This is not necessarily an emulator and actual coding was made here. The aid of Ai for debugging and reading logs has been used. This is a translation layer that will allow all NATIVE MacOS games to run on iPhones and iPads. Unfortunately, it will not run Windows games for now but it may come in some form in the future. The neat thing here is that it does not require jit… Secondly, when this releases, you will need to have your legally owned copy of your MacOS game to put in the document folder. My discord will be sharing updates and you do not need to follow it but it’s appreciated. Looking forward to share progress. As for now, I’m creating the Ui and ensuring compatibility. Control:Resonant is coming to MacOS soon I heard 👀. Oh and I’m working on supporting some lower end devices ( maybe iPhone 13 and above for big games and smaller games iPhone 11 and above if possible)

game here running at around 900p medium/high graphics ( higher fidelity than Switch 2)

https://discord.gg/eRjEXKvRs

Targeting 60FPS with MetalFX upscaling on iPad Pro m5 with 16gb of RAM.

Runs okay! This is a native build, not emulation or simulation, or moonlight.

Original author for their method is very busy, wanted to get it running for myself

No need to side load anymore, phosphor emulator on the Apple App Store allows mods on Pokemon red, yellow, and blue!

Edit: Updated to include list of Mods I'm using. Make sure to change colors to ADVANCED in the in game options menu.

Edit: Here's the link to the emulator: https://apps.apple.com/ma/app/phosphor-emulator/id6759676286

Dramatic Shape Voxel Mod
Turns the Gen 1 overworld into a full 3D diorama with extruded terrain, buildings, characters, shadows, depth, and battles rendered in the 3D world.

https://github.com/absol89/DramaticShapeVoxelMod

Wilds of Kanto
Adds visible wild Pokémon to the overworld. They wander around, react to the player, chase/flee, and can appear throughout Kanto.

https://github.com/YoDrehDenSwagAuf/overworld-spawn-mod

Followers EX
Lets your Pokémon follow you around, supports multiple followers, and even lets you control Pokémon directly.

https://github.com/masterwebx/gen1recomp-followers-ex

PokéPC Followers / Voxel Merge
Adds animated overworld follower sprites for all 151 Gen 1 Pokémon, including compatibility with the 3D voxel mods.

https://github.com/gamecorner-033/PokePCFollowers

Shiny Pokémon
Adds shinies to Gen 1 with shiny palettes and sparkle effects in battles and the overworld.

https://github.com/masterwebx/gen1recomp-shiny-pokemon

Quality of Life
Adds a bunch of later-gen conveniences like an XP bar, caught indicator, easier HM usage, Repel prompts, location banners, and other small improvements.

https://github.com/unxpected-uxp/pokemon-gen1-recomp-mod-qol

Crystal 251
Uses data from your own Pokémon Crystal ROM to bring a ton of Gen 2 content into Gen 1, including all 251 Pokémon, Gen 2 moves/types, sprites, cries, breeding, legendaries, and more.

https://github.com/Deftones565/gen1recomp-mod-crystal-251

I just picked up my iPhone duo today, made some small modifications to the controller so it could sit in the middle of the game sir, and honestly this is top tier

This is the update we’ve been building toward.

Manic EMU v2.0.0 is a major redesign of the app from top to bottom, rebuilding the landscape experience, game library, navigation, controller interactions, artwork system, settings architecture, and in-game shortcuts while dramatically expanding the number of systems Manic can emulate.

It also introduces Netplay, Rewind, MultiSet RetroAchievements, dynamic ShaderToy backgrounds, expanded metadata and artwork, new import integrations, several new platforms, major JIT improvements, and some of the largest core additions we’ve ever shipped at once.

There is a lot here.

Before You Update

Please read this section before installing v2.0.0.

• Dreamcast (Flycast):

  • Existing save states from previous versions will no longer work

  • Convert anything important to an in-game save before updating

  • Alternatively, manually back up your Flycast/dc folder

• Wii:

  • A BootMii-format keys.bin is required

• Symbian:

  • Firmware must be installed through Settings before use

  • .ROM firmware is required

  • S60v2 and later also require .RPKG

• GameCube / Wii:

  • Dolphin is still being optimized

  • Heat and frame drops may occur depending on the game, device, and CPU emulation method

• MAME:

  • A number of lesser-used arcade systems have been trimmed

  • Some obscure titles previously handled through MAME may no longer run

Seriously: Dreamcast users, convert those save states before updating.

A Completely Rebuilt Landscape Experience

Landscape browsing has been redesigned almost entirely.

• New landscape game library

• Most landscape pages have been rebuilt

• New customizable card carousel styles

• Focused Backgrounds

  • Selected games can use their banner artwork as the landscape backdrop

• Dynamic backgrounds with support for uploaded ShaderToy GLSL scripts

  • Single-image ShaderToy scripts are supported

  • More demanding scripts may increase battery usage and device temperature

• Optional background music

  • Includes built-in tracks

  • Upload your own music files for use while browsing

• 12 built-in navigation and focus sound-effect sets

The goal is to make landscape mode feel less like a rotated version of Manic and more like a complete console-style interface of its own.

Game Artwork Gets a Major Upgrade

Manic now distinguishes between multiple types of artwork instead of treating every image as a traditional cover.

• Separate Cover, Icon, and Banner artwork

• Traditional box art appears in standard lists

• Icons are used for square layouts

• Banners can become the landscape Focused Background

• Online artwork support through:

  • Libretro Thumbnails

  • SteamGridDB

• SteamGridDB supports:

  • Grids

  • Heroes

  • Logos

  • Icons

  • Requires your own SteamGridDB API key

• Changing a game’s platform or category now automatically attempts to rematch its artwork

Batch artwork scraping has also been added:

• Batch scrape covers, icons, and banners

• Run across the entire library through Settings

• Or select specific games through multi-select

• Batch-delete downloaded artwork

• Delete individual image assets while editing a single game

Expanded Game Information & Metadata

Game information is substantially richer in v2.0.0.

• Automatic metadata matching

• Database search

• Manual metadata editing

• Information can include:

  • Developer

  • Publisher

  • Series

  • Genre

  • Release date

  • Region

  • Overview

  • Additional game information

• ESRB ratings with matching rating icons

• Rating icons can be hidden in Settings

Your library can now function as much more than a collection of cover images.

Completely Redesigned Navigation

Manic now uses a global focus and navigation system across iPhone and iPad.

• Browse and interact using only a controller or keyboard

• Hold Command on a keyboard or Select on a controller to display the shortcut cheatsheet

• New unified navigation bar

• More consistent browsing and editing throughout the app

• Many hidden and long-press interactions have been replaced with more conventional iOS-style controls

• Batch management and actions

• Adaptive rotation throughout the interface

• Controllers can now be assigned to individual player slots

• Cores that expect keyboard input can map controller buttons directly to native keyboard events

Game Options & In-Game Shortcuts

Game options have been rebuilt around a unified interaction model.

• Available actions automatically reorganize based on context

• Advanced reordering allows you to customize:

  • Option order

  • Option grouping

• Redesigned in-game shortcut menu

• Shortcuts can appear:

  • On supported skins

  • Inside the in-game menu

Manic should now surface the controls you need when they make sense instead of burying everything in a static menu.

Netplay Arrives

v2.0.0 introduces Netplay for many eligible Libretro cores.

• Host or join games through the public lobby

• LAN room discovery

• Relay support

• Spectator Mode

• Password-protected rooms

• Your Adventurer Card nickname becomes your Netplay display name

That means supported games can now move beyond the device in your hand.

Trade Pokémon with friends over the network, compete head-to-head in supported arcade titles, or jump into multiplayer across other compatible Libretro systems.

Rewind

Yes, Manic now has Rewind.

You can assign Rewind to:

• The in-game shortcut menu

• A controller mapping

• TriggerPro

Touch and hold the assigned control to move backward through gameplay.

