Summary
- Chromebooks support various emulators for retro gaming, legally treading a gray area regarding ROM files.
- RetroArch is a versatile emulator compatible with a wide range of consoles, offering smooth gameplay experiences.
- Emulators like Dolphin and PPSSPP cater to GameCube/Wii and PSP enthusiasts, respectively, for nostalgic gameplay.
Chromebooks allow people to accomplish most tasks they want on a computer. There are a variety of Chromebooks to fit everyone’s needs, from students to professionals. While they’re great for work, they’re also great for fun, including gaming. Many popular game streaming services are available on Chromebooks. The Google Play Store gives you access to most Android games and emulators. Here are the best emulators for Chromebooks.
Are emulators legal?
While emulators are widely available, there are questions about whether they’re legal. In reality, they’re in a bit of a gray area. While this varies depending on the law where you are, using emulators isn’t illegal. However, you need a ROM file to play a game on an emulator, and distributing or downloading ROM files can be considered piracy. Depending on who you talk to, ROMs can be legal when you create a file from a game you purchased, but many, including Nintendo, disagree. Use your best judgment and consult local law before using an emulator.
1 RetroArch
Play games from most retro consoles
|
In-app purchases |
❌ No |
|
Subscription |
❌ No |
|
ChromeOS Support |
✅ Yes |
|
Publish Date |
Nov 10, 2021 |
A great emulator emulates games from different consoles on various devices. RetroArch does both of those things. It is available on Windows, Mac, Chromebooks, Android, iOS, Linux, Raspberry Pi, Xbox, Playstation, Switch, Wii, Steam, Gamecube, and browsers. You can use it on your Chromebook in three ways: the Android app, Linux, or your browser.
RetroArch emulates games from many consoles, from classics like the original PlayStation, Sega Dream Cast, or GameCube to more recent devices such as the Wii. You can play with a controller, keyboard, or touch controls if your device has a touchscreen. It can also skirt the legal gray area of emulators by supporting original game discs if you have them. With all this flexibility, the app can be complicated, but you won’t need another emulator when you figure out what you’re doing.
2 Dolphin Emulator
For Wii and GameCube enthusiasts
|
In-app purchases |
❌ No |
|
Subscription |
❌ No |
|
ChromeOS Support |
✅ Yes |
|
Publish Date |
Mar 26, 2024 |
More recent consoles can be challenging for emulators, but Dolphin Emulator does a great job. Dolphin Emulator plays Wii and GameCube games using a simple and easy-to-use UI. Like RetroArch, Dolphin supports controllers, keyboards, and touch controls. It is available as Android and Linux apps, so pick your preference. Certain games work better than others, so test it for yourself.
3 PPSSPP
The PSP emulator
|
In-app purchases |
❌ No |
|
Subscription |
❌ No |
|
ChromeOS Support |
✅ Yes |
|
Publish Date |
Feb 4, 2024 |
If you loved the PSP, PPSSPP is the emulator for you. PPSSPP emulates PSP games and is available on Windows, Macs, Android, iOS, Linux, and VR. It includes several compelling emulator features such as save/load states and fast-forward and has open source code. Even though it only emulates PSP games, PPSSPP is stable, has a great emulator experience, and allows you to use a controller. A premium version is available for $4.99 that directly supports the developers.
4 John NESS
NES and SNES games
|
In-app purchases |
❌ No |
|
Subscription |
❌ No |
|
ChromeOS Support |
✅ Yes |
|
Publish Date |
Feb 20, 2024 |
For fans of the Nintendo Entertainment System, John NESS will be your go-to emulator. John NESS is a free emulator that allows you to play NES and SNES games. It includes convenient features such as reviewable save states, turbo buttons, fast forward and slow down, and more. This free app includes ads, but you can pay to remove them.
5 Eclipse
The web-based emulator
If you have a Chromebook managed by a school or company, you may be unable to download the apps on this list. That’s where Eclipse comes in. It’s entirely browser-based, so you can use it without downloading a thing. Eclipse also supports NES, SNES, GameBoy, GameBoy Color, GBA, Sega Master System, and Game Gear, which is one of the widest varieties on this list. To access it, go to their website, tap Play Now, and you’re on your way to gaming.
6 M64Plus FZ
Emulate the elusive Nintendo 64
|
In-app purchases |
❌ No |
|
Subscription |
❌ No |
|
ChromeOS Support |
✅ Yes |
|
Publish Date |
Apr 1, 2024 |
One system missing from many of these apps is the Nintendo 64, but M64Plus FZ fills that gap. This emulator includes many great features that we’ve seen on other emulators along with support for local multiplayer, which is unique. The app works well but has some issues. N64 games are hard to emulate, so not all video plugins work and some games are too complex to run. Even with these downsides, it’s worth giving it a go. The app is free, but a paid app for $3.99 adds support for the netplay server to play multiplayer games.
How to turn off your Chromebook’s touchscreen
If you’re sick of tapping it by accident, just shut it off
Re-live your childhood with game emulators
While the console from your childhood is probably gone, your nostalgia for playing those games doesn’t have to be. Several great emulators help you re-live those childhood days spent playing your favorite games. If you want to try out some more modern games, there are some great Chromebook games.
