The current version can run 12 different systems, but the one that started it all was the SNES. Higan is the product of one of the big players in the field of emulation, byuu. If you’ve got the gaming budget, this is one of the best SNES emulators for the experience and look alone. But it’s an easy, legal option that anyone can sit down and enjoy within minutes of ripping the SNES Classic from its box. You can’t download Canoe to use independently of the SNES Classic Edition and, given its flaws, we doubt you’d want to. Because of how well Canoe works on the hardware, though, it’s usually best to use it whenever possible. Using Hakchi2 CE, a custom firmware for the SNES Classic, you can turn the adorable little thing into an emulation machine. But it’s serviceable, has low overhead, and has the advantage of being the basis of a micro-console that is capable for the price. It doesn’t even emulate all of the games included on the SNES Classic correctly.

Nintendo also built a custom emulator called Canoe.Ĭanoe is far from the most compatible or even the more accurate emulator. Instead, to power their adorable micro-console they turned to the same platform that pretty much every micro-computer uses: Linux on an ARM processor, like that found in most smartphones. Nintendo didn’t stuff a whole SNES in the SNES Classic Edition. That’s Nintendo’s own SNES Classic Edition. There is one perfectly legal and safe way to enjoy classic SNES games without owning a vintage SNES.

Our list of the best SNES emulators includes only well-established emulators with a good history. This also makes emulators a prime target for the spread of malware, since there are few “official” channels for distribution. Nintendo is particularly protective of its games, and while it hasn’t gone after individuals downloading emulators, it has put pressure on people hosting games for download. The best upcoming Nintendo Switch games: 2023, 2024, and beyondīest gaming laptop deals: Save on Alienware, Razer, HP and more Which Baldur’s Gate 3 race should you pick?

Original xbox snes emulator