Games about Super Mario have been a symbol of platformers for decades, but not all parts of the legendary series are officially available on Android . Fortunately, smartphone owners have several ways to run the plumber's adventures, from legal ports to emulation of classic consoles. In this article we will look at all working methodsincluding setting up gamepads, optimizing performance and bypassing possible blocks.

It is important to understand: Nintendo strictly protects its intellectual rights, so most of the ways to run old games are not legalif you do not have original cartridges or licensed ROM files. We will talk about all the options - from the official Super Mario Run to emulators NES/SNES, but the decision to use each of them is up to you. Also note that game performance depends on hardware of your smartphone: on weak devices (for example, with a processor Snapdragon 4xx) lags may occur even in 2D platformers.

1. Official Mario games for Android

Nintendo has released several mobile games with Mario, but they are all very different from classic platformers. Here is a complete list of legal versions available in Google Play:

  • 🎮 Super Mario Run (2016) - autorunner with a one-time purchase for ~10$. The game is free for the first levels, but you will have to pay for the full version. Supports offline mode after loading data.
  • 🎲 Mario Kart Tour (2019) - racing game with microtransactions. Free, but progress is highly dependent on “cubes” (in-game currency). Requires a constant Internet connection.
  • 🏰 Dr. Mario World (2019) - a puzzle with “three in a row” elements. Closed in 2021, but APK files can still be found on third-party sites (risk of viruses!).

The main disadvantage of the official versions is lack of classic gameplay. If you need platformers like Super Mario Bros 3 or Super Mario World, you will have to use emulators. Also note that Nintendo can block accounts for using unofficial APKs (especially in Mario Kart Tour), so risks remain even with legal games.

⚠️ Attention: In 2023 year Nintendo began an active fight against pirated versions of mobile games, blocking devices by Google Advertising ID. If you installed an APK from an untrusted source, there is a risk of losing access to other games of the company (for example, Fire Emblem Heroes).
📊 Which Mario game do you prefer?
Classic platformers (NES/SNES)
Mario Kart
Paper Mario
Mario Party
Other

2. Emulators for classic Mario games

To run older parts of the series (Super Mario Bros, Super Mario World, Yoshi’s Island), you will need a console emulator NES (8-bit) or SNES (16-bit). Below is a comparison of the best emulators for Android, tested for compatibility with games about them. Mario:

Emulator Supported consoles Pros Cons Link (Google Play)
RetroArch NES, SNES, N64, GBA, etc. Versatile, shader support, no ads Complicated setup for beginners ✅ Available
Snes9x EX+ SNES Optimized for weak devices, saving to the cloud Outdated interface, no multiplayer ✅ Available
John NESS NES Simple interface, support for gamepads Advertising in the free version ✅ Available
M64Plus FZ Nintendo 64 Support Super Mario 64 with improved graphics Requires a powerful processor (Snapdragon 8xx+) ✅ Available

For optimal. gameplay recommended Snes9x EX+ (for SNESgames) or RetroArch (if you need support for several consoles). Please note: emulators not supplied with games you will have to look for ROM files yourself. A legal way to get them is to dump your own cartridge using devices like Retrode.

Download the emulator from Google Play|Adjust the screen resolution (4:3 recommended)|Connect a gamepad (optional)|Download the console BIOS (for accurate emulation)|Check the ROM for viruses (via VirusTotal)-->

3. Where to get ROM files for Mario games

This is the most controversial point. Technically, downloading. ROM files games that you do not physically own are a copyright violation. However, there are several conditionally legal ways to obtain files:

  • 💾 Dump. own cartridge. If you have an original cartridge, you can use devices like Retrode 2 or USB Cart Reader to create a backup copy.
  • 🌍 Abandonware Archives. Some sites distribute ROMs of games that are no longer sold (for example, Super Mario Land for Game Boy). The legality of this approach is questionable, but the risks are minimal for games older than 20 years.
  • 🛒 Purchasing on eBay. Sometimes sellers send ROM along with a physical copy of the game (check before purchasing!).

Popular sites with ROM files (listed for reference, not a recommendation!): coolrom.com, emuparadise.me, romulation.net. Be careful - many resources distribute files with embedded miners or viruses. Always check downloaded archives through VirusTotal and avoid files with the extension .exe (Game ROMs must be in the format .smc, .sfc or .nes).

