How to make an Android tablet into a retro gaming console

Key Takeaways

  • My first recommendation is to connect a controller for a better gaming experience.
  • Next, the easiest thing to do is download retro games from the Google Play Store.
  • However, you should try using emulation software like RetroArch to play old console games.



Old Android tablets might not have the fastest graphics cards for modern AAA titles, but they’re perfect for retro games that are equally fun and don’t have heavy system requirements. The best thing about playing on an Android tablet is that you aren’t confined to a single old platform like the PlayStation 1 or Nintendo 64, so you can run games from multiple consoles on a single device.

My handy guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to play games on your Android tablet. By the end, you’ll have some of the best console games of all time wherever you are in the palm of your hand.

Related

How to use the Delta emulator to play retro Nintendo games on iOS

The Delta emulator has made its mark on the Apple App Store — here’s how to install and use it on your iPhone to play Nintendo games.

Connect a controller to your Android tablet

It’s the best way to play retro games

Bluetooth settings


Touchscreens aren’t the most precise interface, and it’s often easier to use a controller because of the familiar controls and authentic arcade-like feel. I’m using a PlayStation 4 Dualshock for this example, but Xbox and most third-party controllers will work and connect the same way.

1. Go to Settings and open Bluetooth.

2. Press and hold the Share and PS buttons on your Dualshock 4 until a white light starts flashing, indicating that it’s in pairing mode.

4. Press Pair new device on your tablet and select the controller as your device to connect to.

5. The light on the controller will turn blue when paired with the tablet.

6. Enjoy playing tablet games with your controller.

Related

How I use DOS_deck to easily play free retro games on PC and Steam Deck

I tried DOS_deck and had a great time playing retro games for free. Want to get in on the nostalgia? Here’s how to run it on your PC or Steam Deck.

Download retro games from Play Store

This is the easiest way to play retro games

Google Play games


Installing retro games from the Google Play Store is the easiest way, and there are countless titles to keep you entertained.

  1. Open Google Play and search for retro games that list fun titles in various genres. Alternatively, you can search for the game you like and download it.
  2. Some old games, like Streets of Rage 2, will detect your controller automatically, while others, like 1945 Air Force, only work via the touchscreen.

Related

How to use the Gamma emulator to play classic PS1 games on your iPhone

A PlayStation 1 emulator has hit the Apple App Store. Interestingly, it’s available for both iPhone and iPad — unlike the Delta emulator.

Use emulation software to install games

Another option is to play games from most consoles

Another way to turn your Android tablet into a retro gaming console is with emulation apps like RetroArch. RetroArch is free on the Google Play Store and allows you to play games from the Atari 2600, PlayStation 1, and countless other platforms. It’s user-friendly, and you’ll be up and running in no time after following these easy steps.


  1. Download RetroArch from the Google Play Store.
  2. Press Load Core (Select which code to use) on the home screen.
  3. Press Download a Core (Download and install a core from the online updater). Cores are a fancy word for emulators, and a window will open displaying a list of old games and game platforms like Doom, Nintendo DS, and Sega Saturn, among others.
  4. Select the ones you want to use, and they will automatically get added to the app. You can choose as many platforms as you like.
  5. After that, you can return to the home screen and press Load Content (Select which content to start). The file explorer will open, and you must navigate to the folder containing the ROM files of the games you want to play. ROM files are usually .ZIP or .ISO folders containing the game data from old cartridges and discs.
  6. Once you’ve found the correct directory, select the game you want to play and click on Load Archive.
  7. The Suggested cores window will open with a list of compatible platforms. Choose the most appropriate one, and the game should open. Certain platforms, like the PlayStation 1, require an additional BIOS file to run games.


RetroArch

RetroArch is a free, ad-free, open source, and cross platform frontend/framework for emulators, game engines, video games, media players, and other applications. Supported systems come in the form of libretro cores.

Related

Best Android tablets: iPad isn’t the only slab worth your attention

From Samsung’s newest S9 tablet to the budget-friendly Fire HD 8, these are the best Android tablets you can buy, according to our testing.

Where can you find game ROMS?

It’s complicated

Delta emulator on iPad over pink gaming grid

Delta/Pocket-lint

While emulators are legal and freely available on Google Play and the App Store, the same can’t be said for ROMs, which are more of a gray area depending on their use. It’s legal to copy your own games as ROMS in the US for personal use if you don’t distribute them or use both copies simultaneously. Backups and archives might also be considered fair use, but we’ll only know for sure if it’s tested in court one day. On the other hand, downloading ROMs without owning the original copy of the game is illegal software piracy.

Pocket-lint does not support software piracy and recommends seeking professional legal advice if you’re uncertain about the ROMs you’re using.


Related

My favorite skins for Delta emulator, and where to find more

With so many skins available for retro Nintendo emulator Delta, it can be difficult to pick which ones to use on your iPhone.

FAQ

Q: Are software emulators legal?

Software emulators are legal and available to download from Google Play and the App Store.

Q: Are game ROMs legal?

Game ROMs are legal for backing up your own games and other fair uses as long as they don’t infringe on any copyrights and aren’t for commercial use.

Q: Can you connect a controller to an Android tablet?

You can connect most wireless controllers to an Android tablet via Bluetooth.

Trending Products

0
Add to compare
Corsair 5000D Airflow Tempered Glass Mid-Tower ATX PC Case – Black

Corsair 5000D Airflow Tempered Glass Mid-Tower ATX PC Case – Black

$154.99
0
Add to compare
CORSAIR 7000D AIRFLOW Full-Tower ATX PC Case, Black

CORSAIR 7000D AIRFLOW Full-Tower ATX PC Case, Black

$269.99
0
Add to compare
Corsair iCUE 4000X RGB Mid-Tower ATX PC Case – White (CC-9011205-WW)

Corsair iCUE 4000X RGB Mid-Tower ATX PC Case – White (CC-9011205-WW)

$129.99
.

We will be happy to hear your thoughts

Leave a reply

BuyTrendyStuff
Logo
Register New Account
Compare items
  • Total (0)
Compare
0
Shopping cart