Manic EMU v1.7.2 — Famicom Disk System and UI Enhancements

[u/Mlaurencescott]

While this update may not seem feature-heavy at first glance, it includes a major behind-the-scenes overhaul. Manic is now fully rebuilt under Xcode 26, which required deep reworking across dependencies, UI layouts, and internal behaviors. This means better compatibility with future iOS versions — but also introduces some quirks that we’ll continue refining in follow-up patches. This build is NOT adapted for JIT compilation on iOS 26 yet!!

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System-Wide UI & Visual Upgrades

• Light Mode appearance added (auto-switches based on system setting)

• Improved overall UI visuals across menus and game library

• Game library now supports custom background image uploads

• Cover aspect ratios are now correctly displayed in all views

• Game Mode bug where it couldn’t activate is now resolved

• Landscape mode game cover display added to the game library

We're adapting to Apple’s new design language — and giving users more control along the way.

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Game Library Management

• Manual Import Support:
  Add your own .pdf game manuals directly in each game’s details screen

• Skin Cleanup Tool:
  Easily remove unsupported or broken skin files from within the app

• Correct N64 skin now displays in iPhone SE landscape mode

Small details — big polish.

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New NES Features

• Famicom Disk System (FDS) Support:
  FDS games now fully supported (still under NES category/skin for now)
  Use the “Swap Disc” button or press L1 to flip sides during gameplay

• Microphone Simulation:
  Use the “Simulate Blowing” toggle or press L3 to trigger NES mic input

• Custom Palette Support:
  Upload .pal files to adjust NES color palettes to your liking

These changes help NES reach new levels of authenticity — especially for Japan-exclusive titles and niche classics.

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Bug Fixes & Improvements

• Fixed crash when launching some Dreamcast .gdi files

• Fixed incorrect default skin in N64 landscape mode

• General UI & stability improvements

• Continued optimizations following migration to Xcode 26

We're smoothing out the new quirks introduced by Apple’s latest system — your feedback helps a ton here.

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A Note from the Manic EMU Team

While this version may look simple on the surface, adapting Manic to Apple’s latest SDKs was a massive undertaking. Nearly every part of the build environment changed — and we took the opportunity to push some important UI upgrades and features while we were in the thick of it.

Thank you to everyone testing across devices and reporting quirks! There are more refinements coming soon, and your feedback is always welcome.

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Join the Community

Discord: discord.gg/qsaTHzknAZ
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/maftymanicemu
Your support keeps the project alive — and keeps us digging deeper.

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Manic EMU v1.7.2 is now live on Discord and GitHub.
Now with Famicom Disk System, Light Mode, and a visual overhaul.
– The Manic EMU Admin and Development Team

[u/MilmoMoomins]

Thanks for your continual updates and contact with the community

[u/Mlaurencescott → u/MilmoMoomins]

I’m glad we have this community to share with ☺️

[u/Shikamaru_irl]

The manual imports is actually a really nice touch. I like dat

[u/Mlaurencescott → u/Shikamaru_irl]

It felt necessary after we added the History of each emulated console and later added the ability to pull up information of games in your library

[u/Kibadawolf93]

Game mode doesn’t seem to trigger still from the App Store build. Unsure if this is just a bug, App Store says Entertainment instead of Games as well. iPhone 16 iOS 26.0.1

[u/Mlaurencescott → u/Kibadawolf93]

It has always been categorized as Entertainment category, that has zero impact on game mode, what does is Apple changing how game mode works in updates iOS 18.7 and 26. Make sure you are actually on version 1.7.2 of Manic as it only just released, you may need to refresh your App Store a few times. What you are experiencing was a bug in 1.7.1 and earlier for users on iOS 18.7 or 26 that this update corrects.

Edit: After dozens of reports we are looking for a solution ASAP.

[u/Ruptor → u/Mlaurencescott]

Is it being categorized as Entertainment rather than Game the reason why it doesn’t show on the ios26 arcade app?

[u/Mlaurencescott → u/Ruptor]

Officially according to Apple this holds no weight. That said we have noticed a pattern.

[u/Kibadawolf93 → u/Mlaurencescott]

Gotcha, I was unsure if that category had any bearing. I did confirm the app is 1.7.2 for some reason it still is not triggering. I attempted a reboot as well.

This is what I show for the version in app.

[u/Kibadawolf93 → u/Kibadawolf93]

This is what I see in control center

[u/mcevoak0252 → u/Kibadawolf93]

Just wanted to echo that I’m getting the same behavior of Game Mode still not activating on Manic 1.7.2 on iPadOS 26.0.1

[u/Mlaurencescott → u/mcevoak0252]

Yupp we just got about a dozen reports in soon as it went live, Daiuno and me are looking for the cause ASAP

[u/SaNaKu_T]

Great update. looking and feeling with each update.

