Android can emulate almost every console from the NES to the PS2 and Wii. The hard part is knowing which emulator to use, because many projects have stopped and copycats fill the store. Here’s our pick for each console: all are free (or have a free version), safe and actively used in 2026.
Quick list
| Console | Best emulator | Also good |
|---|---|---|
| PSP | PPSSPP | – |
| PS2 | ARMSX2 | NetherSX2 |
| PS1 | RetroArch (Beetle PSX / SwanStation) | ePSXe (paid) |
| GameCube / Wii | Dolphin | – |
| 3DS | Azahar | – |
| Nintendo DS | melonDS | DraStic (paid) |
| N64 | Mupen64Plus FZ | RetroArch |
| GBA / GB / GBC | Pizza Boy or Lemuroid | RetroArch |
| NES, SNES, Genesis, arcade | Lemuroid (easy) or RetroArch | MAME4droid (arcade) |
| Dreamcast | Redream | Flycast |
| PS Vita | Vita3K | – |
Our picks, one by one
PPSSPP
PSP · Free + Gold
The best emulator on Android, full stop. Runs nearly the whole PSP library, even on budget phones, with upscaling and controller support.
ARMSX2
PS2 · Free
A PS2 emulator built on the AetherSX2 / PCSX2 code. Needs a good phone, but runs many PS2 classics well.
Dolphin
GameCube & Wii · Free
The official Android version of the famous PC emulator. Mid-range and better phones handle many GameCube games.
RetroArch
Everything retro · Free
One app with “cores” for dozens of consoles, including PS1. Powerful but takes some setup.
Lemuroid
Retro all-in-one · Free
The easiest way to play NES, SNES, Genesis, GBA, PS1 and more: pick a folder and your games show up. No ads.
Azahar
3DS · Free
The project that carries on Citra’s work after Citra stopped in 2024. The 3DS emulator to use now.
melonDS
Nintendo DS · Free
Accurate DS emulation with a good layout for the two screens. DraStic is a fast paid alternative.
Mupen64Plus FZ
N64 · Free
The go-to N64 emulator on Android, with several graphics plugins to fix tricky games.
Redream
Dreamcast · Free + Premium
Very easy to use and runs Dreamcast games smoothly. Premium unlocks upscaling.
Vita3K
PS Vita · Free
Still early, but a growing list of Vita games is playable on strong phones.
Search results are full of apps with names like “PS2 Emulator Pro” or “PSP Gold 2026” that only show ads. Download emulators from their official websites, GitHub pages, or the developer’s Play Store listing. See how to check an APK is safe.
Tips for any emulator
- Use a controller. Touch controls work, but a controller makes most games much better.
- BIOS files: PS1, PS2 and some others need a BIOS from the real console. For PS2, see how to dump your BIOS.
- Compress your games to save space: ISO to CSO or CHD.
- Keep your phone cool for heavy consoles like PS2, GameCube and 3DS.
On iPhone? See our list of the best emulators for iPhone.
FAQ
What is the best emulator for Android?
It depends on the console. PPSSPP is the best for PSP, ARMSX2 for PS2, Dolphin for GameCube and Wii, and Lemuroid or RetroArch for older consoles.
Are emulators legal on Android?
Yes. Emulators are legal. Downloading copyrighted games or BIOS files you don’t own is not, so use dumps of games and consoles you own.
Can Android run Nintendo Switch games?
The main Switch emulators were shut down in 2024. Some forks exist, but they change often and need very powerful phones, so we don’t recommend one here.
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