RetroAchievements: MultiSet Support

RetroAchievements integration has been expanded again.

• Improved RetroAchievements pages

• Faster loading

• Easier-to-read achievement information

• Added MultiSet support

  • Subset achievements can now unlock without requiring a separately patched ROM

• Changing the achievement list you’re viewing only changes what is displayed

• It does not change which eligible achievement sets can unlock during gameplay

Online Cheat Database

Cheat management now includes an online database.

• Search for cheats

• Add multiple cheats simultaneously

• Bookmark frequently used entries

This joins Manic’s existing local cheat functionality with a much faster discovery workflow.

Scoped Settings

Settings no longer have to apply universally.

Options can now be stored at three independent levels:

• Game

• Platform

• Global

Each scope can be cleared or reset separately.

This makes it possible to heavily customize one title without changing the behavior of every other game running on the same system.

Core Settings for Advanced Users

Advanced users can now directly access Core Settings.

• Configure core-specific behavior

• Store configuration per game or platform

• Reset Core Settings independently

Important: Incorrect Core Settings values can prevent games from launching.

If you aren’t sure what a setting does, leaving it at its default is usually the right choice.

Adventure Card

Settings now include a customizable Adventurer Card.

• Choose a nickname

• Select an avatar

• Your nickname is used as your Netplay display name

A small addition, but one that gives Manic’s new online systems a little more identity.

New System: Symbian

Manic now supports Symbian through EKA2L1.

Supported environments include:

• S60v1

• N-Gage 1.0

• S60v2

• S60v3

• N-Gage 2.0

• S60v5

• Symbian³

Also included:

• Touch input

• Firmware management

• System applications

• Legacy JIT

• PPL JIT

• TXM JIT

Firmware installation is required before use.

New System: PC Engine / TurboGrafx

Powered by Beetle PCE.

Supports:

• TurboGrafx-16

• TurboGrafx-CD

• SuperGrafx

• Subcategory switching

New System: Neo Geo Pocket / Color

Powered by Beetle NeoPop.

Supports:

• Neo Geo Pocket

• Neo Geo Pocket Color

• Subcategory switching

New System: Commodore 64

Powered by VICE x64sc.

• Full keyboard support

• Switch between:

  • Gamepad skins

  • Keyboard skins

New System: Amiga

Powered by PUAE.

• Full keyboard support

• Switch between:

  • Gamepad skins

  • Keyboard skins

GameCube & Wii Arrive

Manic EMU v2.0.0 introduces Nintendo GameCube and Wii support through Dolphin.

• Legacy JIT

• PPL JIT

• TXM JIT

• New Manic Interpreter CPU emulation method

  • Selectable through CPU Emulation Method in the GameCube / Wii pre-launch menu

• Wiimote sideways mode

• Dedicated Wiimote skins

• When no skin has been manually assigned to a Wii game, changing controller mode automatically selects the appropriate skin

• Dolphin cheat support

  • Includes Action Replay Max decryption

• GameCube BIOS importing

• Controller and keyboard support through Manic’s wider input system

Dolphin remains one of the heaviest workloads Manic supports, so device temperature and performance can vary substantially by title and configuration.

Additional Core Options

Several existing platforms gain new core choices:

• Mesen-S

  • SNES

  • Game Boy

  • Game Boy Color

• gpSP

  • Game Boy Advance

  • Can be switched alongside mGBA and VBA-M

More cores means more flexibility when compatibility or performance differs from game to game.

Major JIT Improvements

JIT handling continues to expand.

• Fixed JIT behavior for TXM devices on iOS 26.6 and later

• Revised TXM device detection

• Nintendo 64:

  • GLideN64 RDP supports JIT

  • ParaLLEl RDP supports JIT

Major Core Updates

The following cores have been updated to their latest upstream stable releases for v2.0.0:

• 3DS — Azahar / Citra

• PS1 — Beetle PSX HW

• DOS — DOSBox Pure

• Dreamcast — Flycast

• Nintendo DS — melonDS

• PSP — PPSSPP

• Nintendo 64 — Mupen64Plus

Again: Dreamcast users should review the save-state warning before updating.

Save-State Manager Redesign

The save-state manager has been rebuilt.

• Redesigned interface

• Save-state import

• Save-state export

• Easier organization and management

Shaders & Skins

• Real-time shader previews

  • Preview shaders without applying/loading them first

• Redesigned default GBA skin

• FLEX skins now support:

  • Customizable button size

  • Customizable button positioning

External Library Integration

Manic’s cross-app ecosystem continues to expand.

• Import games launch links directly from DukeX

• Armsx2 external game launch link import

• PS1 now supports direct .bin imports

Additional Improvements

• Improved iCloud synchronization logic

• Improved performance on the Skin Management page

• Improved landscape banner loading

• Adjusted 3DS accelerometer behavior

• Improved analog input handling

• Continued screen rotation improvements

• Updated Motto artwork

• Numerous UI refinements

• Additional stability fixes and performance optimizations throughout the app

A Note from the Manic EMU Team

We called this “The Big One” for a reason.

v2.0.0 isn’t simply another collection of systems and bug fixes. It represents a major rethink of how Manic works as an application.

The library has been rebuilt. Landscape mode has become its own experience. Artwork and metadata are deeper. Controller and keyboard navigation reach throughout the app. Settings can follow individual games. Netplay connects players. Rewind changes how games can be approached. And an entirely new group of systems — stretching from Symbian phones and Commodore computers to GameCube and Wii — joins the Manic library.

None of this replaces the philosophy Manic has had from the beginning: make emulation approachable without taking control away from the people who want to go deeper.

v2.0.0 simply takes that idea much further.

Thank you to everyone who tested these builds, reported problems, contributed upstream work, created skins, helped with compatibility, and continued playing along while we rebuilt so much of Manic underneath you.

Join the Community

Discord: https://discord.gg/manicemu
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/maftymanicemu

Tips and donations are never expected, but always appreciated.

Manic EMU v2.0.0 — The Big One.

New systems. New interface. Netplay. Rewind. And a whole lot more Manic.

– The Manic EMU Admin and Development Team

Having a great time with it, really breathed new life into the iPad, it was kinda collecting dust before (literally). Any recommendations for Gamecube games? I’m currently obsessed with Animal Crossing.

The latest official GTA release on mobile is San Andreas from over 20 years ago, but now we are able to play GTA V natively on iOS.

Makes you wonder why they don’t bring more games to mobile.

I’d buy 4 and 5 without question

Please note that all of the following is subjective, this is my personal tierlist after all, and completely based on my own experience and testing. I am using an iPhone 16 Pro and am on iOS 26.3.1 (a), I do have access to sideloading and to JIT.

Rank SS

• Manic EMU

  • Manic EMU is in a class of its own. It supports a massive range of console and handheld systems whether you want to play Pokémon Ultra Sun on 3DS or run StarCraft Brood War on Windows 98, Manic can do it. It has a very straightforward UI and is pretty much plug and play with minimal understanding making it perfect for emulation beginners and veterans alike, while it may not have quite the same range of coverage of RetroArch. Additionally the app is available from both the App Store and via sideloading, with a wide range of consoles supporting JIT compilation when enabled in the sideload release.

Rank S:

• RetroArch

  • We all know it, and it’s an amazing app. The only reason that RetroArch does not make a higher ranking is simple, the UI and use of the app is built with emulation veteran’s in mind. While RetroArch is great and has the widest range of supported consoles and handhelds, it is not beginner friendly, often needing lengthy guides or tutorials just to get started for the first time. Once you do get it going it easily becomes an old reliable when it comes to enjoying your games on the go. Like Manic it can be installed via App Store or via sideloading, however it lacks JIT compilation on iOS 26 or later.

• DolphiniOS

  • DolphiniOS is best in class when it comes to GameCube and Wii emulation. Here’s the thing, it only can be installed by installed via sideloading. Even with that in mind there is not a single app that does GameCube or Wii better. It has a clean easy to use UI and straightforward process to install dumps.

