Android Emulator Mac M1 Chip

The latest Canary build of Android Studio has added preliminary support for Macs powered by the ARM-based Apple Silicon M1 chip. You can use the built-in emulator with Android 11 and Android. How to install AniMixPlay APK on Windows or MAC? This is tutorial. Android Emulator for M1. Who would have thought that Android Emulators would be a headache!?!?!! Rosetta 2 is amazing, but when it comes to the default Android Emulator it falls over because it can not run Kernel extensions and doesn't support VMs that are doing x8664 virtualization. IPhone Emulator - iPhone Emulators are applications that simply replicate the hardware of an iPhone letting you run iOS applications.

March 14, 2021☕️15 min read🔖#tools

Updated on: August 28, 2021

Note: This article was updated in August 2021. The Macbook Pro M1 I was using crashed and stopped working without any reason on August 25, 2021. In just seven months of use.

It took time to get it repaired. That forced me to buy another laptop. While setting up the new laptop, I thought it is an excellent time to update this post.


lol @apple started shipping used/damaged products to India by boxing them as NEW?
cc: @AppleSupportpic.twitter.com/hmgZwiS5Kl

— Aman Mittal ⚛️☕🖖🥑 (@amanhimself) August 26, 2021

I recently upgraded from Macbook Air 2017 to Macbook Pro with an M1 chip. My four-year-old Macbook Air was giving up. The performance to run heavy tasks like using the iOS simulator when developing and working on React Native apps was declining. I had long given up using the Android emulator and used an actual Android device for testing. December 2020 was the time I decided its time to upgrade.

I had a long internal discussion with myself for almost a month about whether I should upgrade to M1 or stick with Intel-based chips and spend them bucks. Don't get me wrong here, M1 is not cheap either as I did go for a RAM upgrade to max limits, which is currently 16GB in the base model.

After going through some online reviews and research, the kind of performance I was expecting has been worth it so far (it is fast, no doubt). I received it two weeks back when writing this post, and since then, I have installed all the necessary tools and utilities that help me work on Web development and React Native apps.

My local environment currently includes:

  • Homebrew (now supported Apple Silicon machines since 2.6.0)
  • Git
  • Node.js
  • npm
  • Zsh
  • Oh My Zsh
  • iTerm
  • Xcode
  • yarn
  • VSCode
  • Rosetta 2

OS apps:

  • Brave
  • Android Studio
  • Insomnia as REST API client
  • Xcode
  • Slack or Discord (for work and community)
  • There (to track team mate's timezone)
  • LICEcap (for gifs)
  • Zoom (for work)
  • GitHub Desktop App
  • Cleanshot (for screenshots)
  • Google Chrome
    • set to default
      • First things to do:
        • Log in to: Gmail, Twitter, GitHub, Outlook
        • Developer mode on
      • Extensions:
        • Grammarly
        • Toby to organize tabs

System Settings:

  • Disable Ask Siri
  • Disable Spotlight search except Applications, Calculator, Definition, and System Preferences.
  • Trackpad:
    • Fix direction: Scroll & Zoom > Natural off
    • Right click: Point & Click > Secondary Click
    • Disable dictionary lookup: Point & Click > Look up & data detectors off
    • More gestures > Swipe between pages off & App Exposé off
  • Finder settings:
    • Preferences > Advanced > Show filename extensions
    • Enable show path bar: View > Show Path Bar
  • Dock:
    • Turn auto hiding on

Android Emulator Mac M1 Chip Tool

Copy dotfiles

iTerm

My favorite terminal app that I have been using for years is iTerm. I am currently using two versions of iTerm on my setup. One with Rosetta 2 enabled and the default one. This way, I can only use the Rosetta 2 emulator when required. There are no performance issues I have found with using iTerm with Rosetta 2 for ARM-based applications.

If you'd like a similar setup, go to the Applications folder in your Macbook and duplicate the iTerm application.

You can rename the duplicated iTerm app. I have renamed it to iTerm_rosetta to differentiate between the two. Right-click the duplicated app and click Get Info. In the General, check the box where it says Open using Rosetta.

