The best emulator for iPhone depends on which games you want to play. All-in-one apps cover many retro consoles, focused apps run one system very well, and a few handle old PC software and point-and-click adventures. Every option here is on the App Store, so there's no need for workarounds. Ten emulators follow in no particular order.
For years, playing retro games on an iPhone meant awkward installs from outside the App Store. That's changed, and there's now a healthy choice of emulators you can download like any other app.
The ten emulators below are listed alphabetically and in no particular order, from all-in-one apps to tools for one console or computer. Each description comes from the app's own App Store listing, re-checked this week. If you'd rather play without setting anything up, my list of games that work with no internet covers iPhone too.
iPhone emulators at a glance
In the free plan column, Yes means the app's own store listing or site describes free use or a free download, Trial only means a time-limited trial and No means neither is stated on the pages we read. Many free apps carry ads or sell optional upgrades.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta | Multi-system emulator | Classic Nintendo handhelds | Yes |
| Folium | Multi-system emulator | Handheld systems | No |
| Gamma | Single-system emulator | PS1 classics | Yes |
| iDOS 3 | DOS emulator | Old PC games | No |
| Manic EMU | Multi-system emulator | Many systems in one app | Yes |
| PPSSPP | Single-system emulator | PSP games in HD | Yes |
| Provenance | Multi-system emulator | Vintage Atari and arcade | Yes |
| RetroArch | Emulator frontend | Power users and tinkerers | Yes |
| ScummVM | Adventure game engine | Point-and-click adventures | Yes |
| UTM SE | PC emulator | Old operating systems | Yes |
Ten emulators for iPhone
Delta
Best for: Retro fans who want a polished app for classic Nintendo consoles and handhelds, with controller support.
Folium
Best for: Players who want a well-designed app for several retro handheld and console systems and don't mind a small upfront purchase.
Gamma
Best for: PlayStation fans who want one app focused on playing their old PS1 games well on an iPhone or iPad.
iDOS 3
Best for: Nostalgic PC gamers who want to play classic DOS games, or run old DOS software, on a touch screen.
Manic EMU
Best for: Players who want lots of consoles, handhelds and arcade systems in one app and like extra skins and options.
PPSSPP
Best for: PSP owners who want their old games running in high definition, with ad hoc multiplayer support.
Provenance
Best for: Collectors of very old systems who want Atari, arcade and other vintage consoles in one free app.
RetroArch
Best for: Tinkerers who want one free, ad-free frontend with many emulator cores and lots of settings to tune.
ScummVM
Best for: Adventure game lovers who want classic point-and-click games running on an iPhone, iPad or Apple TV.
UTM SE
Best for: Hobbyists who want to run classic PC software and old operating systems in graphics or text mode.
What Apple allows emulators to do
Apple's App Review Guidelines allow retro game console and PC emulator apps, and say they can offer to download games.
What that means for you: the emulator itself is fine to install from the App Store. The games are a separate matter, so stick to games you own, homebrew titles made to share and anything the emulator offers through its own official downloads.
All-in-one or single-system emulator?
All-in-one emulators support many consoles in one app, with a shared library and controller settings. Single-system emulators focus on one console and often run it with more polish and options. PC emulators recreate old computers, so you can run classic software and games designed for a keyboard and mouse.
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If you mostly play one console, a focused app is worth trying. If you jump between systems, an all-in-one app keeps everything in one place.
Setting up a retro gaming iPhone
- Install the emulator from the App Store.
- Pair a Bluetooth controller in your iPhone settings.
- Add games you own through the Files app.
- Check the controller mapping before you start.
- Turn on save states and cloud backup if offered.
- Try your iPad or a TV for the bigger-screen games.
Making old games feel good on a phone
- Save states. Pause anywhere, not just at save points.
- Screen filters. Recreate the look of an old TV.
- Fast forward. Skip slow cutscenes and grinding.
- Custom skins. Rearrange on-screen buttons to fit your hands.
Playing on a TV or iPad
Retro games often look better on a bigger screen, and several emulators support AirPlay or an iPad layout. On a TV, a controller turns your iPhone into something close to an old console sitting under the set.
Expect a little delay when you stream games wirelessly to a TV. For fast action games, a cable or playing directly on an iPad usually feels smoother than AirPlay.
If you're sharing an iPad with children, check each emulator's settings and age rating, and keep your game library to titles you're happy for them to play.
It's also worth knowing that emulators don't come with games. You'll add your own files through the Files app, and each app explains which file types it accepts. If you can't find a game you own in a format that works, that's a sign to try a different emulator rather than a dodgy download site.
Do you make an emulator for iPhone? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on choosing an iPhone emulator
Start with a free all-in-one app to see which systems you really play, then add a focused emulator for your most-played console. A controller makes a bigger difference than the app, so pair one before deciding anything feels clumsy.
Keep your games legal and your saves backed up, and you'll have a portable retro collection that lasts. For more free guides, browse my free resources library.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best emulator for iPhone?
An all-in-one app suits most people. A focused app can run one console with more polish.
Are emulators allowed on the App Store?
Yes. Apple's App Review Guidelines allow retro game console and PC emulator apps.
Is it legal to use emulators on iPhone?
The emulator is fine to use. Only play games you own or that are shared legally.
Can I use a controller with an iPhone emulator?
Yes. Most emulators here list controller support, and Bluetooth controllers pair through settings.
Are iPhone emulators free?
Several are free downloads. Some charge a one-off download or sell optional upgrades.
Can I play old PC games on iPhone?
Yes. Some apps here emulate classic PCs and DOS, or run point-and-click adventure games.
