The Super Nintendo remains one of the most beloved retro gaming consoles of all time. From classics like Super Mario World and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past to Chrono Trigger and Donkey Kong Country, the SNES library still holds up today.
If you want to replay these classics, you’ll need a reliable emulator. Here are the best SNES emulators for PC and Mac in 2026.
OpenEmu
OpenEmu offers one of the easiest ways for Mac users to organize and play SNES games.
OpenEmu remains one of the best choices for Mac users.
It offers:
- A clean interface
- Support for multiple systems
- Easy ROM importing
- Controller support
OpenEmu is perfect if you want a beginner-friendly emulator on macOS. If you need help getting started, check out our guide on how to set up OpenEmu on macOS.
Snes9x
Snes9x is one of the most reliable SNES emulators for playing classic games on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Snes9x is one of the most popular SNES emulators available.
It works on:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
Why people like it:
- Easy to use
- Excellent compatibility
- Strong performance
- Regular updates
This is one of the safest choices for most users.
RetroArch
RetroArch offers advanced customization and multi-console support for retro gamers who want more control over their emulator setup.
RetroArch is a powerful emulator frontend that supports many consoles.
Why people like it:
- Supports multiple emulator cores
- Controller customization
- Advanced features
- Cross-platform support
RetroArch has a learning curve but offers lots of flexibility.
bsnes
bsnes is known for accuracy.
Why people like it:
- Excellent emulation accuracy
- Great performance on modern systems
- Faithful SNES experience
This is a great option for hardcore retro gaming fans.
ZSNES
ZSNES was once extremely popular and still has nostalgic value. However, it feels outdated compared to newer alternatives. Most users are better off choosing newer emulators. The original devs have come together to build a new emulator, the Super ZSNES, but it is still in the early build phase. Although times could change and as this one matures it could rise in the ranks of one of the best, but only time will tell.
What to Look for in an SNES Emulator
Before downloading an emulator, consider:
- Ease of use
- Controller support
- Save states
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Accuracy
Are SNES Emulators Legal?
SNES emulators themselves are legal. However, downloading ROMs for games you do not own may violate copyright laws. Always use legally obtained game files.
Final Thoughts
So which should you choose? Snes9x is the best all-around SNES emulator for most people. OpenEmu is the best choice for Mac users who want simplicity. RetroArch and bsnes are excellent for users who want more control.
If you’re using a Mac, check out our guide on how to set up OpenEmu on macOS to get started quickly.