Now, if you open the second terminal, it will be using Rosetta 2 emulator by default.

Other iTerm profile settings that I use:

Recently I started using Jetbrains Mono font.

For the overall looks and appearance, I use Dracula Pro Color Presets created by Zen Rocha.

And my last favorite thing is to split the working directory into two more different tabs using Command + D for horizontal panes.

Make sure to have the following setting configured from

General > Working Directory > select Advanced Configuration > click button Edit... > select Reuse previous session's directory under Working Directory for New Split Panes.

For terminal prompt, I use Spaceship ZSH.

Homebrew

On December 1, 2020, the Homebrew team announced on their website about the version release 2.6.0. The most significant changes among others they listed were the support for macOS Big Sur, using brew commands instead of brew cask and beginning to support macOS M1 and Apple Silicon or ARM-based chips.

Using the terminal, you can install the Homebrew by executing the default command:

brew installs:

  • node/npm
  • scrcpy (control Android devices connect via USB on mac)
  • adoptopenjdk8 (required for React Native)
  • Karabiner-Elements (remapping function keys)
  • watchman (required for React Native)

What is Karabiner-Elements?

When I bought Macbook Air M1, it had function keys (that got me excited), but I don't understand why Apple decided to replace function keys that would allow me to control Keyboard Brightness?! And moreover, replace it with 'Do Not Disturb'.

Why? That got me confused 🤷

I found this tool called karabiner Elements that can be installed as a brew formula:

Here are the key mappings I am using now:

Git

I did install Git using brew command:

To authenticate GitHub to be used from the terminal environment, I'd recommend you to check out the official document on creating and accessing personal tokens.

Xcode

After installing Git, for me, the next step is to install Xcode app from Apple's App Store.

Then, install 'command line tools'. It is required by many of the formulae in Homebrew.

After installing it, make sure to open it for the first time, from the menu bar, open Xcode > Preferences > Locations and make sure that Command Line Tools point towards the current Xcode app.

ZSH and Oh My Zsh

ZSH is the default shell in macOS Big Sur. However, I like to use Oh My Zsh to manage the ZSH configuration, plugins, and a theme to prettify the terminal.

To install, run the command below:

After installation, make sure that the file .zshrc is exporting the below path at the top:

The first I like to do after setting up the bare minimum ZSH configuration is to install a plugin called zsh-syntax-highlighting. It provides syntax highlighting for the ZSH shell. Execute the series below commands in the terminal window:

This is my final ZSH configuration in the file ~/.zshrc file:

After installing the syntax highlight plugin, it starts to recognize the commands:

VSCode

VSCode and VS Code Insiders are currently supported on ARM chips (as of March 13, 2021). Download the installer for Insiders edition from here and for VSCode here.

I am still using the same VSCode configuration from my previous setup:

Themes

I usually like to switch between a dark and a light theme.

  • For the dark theme where I spent most of my time, I am was previously using morgan.codes-theme, but now I am using fairyFloss.
    • Other themes I switch between:
      • Quiet Light
  • For file icons, I love Material-Icon-Theme.
  • For terminal prompt, I use Spaceship ZSH.
  • Font: Jetbrains Mono font.

Bluestacks Mac

Extensions

I use VSCode editor for both writing code and writing blog posts. Thus, the list of extensions below is the combination of extensions that fulfills both of my purposes.

Global NPM Packages I use

  • gatsby-cli To build and test out my personal blog built with Gatsby.
  • npm-check to check for outdated, incorrect, and unused dependencies.
  • git-watch-log to watch a git repo and recent changes.

For React Native Development

  • install node
  • install Watchman to watch changes in the filesystem using the command: brew install watchman.
  • install following gems:
  • install Java Development Kit using the command: brew install --cask adoptopenjdk/openjdk/adoptopenjdk8.
  • Currently, I am using Arctic Fox Canary that supports Apple's based machines for Android Studio.
  • Then install Android SDK (I do not prefer AVD and use an actual device for testing)
  • scrcpy to display and control Android devices connect via USB on Mac.

⚛️ For more instructions on how to set up a development environment for React Native, please follow the official documentation here.

