Zapper/Gun support | |
| ✅ Cheat engine compatibility | |
| ✅ Customizable touch controls | |
| ✅ Actively updated and has good community support |
2. Snes9x EX+(Free)
Price: Free
Why We Recommend It:
For 16-bit enthusiasts, the Snes9x EX+ is a good companion. This open-source Android emulator can run on a wide range of devices, from the latest flagship to the older mid-rangers. Apart from supporting .smc and .sfc files, you can also open files in ZIP, RAR, or 7Z. This will help you save space by running compressed files directly.
Who Should Download It:
Anyone who loves 16‑bit classics (Chrono Trigger, Super Metroid, Final Fantasy VI) and wants a hassle-free, zero‑cost emulator with strong gameplay fidelity and controller support should download Snes9x EX+.This is the best Android SNES emulator available for free on the Google Play Store and has an easy-to-use interface.
Who Shouldn’t Download It:
If you’re sensitive to occasional input lag or have had issues saving games with .smc files, you might want to explore alternatives or test them carefully. Also, if your interest lies outside SNES titles, you may find no compelling reason to use it.
| Reasons to Download | Reasons to Skip |
|---|---|
| ✅ Smooth and reliable gaming experience | ❌ Noticeable input lag |
| ✅ Easy-to-use interface | ❌ Possible save game issues with .smc files |
| ✅ Supports .smc/.sfc as well as zipped files | |
| ✅ Great controller support | |
| ✅ Available for free |
3. Nintendo 64: M64Plus FZ Emulator (Free)
Price: Free
Why We Recommend It:
The Nintendo 64, the successor to the SNES, was named the machine of the year by Time Magazine in 1996. Selling over 32 million units, it has a solid fanbase and a great library of games. So, if you want the best emulator for Android to play N64 games, the M64 Plus FZ is your friend. Weird naming aside, it supports all the necessary cores and plugins, and you don’t need to download anything.
Who Should Download It:
For those eager to play N64 classics like Ocarina of Time or Mario Kart 64 on Android, M64Plus FZ is a great free pick. It offers plugin flexibility for optimized performance, and the Pro version enables multiplayer gaming. Multiple plugins allow you to optimize your device. The performance is great as you can complete most games, and it receives regular updates, too
Who Shouldn’t Download It:
If you only want to play a couple of simple N64 games casually, M64Plus FZ might be overkill. It’s not ideal for casual gamers who don’t want to deal with optional configuration. For example, very few of the emulator’s graphics plugins work on every device, and some advanced titles requiring the Expansion Pak (like Majora’s Mask) may have glitches or won’t run at all. The free version includes ads and lacks online multiplayer support.
| Reasons to Download | Reasons to Skip |
|---|---|
| ✅ Comes with all the cores and plugins | ❌ All games don’t work |
| ✅ Regular updates and good performance | ❌ Netplay server only in the Pro version |
| ✅ Fewer ads compared to other emulators in the free version | ❌ All video plugins don’t work with every device |
| ✅ Timely updates and good performance | ❌ Issues with games requiring Expansion Pak files |
| ✅ Free version also available | ❌ Emulator collects data in the background |
4. Game Boy Color/Advance Emulator: MyBoy! (Free)
Price: Free/$4.99
Why We Recommend It:
Wish to play Mario Kart or the classic Pac-Man collection? The Game Boy Color/Advance remains one of the most beloved handheld consoles of all time. My Boy! is the best Game Boy Advance emulator for Android available in both free and paid versions. It has all the bells and whistles, such as fast-forward, save/load, controller support, and cheat code functionality.
Who Should Download It:
GBA enthusiasts who want premium features, including link‑cable support (very rare in mobile emulators) and visual enhancements, will find excellent value in MyBoy! Especially if you’re willing to pay the modest upgrade fee.
Who Shouldn’t Download It:
Casual users who just want to play a few GBA games might find MyBoy!’s free version limiting. For instance, the free edition displays ads during saves/loading and does not carry over save data to the paid version. If you are unwilling to pay or put up with ads, there are simpler free emulators (like John GBA or Pizza Boy) that may suffice.
| Reasons to Download | Reasons to Skip |
|---|---|
| ✅ Smooth performance | ❌ No compatibility for saved games between free and paid versions |
| ✅ Compatible with a wide range of devices | ❌ Advanced features are limited to the paid version |
| ✅ Link cable emulation | |
| ✅ Video filters support | |
| ✅ Fast forward, save, and cloud sync support |
5. Nintendo DS Emulator: DraStic DS (Free)
Price: Free
Why We Recommend It:
DraStic DS remains one of the best Android emulators for playing Nintendo DS games. It offers excellent game compatibility and on-screen controls that are crucial for a handheld with dual screens. You can also increase the resolution of the games for better graphics.
Who Should Download It:
If you’re a fan of dual-screen DS games and want near-PC-level performance, DraStic is ideal. It’s great for players who grew up with DS franchises (Pokémon, Zelda, Mario) and who want to play them on Android with enhanced features. Casual gamers without the latest hardware will still find DraStic performant, since it was built to run well on modest devices
Who Shouldn’t Download It:
If you’re not comfortable sideloading APKs, you may want to avoid it. The developer has taken down the app from the Play Store due to Google’s policy requiring the personal information of developers. However, it can be downloaded from other reputable sources. Additionally, since development has stopped, newer devices may see fewer updates. If all you want is a plug-and-play experience on your phone, a simpler DS emulator or RetroArch might be a better fit.
| Reasons to Download | Reasons to Skip |
|---|---|
| ✅ Amazing game compatibility | ❌ Development discontinued |
| ✅ On-screen controls support | ❌ No longer available on Google Play Store |
| ✅ Higher resolution and cheat support |
6. PlayStation 1: Duckstation (Free)
Price: Free
Why We Recommend It:
Sony’s 1st console, the PlayStation 1, set the stage for the new era of gaming. The debut of titles like Tomb Raider, Spiderman, and Metal Gear Solid changed the gaming industry significantly. DuckStation is one of the best Android emulators for PS1 if you want to get nostalgic and replay those titles. It is compatible with the vast majority of games, and the best part? It’s completely free and open source.
Who Should Download It:
DuckStation is perfect for PS1 fans who want to replay classics with modern upgrades. If you own an Android phone or tablet and long to revisit your favorite PS1 titles in widescreen or HD, this is the emulator to get. Because it supports Bluetooth controllers and gamepads seamlessly, it suits gamers who prefer not to use on-screen controls. Its open-source nature and active development mean bugs are swiftly fixed, so you can rely on it for a smooth gaming experience. In summary, if you love 90s PlayStation games and want the best possible performance and graphics on Android, DuckStation fits the bill
Who Shouldn’t Download It:
DuckStation does have a couple of caveats. Firstly, it requires that you provide your own PS1 BIOS file (for legal reasons), so novices who don’t know how to obtain one legally will be stuck. Also, on older 32-bit devices, it may not run as well — the app is optimized for 64-bit Android (Android 5.0+), and very old phones might see slowdownsCasual gamers who only want to play a single PS1 game might find this setup more involved than necessary. If you’re not willing to fuss with BIOS files or if your hardware is very limited, you may want to use a simpler PS1 emulator with fewer requirements.
| Reasons to Download | Reasons to Skip |
|---|---|
| ✅ Easy-to-use interface | ❌ Requires user-provided PS1 bios files |
| ✅ Completely free with no advertisements | ❌ Performance is not optimal on 32-bit ARM devices |
| ✅ Compatible with a wide range of games | |
| ✅ Touchscreen controls support, and achievements | |
| ✅ Plenty of features, including the ability to save and multiple controller support |
7. PlayStation 2: NetherSX2 (Free)
Price: Free
Why We Recommend It:
NetherSX2 continues the legacy of AetherSX2, one of the best PS2 emulators on Android. With the latter getting discontinued, Nether is an amazing alternative that works best on Adreno GPUs and Mali ones. There are many options available to get the optimal performance, and you can also use pre-patched versions for easier installation.
Who Should Download It:
NetherSX2 is aimed at dedicated PS2 gamers on high-end Android devices. If you have a recent flagship phone or tablet and want to play PS2 games like God of War, Persona 4, or Shadow of the Colossus, this emulator is for you.If you like tuning performance vs. quality, NetherSX2’s myriad options let you optimize each game. Fans of networked gaming will also appreciate the pre-patched “NetherSX2 Classic” version, which includes a netplay plugin.
