Best Emulators For Android And PC For Gaming

There are thousands of emulators for Android. They can solve all kinds of complications, trivia and even the need to use the Android system on different devices, or even simulate applications and games on your Android. Thinking about it, I created a list of the best emulators for Android and different categories: games, PC and even Android Auto.

Also Read:

Android emulators Games

To play certain games on a smartphone or Android tablet is necessary to use an emulator. This type of application is mostly free but there are paid alternatives too. So far so good, the question is: where is the limit for this type of application with the legality?

To better understand this, consider the difference between having a DVD recorder, which shows no violation of the law, and create a play through it. So have an emulator games for Android, it is not illegal, but violates the rights of authorship of a title, playing contents and benefiting through it can bring several consequences.

Most Android mobile devices are suitable for emulators and retro games in general / © EnTech

Therefore, this article does not provide information on how to operate the ROMs (games) or how to make them work with the help of emulators. What we want is to provide information on some of the best emulators for Android.

1. Android emulators for games: NES

NES emulator
If you had a NES during your childhood, this emulator will bring you good memories and will rediscover this universe. You can find 64 of the most famous games, and the icing on the cake is that you can compete against other players in multiplayer mode via Bluetooth or WiFi.

The best of this application is not that it allows you to open the game ROMs, but is completely free! Unfortunately, the NES emulator does not work on all devices - could not turn it on or in a Galaxy S6 and not in a Xperia Z5. Perhaps a corrective update is necessary, but with Huawei P8 had no problem.

App Version: 2.8.1
App Size: 2.74 MB
App compatibility: Android 1.5 or higher
Price: Free


NES.emu
The NES.emu is a complete emulator, it emulates a control providing a discrete command of the screen. The application can be found in the free version. In fact, there is a paid version that you can buy and help the developer of this excellent app. All Android devices are compatible with this application.

App Version: 5.1.28
App Size: 1.10 MB
app compatibility: Android 2.3 or higher
Price: Free or paid (R $ 10.16)

NES.emu Free Install on Google Play

2. Android emulators for games: Atari

Hataroid
Hataroid is a retro emulator rather than the old. This application works well, it is stable, easy to use and perfectly emulates the original content of the Atari St, STE and Falcon. You must have a BIOS (TOS Atari) to operate the ROMs.

You can view a QWERTY keyboard and a mouse when desired. A "must have" for those who had the pleasure of meeting the Atari.

App version: 1,608
App Size: 6.1 MB
App compatibility: Android 2.3 or higher
Price: Free

Hataroid (Atari ST Emulator) Install on Google Play

3. Android emulators for games: PlayStation

FPSE the Android
Of all the emulators of PlayStation to Android, FPse is the best. The FPse is paid, but very worth it. After all, we focus on presenting this list the best emulators for Android. But back to the point, the resolution of the game is in HD and if we take into account the possibilities and the number of games you can play, the price does not seem an impediment.

The controls are clean, but to be honest, nothing beats a good original PlayStation control via Bluetooth. In a tablet this emulator is almost equal to the original.

App Version: 01.11.175
App Size: 3.9 MB
App compatibility: Android 2.1 or higher
Price: R $ 8.60

FPSE para o Android Install on Google Play

ePSXe para Android
As the name suggests, with this emulator makes it possible to play PlayStation 1 games on your Android device. The high stability of ePSXe takes advantage of the higher yield of the games of this generation and in addition, the application is compatible with other types of control such as the Xbox.

App Version: 2.0.1
App Size: 4MB
App compatibility: Android 2.2+
Price: R $ 8.60

ePSXe for Android Install on Google Play

PPSSPP
This is a free alternative to FPse. The application is compatible with most games, however, it depends on the fluidity of the system. The setting is good enough to reduce the need for performance: graphics, audio, orders, networks and systems can be optimized according to your preferences.

You can also access several demos very easily.

App Version: 1.2.1.0
App Size: 23.3 MB
App compatibility: Android 2.3 or higher
Price: Free

PPSSPP - PSP emulator Install on Google Play

4. Android emulators for gaming: Nintendo 64

Mega N64
Mega N64 is an emulator for Nintendo games console 64. The app's interface is very simple, you can get your game in the directory, set the access (controls, video and audio) or simply change the application language.

The graphics are very good and nostalgic for lovers of N64, that with this emulator will be able to enjoy a return to the time.

App version: 5.0
App Size: 13MB
App compatibility: Android 2.0 or higher
Price: Free

MegaN64 (N64 Emulator) Install on Google Play

5. Android emulators for games: Multiplatform

Retroarch
RetroArch is an emulator of almost everything: Xbox 1, Xbox 360, Nintendo (NES, SNES, Game Boy Color, etc.) Sega Master System, Saturn, Play Station and others. The application can also be used to control, such as Sony DualShock or Xbox 1 and Xbox 360.

The Retroarch is clearly one of the most complete emulators for Android. If you are a professional, RetroArch is requested for you, but if you are a regular user looking for quick and simple games, it is better to use any of the other emulators mentioned.

