Super Mario Run is now available for iOS devices, selling for $9.99. While iPhone and iPad users are enjoying the new wave of mobile gaming, Android users will have to wait for an undisclosed amount of time to join in on the fun. Super Mario Run is expected to hit Android devices sometime in 2017, and it may be advisable that users wait until then to install.
So far the closest third-party Android equivalent to Super Mario Run on the Google Play Store is a game called Super Smash Jungle World. However the free-to-play game is riddled with ads and is likely a far cry from anything users can expect from the real game.
Developers have yet to extract the Super Mario Run APK, which would likely make it easier to create an alternative that would be compatible with Android devices.
Techradar notes that attempting to install an iOS emulator for Android is not advisable as they not supported through the Google Play Store and require users to turn off the “Unknown Sources” safeguard to be installed. Installing an iOS emulator would be a big security risk for Android users.
So the best option for an Android user wanting to play Super Mario Run at this time is to do so on an iOS device. Older iPhones and iPads can be purchased inexpensively on sites including eBay and Amazon. Those willing to make the investment can purchase an iPhone 5S (between $50 and $60 at it's cheapest) to get access to the game.
Super Mario Run requires at least iOS 8 to run. Devices compatible with iOS 8 include the iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPhone 5C,iPhone 5S, iPod Touch fifth generation, iPad 2, iPad with Retina Display, iPad Air, iPad Mini and iPad Mini with Retina Display.
For those with little more cash to spare, the iPhone SE starts at $399.99 and runs iOS 10. Having launched with iOS 9, the smartphone should easily be able to support Super Mario Run gameplay even as older devices and system versions start to be phased out.