Who Shouldn’t Download It
If you’re looking for a plug-and-play PS2 solution, NetherSX2 may be too complicated. It is not on the Google Play Store, so you must sideload it from its GitHub or website. Also, it requires Android 8.0+ on a 64-bit processor; older or 32-bit devices will be incompatible. Since it’s effectively an independent fork with no official support, it may still have bugs
| Reasons to Download | Reasons to Skip |
|---|---|
| ✅ Fork of the Aether SX2 | ❌ No longer supported by the developer; needs to be sideloaded |
| ✅ Widescreen compatibility and upscaling options | ❌ Requires a 64-bit processor and Android 8.0 |
| ✅ Plenty of performance options | |
| ✅ Pre-patched version available | |
| ✅ Compatible with Adreno as well as Mali GPUs |
8. PlayStation Portable [PSSP] (Free)
Price: Free
Why We Recommend It:
The PlayStation Portable was the first handheld in the PlayStation lineup and sold over 80 million units. With popular titles like God of War: Ghost of Sparta and GTA Vice City Stories, owning it was every child’s dream. PPSSPP lets you relive the experience on your mobile devices with support for upscaled textures and HD graphics.
Who Should Download It:
This emulator is tailored for handheld gamers who want to replay PSP titles with maximum visual quality. If you have a moderately powerful Android phone or tablet, you can run demanding PSP games like Persona 3 Portable or Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories with better graphics than the original.PPSSPP is cross-platform, so it’s also safe for future Android versions. It’s especially useful for large game cartridges – users can enable quick-saving at any point, and switch between touchscreen and external controllers easily.
Who Shouldn’t Download It:
If your Android device is very old or has very limited RAM, PPSSPP may struggle with high-end PSP games. It also requires at least Android 4.1 and ARMv7 or better, so some ancient devices are incompatible. Since this free and open source emulator does not have any built-in games. You will need to get your own PSP games and convert them to .ISO or. CSO.
| Reasons to Download | Reasons to Skip |
|---|---|
| ✅ Compatible with a large number of games | ❌ No additional features in the Gold version |
| ✅ Completely free and open source | ❌The free version has advertisements |
| ✅ Customizable on-screen controls | |
| ✅ Support for hardware controllers | |
| ✅ Enhanced graphics with upscaling and HD texture support |
9. PlayStation 3: RPCS3 (Free)
Price: Free
Why We Recommend It:
RPCS3 is undoubtedly the most popular PS3 emulator out there, and it is finally available on Android. This is the best emulator for Android to play PS3 titles, although it is currently in the experimental stage. With support for USB as well as Bluetooth controllers, including Dualshock 3 and 4, you can have a handheld PS3. There’s automatic controller mapping, so you can spend more time gaming instead of tweaking the settings.
Who Should Download It:
RPCS3 is aimed at enthusiasts with very high-end devices. If you have a flagship Android phone (Android 12 or newer) with a powerful CPU/GPU, and you’re eager to try playing PS3 games like Uncharted or Kingdom Hearts, RPCS3 offers that possibility. It’s best for users who are comfortable with a bit of tinkering. Essentially, it’s recommended for Linux/Android geeks or advanced users who have both the hardware and patience to tackle PS3 emulation.
Who Shouldn’t Download It:
Given that emulating PS3 isn’t an easy task, you need a powerful Android phone running on Android 12 or above. Furthermore, the setup process can be a bit complicated, and it is currently in the alpha stage. Not only are games compatible, but there are some stability issues and bugs. Despite these downsides, RPCS3 is the only viable option for emulating PS3 titles. You can also take a look at the Aps3se, although it only works with a handful of games.
| Reasons to Download | Reasons to Skip |
|---|---|
| ✅ It’s the most popular PS3 emulator out there | ❌ Plenty of stability issues and bugs |
| ✅ Supports Dualshock and USB controllers | ❌ Requires a powerful phone running on Android 12 and above |
| ✅ Actively being developed with continuous updates | ❌ Issues with gamepad overlays and button remapping |
Also Read:
- How to Play Nintendo DS Emulator Games on Chromebook
- Yuzu Switch Emulator: How to Play Nintendo Switch Games on PC
10. Windows: Winlator (Free)
Price: Free
Why We Recommend It:
Want to buy a Steam Deck but don’t have enough money? Well, you can turn your phone into one with Winlator. This best Windows emulator for Android, which lets you play both x86 as well as x64 titles. It is optimized for Adreno GPUs with Turnip drivers and supports keyboard mapping as well as gamepads. Furthermore, you get Vulkan, DirectX 9-12, Unity Engine, and OpenXR, so you can enjoy a vast library of games.
