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. Emulators are legal in most countries, but downloading a game to play on an emulator often isn’t, and distributing an emulator is considered infringement in most countries. While retro games enjoyed through emulation are no longer sold, the rights are often held by the original company. Everything you need to know about Nintendo Switch OnlineĮmulators have always existed in murky legal territory.Our guide to the best SNES emulators currently available should help you get started with a program that fits your needs.

Where do you turn, then? Emulators are a great option for trying out games from yesteryear, but not just any one will do.

Snes9x or zsnes