The Super Nintendo Entertainment System, known globally as the SNES, remains one of the most iconic video game consoles of all time. For many, the desire to revisit classic titles stems from childhood nostalgia, the thrill of speedrunning, or the curiosity to explore a gaming era they may have missed. Fortunately, there are several SNES emulators available for both PC and Mac that allow gamers to relive the experience with impressive accuracy and performance.

Here’s a comprehensive look at some of the best SNES emulators currently available for desktop platforms.

BSNES – A Balance of Accuracy and Speed

• Price: Free

• Supported Platforms: PC, macOS, Linux

Pros:

• Compatible with all tested games.

• Delivers solid performance with commendable accuracy.

• Offers customisation options like shaders and visual filters.

• Free and open-source software.

Cons:

• Despite support for Apple’s M1 chip, it may not be the most seamless choice for Mac users.

• Falls between Snes9x in ease of use and Higan in terms of accuracy.

BSNES offers a dependable emulation experience that manages to strike a balance between performance and precision. Historically, BSNES split into two separate projects, one of which became the more accuracy-focused Higan. The current version of BSNES handles most SNES games reliably, making it a strong contender for users who want accurate emulation without sacrificing too much convenience. Its added extras like filters and shaders are optional and cater to those looking to enhance the visual experience. Overall, BSNES is a solid all-rounder that runs most titles effortlessly.

Higan – The Emulator for Purists

• Price: Free

• Supported Platforms: PC, macOS, Linux, FreeBSD

Pros:

• Widely regarded as the most accurate SNES emulator.

• Supports a wide range of systems beyond SNES, such as Famicom, Game Boy, and several Sega consoles.

• Played all test games successfully after minor adjustments.

Cons:

• Has a steep learning curve, making it less suitable for beginners.

Higan is tailored for those who prioritise hardware-level accuracy over ease of use. Originally derived from the BSNES project, it has evolved into a multi-platform emulator that supports dozens of retro consoles. It performed well in tests, although playing Chrono Trigger required sourcing a different ROM to get it running. Due to its complexity and learning curve, Higan is best suited for enthusiasts, speedrunners, or anyone seeking a near-authentic emulation experience. Casual gamers, on the other hand, might prefer one of the more accessible options.

OpenEmu – Best Choice for Mac Users

• Price: Free

• Supported Platforms: macOS

Pros:

• Supports a wide variety of retro systems, including the SNES.

• Lets users switch between Snes9x and BSNES emulation cores.

• Test games ran smoothly and without incident.

• Easy setup for controllers and configurations.

Cons:

• None noted during testing.

OpenEmu is a standout choice for those using macOS. It’s designed specifically with Mac users in mind, featuring a sleek and user-friendly interface that feels native to the operating system. One of its strengths lies in its modular structure – users can choose from different emulation cores to tailor their experience. For SNES games, you can select either the Snes9x or BSNES core, depending on your preference for performance or accuracy. OpenEmu also excels in usability, with straightforward configuration for controllers and a library-style interface that makes managing games intuitive. For Mac users seeking a hassle-free, high-quality SNES emulation experience, OpenEmu is hard to beat.

Final Thoughts

Each of these emulators brings something unique to the table. BSNES offers a balanced experience ideal for most users, Higan is the go-to for accuracy enthusiasts, and OpenEmu stands out as the most elegant solution for Mac users. Whichever you choose, these emulators provide a reliable way to revisit the SNES’s legendary library of games on modern machines.