Best Phones for Emulation & Retro Gaming
Emulation needs strong CPU, stable GPU drivers, and good thermals. After testing many devices, these phones give the best experience for retro and console emulation in 2025.
Why Emulation Needs the Right Phone
Retro gaming and emulation are different from normal mobile gaming. Emulators rely heavily on CPU power, GPU drivers, and sustained performance.
For systems like PS2, GameCube, Wii, PSP, and Nintendo Switch, Snapdragon chipsets usually perform best. Good cooling and high RAM also matter for smooth gameplay.
Best Phones for Emulation & Retro Gaming (2025)
| ASUS ROG Phone 8 / 8 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 • Best sustained emulation |
| RedMagic 9 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 • Active cooling fan |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 • Stable drivers |
| OnePlus 12 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 • Great thermal control |
| Xiaomi 14 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 • Strong GPU performance |
| POCO F6 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 • Best value emulator phone |
1. ASUS ROG Phone 8 – Best Overall for Emulation
The ROG Phone 8 is the best phone for emulation right now. It delivers stable performance even during long PS2 or Switch sessions.
- Excellent CPU and GPU stability
- Advanced cooling system
- Perfect for GameCube, PS2, Wii, and Switch emulation
2. RedMagic 9 Pro – Best for Long Gaming Sessions
The RedMagic 9 Pro includes a built-in cooling fan. This helps reduce thermal throttling during long emulator gameplay.
- Active cooling keeps performance stable
- High refresh rate display
- Excellent for long retro gaming sessions
3. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – Premium and Reliable
The Snapdragon version of the Galaxy S24 Ultra performs very well with emulators. GPU drivers are stable and compatible.
- Strong Snapdragon chipset
- Great screen for classic games
- Reliable for PS2 and GameCube emulation
4. OnePlus 12 – Smooth and Efficient
The OnePlus 12 offers excellent balance between power and thermal efficiency. It runs emulators smoothly without aggressive throttling.
- Very stable performance
- Fast storage helps emulator loading
- Good choice for daily phone + emulator combo
5. Xiaomi 14 Pro – Strong GPU Performance
Xiaomi’s flagship provides strong GPU output. It works well with Vulkan-based emulators.
- High GPU power
- Fast refresh AMOLED display
- Good for Dolphin and AetherSX2
6. POCO F6 Pro – Best Value Emulator Phone
The POCO F6 Pro uses Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, which still handles most emulators very well. It offers excellent value.
- Strong emulation at lower price
- Good thermals for mid-range flagship
- Best budget-friendly emulator choice
Why These Phones Are Great for Emulation
- Strong CPU performance
- Better GPU driver compatibility
- Stable long-term performance
- High refresh displays improve gameplay feel
Things to Keep in Mind
- Emulation drains battery quickly
- Some games still need manual settings
- Cooling matters more than raw power
Final Thoughts
If emulation is your main goal, Snapdragon-powered phones are the safest choice. The ROG Phone 8 and RedMagic 9 Pro deliver the best sustained performance.
For a balanced daily phone with strong emulator support, the OnePlus 12 and Galaxy S24 Ultra are excellent. Budget users should look at the POCO F6 Pro.