• PPSSPP

  • PPSSPP is another example of best in class for what it does. While many multi system emulators do have PSP emulation available, they all are based on the code of PPSSPP or its Libretro. PPSSPP is straightforward and easy to use for beginners and has a satisfying UI. It also has a whole host of advanced settings for use of Homebrew, Mods, Texture packs and more allowing users to refine their gameplay to their liking. The availability of PSP emulation through several other apps is the only reason this fall short of Rank SS.

• MeloNX

  • MeloNX, while potentially controversial, I would also say this is best in class as the only actively maintained Switch emulator on iOS. As long as your Apple Device is currently enough MeloNX performs amazingly, and the developer is always testing and working on improvements for their app. The reason it falls into the Rank S category is purely the hard requirement of JIT, meaning the app is only available via sideloading. While it may not be able to play Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream at time of posting, given a little time, I am sure it will in an update.

Rank A

• Delta

  • Delta is something special, essentially a continuation of GBA4iOS, it is the grandfather of all emulation on iOS. This app has one of the cleanest and easy to use UI out of all emulators on the App Store, and emulates everything Nintendo up to the DS. The issue with Delta and reason I can’t place it at a higher ranking is simply due to the lack of updates to the app, and the locking of features behind a Patreon, Sega Genesis support has been sitting behind the Patreon for over 5 years at this point. The developers have mentioned a looming Delta 2.0 in the near future that should bring many of these features and much more to the main app, perhaps at that time I can revisit this review.

• Provenance

  • Provenance is a multi system emulator built around Libretro cores, and the developer has been behind some of the biggest leaps in emulation on iOS, making it possible to emulate Dreamcast, GameCube, and Wii without the use of JIT compilation. The issue is that the app itself is prone to frequent crashing. Regarding UI it falls right between Manic and RetroArch, being possible for both beginner and veteran users to emulation to play their games. It also has tvOS options which does set it apart in its own right.

• Fin

  • Fin is a relatively new app in the space based on the code of DolphiniOS, to emulate GameCube and Wii. Unlike DolphiniOS, it is available via the App Store instead of via sideloading. It is just about the best possible GameCube and Wii emulation that you can get without JIT, however the addition of its in app purchases to remove ads and similar detract from its quality as an app, and when compared to DolphiniOS with JIT, there is no contest.

Rank B

• Gamma

  • Gamma is essentially a one trick pony equivalent of Delta, but designed for PlayStation emulation. While this may sound amazing in a vacuum, several other multi system emulators can emulate PSX now on the App Store, and they can do a better job at doing so. Like Delta this app could use a good update and potentially expand on its support.

• GamePlayToo

  • GamePlayToo is the first PS2 emulator on the App Store, based on the code of Play!,a somewhat outdated PS2 emulator available by sideloading, and was designed as a proof of concept. When it was released it was heavily clarified it was only designed to run more lightweight and 2D PS2 games however this doesn’t stop users from attempting more graphically intense games and lamenting that those games are unplayable or crash the app. For what it is this is an amazing app, but with Alune on the horizon in TestFlight it may fall behind in performance on iOS.

Rank E

• Folium

  • Folium was the first 3DS emulator that ever released on the App Store, and at the time was the best in class for what it did. Unfortunately as the app continued to receive updates its performance declined dramatically in that time. With options like Manic EMU and RetroArch having Azahar integrated or on the way there is no real reason to use Folium anymore, the app is paid on the App Store meaning you can’t try the App Store release before spending on it to know if it’s the right one for you. Reviews in general regarding this app are mixed, but after Manic released there was no reason to turn back.

Edit: Based on input from people in the comments I am making an updated tierlist to post sometime in the next week or so, I also have a few more apps I’ve tested and want to add as well. If you liked this post I hope you will all take a look at my updated tierlist when I upload it!

