Introduction
Turn your 3DS into the ultimate retro handheld! Here are the best ways to play classic games, from Virtual Console injection to full RetroArch emulation.
1. New Super Ultimate Injector 3DS (Virtual Console)
New Super Ultimate Injector 3DS is an application that allows you to inject NES, SNES, Game Boy, Game Boy Colour, Game Boy Advance, Mega Drive/Genesis, Game Gear, and TurboGrafx 16/PCE ROMs into the 3DS. This allows ROMs of games from popular classic consoles to be loaded directly from the 3DS home screen, complete with official-looking icons and banners.
2. Universal Updater (Native Emulators)
The Universal Updater is a store that has tons of emulators and apps available. From open_agb_firm (for native GBA hardware playback) to Red Viper (Virtual Boy), there are many options for playing all kinds of systems right from the store.
3. RetroArch
RetroArch is a frontend interface, enabling you to access and play games on various platforms through the utilization of emulator cores. However, while it offers versatility and convenience (one app for everything), it may not always provide the optimal experience on every system, especially in comparison to specialized separate emulators.
Recommendations
- NES/SNES/GBA: Use Virtual Console Injector (NSUI) for the cleanest experience.
- DS: Use Twilight Menu++.
- PS1/Arcade: Use RetroArch cores (PCSX ReARMed, FBNeo).