Who Should Download It:
Android power users who want to play Windows games without buying a PC should try Winlator. If you have a high-end phone or tablet (ARM64, 6GB+ RAM) and are a fan of PC gaming, this is your best bet for running Windows titles. It’s especially good if you want to play older PC games or indie titles that have no mobile ports. Winlator also works for productivity: for example, people could run Windows apps (Word, Excel, etc.) on Android through it
Who Shouldn’t Download It:
Winlator is not beginner-friendly. Its installation and configuration can be complex: you may need to create containers, adjust resolution, choose Vulkan drivers, and allocate memory manually. Moreover, you need a powerful device with a flagship processor and plenty of RAM for the best experience. It’s not compatible with all games, and the setup process can be a bit tricky.
| Reasons to Download | Reasons to Skip |
|---|---|
| ✅ You can play most Windows games natively | ❌ The setup process is complex |
| ✅ Optimized for Snapdragon devices with Turnip drivers | ❌ Requires a powerful device with good RAM and storage capacity |
| ✅ Support for Vulkan and gamepads | ❌ Long loading times and issues with mouse/keyboard input |
| ✅ Plenty of performance tweaks, including resolution scaling, MIDI, and configurations | |
| ✅ It’s full-fledged Windows, so you can even run Steam and Epic Games |
11. GameCube/Wii: Dolphin Emulator (Free)
Price: Free
Why We Recommend It:
Dolphin is a two-in-one emulator that lets you play GameCube and Wii games on your device. There are plenty of options for customizing the graphics, and it only works with 64-bit devices. It also works with Android TVs, such as Nvidia Shield TV devices. It’s capable of playing nearly the entire GameCube/Wii library on supported devices, with advanced graphics options like HD resolution, anti-aliasing, and anisotropic filtering to improve visual quality. Unique to Wii emulation, Dolphin can emulate the Wiimote and Nunchuck (motion controls), and it even offers online multiplayer for certain games
Who Should Download It:
Fans of Nintendo’s home consoles will love Dolphin. If you have a 64-bit Android device (and ideally a gamepad), you can enjoy titles like The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. Android TV owners will appreciate the official support for big-screen play. Because Dolphin is open source and regularly updated, it benefits from the latest performance tweaks and bug fixes. This emulator is recommended for anyone who wants the best GameCube/Wii experience on Android
Who Shouldn’t Download It:
Dolphin can be very demanding on hardware. It only runs on 64-bit Android, so older phones won’t work. If you have a low-end device or very limited RAM, many games will lag or not run at all. Additionally, the motion control emulation for Wii titles (Wiimote) is still imperfect on Android; gamers expecting a perfect Wii experience may be disappointed. Lastly, if you only care about 2D or handheld games, the complexity of Dolphin isn’t needed
| Reasons to Download | Reasons to Skip |
|---|---|
| ✅ Amazing compatibility with both Gamecube and Wii games | ❌ Demanding hardware requirements |
| ✅ Enhanced graphics for a better gameplay experience | ❌ The motion controller support is a bit inconsistent |
| ✅ Actively supported with updates and bug fixes | |
| ✅ Free and open source |
12. All-in-One Emulator for Classic Games: Retroarch (Free)
Price: Free
Why We Recommend It:
If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of installing multiple emulators, RetroArch can be the one you are looking for. Available in multiple versions, there is a difference between the version on the Play Store compared to the one on the website. Since it uses a modular system of cores, the Play Store version offers a maximum of 50 cores, while the website version has core-downloader, considered the full-fledged version.
Who Should Download It:
RetroArch is ideal for retro gaming enthusiasts who like variety. If you enjoy NES, SNES, Atari, Game Boy, PS1, or Dreamcast games and don’t want to install separate apps for each, RetroArch is perfect. It’s also great for people who appreciate tweaking; for example, you can apply scanline shaders for an authentic look or use the rewind feature during tough platforming sections. Since it’s cross-platform, you can keep your settings synced and cores on multiple devices.