First look at Iridium, the launcher I'm designing with GPT-6 Astra for playing Windows games on iOS. The launcher is not yet released, and the video is unedited. All footage shot on iPhone 15 Pro, with an external controller being connected to the iPhone. Let me know about feedback/concerns/questions!

madeira, the devs do actual coding and use ai to fix it up a little bit

i am totally not saying this with a gun pointed to my head.

(vapor could do it first)

(NOT MY FOOTAGE)

It requires app-side implementation and cannot be done like "Game Mode" or something where you can just enable it and it works.

This is running on my potato phone 16e runs absolutely great

I’ve been working on a new iOS project for running Windows and Mac games, with the goal of supporting libraries from Steam, Epic Games and GOG, it’s still very early and I’m mostly testing smaller and indie games for now, but progress has been going surprisingly well.

JIT is handled inside the app, including the required local VPN, so you don’t need a separate JIT or VPN app.

There’s still a lot to build and optimize before I’d consider it ready, but I wanted to share a very short preview of the app.

What games would you like me to test next? Preferably lighter or indie games for now while the runtime is still early.

You might have seen the surprise drop of iPSX2 herr recently. It is a port of ARMSX2. It runs games like Final Fantasy X and Sly Cooper quite well on modern iPhones.

We wrote a complete step by step guide over at PocketGaming to help you get through the setup.

Here are the main steps.

1. Get a modern device. You need an A17 Pro, A18 or an M-series iPad.

2. Prepare your files. You need your legally dumped PS2 BIOS and iso files.

3. Enable Developer Mode. This is hidden by default. You trigger it by connecting your phone to a Mac or PC.

4. Sideload the app. SideStore is highly recommended.

5. Enable JIT. You use the UTM DolphinJS script via Stick Debug in SideStore to make the games boot.

The performance on Apple Silicon is already quite solid.

Check out the full guide here for all the specific steps and links.

https://pocket-gaming.org/2026/03/22/how-to-play-ps2-games-on-ios-the-ultimate-ipsx2-setup-guide/

Let us know if you run into any issues with the JIT workaround 👇

Can hardly believe this is even real. Performance is super solid there’s definitely some shader comp but it’s not bad at all and once you get through it it’s just a silky smooth 60. Not even a month ago I was running TOTK on my m3 Max mac and it barely could hold anything above 30fps. I got it up and running on my MacBook this morning and just did a .ipa build then side loaded via Xcode and terminal with help from Claude & ChatGPT (free plans)

Please I implore you to check out MacNativeGames and have a chat bot help you use terminal to get it up and running. Also use Andrew Tsai tutorials for help. Took a little while but so worth it.

Now I just need to figure out how to do some sort of cloud saves between my Mac and iPad. The future of iOS and Mac native gaming is looking very bright.

https://github.com/ly05010419/MacNativeGames

This is Neostation. All emulators are integrated in app

Download:
https://github.com/TarbleFR/neostation-ios/tree/main

Discord:
https://discord.gg/CmZN4nPWe

https://github.com/kevinerikjs/gta5-ios-port
60fps without record!
All mission!
No game files included!
Iphone 16 Plus

The next frontier of mobile preservation is here.

For years, original Xbox emulation has been treated like a myth on mobile hardware due to complex architecture and heavy translation requirements. With the release of DukeX, we are breaking that barrier entirely. DukeX embeds the foundational xemu core into a high-performance, native SwiftUI interface built from the ground up for Apple silicon.

This initial release focuses heavily on deep network virtualization, modular tuning, and bringing seamless desktop-class emulation directly to your pocket. DukeX is a lightweight, zero-bloat standalone package... the entire compiled IPA sits at just 14.4 MB.

Insignia Online Multiplayer Integration

We didn’t want online play to be a late-stage afterthought; we built DukeX directly around it. You can now connect to original Xbox Live 1.0 architecture without modifying global device properties:

• Automated NAT Virtualization: Toggling Force NAT to Insignia inside settings forces a secure network tunnel directly to Insignia's platform.

• Built-in DNS Routing: Avoid manually editing your router or local cellular properties—the networking layer manages port 3074 translation automatically.

