How to Play SNES Games on Android

As an experienced gamer, you probably know that playing retro console games on a PC has been possible for quite some time. Simply download an emulator and ROM files of your favorite retro game, and voila! You can experience classics like Mario, Zelda, Kirby, or Pokémon. But, what about those who prefer the ease and portability of Android gadgets to massive laptops and desktops? They can play old games on their Androids, too. Moreover, Android has even created a special platform for retrogamers craving to relive the nostalgic of legendary games.

When we’re talking game nostalgia, we’re talking Nintendo. In many—if not most—cases, those who want to play retro games want to play SNES (Super Nintendo Entertainment System) classic games. Just like those using a PC, Android users need an emulator and SNES games to start playing old games on their devices. Still, the procedure of installing an emulator and games can be a bit tricky for users who never dealt with similar stuff before. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with our short tutorial on how to perform the installation of the required software to start enjoying SNES classics on Android.

Getting the Necessary Software: Emulator

There is some good news for players that like to use reliable official sources for downloading various types of software (which should be every user who wants to avoid exploits and malware). For such users, Google offers emulators for such popular consoles as Game Boy, and Game Boy Advance, as well as the original SNES system.

If you are not satisfied with the selection of emulators on Google Play, you are free to take advantage of other third-party website. Just do so with extreme caution. We strongly recommend that you check the feedback on the source you plan on using. Pay attention to sites like DopeRomes, RomsMania, RomsMode, or EmuParadise. All of the listed sources have a strong reputation and enjoy wide popularity among gamers. So, if you don’t want to worry about your computer’s safety, as well as the quality of the downloaded product, try using reputable sites only.

Getting the Necessary Software: Game Files (ROMs)

The next thing you will need to download after installing your emulator is the SNES games, or ROM files. The images of the SNES games also can be found online (once again, download them only from reliable sources!) When searching for the ROMs, pay attention only to those compatible with your emulator. You can download great SNES ROMs here.

Search for “SNES ROMs” on the Internet. Once presented with the results, go to the trustworthy site and download the desired ROMs from there.
On the website, select the ROM file you want to download from the general list of available ROMs. You can scroll down the list to find what you’re looking for. When you are ready to download the game, tap on it. You will be able to find the downloaded file in your Downloads folder.

Getting the Necessary BIOS file

Next, search for the appropriate BIOS for your Android emulator. There are also plenty of options on the Internet.

Search the web for SNES BIOS. From a reputable website, select the appropriate file and tap on it. Shortly afterwards, it will appear in your Downloads folder.

Start Playing SNES Games

Now you are ready to launch your new emulator (just tap its icon to do it). When your program asks for the BIOS file, make sure to locate and tap it.

Be ready for performing the same operation twice, since some emulators may not identify the BIOS correctlty the first time.
Fire up your favorite SNES game and knock yourself out!