App Version: 1.2.1.0
App Size: 23.3 MB
App compatibility: Android 2.3 or higher
Price: Free


6. Android emulators for games: DOS

Magic Dosbox Free
For those who have had the pleasure to play in DOS before Windows system, the possibility of emulating games like Prince of Persia 1 or Risky Woods is simply amazing. Magic DosBox simulates the DOS environment and play the good old games of the 90s.

You can put a game at a time with the free version, but if you want to play several games you can buy a premium version.

App Version: 1.0.35
App Size: 10.1 MB
App compatibility: Android 2.2+
Price: Free or Premium (R $ 12.99)

Magic Dosbox Free Install on Google Play

7. Android emulators for games: Game Boy Advance

My Boy! Free - GBA Emulator
The Game Boy Advance was able to launch great games in their glory days as Legend of Zelda: Minish Cap, Fire Emblem, Final Fantasy Tactics Advance, Super Mario Advance 3: Yoshi's Island. These past jewelry can be installed on an Android smartphone or tablet thanks to My Boy! Free - GBA Emulator.

This application comes, above all, with numerous extras such as the ability to increase or decrease the speed of the game.

App Version: 1.7.0.2
App Size: 2.1 MB
App compatibility: Android 2.3 or higher
Price: Free

My Boy! Free - GBA Emulator Install on Google Play

Usually the applications listed above are compatible with joysticks and gamepads, unfortunately not had the opportunity to test them. If you tested, tell us your experience in comments.

Android emulators for PC

Who want to use typical applications of the Android system, for example, WhatsApp, on the computer, we have a variety of emulators Android available for download. Listed below are the best options for you.

BlueStacks
The emulator for Android, BlueStacks has existed for some years, and began as a manufacturer of AMD project. As the base system can be used both Windows and Chrome OS. With its Android app, you can use your smartphone applications on the PC.

In other words, you are given a command to BlueStacks on your computer so that it makes available certain application. Then this app can be used in its own window as a native Windows program / Chrome OS.


Andy
Andy works as BlueStacks used to work: it brings a complete virtual Android tablet to your computer screen instead of focusing on the activation of individual applications.

One of the most interesting features of the Andy is the ability to use the smartphone as a gamepad electronic games. This Android emulator is available for Windows and Mac OS and is updated frequently in order to have continuous access to the new features of Android.


Mobizen
The Mobizen works very similar to the way Andy, and with it you can still make file transfers and media, control the device with a mouse and typing up using the computer keyboard. The member of our community Pedro Lucas has prepared a very thorough tutorial explaining how to install this emulator:


AMIDuOS
The AMI Duos  promises that you can use Android on your PC as if it was always from the native operating system. Without having to restart the computer, you can switch the system between Windows and Android fluidly. But attention, it only works if your computer has the Intel CPU .

Unlike other emulators, the AMIDuOS is not free. After a 30 - day trial, the developer company American Megatrends charges the unique value between 10 euros and 15 euros, depending on your version of Android. The emulator is only available for versions Lollipop and Jelly Bean Android.


Android-x86
If you are an advanced user, often a normal emulator does not meet your needs. But do not fret, for this there is the Android-x86. This is a community project Open Source that allows Android installation as a native operating system on the computer. Not long ago, the developers have released a stable version of KitKat PC.


Head Unit emulators for app developers for Android Auto

Android Auto is undoubtedly a proposal for the future, but it seems that the future seems far away. But the problem is that to run the Android Auto need to have a Head Unit . These are few and costly, thereby making developers lose interest in developing apps for the system.

But their problems are over! Google gave a helping hand and launched an emulator Head Unit for PC. Google DHU.

Test Android Auto in your computer. / © Android Developers Blog

The Head Unit is the brain of Android Auto. The system runs on it and not on the smartphone as many think. The smartphone can be considered only the interface between the user and Android Auto, which is installed in the Head Unit .

But, unfortunately, at the moment are only mass-produced two types of them: the embargoed by manufacturers in cars and separate sold to famous brands like Pioneer and JVC, but the problem is that in both cases the developer would have to shell out good money either buying a new car or a complete sound system running Android Auto.

Moreover, until the SDK provided by Google only emulated basic system functions without being connected to the smartphone.

I was thinking of this difficulty that Google launched Google DHU. It turns any computer into a Head Unit, just the developer to connect the phone to the computer that the app installed on your phone will recognize the PC as such.

The Desk Head Unit (DHU) operates as if it were a unit of real Android Auto installed in a car. All screen buttons and functions will operate normally and the interaction between it and a smartphone is virtually indistinguishable.

The buttons are touch sensitive, accepts voice commands through the PC microphone, simulating day and night, has commands pre-installed voices, takes screenshots, plays media files, and so on. It developers can test their applications in an environment that is exactly like the real.

How to install or Google DHU
To install the DHU, check out our introduction page for installation instructions. It can run on Windows, Mac and Linux, but some libraries and additional components may be necessary. Also take a look at the DHU documentation page for tips and tricks on how to use it.

Now, if you want an idea of how the Android Auto and test work on your car, just by connecting your smartphone to your common sound system, try AutoMate app , it simulates the Android Auto on any smartphone.

So, what did you think of our selection of emulators Android? Got what you needed? Comment here.


Credits to: AndroidPit