Rosetta 2

Android

Update: I am not using the Rosetta environment to install anything on the secondary machine since August 2021. That is the reason I've mentioned it at the end of the post.

Rosetta 2 is the lifeline that allows you to run apps designed for Intel-based chips that use x86 architecture on ARM-based chips (in this case M1). This solution is provided by Apple in the form of an emulator and doesn't come pre-installed. You have to install it manually. Fire up the Terminal application that comes pre-installed on the Big Sur and let your first command to execute be:

If you decide not to put the flag --agree-to-license, you will be prompted by Apple's interactive install, and you will have to agree to their terms and license conditions to use it.

Conclusion

That’s the setup I now use for my JavaScript, Node.js, React and React Native. I think it's a good machine. Hopefully, M1 is just the beginning of a new era of powerful computers for daily work use 🤞

🤔 The only thing left for me is to find a way to transfer all laptop swag/stickers from my Macbook Air 2017 to Pro. I miss having them on this one.

isapplesiliconready.com is another helpful link I found to check what is compatible to work on Apple Silicon chips natively or using Rosetta or not optimized at all.

Missing playing those Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) games from 90’s such as Super Mario, Donkey Kong, etc. because the consoles have become out of fashion?

If yes, then no needs to worry as SNES emulators are available now and using any of the below given SNES Emulator you can again revive the memories of your childhood games.

You can use SNES emulators to make your computer system behave exactly like some other system or device.

After having the emulator, you can enjoy the same gaming experience on your current Android, PC and Mac that you enjoyed with old consoles. With the advancement in technology and increase in the expertise of programmers, it is not very difficult to create android emulator or emulators for windows 10 or mac. Basically, it is software that has to match the capability of the hardware.

The most difficult part is to convert the CPU into a working code without bugs.

Benefits of SNES Emulator

1. Money Saving

Isn’t it great that you can have the replica of gaming experience which you had on original Super Nintendo Entertainment System at your device at low or no cost.

MacAndroid Emulator Mac M1 Chip

2. Lots of Options For Free

You can have a variety of options online that are available for free. You can get any one of them as per your requirement.

3. Not Harmful For The Device

Though SNES emulators are external devices it has no harmful effect on your current device whether it is android, Mac or PC. Even if it gets old, it does not have any adverse impact on the system.

Must Read:29 Best PSP Games Of All Time You Should Definitely Play

Here Is The List of 15 Best SNES Emulators For Windows, Mac and Android

1. RetroArch

This is the best SNES emulator that offers cross-platform support. You can enjoy SNES games on different platforms.

Features:

  • It is not only perfect for SNES classics but other games as well that was launched for other gaming consoles.
  • It is open-source software.
  • Users can enjoy better control on their game with the options like netplay, shaders and rewinding.
  • This SNES emulator lets you record and streams your game play on platforms such as YouTube and Twitch.tv.
  • The supported platforms by this emulator are Windows, Android, Linux, macOS and web.

2. Higan

If you are looking for the most accurate emulation, then higan is the best option. It supports multiple consoles. You can enjoy almost every SNES game with this emulator.

Features:

  • It supports over 12 different systems.
  • It is very popular among Mac SNES emulators.
  • This is a free SNES emulator but requires huge resource engagement. It does not operate on low-end devices.
  • It can run on Windows, Linux and macOS.

Also You Can Read About:Best Rainmeter Skins You Can Download For Windows 10

3. SNES9x

Just after the first extraction, you can launch games immediately with help of this Best SNES emulator for Windows 10. You can run all the SNES titles virtually without any major issues. It can also work on older devices.

Features:

  • Better graphics with output image processing.
  • Save the game at any point you want.
  • Speed up the game with fast forward option.
  • It has an amazing recording feature.
  • Supported platforms are macOS, Windows and Linux.

4. BizHawk

If you are passionate about games and want to be the fastest, then BizHawk is one of the Best SNES emulators. With help of this emulator, you can play games on Windows.

Features:

  • It is free of cost.
  • It is apt for both Tool-Assisted Speedruns (TAS) and casual gaming.
  • Some of the games supported by this Super Nintendo Emulator are Sega Saturn, Game Boy, NES, Nintendo 64, Atari 2600, and PlayStation.

