Nvidia Shield TV is a popular Nvidia entertainment console for Android TVs. It is a versatile console that not only packs a media player for watching your favorite TV shows, movies, and videos on other streaming platforms like YouTube but also allows the user to play games.
There are more than one packages of Nvidia Shield that caters to the need for different userbase. One of the advanced packages add a shield controller that allows users to enjoy games. Not only you can download games from the Play Store but also emulate games using any android emulators.
In this article, I have discussed some of the best Nvidia Shield Emulators for playing retro games from older platforms like NES, SNES, PlayStation, Game Boy, Sega. I have also discussed the steps required for installing emulators on Nvidia Shield TV.
Nvidia Shield Emulator Guide
Contents
- 1 Nvidia Shield Emulator Guide
- 1.1 Necessities For Installing Emulators On Nvidia Shield TV
- 1.2 How To Install Emulators On Nvidia Shield TV?
- 1.3 How To Emulate Games On Nvidia Shield TV?
- 2 5 Best Nvidia Shield Emulators
- 2.1 1) RetroArch
- 2.2 2) My Boy!
- 2.3 3) PPSSPP
- 2.4 4) FPse
- 2.5 5) Classic Boy
- 3 Wrapping Up
Nvidia Shield TV provides a versatile entertainment experience for its users that not only includes streaming shows, movies, and media but to also play games. One of the easier ways to play games on Nvidia Shield is to directly install the games from the Google Play Store.
However, what makes this console different from others is the ability to emulate games. So, you can play the games on Play Store and also emulate games from other older platforms like NES, SNES, PlayStation, Game Boy, Sega, and others.
You may be wondering why not simply plug in your old PlayStation or the other similar consoles and play the games there? Well, you won’t be able to take the benefit of modern technology provided by Nvidia to play games and also use it as a media player.
Saying all this, what remains is you would have to install the emulators on Nvidia Shield TV to emulate games. This, however, is not a simple process. Before I go on to mention the best Nvidia Shield TV emulators, here is an Nvidia Shield emulator guide for installing it.
Necessities For Installing Emulators On Nvidia Shield TV
Before you can install emulators on Nvidia Shield TV console and emulate games, you need the following things:
- A good emulator that easily opens ROMs and is compatible with Nvidia Shield TV. You can choose one from the list given in this article.
- One of the good file managers for Android. You can use the Solid Explorer file manager. This application is present in the Google Play Store. It is one of the better ones present out there and I have mentioned the steps for playing emulated games using this file manager.
- A USB drive with sufficient space. Older games were not that big so a few Gigs, like 4GB or more, should be able to hold more than 15-20 games. The USB needs to be formatted to NTFS, exFAT, or FAT32.
How To Install Emulators On Nvidia Shield TV?
Now that you have sorted the necessities, it is time to set up the emulator. First, download one of the emulators mentioned below and install it. After installing, run the emulator. It will open with a notification asking for permission to access or read the external storage; give it access by clicking on OK.
If you are using the RetroArch emulator (and some other emulators may also require this), which is one of the best emulators for Nvidia Shield, you will have to download the core. The core is different for the platform you want to emulate the game of.
Suppose you want to emulate a game of GameBoy Advance, then you will have to download the core that supports it. This should be taken care of by the emulator itself. For RetroArch, click on Load Core and select the Download Core option. Locate the core you need and download it. After this, the emulator is set up for playing the emulated game.
How To Emulate Games On Nvidia Shield TV?
After you have set up the emulator, you need to install the file manager from Google Play. As mentioned above, download and install Solid Explorer. Download the ROM files of the game that you want to play and store them in the USB drive. Try to keep them in proper folders to navigate better. Now, insert the USB in Nvidia Shield and run the Solid Explorer.
Click on the 3 horizontal bars icon located on the left side of the screen and select the Settings icon (gear icon). Scroll down and uncheck the Bottom context toolbar box. Now go back and select the USB drive from the file manager (you will be able to identify it with its name).
