Despite being listed as an “Early Access” app, it’s loaded with awesome features like gamepad support, motion controls, and texture filtering. Given it targets single-screen devices, everything you need is either crammed onto a transparent layer or pushed to the right (or bottom) to emulate the second screen. The Nintendo 3DS is an unusual handheld to emulate, due to its two-screen design, but this emulator pulls it off with flying colors. Google Play Citra Emulator (Nintendo 3DS)Ĭitra is an open-source “work in progress” emulator for the Nintendo 3DS, which can play many of your favorite games. The app’s pretty easy to set up and use, though you’ll need your own BIOS, and there are plenty of useful features, like support for gamepads as well as the option to adjust per-game settings. You could use a multi-console emulator, but AetherSX2 is just about the best standalone emulator for PS2 out there. If you’re hankering for PS2 games, then this is the only emulator you need. And if you feel like branching out from your classic video game preferences, our comprehensive list of the best Android games can offer inspiration. Our list of the best PC gaming emulators will tell you all about it.
The upside is that, in most cases, you can play in fullscreen mode.Ĭlassic gamers who can’t get enough of older games can now bring that retro feel to their PCs. You will likely need a wired controller like the PS3 DualShock 3, Xbox 360, or Nintendo Switch Pro. The downside is that you might not have a touchscreen, and emulators may not have the necessary tools to convert mouse and keyboard input. Most modern Chromebooks support Google Play, so you can install Android-based emulators as you would on any other Android device. Some emulators will also require you to provide the BIOS, which can also be illegal unless you also own the console. Collecting games you don’t own is considered piracy. For instance, you can get in legal hot water if a copy of Super Mario 64 is discovered on your PC and you don’t own a Nintendo 64 console or a copy of the game.ĭownloading or offloading a game you currently own isn’t a problem - just don’t distribute it.
However, ROMs pulled from game cartridges and discs are illegal to obtain if you don’t own a physical copy. Emulators are legal to download and use, but you should exercise caution with games. There’s a lot of abandonware readily available, so you can often find public domain games to play without legal worry.