The 7 Best Chromebook Emulators for 2022 Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Software & Apps > Apps

The 7 Best Chromebook Emulators for 2022

Transform your Chromebook into just about anything

By Andy Wolber Andy Wolber Freelance Contributor Southern Methodist University Spring Arbor University Andy Wolber is a former Lifewire writer who has been writing about technology for 15+ years. His focus is G Suite, iOS, and nonprofit sector apps. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on January 3, 2022 Reviewed by Ryan Perian Reviewed by Ryan Perian Western Governors University Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years' experience working in the IT industry support and management positions. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Apps Best Apps Payment Services 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. 01 of 07

Nintendo 64 Mupen64Plus N64 Emulator

What We Like Links to setup and controller mapping guides. Access to many adjustable settings. What We Don't Like Different profiles may be needed for different games. App status listed as “beta version”. 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. Download Mupen64Plus 02 of 07

Play NES or SNES Games John NESS

What We Like Access to two emulators within the app. Manageable number of settings. What We Don't Like Updated version added ads. Key mappings can be complicated to configure. 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. Download John NESS 03 of 07

Play GBA or GBC Games John GBAC

What We Like Access to two emulators within the app. Settings offer several options. What We Don't Like Lacks multiplayer support. Not all games and controllers work on all systems. 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. Download John GBAC 04 of 07

A Free PSP Emulator PPSSPP - PSP Emulator

What We Like Useful and detailed product support site. Updates tend to fix many specific issues. What We Don't Like Some settings can cause graphics or audio issues. Updates not as frequent as some people might prefer. 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. 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. Download PPSSPP 05 of 07

Play Nintendo DS Games DraStic DS Emulator

What We Like Plenty of configuration options. Detailed help and instructions. What We Don't Like No WiFi or multiplayer support. No free trial or test version. 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. Download DraStic DS Emulator 06 of 07

Best Commodore 64 Emulator Mobile C64

What We Like Can type in programs with Commodore 64 Basic. Easy-to-access overlay controls for gaming. What We Don't Like 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. 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. Download Mobile C64 07 of 07

Desktop as a Service Amazon WorkSpaces - Hosted Windows Desktop

What We Like Full access to a remote Windows system. Can install many Windows apps. What We Don't Like Reasonably fast internet connection needed. Cost may be a barrier for some people. Amazon WorkSpaces delivers cloud desktops, which means you can sign up for the service, then access your WorkSpace from a Chromebook, or almost any mobile, tablet, or desktop computer. You can install and configure Windows apps in your WorkSpace, and while most apps and games work, some with specific graphics requirements may either require customization or just not work. Amazon offers both usage-based and monthly pricing for a huge range of remote computer configurations. Download Amazon WorkSpaces Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire The 8 Best Android Emulators for Windows 10 and Windows 11 Can I Play Nintendo 3DS Games on the Wii U? The 8 Best NES Emulators for Android in 2022 The 7 Best Emergency Alert Apps of 2022 The 5 Best SNES Emulators for Android of 2022 Can Chromebooks Get Viruses? The 6 Best DS Emulators for Android of 2022 GBA File (What It Is & How to Open One) How to Get Fortnite on a Chromebook The 8 Best Android Apps for Chromebook of 2022 The 8 Best PlayStation Emulators for Desktop PCs in 2022 The 7 Best Chromebooks, Tested by Lifewire The 12 Best Games for Chromebook in 2022 The 7 Best Retro and Classic Consoles to Buy in 2022 The 5 Best Android Emulators for Mac in 2022 The 7 Best Linux Apps for Chromebook In 2022 Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies