Top Emulators for iPhone: All Tested and Reviewed

With the recent updates to Apple's App Store guidelines, emulators have become officially permitted, offering a new wave of retro gaming possibilities for iPhone users. Here’s a detailed look at the best emulators for iPhone, tested and ranked for their performance, features, and user experience.

Delta – Game Emulator

Delta stands out as one of the most versatile and feature-rich emulators available for iPhone. Here are some key points that make Delta a top choice:

Multi-Platform Support: Delta supports a wide range of platforms including NES, SNES, N64, DS, Game Boy, and Game Boy Advance, making it an all-in-one solution for retro gaming enthusiasts.
User Interface: The interface is clean and intuitive, categorizing games based on their respective platforms for easy access.
Customization: Users can customize controller skins and game artwork, adding a personal touch to their gaming experience.
Save States and iCloud Sync: Delta allows for manual save states and offers iCloud sync to save and restore game data across devices.
Controller Support: It provides proper keyboard and controller support, ensuring a seamless gaming experience.
Compatibility: Delta is compatible with the latest iOS versions and does not require jailbreaking, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

AD Boy: All-in-One-Emulator

AD Boy is another user-friendly emulator specifically designed for Game Boy games:

Ease of Use: AD Boy features a clean and intuitive interface, making it easy for users to quickly dive into their favorite Game Boy titles.
Dark Mode Support: It supports iOS's dark mode, enhancing the visual experience.
Game Uploads: Users can easily upload games from the Files app, although each game must be loaded manually.
Controller Skins: AD Boy offers various controller skins for customization.

RetroArch Emulator

RetroArch is a highly versatile emulator that supports multiple gaming systems:

Cross-Platform Compatibility: RetroArch is available on a wide range of platforms including Steam, Huawei, Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and PlayStation.
Hosting and Joining Sessions: It allows users to host or join gaming sessions, enhancing the multiplayer experience.
Core Compatibility: RetroArch supports various cores for different gaming systems, ensuring compatibility with a broad range of games.

Provenance Emulator

Provenance is known for its compatibility with core iOS APIs:

Compatibility: Provenance is compatible with iPhones up to iOS 13, making it a good option for older devices.
Core API Integration: It leverages core iOS APIs for a seamless integration with the operating system.

Afterplay

Afterplay is another emulator that supports a wide range of devices:

Device Support: Afterplay supports Windows and iOS devices up to iOS 15, offering a broad range of compatibility.
Basic Plan: It offers a lifetime free basic plan, making it accessible to users who want to try out the emulator without a cost.

Key Features to Consider

When choosing an emulator, several key features should be considered:

Compatibility: Ensure the emulator is compatible with your device's iOS version.
Performance: Look for emulators that leverage high-performance modern hardware to provide a better gaming experience.
Customization: Features like customizable controller skins and game artwork can enhance the user experience.
Save States and Sync: The ability to save states and sync data across devices is crucial for maintaining progress.
Legal Implications: Always ensure that the ROMs used are obtained legally, as using unauthorized ROMs can be illegal.

Installation and Usage

Installing and using these emulators is relatively straightforward:

Downloading ROMs: Users typically need to download ROM files from reputable sources and upload them to the emulator.
Setting Up the Emulator: Most emulators require basic setup, such as entering user information and configuring settings.
Playing Games: Once set up, users can easily access and play their favorite retro games.

Privacy and Security

When using emulators, it's important to consider privacy and security:

Data Collection: Some emulators, like Delta, do not collect any user data, enhancing privacy.
App Store Guidelines: Ensure that the emulator complies with Apple's App Store guidelines to avoid any legal issues.

By considering these factors and features, users can choose the best emulator for their needs and enjoy a seamless retro gaming experience on their iPhone.