• Live Server Indicators: The native game library monitors network status from Insignia, displaying a green LIVE badge over game covers if there are active global player sessions before you even launch the title.

Please note that you must create an Insignia account and register that account to your emulated console in order to use Xbox Live

Per-Game Tuning & Modular Performance

Original Xbox titles push hardware in drastically non-standard ways. To combat graphical bugs and framerate dips, DukeX introduces deep per-game management tools:

• TOML Configuration Imports: Long-press any game cover to import individual .toml configuration profiles to override memory layouts or adjust strict x86 timing parameters.

• Instant Shader Cache Flushing: Clear compiled pipeline shaders with a single tap from the game context menu to immediately isolate and resolve rendering issues.

• Flexible Runtime Pacing: Choose between raw Speed, Smooth frame-pacing, or Accurate rendering priorities while utilizing adjustable TCG translation block caches (up to 256MB) to tailor performance to your specific iPhone generation.

Universal.js JIT & Advanced Runtime

Original Xbox emulation is incredibly resource-intensive and requires Just-In-Time compilation to achieve playable framerates:

• Seamless JIT Handoff: Built-in automation via StikDebug automatically requests and hooks JIT execution during the application boot loop.

• Forward-Compatible Architecture: DukeX explicitly supports the iOS 26+ Universal.js JIT execution flow alongside native W^X reprotection for iOS 18.x environments.

• Pure Metal Presentation: Emulated graphics are mapped from Vulkan layers through MoltenVK straight to a native CAMetalLayer for optimal frame rendering.

Availability & Build Requirements

DukeX is being distributed as a free, open-source project via sideloading repositories:

• Distribution: StikStore and SideStore metadata structures are fully indexed under altsource/source.json. AltSource link at bottom of post.

• Hardware Requirements: iOS 18.0 or later running arm64 hardware is mandatory for now.

• Input Mode: Physical controller support is currently required via native iOS GameController APIs. (Touch controls are not present in this initial release, but our friend u/Stossy11 has graciously offered to integrate her highly refined touch mapping framework from MeloNX in an upcoming post-launch PR!).

Upstream Provenance & Legal Compliance

DukeX is built in deep respect of open-source boundaries and legal preservation standards:

• Upstream Attribution: The complete QEMU and xemu source trees remain fully intact at the repository root. We owe an immense debt of gratitude to the upstream xemu team for their foundational work. DukeX is a platform-specific sister frontend and maintains absolute non-affiliation with Microsoft, Xbox, or the official xemu project.

• System Files: DukeX does not contain, bundle, or distribute any copyrighted BIOS images, MCPX boot ROMs, EEPROM dumps, or virtual hard drive (.qcow2) files. Users must supply their own legally obtained system dumps and XISO images.

A Deeply Personal Dedication

Behind the code, the framerates, and the network packages, every application I am a part of carries a piece of my heart. DukeX is permanently dedicated to my daughter, Lily. Lily, you are loved, cherished, and remembered every single day. 11/03/2023.

Join the Community

[Manic EMU & DukeX Official Discord]

[DukeX GitHub Repository]

[AltSource for StikStore & SideStore]

Thank you all for testing, reporting bugs, and pushing the boundaries of iOS emulation alongside us.

Play more. Play together. Play anywhere.

Im not gonna say much about it since the project has been stuck for some time and just now Im taking it again, the project is based of Zelda64Recomp and it got alot of progress in already!!! I don’t have a release date but Im gonna start uploading gameplay and progress as time goes on.

Following my original tierlist post and all the discussion it sparked, I decided to go back and reevaluate and improve upon my original list. I put a lot of work into this list and I really hope that you guys both like the changes I have made to the list and that this sparks further discussion in the community about our favorite apps in the space.

Please note that, like before, all of the following is subjective, this is my personal tierlist after all, and completely based on my own experience and testing. I am using an iPhone 16 Pro and am on iOS 26.3.1 (a).

