Chromebooks not only deliver a quick-to-boot browser, but also let you install and run Android apps. You can run many apps for older platforms within the Chrome browser, and the combination of Android apps and browser access opens up a huge world of Chromebook emulators.
Unfortunately, not every Chromebook can run Android apps. You can check to see the status of Android app support for your device at Chromium.org. However, if you received your Chromebook from school or work, an administrator may manage or limit which apps you may install or access.
Nintendo 64: Mupen64Plus (N64 Emulator)
The Mupen64Plus app lets you run many Nintendo 64 games. It offers many controls you may customize, as well as links to a few guides that walk you through setup and configuration.
Links to setup and controller mapping guides.
Access to many adjustable settings.
Different profiles may be needed for different games.
App status listed as “beta version”.
Play NES or SNES Games: John NESS
John NESS delivers an emulator intended to work with both Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) games. The app includes ads, which may be removed with an optional upgrade.
Access to two emulators within the app.
Manageable number of settings.
Updated version added ads.
Key mappings can be complicated to configure.
Play GBA or GBC Games: John GBAC
Like its counterpart listed above, John GBAC delivers an emulator for both Game Boy Advance (GBA) and Gameboy Color (GBC) games. You may use the app for free with ads, or pay a one-time fee to remove them.
Access to two emulators within the app.
Settings offer several options.
Lacks multiplayer support.
Not all games and controllers work on all systems.
A Free PSP Emulator: PPSSPP - PSP Emulator
Unlike many PlayStation Portable (PSP) emulators, the free PPSSPP - PSP emulator includes easy access to a variety of homebrew apps and demos you may download, all for free. Of course, you can use your own files, too. The app lets you adjust a huge number of graphics, audio, networking, and other system settings.
Useful and detailed product support site.
Updates tend to fix many specific issues.
Some settings can cause graphics or audio issues.
Updates not as frequent as some people might prefer.
A paid version of the PPSSPP emulator allows you to support the developers who maintain this emulator. For anyone who uses the app that can afford it, this provides a financial incentive to the developers to fix bugs, improve compatibility, and continue to maintain the app.
Play Nintendo DS Games: DraStic DS Emulator
This paid Nintendo DS emulator offers some customization, so you may adjust and play games at larger-than-original resolution. The app supports many custom video, audio, and controller settings you can adjust, and allows you to enable support for cheat codes.
Plenty of configuration options.
Detailed help and instructions.
No WiFi or multiplayer support.
No free trial or test version.
Best Commodore 64 Emulator: Mobile C64
Mobile C64 lets you type in and run Commodore 64 Basic apps, as well as load and run any Commodore 64 games you may have. The app includes a few large overlay areas for controls, and settings for emulated storage, so you don’t have to search for now hard-to-find 5-¼” floppy disks.
Can type in programs with Commodore 64 Basic.
Easy-to-access overlay controls for gaming.
Keyboard doesn’t remap modern layout to Commodore 64 settings (e.g., quote key is Shift-2 as it was on the C64).
Commodore 64 style function keys not present on Chromebooks.
Full access to a remote Windows system.
Can install many Windows apps.
Reasonably fast internet connection needed.
Cost may be a barrier for some people.
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