Navigate to the folder with the ROMs and select it. Copy the ROM folder and paste it in the internal storage using the File Manager. After the ROM folder finishes copying, open the emulator. Search for compatible files using the emulator and it should show you the results from the ROM folder. If the scan doesn’t work, then manually navigate the location using the emulator.
Open the ROM folder and select the game you want to play. Run it and now you can enjoy the game. This completes the Nvidia Shield emulator guide, now let’s look at the 5 best emulators for Nvidia Shield.
5 Best Nvidia Shield Emulators
Here is the list of the best Nvidia Shield Emulators you can find in 2020. The list is compiled on the basis of the app’s accessibility and features for running a ROM. Without further ado, let’s have a look.
1) RetroArch
RetroArch undoubtedly takes the crown of being the best Nvidia Shield emulator. It supports multiple platforms and media players and is completely compatible with Nvidia Shield. Here are some features of this emulator that I really liked:
- It automatically scans and sorts your ROM files.
- RetroArch has an in-built core downloader and updater.
- Runs on Android phones, tablets, PS3, PSP, and many other devices.
- It has an auto-joystick configuration.
- You can record and stream to Twitch and YouTube directly from the emulator.
Overall, I find RetroArch the most capable emulator for Nvidia Shield TV. Although, the features and UI can lean a tad towards difficult for new users, but it’s nothing that you won’t figure out after putting in some time.
Download RetroArch from Google Play Store.
2) My Boy!
My Boy is another popular emulator for Android devices. It can quickly and easily emulate games for your Nvidia Shield TV. Some features that I like about it are:
- The emulator includes cheat codes from ActionReplay and GameShark.
- It allows IPS/UPS ROM patching.
- My Boy is OpenGL compatible for devices with GPU, otherwise, it renders using the CPU.
- It has external controller support, so you can use the Shield controller with it.
- Easily able to save and load game states.
My Boy is also a nice emulator for Nvidia Shield. You can also download it directly from Google Play Store. The UI is a downside, it’s too basic and hard to navigate, but otherwise, it’s quite good as an emulator.
3) PPSSPP
PPSSPP is one of the best emulators for playing PSP games. PSP games can run ROMs as .iso or .cso files and most Android emulators aren’t to run them properly. PPSSPP is primarily for PSP games and it runs them with ease. The quality of the PSP games is preserved and you get a similar experience as you got from playing on your PSP.
This application has controller support so that you can use the Shield controller. Download this emulator directly from Google Play Store.
4) FPse
FPse emulator is an expert at running the Play Station 1 games. FPse sports support a variety of other extensions like .img, .iso, .psp and many more. It uses the OpenGL support for high-resolution gaming on the Nvidia Shield. If you are more into the PS 1 games, this is the emulator you should definitely try. Download it directly from the Play Store.
5) Classic Boy
Classic Boy is another standout best emulators for Nvidia Shield TV. Classic boys provide you with all the capabilities of RetroArch and support multiple platforms. The UI is also passable, better than most other emulators. Some features of Classic Boy I really like are:
- Save and load game states at any time.
- Ability to customize controls.
- Cheat codes are provided in the emulator.
- Provides multiplayer capabilities.
- External controller support.
- Ability to customize rendering resolution.
You can download Classic Boy from here.
Wrapping Up
So, there you have it. Now you know how to install emulators on Nvidia Shield TV and the 5 best Nvidia Shield emulators. Remember to mention the emulator you liked or if you are using some other emulator that isn’t listed here. If you have any further questions related to this topic, ask them in the comment section below.
FAQs
How do I get Nvidia Shield emulator? ›
- On the Home screen, click and open the Play store app.
- Search and type the Emulator of choice.
- Click and open the Emulator. ...
- If you have a Gamepad, you can connect it now while opening the app.
- Accept all the required Permissions.
If you want to use emulators on your living room TV, the easiest option is acquiring a small, affordable device called Raspberry Pi. Running an OS like Linux or Android, Raspberry Pi can do a lot of things, but one of its best uses is as a plug-and-play emulation box.
