Can a phone play SNES games?

Yes. Both Android and iOS have SNES emulators. On Android: RetroArch, Snes9x EX+, John NESS. On iOS: Delta and RetroArch (region dependent).

Do I need a BIOS for SNES?

Generally no for most SNES games. Valid .sfc/.smc ROMs are enough.

Can I use a Bluetooth controller?

Yes. Most emulators support PS4/PS5, Xbox, and 8BitDo controllers. Pair in system Bluetooth, then map buttons in the app.

Is downloading SNES ROMs legal?

Use permitted ROMs or ones you dumped yourself. Downloading copyrighted ROMs may violate laws in many countries.

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Play SNES on Your Phone: Best SNES Emulators (Android & iOS)

Yes — you can play SNES on your phone. Below are the most popular emulators plus setup steps, loading .sfc/.smc ROMs, save states, and Bluetooth controller tips.

SNES Android iOS Updated: August 14, 2025

Quick picks

RetroArch (Android/iOS)

Powerful and flexible with shaders, save states, and rewind. UI takes a bit to learn but it’s extremely capable.

FreeControllersShadersRewind

Snes9x EX+ (Android)

Lightweight, accurate, and free; based on Snes9x. Great controller support; runs well on mid‑range phones.

FreeAccurateController support

Delta (iOS)

iOS‑friendly emulator supporting SNES/NES/GBA, with save states and MFi/Bluetooth controllers.

iOSSave statesBluetooth

Quick comparison

Features may vary by version; use this as a reference.

App	Platform	Price	Save/Load	Cheats	Controller	Ease of use
RetroArch	Android, iOS	Free	Yes	Yes	Yes	Medium
Snes9x EX+	Android	Free	Yes	Yes	Yes	Easy
John NESS	Android	Free/Paid	Yes	Yes	Yes	Easy
Lemuroid	Android	Free	Yes	Limited	Yes	Easy
EmuBox	Android	Free	Yes	Limited	Yes	Easy
Delta	iOS	Free	Yes	Yes	Yes	Easy
SuperRetro16	Android	Paid	Yes	Yes	Yes	Easy

Top SNES emulators for phones

1) RetroArch (Android & iOS)

Strengths: multi‑system, deep tuning (shaders, latency, audio), save states, rewind, netplay, Bluetooth controllers. Best for power users who like to customize.

Free and open source.
Great performance, big community.
Extensive image/audio options.

UI learning curve.

Download for Android | Download for iOS

2) Snes9x EX+ (Android)

Strengths: lightweight, accurate, free; high compatibility with SNES titles. Best for solid performance on mid‑range phones.

Strong controller support.
Save states, cheats, easy setup.

Android only.

Download from Google Play

3) John NESS (Android)

Strengths: easy, compact, supports NES & SNES, save/load, cheats, flexible touch mapping. Best for beginners.

Fast to start playing.
Controller support, screenshots.

Android only.

Download from Google Play

4) Lemuroid (Android)

Strengths: free, simple, supports many systems (libretro). Best for an all‑in‑one app.

Tidy UI.
Auto‑save/quick save.

Fewer advanced options than RetroArch.

Download from Google Play

5) EmuBox (Android)

Strengths: multi‑system, modern UI, approachable. Best for basic needs.

Multiple systems in one app.
Save states and controllers.

Performance/UX is decent but not top tier.

Download from Google Play

6) Delta (iOS)

Strengths: iOS‑friendly emulator supporting SNES/NES/GBA; save states and MFi/Bluetooth controllers. Best for quick setup on iPhone/iPad.

Smooth, easy interface.
Supports multiple Nintendo systems.

iOS only.

Download from App Store

7) SuperRetro16 (Android)

Strengths: friendly UI and SNES‑focused features. Best for users who want a dedicated SNES app.

Save states, cheats, controllers.
Many display options.

Paid; Play Store availability can vary by region.

Download from Google Play

How to install on Android

Open Google Play and install a SNES emulator (e.g., RetroArch, Snes9x EX+, John NESS).
Copy legally obtained SNES .sfc/.smc ROMs into your Downloads folder.
Open the emulator → choose Load Game / Load Content → navigate to the ROM file.
Go to Settings > Input to map touch controls or pair a Bluetooth controller (PS4/PS5, Xbox, 8BitDo…).
Enable VSync (and Audio sync if available) to keep a steady 60fps.
Create Save States before tough sections for convenience.

How to install on iOS

On the App Store, search for Delta (or RetroArch where available) and install.
Copy ROMs to your iPhone (via iCloud Drive, Files, or AirDrop) if permitted in your region.
Open the app → tap Import/+ to add ROMs → tap to play.
Pair a Bluetooth controller (iOS Settings > Bluetooth) and configure it in the app.

Availability on the App Store may vary by region and policy. If you can’t find the app, try a different region or wait for developer updates.

Optimization & controllers

Low latency: enable VSync, avoid heavy shaders; in RetroArch, the Latency menu helps fine‑tune timing. Try Run‑Ahead if your device can handle it.
Display: Mode 7 (rotation/zoom) effects are a bit heavier; use light scanline shaders for a retro look.
Saves: rotate multiple save‑state slots as backups.
Controllers: PS4/PS5, Xbox, and 8BitDo work well; map once and save your profile.
ROM library: keep ROMs in a single folder so the app scans faster.

See the best SNES ROMs

FAQ

Can low‑end phones handle SNES?

Yes. SNES is much lighter than 3D consoles. Disable heavy shaders and keep VSync on for steady 60fps.

Can I play 2‑player on a phone?

Yes. Pair two Bluetooth controllers (if your phone supports it) or share one device with customizable on‑screen buttons. RetroArch supports Netplay for online sessions (connection dependent).

PAL vs NTSC SNES versions?

PAL is typically 50fps and may run at a different speed than NTSC 60fps. If you can choose, NTSC is usually smoother (depends on the game).