- Cast game screen to PC
- Mirror game screen to TV
- Share game screen to phone
- Remote control phone/tablet to play games
5 Best Switch Emulators Reviewed in Detail [2025]
Have you ever had this experience? You really want to play "The Legend of Zelda," "Animal Crossing," or "Super Mario," but you don't have a Switch?
Or you want to relive your childhood GBA or NDS classic games, only to find out that the Super Nintendo emulator is super convenient, and you can play on your phone or computer. But some people are worried: "Is it illegal to play on an emulator? Could Nintendo come after me?"
Don't worry, in this article, we'll explain, and recommend some emulators to help you quickly choose the right one!
Key Takeaways:
- This article is based on the author's interest in Nintendo emulators and love for gaming culture, and has no connection with emulator developers.
- The author deeply respects Nintendo's intellectual property rights, so please obtain games through legal channels and support original games. Do not use emulators to play pirated games.
1. Are Nintendo Emulators Legal?
This is a question that often bothers players. In fact, the Nintendo emulator itself is not illegal, what is illegal is the "source of pirated game ROMs" or "using the emulator to infringe copyrights."
According to Nintendo's official legal department, they do not oppose the existence of Super Nintendo emulators, but if the emulator is used to run unauthorized game ROMs, that could infringe on copyrights, and that's what they would pursue.
From a technical perspective, an emulator is software used to simulate the operation of a gaming console's hardware, and as long as no proprietary technology from the original manufacturer is used during development, it typically does not constitute infringement. The problem arises from the fact that "most people use Nintendo emulators to download and run pirated games," which is why legal risks arise.
Simply put: the emulator itself is legal, but if it provides illegal game ROMs, it is illegal, and using it to play pirated games is also illegal.
Most emulator developers are very careful about legal boundaries, and some Super Nintendo emulators even require you to back up the games from the original console, in order to avoid copyright infringement.
2. Recommended Nintendo Emulators for 2025!
Next, let's take a look at the 5 most popular Nintendo Switch emulators on the market, with their functions, pros, and cons sorted out, to help you choose the best Nintendo emulator to download.
| Emulator | Supported OS | Cheat Code Support | Recommendation (5 stars) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yuzu | Windows / Linux | Yes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Delta | iOS | No | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| EggNS | Android | Yes | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ryujinx | Windows / Linux | Yes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Cemu | Windows | Yes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Yuzu
Yuzu is one of the most stable and mainstream Switch emulators. Yuzu first appeared in 2018 as an open-source project offering many customization options. As long as your computer has enough power, games like "Pikmin 4" can run smoothly.
Price: Free
Pros:
- Open-source and free
- Fast execution speed
- Active community with frequent updates
Cons:
- Requires decent computer hardware
- Installation can be complicated for beginners
Why Recommend: Offers resolution scaling, simulating resolutions beyond the native one
Delta
The Nintendo emulator for iOS, Delta, is a savior for Apple users, allowing old players to relive Nintendo classics on iPhone. Although the touch controls may not be very precise, it can run many retro games. This emulator is available on the App Store, so you can directly download it to your phone without needing a third-party installer.
Price: Free
Pros:
- Simple to operate
- Supports controller connections
- Supports TV connections
- Can share files with friends
Cons:
- Only available on iOS
Why Recommend: Supports multi-platform emulation (GBA, N64, DS)
EggNS Emulator
This Nintendo emulator for Android lets Android phones directly play Switch games and has over a million downloads in the Google Play Store. However, it requires some accessories, making it more suitable for advanced users.
Price: Free (some features require GameSir controllers)
Pros:
- Great for mobile gamers
- Can play AAA games on Android
- Supports Bluetooth controller
Cons:
- Still in early development, compatibility is unstable
Why Recommend: High gaming performance with smooth gameplay, most games run at full frame rate
Ryujinx
Nintendo Switch emulator Ryujinx is a close competitor to Yuzu. If Yuzu can't run certain games, you can try Ryujinx.
Price: Free
Pros:
- Lighter, suitable for average hardware
- Easy installation and setup
- Open-source with quick updates
Cons:
- Some games are incompatible
Why Recommend: Fast iteration and active community, great support
Cemu Emulator
If you want to play the Wii U version of "Breath of the Wild," Cemu is definitely the go-to Nintendo emulator! This emulator supports many game simulations.
Price: Free
Pros:
- Great for nostalgic players
- Good game compatibility
Cons:
- Only supports Wii U games, not 3DS
Why Recommend: Simulates Wii U games, supports 60FPS/high-quality output
3. Conclusion
In conclusion, Nintendo Switch emulators are not scary as long as you're using your own backup games and not sharing or selling pirated copies. The legal risks are actually quite low. The 6 emulators introduced in this article are all considered "legitimate" choices, with no illegal operations involved. Both beginners and experienced players can enjoy Nintendo emulator games with peace of mind.
If you need to project Nintendo Switch emulator gameplay to your TV or computer screen, you can also try AirDroid Cast, which supports wireless projection and low-latency control, giving you an upgraded gaming experience!
Was This Page Helpful?
Discussion
The discussion and share your voice here.
Product-related questions?Contact Our Support Team to Get a Quick Solution>
Like
Dislike
AirDroid Cast
Enjoy More on a Big Screen
Leave a Reply.