⚠️ Attention: In 2022 Nintendo filed lawsuits against several sites with ROMs, achieving their closure. If you download files from torrents, use a VPN to avoid warnings from the provider. However, even this does not guarantee complete anonymity.
What will happen if Nintendo blocks your account?

The company can send a complaint to Google, which will lead to banning your Google Play account on the device. In rare cases, your Nintendo Network account will also be blocked (if linked to the same email). To minimize risks, do not use the same email for pirated ROMs and official purchases in eShop.

4. Setting up the emulator for smooth gameplay

Even on powerful smartphones, emulation may slow down due to incorrect settings. Here are key parametersthat you need to check (for example Snes9x EX+):

  1. Screen resolution: Set Original (4:3) or Integer Scaleto avoid sprite distortion. Stretching to full screen (Stretch) spoils the gameplay.
  2. Shaders: Enable CRT-Geom or Scanlines for a “retro-like” effect. On weak devices, it is better to disable shaders completely.
  3. Sound: Select Sync Audioto avoid desynchronization of music and gameplay.
  4. Saves: Use Save States (saves at any time), rather than built-in game slots - this is more convenient for mobile gaming.

For RetroArch additionally configure:

  • 🔧 Core: For SNES choose Snes9x (more precise) or bsnes (more demanding on hardware).
  • 🎮 Input: Enable Auto-Configure Gamepadif you are using a gamepad.
  • ⚡ Performance: Disable Run Ahead (reduces lag, but eats up the battery).

On devices with a weaker processor than the Snapdragon 660, SNES emulation may slow down in games with a large number of sprites (for example, in levels with many enemies in Super Mario World). In this case, try reducing the render resolution to 1x or disabling sound effects.

💡

If the game is slow, try turning on the "Fast Forward" mode in the emulator settings. This will help you get through difficult moments, but may break the physics in some games (for example, in Super Mario Bros 3, jumping will become too high).

5. Controls: touch screen vs gamepad

Playing Mario on a touch screen is inconvenient - virtual buttons take up half of the display, and the accuracy of clicks leaves much to be desired. Let's consider the alternatives:

  • 🎮 Bluetooth gamepads:
    • 8BitDo Pro 2 —the best choice for retro games (analogues of SNEScontrollers).
    • Xbox Controller or DualShock 4 —universal, but less convenient for platformers.
  • 📱 Keyboard + OTG adapter: Connect a USB keyboard via OTG cable. Configure the keys in the emulator (for example, WASD for movement, Space for jumping).
  • 🖥️ Streaming on PC: Launch the emulator on your computer and broadcast the image to your phone via Steam Link or Moonlight. Lags are minimal with good Wi-Fi.

To connect a gamepad to RetroArch:

  1. Go to Settings → Input → Port 1 Controls.
  2. Select Bind All and press the buttons on the gamepad according request.
  3. Save the configuration as Gamepad Profile.

If there is no gamepad, try button overlay in the emulator. In John NESS you can adjust the transparency and size of virtual keys, and in RetroArch you can use overlays from the site gamepad-viewer.com.

💡

For a comfortable game of Mario on Android, a gamepad is required. Touch controls are only suitable for simple games like Dr. Mario or Tetris.

6. Alternative methods: cloud gaming and remakes If emulation seems complicated, consider these options: Subscription for gives access to a collection of classic games, including and You can play on your phone via a browser (unofficially, with lags).

If emulation seems complicated, consider these options:

  • ☁️ Nintendo Switch Online: Subscribe for ~20$/year gives access to a collection of classic games, including Super Mario Bros, Super Mario World And Yoshi’s Island. You can play on your phone via a browser (unofficially, with lags).
  • 🎮 Xbox Cloud Gaming: The catalog contains Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury (requires subscription Game Pass Ultimate and stable internet).
  • 🖥️ Remakes from fans:
    • Super Mario 63 - 3D platformer in the style of Mario 64, works through a browser.
    • Mario Forever - unofficial remake of classic parts (APK available on itch.io).

The main advantage of cloud services is legality and no need for emulators. Disadvantages: fast Internet is required (from 15 Mbit/s), lags are possible, and the catalog of games is limited. For example, there are no Nintendo Switch Online No Super Mario RPG or Mario Kart 64.

⚠️ Attention: Some “remakes” from fans contain malicious code. Download APK only from trusted sources (for example itch.io or official developer sites) and always check the file hash.