5. ZSNES

It is a popular SNES emulator. This is very easy to use and is available for free. It has various features that can provide great advantages.

Features:

  • It improves video output with help of filters.
  • You can see a list of recently played games.
  • Supported platforms are Windows and Linux.
  • One of the disadvantages of this emulator is that it sometimes may take you to some unwanted web page.

Must Read:Best Google Play Store Alternatives

6. OpenEmu

It is a great option available for MAC users. The development of SNES Emulator MAC started in 2007. It is a free emulator that is easy to use.

Features:

  • It has an amazing design and exhibits great performance.
  • Experience improved visual output with different types of filters.
  • It can run on even old macOS device.

Android Emulator For Apple M1

7. SNES9x EX+

It is the Best SNES Emulator Android friendly. Though the UI may look a bit outdated but it is good in functionality.

Chip

Features:

  • Supports different file types.
  • User gets on-screen controls.
  • Benefit of saving or loading the states.
  • It is free and ad-free.
  • It works on devices that have processer of 1GHz or more.

8. Nestopia UE

You can play NES games with maximum accuracy using the Nestopia UE SNES emulator PC. Its development started in 2008. This is free to download and comes with cool features.

Features:

  • It offers net play and texture scaling.
  • Benefit of cheat support, custom palettes and Famicom mic support.
  • It has an easy setup and friendly user interface.
  • It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux.

9. BSNES

This SNES emulator aims at providing high-performance and accuracy in gaming experience.

Features:

  • Among the three releases till now, the best graphic quality is offered by the one that is HD build.
  • It works well with Windows and Linux.
  • Best for classic Nintendo games.
  • You don’t have to pay to buy it.

10. John NES

It is a nice choice for gamers who want a comfortable gaming experience on Android. The major focus is on accuracy.

Features:

  • You can play classic games as it has the original SNES engine.
  • It offers basic features such as zipped file support, high-quality rendering and customized keys.
  • It supports Bluetooth / MOGA controllers.

11. NES.emu

This is another good option that runs quite well on Android devices. The device must have 1GHz processor. It is paid software that costs $3.99.

Features:

  • It offers backup and save state support.
  • This emulator has on-screen multi-touch controls.
  • Games can be played in landscape orientation.

12. ClassicBoy

ClassicBoy allows the gamers to play through sensors and gestures. It runs Nintendo 64, PlayStation 64, GameBoy Color, and GameBoy Classic. It helps to play games on Android.

Features:

  • Game controller is mapped with gestures, so it makes it apt to play fighting games.
  • The movement of the character can be controlled with accelerometer sensor.

13. PPSSPP- PSP Emulator

This emulator has a user-friendly interface and supports Android platform. You can even enjoy some demo games for free.

Features:

  • Perfect keys and joystick placement make it easy for the user to get hands on the emulator quickly.
  • More than 50+ M people have downloaded this emulator. This shows the popularity of this emulator among PSP lovers.

14. The Mega S.N.E.S Rock Retro

This is a free emulator that supports Android platform. It makes gaming experience faster and offers wider games compatibility.

Emulator For M1 Mac

Features:

  • Games can be played on full HD Graphics setting.
  • It provides controller customisation and supports cheat codes.
  • For a few games, it even offers support for mouse.

15. Super Retro 16

It is simple to use and effective in functionality. Free version for this emulator is not available. It offers different benefits to the users.

Features:

  • Various screen enhancement options are available.
  • This emulator shows great compatibility with various games.
  • Options like fast forward mode, multiplayer options and on-screen controls are available in this emulator.

Conclusion

Emulators have made it easy for us to enjoy classic games. They also offer many benefits. Mostly they are free to download. But remember that it is software that has to work as hardware. Excessive use of emulator may warm up your device.

Android Studio Emulator Mac M1

So, be careful with the usage hours.

Android Emulator Mac M1 Chip Driver

So, we mentioned all the features of SNES Emulators for Android, Windows 10 and MAC. Get one of them and start gaming!

Bluestacks Android Emulator Mac

Related Articles: