Retro Emulation on iOS: Top Apps Now Allowed by Apple

In April 2024, Apple made a surprising update to its App Store guidelines. The company officially reversed its long-standing ban on retro game emulators for the iPhone and iPad. This policy change means you no longer need to rely on complicated workarounds or sketchy third-party app stores to play classic console games on your iOS devices.

The Rule Change That Opened the Floodgates

For over a decade, Apple strictly prohibited apps that could execute external code. This rule effectively banned all video game emulators from the official App Store. Gamers who wanted to play classic titles on their iPhones had to jailbreak their devices or use sideloading tools like AltStore.

Apple updated App Store Guideline 4.7 to specifically allow retro game console emulator apps. This change was largely driven by pressure from the European Union and its Digital Markets Act. Developers can now offer emulators directly through the App Store, provided they comply with all applicable laws and do not promote piracy.

Top Retro Emulators Currently on the App Store

Following the rule change, several high-quality emulators quickly jumped to the top of the App Store charts. Here are the best, fully legal apps you can download right now.

Delta

Delta is arguably the most popular and polished emulator available on iOS today. Created by developer Riley Testut, Delta focuses exclusively on Nintendo consoles.

Currently, Delta supports the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Super Nintendo (SNES), Nintendo 64, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, and the Nintendo DS. The app is completely free and features a beautiful user interface. Key features include:

  • Custom controller skins that mimic the look of classic gamepads.
  • Automatic cloud syncing via Google Drive or Dropbox for your game saves.
  • Built-in cheat code support for Game Genie and Action Replay.
  • Fast-forward functionality to speed through slow parts of games.

RetroArch

If you want an all-in-one solution that covers almost every retro console imaginable, RetroArch is the app to get. Instead of being a single emulator, RetroArch is a frontend that uses different “cores” to run various game systems.

You can play games from the Sega Genesis, Sony PlayStation 1, Atari 2600, Commodore 64, and even old arcade machines. RetroArch has a steeper learning curve than Delta. You will need to navigate its menus to download specific cores and configure your controllers. However, it offers unmatched customization, advanced video filters, and netplay for online multiplayer.

PPSSPP

PPSSPP is the premier emulator for the PlayStation Portable (PSP). Developer Henrik RydgĂĄrd brought this highly optimized app to the App Store shortly after Apple changed its rules.

The iPhone handles PSP emulation incredibly well. PPSSPP allows you to upscale the original PSP graphics to HD or even 4K resolutions, making older games look better than they did on the original hardware. The app is free, but you can purchase a “Gold” version for $4.99 to support the developer. Both versions offer the exact same features and performance.

Gamma

If your main goal is to play classic Sony PlayStation 1 games, Gamma is an excellent choice. Developed by ZodTTD, a veteran in the iOS emulation community, Gamma provides a streamlined experience for PS1 titles. It features hardware controller support, customizable on-screen controls, and the ability to save your game state at any exact moment.

Folium

Folium is a newer entry on the App Store and costs $4.99. It stands out because it supports the Nintendo 3DS, along with the Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance. Because 3DS emulation requires significant processing power, Folium runs best on newer devices like the iPhone 15 Pro or modern iPad Pro models. If you have an older iPhone, you might experience audio stuttering or slow frame rates with this specific app.

How to Play Classic Games Legally

While emulator apps are entirely legal to download and own, the games themselves (known as ROMs) are protected by copyright. Apple strictly requires developers to follow copyright laws.

Downloading ROMs for games you do not own from random websites is illegal. To play games legally, you have a few options. The most legally sound method is to use a device like the Epilogue GB Operator to “dump” the ROM files from physical game cartridges you already own directly onto your computer, and then transfer them to your iPhone.

Alternatively, you can download “homebrew” games. These are brand-new games created by independent developers for old consoles. There are also many public domain ROMs available online that are completely free and legal to download and play.

Essential Accessories for iOS Emulation

Touch controls work fine for slow-paced role-playing games, but action games require tactile feedback. Because iOS supports native Bluetooth connections, you can easily pair a standard wireless controller to your iPhone.

The Xbox Wireless Controller and the PlayStation 5 DualSense connect seamlessly. If you want a handheld console experience, mobile controllers like the Backbone One or the Razer Kishi V2 attach directly to the sides of your iPhone. These accessories turn your phone into a dedicated retro gaming machine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to jailbreak my iPhone to use these apps? No. Thanks to Apple updating Guideline 4.7 in April 2024, you can download Delta, RetroArch, and PPSSPP directly from the official App Store just like any other app.

Are emulator apps free? Most of the top emulators, including Delta, RetroArch, and the standard version of PPSSPP, are completely free and do not contain ads. Some specific emulators, like Folium, charge a small upfront fee.

Where do I get games for iOS emulators? You must provide your own game files. You can legally rip ROMs from physical cartridges you own using special hardware, or you can download legal homebrew and public domain games from indie developers online.

Do these emulators drain battery life quickly? It depends on the console you are emulating. Emulating older systems like the Game Boy or NES uses very little battery. Emulating more advanced 3D systems like the PSP or Nintendo 3DS requires more processing power and will drain your battery much faster.