Can you run EmuELEC on Nvidia Shield? ›Finally, if you're really looking to get the best TV retro gaming performance, you will want to consider the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro. This device will support smooth Dreamcast and PSP performance, but doesn't have EmuELEC support.
Can you play games on Nvidia Shield without a PC? ›GeForce Now is a subscription service (with a free option) that lets you to play games on your Shield TV without having to cast from your PC. Once you sign up for GeForce Now Free or Priority, you can start playing games using the NVIDIA Games app on your Shield TV.
Can you play any PC game on Nvidia Shield? ›And now with SHIELD TV, you can even cast games that support the standard to your HDR-enabled TV with GameStream. With GameStream technology you can easily cast games in 4K HDR from your GeForce GTX-powered PC to your SHIELD TV!
How do I put roms on my NVIDIA Shield TV? ›Simply go into the Shield TV's app store and download the video game emulators you want. All of the popular video game emulators in the Play Store are present in the Shield TV's app store.
How do I add games to my Nvidia Shield? ›Open GeForce Experience and navigate to the Settings > SHIELD settings. Under the Game and Apps window, click "ADD" and browse to the location of your game's launcher.
Which emulator runs the best? ›- LambdaTest. Automated and live testing on over 3000+ real browsers and operating systems. ...
- MEmu. Android emulation with high-quality graphics via DirectX 3D & OpenGL rendering. ...
- LDPlayer. ...
- Android Studio. ...
- KoPlayer. ...
- Genymotion. ...
- Nox Player. ...
- BlueStacks.
mGalaxy is the best launcher (also called 'frontend') for arcade, console and computer games. Relive the fun of playing all those retro games from your childhood (but also current games) with a stylish interface! More than 60 game platforms are recognized!
Can I install third party apps on the Nvidia Shield? ›On your Mi Box, Nvidia Shield, or TVs with built-in Android OS, you can install the Downloader app from Google Play Store. This app will let you sideload third-party apps from the URL that directly point to the APK.
Can you install APKS on NVIDIA Shield TV? ›
Download apk from website
Both the standard Android (arm7 Shield, arm8 Shield pro) and Android TV apps work on the Shield. You can choose one or install both if you like.
GameStream will disappear with a device update in February 2023. The short email doesn't give a reason for the shutdown, but it's a safe guess that the company is transitioning resources from a product feature that's probably seldom-used into GeForce Now, and the potential subscription revenue it might generate.
Can you install steam on Nvidia Shield? ›How to Install and Set Up Steam Link on NVIDIA Shield TV. Open the Play Store app on your Shield TV, search for "Steam Link." and then select Install > Open > Allow. Now, Steam Link will search the PCs currently running Steam. In most cases, your PC will be found automatically.
Can I play Steam games on Shield TV? ›You'll need the Steam Link app on your Shield TV to get access to streaming games from your gaming PC. Nvidia also lists GeForce Now as an alternative, but you won't get 4K streaming and high frame rates without subscribing to the cloud gaming service.
Can you play free games on Nvidia Shield? ›Install and Play Games
With over 30 of the biggest free play games already on GeForce NOW, you won't need to make a single purchase to start playing today. GeForce NOW also connects to digital PC game stores so you can stream your own library of games.
Specifications. The Shield utilizes Nvidia's Tegra X1 system-on-chip, based on the ARM Cortex-A57 CPU and Nvidia's Maxwell microarchitecture GPU, with 3 GB of RAM.
How can I play PC games on my Nvidia Android? ›- Set Up NVIDIA GeForce Experience. ...
- Download Moonlight on Your Mobile Device. ...
- Sync Moonlight With NVIDIA GeForce Experience. ...
- Set Up Internet Streaming (Optional) ...
- Enjoy PC Gaming in the Palm of Your Hand.
Some emulators have a folder set as the default for games, so make sure the ROM file goes in that folder. If there is no folder automatically set, you will have to set one yourself. Most Emulators have a ( File>Open ROM ) option, so do that, and a box will appear to select your game file.