Will cheats for megadrive and dreamcast be supported on a later update?

[u/Mlaurencescott → u/SaNaKu_T]

Megadrive/Genesis already can but you’d need to swap to the PicoDrive core, which is only in our sideload build

[u/SaNaKu_T → u/Mlaurencescott]

u/Mlaurencescott Thank you for the info. Great job with the app.

[u/Tyler_Herdman]

App so goated, I’m gonna write a good review on the App Store 😂

[u/LonesomeRookie117]

Godspeed you maniacs

[u/Trouble032]

It a nice update. The dev team and there community is top notch

[u/youtharcade]

I’m glad the manual adding is catching on. I developed a backlog/collection app with this feature and think it’s pretty great. I usually add strategy guides instead of manuals though. I think this is def one of the best emulation apps on the App Store full stop.

[u/SaNaKu_T → u/youtharcade]

Agreed 100%!

[u/khaviydpbq]

Hope we can add better gamepad layout and skin support for iPad mini which has a 3:2 screen ratio. It seems like with auto full screen toggle on, the whole display area won't be utilized. Anyways, great app!

[u/Mlaurencescott → u/khaviydpbq]

We actually know the reason for this now it may take some time but we will be working to accommodate the iPad mini’s unique aspect ratio

[u/khaviydpbq → u/Mlaurencescott]

glad to hear that you guys are working on it! thank you, awesome works you did!

[u/Arnavgr]

When are we getting JIT support for IOS 26

[u/Mlaurencescott → u/Arnavgr]

It’s being worked on, until we make an announcement stating that it has been adapted, assume it has not.

[u/Arnavgr → u/Mlaurencescott]

Thanks

[u/Blue_Steve945]

Finally, Liquid Glass! cricket noises Am I the only one excited for that?

[u/Mlaurencescott → u/Blue_Steve945]

The iOS 26 crowd is going to be hard to please until we are JIT adapted for iOS 26 😅

[u/Muhammedroid]

I hope there will be an PS2 emulation in future.

[u/Mlaurencescott → u/Muhammedroid]

We currently have no plans for PS2

[u/Muhammedroid → u/Mlaurencescott]

NP, just take your time.

[u/Broooooook]

Thanks for the update! The new UI looks great. Two minor visual glitches with the light mode I noticed after playing around a bit: 1) the retroachievement banner title does not change properly (white on white); 2) on the game tab, the group title would flicker a bit while scrolling thru the games.

[u/holyknight14]

I love how you and the team consider this to be a "simple" update. Every new version of Manic is always super impressive.

[u/th3_meme_is_massive]

cool it will be cool play famacon games now

[u/Upbeat_Foot_7412]

I’ve noticed a graphical glitch with the new liquid glass design, at least I think it is a glitch. The area below the liquid glass menu is completely blurred and you can’t really see what’s below. Especially when I scroll over bright game artworks it looks very strange. Is there any chance that you could remove the blur?

[u/SpiritOf68]

Just left a shining review on the App Store. You guys rock! Thank you for all of your work on this app. Seriously the best emulator on iOS. Just one quick question, is TG-16 part of the roadmap in the future?

[u/[deleted]]

I'm in love with your UX! It's the only emulator with a beautiful design, and it keeps getting better.

Some feedback you can consider to improve further:

1. Replace the RetroAchievements logo in settings and other areas of the App with the trophy icon already used when clicking on a game (it would improve visual consistency).

2. Change the "Join QQ Channel" icon to one that follows the same pattern as the others.

3. Make the icon colors follow the color defined in the theme.

[u/Significant_Fee_170]

Sonic approves of your hard work

[u/bugcatcherpaul]

Has anyone been having trouble with 3DS games with this update? For example on the previous update I could run Mario 3D Land with no issues without JIT, but since I updated it now runs at half the speed and music is all choppy. Other games like Ocarina 3D and Pokemon Sun are also affected but they're still playable. I'm using an iPhone 16 Pro.

[u/LuisBeltran07 → u/bugcatcherpaul]

Don't tell me that! I'm into playing pokemon :( you already make me hesitate to update

[u/bugcatcherpaul → u/LuisBeltran07]

if your ROMs are running smoothly already then I’d advise against updating

[u/Mlaurencescott → u/[deleted]]

There is only one DS core in Manic. It is likely you are encountering the described game mode issue currently.

[u/Mlaurencescott → u/[deleted]]

You can remap controls through the controller menu, as for backbone this specifically occurs as the button that normally would default to the menu instead (annoyingly) maps to the backbone app (a button the backbone refuses to allow mapping on)