You won’t find the main build on the Google Play Store (due to BIOS dependencies). Grab the latest APK from the developer’s GitHub or the official Neko Project II Android project page. Remember: You must provide your own legally obtained game ROMs and BIOS files.
Happy emulating, retro otaku!
Neko Project II (NP2) is an emulator for the Japanese NEC PC-9801 computer system. Developing or setting up this project on Android can be approached in two primary ways: using a standalone legacy application or through the more modern RetroArch ecosystem. 1. Modern Implementation: Neko Project II Kai (RetroArch)
The most active and reliable way to run PC-98 games on modern Android devices is through the Neko Project II Kai core in RetroArch. This version is optimized for multiple platforms and is easier to configure than legacy standalone apps.
Installation: Download RetroArch (preferably the 64-bit version) from the Google Play Store or F-Droid.
Core Setup: Inside RetroArch, navigate to Load Core > Download a Core and select NEC - PC-98 (Neko Project II Kai).
System Files: For full compatibility, you often need PC-98 BIOS files (like font.rom, bios.rom, and sound.rom) placed in the RetroArch system folder.
Game Files: The emulator supports .hdi (hard drive images), .fdi, and .d88 (floppy disk images). 2. Legacy Standalone App (NP2android)
There is a native Android port often referred to as np2android, though it has not seen significant updates in several years. neko project ii android
Availability: You can find archived versions of the APK on F-Droid Archive or SourceForge.
Compatibility: This version was originally built for older Android releases (starting from Android 1.6) and may struggle with performance or modern screen resolutions on newer hardware.
Features: Includes basic on-screen controls and support for standard PC-98 image formats. 3. Development & Source Code
If you are looking to develop or modify the emulator yourself, the source code for various branches is available on GitHub and GitLab:
NP2kai (Mainline): The NP2kai GitHub repository contains the source for the "Kai" version, including build instructions for Android using the Android NDK and SDK.
Legacy Android Port: Source metadata and older builds are available via the F-Droid GitLab project.
For a step-by-step visual guide on setting up the PC-98 emulator through RetroArch on your mobile device, you can follow this tutorial: How To Play Touhou (And Other PC-98 Games) On Android! Linux Lounge YouTube• Jul 24, 2020
Explain it to me like i'm 5: how to get pc98 games to work on android? You won’t find the main build on the
Install Retroarch. Go to Load Core and scroll to Download a Core. Scroll down again until you reach NEC - PC-98 (Neko Project II), Reddit·r/EmulationOnAndroid How To Play Touhou (And Other PC-98 Games) On Android!
Neko Project II for Android is an open-source emulator designed to replicate the NEC PC-9801 series
, a line of 16-bit and 32-bit personal computers that dominated the Japanese market in the 1980s and 90s. This platform is particularly famous for its vast library of unique titles, including early Touhou Project games and various "dōjin" style dating sims. Core Emulation Options
Android users typically access this emulator through two primary methods: Neko Project II and Touhou: A Tutorial
Neko Project II for Android: The Ultimate Guide to PC-98 Emulation
The NEC PC-9800 series (PC-98) remains one of Japan’s most influential personal computer lineages, home to thousands of classic titles, including the early Touhou Project games and legendary visual novels. While the hardware is now rare, Neko Project II Android (often found as a standalone port by 'sawada' or as a RetroArch core) allows users to relive this golden era on modern mobile devices. What is Neko Project II Android?
Neko Project II is an open-source emulator designed to replicate the non-IBM compatible PC-9801 and PC-9821 systems. The Android version translates this complex architecture to mobile processors, supporting older hardware like ARMv6 and mips, though modern builds typically require NEON support on ARMv7 devices for optimal performance. Key Features and Compatibility Neko Project Ii Android
Neko Project II (NP2) is an open-source emulator for the NEC PC-9801/PC-9821 Verdict: Stick with Neko Project II (specifically the
series, a dominant line of Japanese personal computers from the 1980s and 90s. On Android, it is primarily used to play retro Japanese titles, most notably the early Touhou Project Available Versions RetroArch Core (NP2Kai): The most common method today is using the frontend. You can download the NEC - PC-98 (Neko Project II Kai) core directly within the app. Standalone App (Legacy): An older standalone port exists, often found on SourceForge
. Note that it hasn't been significantly updated since 2013. about.gitlab.com Core Features & Compatibility Game Formats: Supports common PC-98 disk image formats including (hard drive images), (floppy disk images). Performance:
Generally more efficient than other PC-98 emulators like Anex86 or T98-Next, making it ideal for mobile hardware.
Supports FM synthesis and MIDI, though MIDI often requires additional configuration of Setup Requirements
While Neko Project II is the primary option, a few alternatives exist:
Verdict: Stick with Neko Project II (specifically the "kai" fork). It is the only actively updated, stable solution for PC-98 gaming on mobile.
If you are doing deep development or trying to understand the emulator's internal state handling, this is the most critical document available.