7. Solving problems: lags, sound, saving

Even after setting up the emulator, problems may arise. Here the most common errors and their solutions:

Problem Possible cause Solution
The game is slow on a powerful smartphone Shaders enabled or high resolution Disable shaders, set resolution 1x
No sound Incorrect audio settings in the emulator Select Sync Audio and restart the game
Progress is not saved ROM file is read only Copy the ROM to the emulator folder and give write permissions
Buttons do not respond Conflict with screen overlay Disable "Battery optimization" for the emulator in the Android settings

If the game Super Mario World crashes at levels with Yoshi, try:

  1. Change the emulator kernel from Snes9x to bsnes Accuracy.
  2. Disable Sound Echo in the audio settings.
  3. Reduce Frame Skip to 1.

For games Nintendo 64 (for example, Super Mario 64) lags are often associated with graphics plugins. B M64Plus FZ select GLideN64 to balance productivity and quality.

8. Security: how not to catch a virus

Emulators and ROM files are a favorite target for malware distributors. Follow these rules to avoid problems:

  • 🛡️ Download emulators only from Google Play. Avoid APKs from third-party sites, even if they promise an “improved version.”
  • 🔍 Check ROM files via VirusTotal or MetaDefender. Be especially wary of files with the extension .exe or .bat.
  • 📂 Do not give the emulator access to contacts or SMS. Enough permission for storage and (optional) microphone for voice chat.
  • 🔄 Update emulators. Outdated versions may contain vulnerabilities (for example, RetroArch 1.8.5 there was a critical error with access to the file system).

If after installing the ROM or emulator the phone started overheat, check the processor activity in Settings → Battery. Miners (for example XMRig) can disguise themselves as emulators and load the CPU at 100%. Also pay attention to the unexpected payment requests - some pirated APKs replace the details for purchases on Google Play.

💡

Use the application NetGuard (without root) to block the emulator's access to the Internet. This will prevent data leakage and ads loading in the background.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to play Mario on Android legally without emulators?

Yes, but the choice is limited. Only Super Mario Run, Mario Kart Tour and Dr. Mario World are officially available (the latter is closed, but the APK can still be found). You can also subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online and play through the browser (unofficially, with lags). Classic platformers (Super Mario Bros, Super Mario World) are not officially released on Android.

Which emulator is better for Super Mario 64 on a weak phone?

For Super Mario 64 on devices with a weak processor (Snapdragon 4xx/Helio Pxx) we recommend M64Plus FZ with settings:

  • Graphics plugin: GLES2N64 (instead of GLideN64).
  • Resolution: 320x240 (original).
  • Disable Expand Screen and Texture Filtering.

On very weak devices the game may slow down in levels with a lot of textures (for example Bob-omb Battlefield). In this case, try an emulator Mupen64Plus AE with kernel mupen64plus-next.

Is it possible to play Mario on Android with friends online?

Yes, but with reservations:

  • Official games: Mario Kart Tour there is multiplayer, but it requires a stable Internet and often suffers from cheating.
  • Emulators: RetroArch supports network play via Netplay, but this requires a powerful server or local network (ping < 50 ms setting). complex, and not all games Mario support multiplayer (for example, Super Mario Bros only in turns).
  • Screen parsing: You can broadcast the screen via Discord or Parsec, but this is not a full-fledged co-op.

For local multiplayer (on one device), an emulator is suitable John SNES with the function Multiplayer, but you will need to connect 2 gamepads.

Why does Mario move too fast/slow in the emulator?

This is a typical problem emulation speed desynchronization. Reasons and solutions:

  • Too fast: Enabled Fast Forward or high Frame Skip. Disable acceleration in the emulator settings.
  • Too slow:
    • Install Frame Skip = 1-2.
    • Change the emulator kernel (for example, from bsnes to Snes9x).
    • Close background applications (especially instant messengers and browsers).
  • Stepping speed: Problem with Audio Sync. Disable audio synchronization or change the audio driver to OpenSL.

If the problem persists, try another ROM file - some dumps have timing errors.

Is it possible to play Mario on Android with modifications (mods)?

Yes, but this requires additional steps:

  • For emulators: Some ROMs already contain mods (for example, Super Mario Bros: The Lost Levels 2You can also patch the original files through Lunar IPS (Android application). mods:
    • Kaizo Mario —super complex levels.
    • Mario’s Strange Quest —new graphics and mechanics.
  • For official games: In Super Mario Run mods are not possible due to protection Nintendo. Mario Kart Tour there are cheats (for example, endless rubies), but they lead to an account ban.

Beware of "mods" that require root access or installing additional APKs - this is a common way to spread viruses.