Who Shouldn’t Download It:
RetroArch can be complex to set up, so it’s not for everyone. The need to install and configure individual cores means there’s a learning curve; newcomers may find this intimidating. The Play Store version is also limited to about 50 cores, so if you want access to niche systems (like some obscure consoles), you’d need the desktop version. Additionally, RetroArch’s interface and menu system can feel dated
| Reasons to Download | Reasons to Skip |
|---|---|
| ✅ No DRM, ads, and fully open source | ❌ Complex setup and configuration |
| ✅ One emulator for multiple consoles | ❌ Dated user interface |
| ✅ Online multiplayer support | ❌ Limited number of cores on the Play Store version |
| ✅ Rewind feature, Shaders support | |
| ✅ Customizable onscreen controls | |
| ✅ Support for Bluetooth and USB Gamepad | |
| ✅ Cross-platform compatibility |
13. Nintendo Switch: Sudachi (Free)
Price: Free
Why We Recommend It:
The Nintendo Switch is one of the hottest-selling handheld consoles of all time. From games like Breath of the Wild to Animal Crossing, some amazing titles are exclusive to Nintendo’s console. Now you don’t need to own a Switch to enjoy these games by installing Sudachi. It is one of the first Nintendo Switch emulators available on Android and is already showing promise. Apart from the touch controls, you can use external controllers and save/load the game. There are also graphics and performance settings based on the device’s capabilities
Who Should Download It:
Enthusiasts with the latest Android hardware should consider Sudachi. If you own a high-end phone or tablet and want to experiment with Switch games like Celeste or Shovel Knight on mobile, Sudachi provides that opportunity. It’s best for people who are comfortable dealing with alpha software and want the cutting-edge experience of Switch emulation
Who Shouldn’t Download It
Sudachi is still very immature, so it’s not for the average user yet. Many Switch games won’t run or will have major bugs. It requires a very powerful device (new Snapdragon or equivalent with Vulkan support). If your phone isn’t top-of-the-line, or if you prefer a stable experience, you should skip it for now. Also, people without a need to play the latest AAA Switch titles (which Sudachi doesn’t yet handle) will find it lacking
| Reasons to Download | Reasons to Skip |
|---|---|
| ✅ Completely free and open source | ❌ Still in early development, with plenty of bugs and issues |
| ✅ Timely updates for bug fixes and improvements | ❌ High hardware requirements, needs a phone with a high-end processor and RAM |
| ✅ One of the best Nintendo Switch emulators for Android | ❌ Limited features compared to other emulators |
14. Azahar: Nintendo 3DS (Free)
Price: Free
Why We Recommend It:
Last but not least is Azahar, an open-source emulator for Nintendo 3DS. It is a continuation of the now-discontinued Citra emulator. It is the merger of two Citra forks and aims to become the main platform for Nintendo 3DS emulation on Android. You get plenty of customization options for graphics, controls, and resolution.
Who Should Download It:
3DS gamers who want on-the-go play should look at Azahar. If you have a powerful Android phone and are missing Pokémon X/Y, Animal Crossing: New Leaf, or Luigi’s Mansion on mobile, this is your best bet. It’s especially good for users who already own 3DS ROMs and are comfortable installing apps from the Play Store.
Who Shouldn’t Download It:
If your device is mid-range or older, Azahar might struggle with many games – 3DS emulation is quite demanding. Expect only simpler titles (like 2D or menu-heavy games) to run well on anything less than a top-end phone. Since Azahar is still in early stages, it has glitches and does not support encrypted commercial games by default
| Reasons to Download | Reasons to Skip |
|---|---|
| ✅ Currently in active development and open source | ❌ High hardware requirements |
| ✅ Free to use and available on the Google Play Store | ❌ Does not support encrypted 3DS games by default |
| ✅ Offers all features from Citra and has a wide range of compatibility | ❌ Has minor glitches due to being in early stages |
15. Xanite: Original Xbox/Xbox 360 (Free)
Price: Free
Why We Recommend It:
If you have been itching to play Xbox games on your phone, we have some great news for you. Xanite is the first Xbox emulator for Android that lets you not only play original Xbox games but also Xbox 360 ones. Although it’s currently in the “proof of concept” stage, it’s a powerful showcase of what Android phones are capable of. This open-source emulator can automatically optimize based on your hardware. It means that the games you can play depend on your hardware and available storage space. Support for Vulkan and DirectX 11/12 ensures better graphical fidelity and smoother gameplay in compatible titles like Halo: Combat Evolved and Forza Motorsport 2.
Who Should Download It:
Xanite is best suited for power users and Xbox nostalgia fans who want to relive their favorite titles from the original Xbox and Xbox 360 eras. If you have a high-end Android device (think gaming phones or recent Galaxy and Pixel flagships), you’ll benefit from Xanite’s optimizations and graphical enhancements.
Who Shouldn’t Download It:
This emulator is not recommended for casual gamers or users with mid-range or older Android devices. Xanite is still under heavy development, and performance can be inconsistent across different titles and hardware configurations. Also, you need a powerful CPU as Snapdragon 888 or higher, with 8GB of RAM for the best experience. It also works on Android 10 and above, so aging phones aren’t supported.
| Reasons to Download | Reasons to Skip |
|---|---|
| ✅ Only Xbox emulator available for Android | ❌ Still in developmental stage |
| ✅ It can emulate original Xbox and Xbox 360 titles | ❌ Requires powerful hardware with a flagship processor |
| ✅ Offers all features from Citra and has a wide range of compatibility | |
| ✅ Free and open soure emulator |
Table Comparison of Android Emulators
| Name | Console Emulated | Features | Price | Download Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NES.emu | Nintendo NES | Fast-forward, save/load games, Bluetooth/USB controller and keyboard support, Zapper/Gun support, customizable touch controls, cheat engine | $3.99 | Download NES.emu |
| Snes9x EX+ | Super Nintendo (SNES) | Supports.smc/.sfc and zipped files (.zip,.rar,.7z), Bluetooth and USB gamepad support, on-screen controls, low audio and video latency | Free | Download SNES9x EX+ |
| M64Plus FZ Emulator | Nintendo 64 | Comes with all cores and plugins, netplay (Pro version), and multiple plugin support for performance optimization | Free (Pro version available) | Download M64Plus FZ Emulator |
| MyBoy! | Game Boy Color/Advance | Fast-forward, save/load, controller support, cheat code functionality, link cable emulation, customizable on-screen controls, video filters, cloud sync (paid version) | Free / $4.99 | Download MyBoy! |
| DraStic DS | Nintendo DS | Great game compatibility, on-screen controls support, higher resolution, and cheat support | Free | Download DraStic DS |
| DuckStation | PlayStation 1 (PS1) | Wide game compatibility, free and open source, OpenGL and Vulkan rendering, upscaling, texture filtering, widescreen, PGXP, up to eight controller support, RetroAchievements, save games with screenshot previews | Free | Download DuckStation |
| NetherSX2 | PlayStation 2 (PS2) | Fork of AetherSX2, widescreen compatibility, upscaling options, plenty of performance options, pre-patched version available, compatible with Adreno and Mali GPUs | Free | Download NetherSX2 |
| PPSSPP | PlayStation Portable (PSP) | Upscaled textures and HD graphics, post-processed shaders, save states, on-screen controls, hardware controller support, turbo/speed | Free (Gold version available) | Download PPSSPP |
| RPCS3 | PlayStation 3 (PS3) | Supports USB and Bluetooth controllers (including Dualshock 3 and 4), automatic controller mapping | Free | Download RPCS3 |
| Winlator | Windows (x86 and x64 titles) | Optimized for Adreno GPUs with Turnip drivers, keyboard mapping, gamepad support, Vulkan, DirectX 9-12, Unity Engine, OpenXR, multiple profiles, landscape and portrait orientations | Free | Download Winlator |
| Dolphin Emulator | GameCube/Wii | Graphics customization options, works with 64-bit devices and Android TVs, supports a vast library of games in HD, save/load, touchscreen control support, Bluetooth and USB gamepad support, Nunchuck and Wiimote emulation, online multiplayer (select titles), cheats | Free | Download Dolphin Emulator |
| Retroarch | Multiple retro consoles (NES, SNES, N64, GBC/GBA, PS1, PSP, Sega Genesis, Dreamcast, Atari) | Modular system of cores, online multiplayer support, rewind feature, shaders support, customizable onscreen controls, Bluetooth and USB gamepad support, cross-platform compatibility | Free | Download Retroarch Emulator |
| Sudachi | Nintendo Switch | Touch controls, external controller support, save/load, graphics, and performance settings | Free | Download Sudachi Emulator |
| Azahar | Nintendo 3DS | Customization options for graphics, controls, and resolution, compatible with a wide range of Bluetooth controllers, disable right-eye rendering for improved frames | Free | Download Azahar |
| Xanite | Xbox/Xbox 360 | Auto detects GPU/CPU to optimize settings Manual scaling options for low-end devices | Free | Download Xanite |
