7 Best Free Android Home Computer Emulators

Emulation refers to the duplication of functions of one system using a different system. An emulator is software specifically written to emulate aspects of the original console or computer, primarily the CPU, input/output, and the memory system.

This article focuses on software which emulates home computers, a class of personal computer which reached the market in the late 1970s, and became immensely popular in the following decade, selling many millions of units. Leading home computer companies included Commodore, Sinclair, Atari, Apple, Acorn, Tandy Radio Shack, and Amstrad. Many of the earlier machines (in particular the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64) were primarily used for gaming, but provided the spark for the development of the IT industry. Later home computers had more sophisticated hardware which widened their use in other areas.

To provide an insight into the quality of software that is available, we have compiled a list of 7 top home computer emulators for Android. Hopefully, there will be something of interest for anyone who wishes to have some fun and bask in nostalgia.

Now, let's explore the 7 emulators at hand. For each title we have compiled its own portal page, a full description with an in-depth analysis of its features, a screenshot of the software in action, together with links to relevant resources and reviews. We give our highest recommendation to Marvin, Frodo C64, and UAE4Droid.

Return to our collection of Android Group Tests, identifying the finest free Android software. Readers may also be interested in our comprehensive collection of Linux Group Tests.

Last Updated Friday, December 23 2011 @ 07:58 PM EST