Head-to-head · SNES Emulators
RetroArch vs Snes9x EX+
RetroArch leads on 0 checks, Snes9x EX+ on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreRetroArch · 8.6/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresSnes9x EX+ · 3 of 5
RetroArch scores higher on our rubric for snes emulators: 8.6 against 8.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #5.
RetroArch is the better fit for users wanting a broad multi-platform emulator hub. Snes9x EX+ is the better fit for free Android and Linux SNES emulation.
- RetroArch fits best
Users wanting a broad multi-platform emulator hub
- Snes9x EX+ fits best
Free Android and Linux SNES emulation
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Side by side
| Feature | RetroArch 8.6/10 Visit ↗ | Snes9x EX+ 8.2/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.6 | 8.2 |
| Ranking | #4 in SNES Emulators | #5 in SNES Emulators |
| Best for | Users wanting a broad multi-platform emulator hub | Free Android and Linux SNES emulation |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Linux, Android |
| Support | Community, Docs | Email, Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business |
| Features RetroArch 0/5 · Snes9x EX+ 3/5 | ||
| Online multiplayer | Not checked yet | — |
| Rewind | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Shader support | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Cheat support | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| RetroAchievements | Not checked yet | — |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | Not checked yet | Android, Linux |
| Emulation format | Not checked yet | Standalone |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | RetroArch is an open-source frontend built around the libretro API. It brings emulator, game-engine, and media-player cores into one graphical interface, with versions for web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. It is suited to users… Read the review → |
Snes9x EX+ is a free, open-source emulator for Super Nintendo and Super Famicom games. It is aimed at people who want direct SNES emulation on Android devices or Linux desktops, with support for .smc and .sfc ROM formats. Compressed ZIP,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
RetroArch — where it wins
- Unified interface with downloadable emulator and game-engine cores
- Collection scanning, playlists, controller mapping, shaders, and filters
- Netplay, recording, streaming, rewind, runahead, and achievements
Where it doesn't
- Available cores and features vary by platform and distribution
- BIOS requirements vary by core and content
- Does not distribute copyrighted BIOS files
Snes9x EX+ — where it wins
- Supports .smc, .sfc, ZIP, RAR, and 7Z game files
- Includes saves, save states, rewind, cheats, and HQ2X shaders
- Works with Bluetooth and USB controllers or keyboards
Where it doesn't
- Limited to Android and Linux platforms
- Does not provide online multiplayer
- Users must supply their own ROM files
- RetroArch8.6/10 · Free plan
A broad, free emulator hub with unified controls, scanning, shaders, and netplay.
Visit RetroArchFull verdict → - Snes9x EX+8.2/10 · Free plan
A focused, free SNES emulator with strong input, save, cheat, and archive support.
Visit Snes9x EX+Full verdict →
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- RetroArch vs Super Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Classics
All SNES emulators comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update