SNES games are not easy to come by for various reasons, but if you're looking for a dose of SNES nostalgia on the go, check out any of these SNES emulators for Android.
Best for NES and SNES: John NESS
![John NESS is one of the most popular Android SNES emulators on the market.](https://www.lifewire.com/thmb/qwaXr4A7xyFFNhEstnAM3EeHaTc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/JohnNESSAndorid-970877038472444b90ab34deb89e4aa0.jpg)
APK Pure
Two-for-one emulation.
There is a free version of the emulator.
You can only get rid of ads by paying a fee.
John NESS combines NES and SNES emulators from the well-known emulation company John Emulators. If you've ever tried emulation before, you might be familiar with some of their previous software options: John NES and John SNES. If so, you'll be pleased to know the same level of quality is present even with this two-for-one app.
John NESS includes advanced features like cloud saves, custom digital buttons, cheat codes, and fast forward and slow down buttons. Alongside RetroArch, John NESS is one of Android's most acclaimed emulation options.
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Best Feature-Packed SNES Emulator: SuperRetro16
![SuperRetro16 has been around nearly as long as emulation has.](https://www.lifewire.com/thmb/1xRw6CwP6CEXLEIMZFUK7tgugvg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SuperRetro16-81c168347be942ffa850a4fd57e011f7.jpg)
More features than there are coins in Mario.
Cloud saves to backup data.
The emulator has been unreliable in the past and has been removed from the Play Store.
SuperRetro16 is free to download but has in-app purchases (including the ability to pay for an ad-free version.) Feature-wise, it's one of the most packed options on the Google Play Store, with graphical enhancements that make games run more smoothly and cloud saves, providing a reliable way to back up your data.
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Best All-Around & Cross-Platform Emulator: RetroArch
![RetroArch is the best option for SNES emulation on the Android.](https://www.lifewire.com/thmb/ILiCKTVc2XEPqYcsH-lyIFbxpEc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/RetroArchAndroid-43fbbf4a46c341dbba76bf08939984de.jpg)
RetroArch
Cross-platform support.
Open-source.
Built-in streaming capabilities.
The emulator can be tough to learn due to its many options.
RetroArch is one of the biggest names in emulation, and for good reason. The platform is open source, which means dozens of enthusiasts and coders have worked to make its emulation as accurate as possible. It also has cross-platform support, so you can start playing a game at one place, stop and save, then pick up elsewhere.
There's built-in controller support, plus RetroArch can record and stream gameplay to services like Twitch and YouTube.
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Best Emulator With a Classic Feel: Snes9X EX+
![SNES9x EX+ brings old-school gaming to Android devices on the go.](https://www.lifewire.com/thmb/xckac5ljCEer6Fo52hkEaI3LoMQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SNES9XAndroid-12644ac333fd483fa17813bfd736e42f.jpg)
SNES9x EX+
No in-app purchases.
Supports most emulation file types.
The on-screen game pad leaves something to be desired.
Snes9x EX+ has been around since the early days of emulation. Like RetroArch, it's open source and free to use. There are also no in-app purchases, so you don't have to worry about limited play time or weird microtransactions. It supports gamepads, and most major emulation file types and has decent on-screen controls.
That said, if you can connect a gamepad to it, the on-screen pad can take some getting used to. Snes9x EX+ also has a somewhat old-school look, so this emulator is an excellent option if you want something with a classic feel.
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