How to turn an Android tablet into a retro gaming console
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Key Takeaways
- My first recommendation is to connect a controller for a better gaming experience.
- Next, the easiest thing to do is to download retro games from the Google Play Store.
- However, you should try using emulation software like RetroArch to play old console games.
Older Android tablets may not have the fastest graphics cards for modern AAA titles, but they’re good for retro games that are equally fun and don’t have heavy system requirements. Plus, the best thing about playing on them is that you’re not locked into one old console like the PlayStation 1 or Nintendo 64 — you can run games from multiple consoles on one device.
My handy guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to play games on your Android tablet. Finally, you’ll have some of the best console games of all time in the palm of your hand — wherever you are.
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Connect the controller to your Android tablet
It’s the best way to play retro games
Touchscreens aren’t the most precise interface, and it’s often easier to use the controller thanks to familiar controls and an authentic arcade-like feel. I’m using a PlayStation 4 Dualshock in this example, but Xbox and most third-party controllers will work and connect the same way.
1. Go to Settings and turn on Bluetooth.
2. Press and hold i Share it again PS the buttons on your Dualshock 4 until the white light starts flashing, indicating that it is in pairing mode.
4. Press Pair the new device on your tablet and select the controller as your device to connect to.
5. The light on the controller will turn on blue green when paired with a tablet.
6. Enjoy playing tablet games with your controller.
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Download retro games from Google Play Store
This is the easiest way to play retro games
Installing retro games from the Google Play Store is easy, and there are countless titles to keep you entertained.
- Open it Google Play and search for retro games that list fun titles in a variety of genres. Alternatively, you can search for the game you like and download it.
- Some classic games, like Street of Rage 2, will find your controller automaticallywhile others, such as the 1945 Air Force, operated only with touch screen.
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Use emulation software to install games
Another option is to play games from multiple consoles
Another way to turn your Android tablet into a retro gaming console is with simulation apps like RetroArch. RetroArch is free from the Google Play Store and lets you play games from the Atari 2600, PlayStation 1, and countless other platforms. It’s easy to use, and you’ll be up and running in no time after following these simple steps.
- Download RetroArch from the Google Play Store.
- Press Load the Core (Choose which code to use) on the home screen.
- Press Download the Core (Download and install the theme from the internet browser). Cores is a fancy name for characters, and a window will open showing a list of old games and platforms such as Doom, Nintendo DS, and Sega Saturn, among others.
- Select the ones you want to use, and they will be automatically added to the app. You can choose as many platforms as you like.
- After that, you can go back to the home screen and press Upload Content (Choose which content to start with). A file explorer will open, and you must navigate to the folder that contains the ROM files for the games you want to play. ROM files are usually .ZIP or ISO folders that contain game data from old cartridges and discs.
- Once you find the correct directory, select the game you want to play and click on it Upload Archive.
- I Raised cores a window will open with a list of compatible platforms. Choose the most suitable one, and the game should open. Certain platforms, such as the PlayStation 1, require a additional BIOS file running games.
RetroArch
RetroArch is a free, ad-free, open source, and front-end/cross-platform framework for characters, game engines, video games, media players, and other applications. Supported systems come in the form of libretro cores.
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Where can you get the ROM for the game?
It’s complicated
Delta/Pocket-lint
Although emulators are legal and available for free on Google Play and the App Store, the same cannot be said for ROMs, which are a very gray area in terms of their use. It is legal to copy your own games as ROMS in the US for personal use as long as you don’t distribute or use both copies at the same time. Backups and archives may also be considered fair use, but we’ll only know if it’s tested in court one day. On the other hand, downloading ROMs without having an original copy of the game is illegal software piracy.
Pocket-lint does not support software piracy and recommends seeking professional legal advice if you are unsure about the ROMs you are using.
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FAQ
Q: Are software emulators legal?
Software emulators are legitimate and available for download on Google Play and App Store.
Q: Are the game ROMs legal?
Game ROMs are legal for backing up your games and other fair uses as long as they do not violate any copyrights and are not used for commercial purposes.
Q: Can you connect the controller to an Android tablet?
You can connect many wireless controllers to your Android tablet via Bluetooth.
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