How does GeForce now work on shield TV? ›GeForce NOW is a cloud streaming service that turns your SHIELD TV or Tablet into a GeForce-powered PC gaming rig, so you can game from the same couch where you stream your favorite shows and movies.
Can you add a hard drive to Nvidia Shield? ›Additional USB storage can be connected to your SHIELD. Connected storage is automatically connected as “removable storage” and SHIELD can read and write directly to the storage device.
Does Nvidia Shield have an app store? ›
Use this shortcut to access the Google Play Store to find the latest apps available for SHIELD TV. Press select to immediately launch the app. Hold “select” with a long press to access the app menu.
Can Nvidia Shield run Dolphin? ›SHIELD TV: Dolphin emulator compatibility
The Dolphin emulator requires a 64-bit version of Android TV to run properly. SHIELD TV Pro (2019) will run the Dolphin emulator, but SHIELD TV (2019) is not compatible and Dolphin cannot be installed on this model.
GeForce NOW offers three membership plans: Free, Priority, and Ultimate. You can sign up here.
How do I download Android games on Nvidia Shield? ›- Log into the desktop version of the Google Play Store.
- Search for the game you want to buy.
- Since you already "own" a Shield TV, you'll be able to buy and download the game.
- Once you've purchased it, go back to the Yalp Store.
- Search for the game you just bought using your account.
- Download and install it.
Since that old yellowed Super Nintendo is pumping out fewer pixels than the TV is used to projecting, the modern LCD TV has to expand the image several times over so it's not a tiny little dot on the screen. This is called upscaling, which in the case of retro games leads to blurriness.
How do I make old games look good on my 4k TV? ›The best way of making the old game systems look good on HDTV is by choosing the suitable cable – with maximum output, using an external scaler, and enabling game mode on your display (if available).
Which is the No 1 Android emulator? ›#1) LDPlayer
The emulator allows you to use custom controls while gaming, which basically means you can easily use the mouse and keyboard of your windows device to play Android games. A feature that I like the most is the “Multi-Instance”, which allows you to open multiple games simultaneously on your computer screen.
- Best multi-console emulator – RetroArch.
- NES – NES.emu.
- Sega Genesis – MD.emu.
- Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance – John GBAC.
- SNES – Snes9X EX+
- Sega Saturn – Yaba Sanshiro 2.
- PlayStation 1 – DuckStation.
- ClassicBoy.
- GBA. emu.
- Nostalgia. NES.
- AetherSX2.
- M64Plus FZ Emulator.
- My Boy!
- Dolphin Emulator.
- DraStic DS Emulator.
Game Emulation
You can mimic retro games on an Android TV box with an emulator. These are special hardware devices or software programs that imitate the host computer on the connected device. Using an emulator, you can get the connected controllers to behave like virtual consoles.
How can I play classic games on Android? ›
- Emulator KOBox. KOBox is a free app that lets you play old GameBoy Advance, Famicom, Super Nintendo and MAME arcade games on your Android phone, and it works well with Bluetooth controllers. ...
- MyGBA Emulator. ...
- GENPlusDroid. ...
- MAME4droid.
To connect your console to the HDMI port of your TV, you will need an HDMI adapter. Plug the round DIN connector into the AV port on the back of the console and the HDMI connector to the TV. To use the composite video connection, you will need a composite video cable corresponding to the model of your Sega console.
What retro console is worth the most? ›- 1 The Nintendo Wii Supreme ($375,000)
- 2 The Nintendo PlayStation ($360,000) ...
- 3 The Atari Cosmos ($18,853) ...
- 4 Shadow of the Tomb Raider Xbox One X ($8,400) ...
- 5 Gold Minish Cap Game Boy Advance SP ($8,000) ...
- 6 The PS1 10 Million Edition ($7,500) ...
So, to answer the question, “What is a retro game?” our experts will stick to a definition that currently applies to the age group of most active gamers today. Titles with an original release date over 15 years ago qualify as retro.
Should I get a CRT for retro games? ›When it comes to retro gaming, CRT monitors are the best way for gamers to experience their favorite games. Over the last few years, CRT monitors have gained a lot of popularity, mostly because they offer an authentic gaming experience that's hard to find elsewhere.
What 3rd party app store still works? ›- Cydia. The Cydia app store goes back as far as 2008, being the first app store for iPhones ever: it provided apps several months before Apple itself launched the App Store. ...
- AppCake. ...
- Amazon Appstore. ...
- F-Droid. ...
- Huawei AppGallery. ...
- Samsung Galaxy Store. ...
- Xiaomi Mi GetApps.
- Go to the Settings in your app menu.
- Find and select the Apps & notifications menu.
- Tap Advanced.
- Select Special app access.
- Tap Install unknown apps.
- Choose the internet browser that you will use for the third-party stores.
- Turn on Allow from this source.
- The last one on our list is F-droid. ...
- On an F-Droid app, you won't find all the games and games that you usually get on the Google Play Store, instead, you'll find a lot of open source apps, which are mostly not available on Google Play.
- Use a Vpn App to Install Geo-Restricted Apps. ...
- Install Incompatible Apps by Sideloading APK Files. ...
- Install an App Not Compatible With Your Device by Editing the build. ...
- Update Your Phone's Software.
GeForce Now is a subscription service (with a free option) that lets you to play games on your Shield TV without having to cast from your PC. Once you sign up for GeForce Now Free or Priority, you can start playing games using the NVIDIA Games app on your Shield TV.
What games can the Nvidia Shield Pro play? ›
...
Jump to:
- Bridge Constructor Portal.
- ClusterTruck.
- Death Road to Canada.
- Doom 3.
- The Final Station.
- Half Life 2.
- Implosion: Never Lose Hope.
- Jackbox Party Pack 3.
The Nvidia Shield TV Pro is the brand's premium 4K streaming player that combines access to on-demand services like Amazon Prime Video and Netflix and the ability to play games like Cyberpunk 2077, Among Us and Rocket League.
Can Nvidia Shield run Wii games? ›The Nvidia Shield is a line of products by Nvidia that can play PC games. The device launched in China on December 5, 2017. In China, the system supports select GameCube and Wii games as a partnership between Nvidia, Nintendo and Chinese company iQIYI. GameCube and Wii games on Shield will cost RMB 68 and run at 1080p.
What else can the Nvidia Shield do? ›The Shield also has 4K Chromecast functionality built in, so it's possible to 'cast' your favourite apps, photos, and videos from your mobile device to your TV. A keyboard and mouse can also be plugged in so that you have a handier interface for when you want to do searches, and Bluetooth devices can also be connected.
Is Shield TV Pro worth it? ›It's easily one of the best TV streaming experiences we've had. As for gaming, the SHIELD TV Pro pairs with your PC so you can play AAA PC games on your TV. This is awesome—but it's gonna cost you. The SHIELD TV Pro is already expensive, and gaming on the device requires a separate, paid GeForce NOW subscription.
Can Nvidia Shield play Android games? ›All SHIELD TV devices are able to play most of the games available to Android TV on the Google Play store as well as play streamed games from GeForce NOW.
Can the Nvidia Shield play games? ›Nvidia Shield TV
Which emulator can run Wii games? ›Dolphin is a free and open-source video game console emulator for GameCube and Wii that runs on Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S.
Can you play Steam games on Shield? ›Steam Link streams games from your gaming PC to the device you wish to stream to (in our case, your Shield TV) by bridging a connection between the two. Setup is straightforward, though you may encounter caveats once you try to stream.
Does Nvidia Shield get hot? ›When you are using the NVIDIA SHIELD TV, it is normal for the system and/or AC power adapter to get warm.
What is the best Android TV box? ›
- Google Chromecast (3rd Generation)
- Nvidia Shield Android TV Pro.
- Roku Express 4K+
- TiVo Stream 4K.
- Roku Ultra 4802R (2022)