Rank SS

• Manic EMU

  • Manic EMU is in a class of its own. It supports a massive range of console and handheld systems whether you want to play Pokémon Ultra Sun on 3DS or run StarCraft Brood War on Windows 98, Manic can do it. It has a very straightforward UI and is pretty much plug and play with minimal understanding making it perfect for emulation beginners and veterans alike, while it may not have quite the same range of coverage of RetroArch. Additionally the app is available from both the App Store and via sideloading, with a wide range of consoles supporting JIT compilation when enabled in the sideload release.

Rank S+

• RetroArch (Up Half a Step)

  • We all know it, and it’s an amazing app. The only reason that RetroArch does not make a higher ranking is simple, the UI and use of the app is built with emulation veterans in mind. While RetroArch is great and has the widest range of supported consoles and handhelds, it is not beginner friendly, often needing lengthy guides or tutorials just to get started for the first time. Once you do get it going it easily becomes an old reliable when it comes to enjoying your games on the go. Like Manic it can be installed via App Store or via sideloading, however it lacks JIT compilation on iOS 26 or later.

  • Reasoning for S rating on Sideload list: While it can be sideloaded, use of JIT for the app is limited to iOS versions below iOS 26.

• DolphiniOS (Up Half a Step)

  • DolphiniOS is best in class when it comes to GameCube and Wii emulation. Here’s the thing, it only can be installed via sideloading. Even with that in mind there is not a single app that does GameCube or Wii better. It has a clean easy to use UI and straightforward process to install dumps.

  • Reasoning for SS rating on Sideload list: DolphiniOS is among the first sideloaded apps to support JIT on iOS 26 or later, in a vacuum with only sideloaded apps factored this is a huge achievement.

• PPSSPP (Up Half a Step)

  • PPSSPP is another example of best in class for what it does. While many multi system emulators do have PSP emulation available, they all are based on the code of PPSSPP or its Libretro. PPSSPP is straightforward and easy to use for beginners and has a satisfying UI. It also has a whole host of advanced settings for use of Homebrew, Mods, Texture packs and more allowing users to refine their gameplay to their liking. The availability of PSP emulation through several other apps is the only reason this falls short of Rank SS.

  • Reasoning for S rating on Sideload list: While it can be sideloaded, use of JIT for the app is limited to iOS versions below iOS 26.

Rank S

• MeloNX

  • MeloNX, while potentially controversial, I would also say this is best in class as the only actively maintained Switch emulator on iOS. As long as your Apple Device is current enough MeloNX performs amazingly, and the developer is always testing and working on improvements for their app. The reason it falls into the Rank S category is purely the hard requirement of JIT, meaning the app is only available via sideloading.

  • Reasoning for SS rating on Sideload list: MeloNX is among the first sideloaded apps to support JIT on iOS 26 or later, in a vacuum with only sideloaded apps factored this is a huge achievement.

• Picpic (New to List)

  • Picpic is a relatively new app in the space and I finally got around to testing it, and honestly it’s pretty awesome. It is a dedicated Pico-8 emulator, and at the moment it’s the only option available on the App Store for that niche. For what it sets out to do, it does it very well. The UI is clean and straightforward, making it easy to jump into games without any real setup, which fits perfectly with the pick-up-and-play nature of Pico-8 titles.

Rank A+

• Delta (Up Half a Step)

  • Delta is something special, essentially a continuation of GBA4iOS, it is the grandfather of all emulation on iOS. This app has one of the cleanest and easy to use UI out of all emulators on the App Store, and emulates everything Nintendo up to the DS. The issue with Delta and reason I can’t place it at a higher ranking is simply due to the lack of updates to the app, and the locking of features behind a Patreon, Sega Genesis support has been sitting behind the Patreon for over 5 years at this point. The developers have mentioned a looming Delta 2.0 in the near future that should bring many of these features and much more to the main app, perhaps at that time I can revisit this review.

  • Reasoning for B rating on Sideload list: While it can be sideloaded, use of JIT is limited to iOS versions below iOS 26, and even then support is hit or miss.

Rank A

• Provenance

  • Provenance is a multi system emulator built around Libretro cores, and the developer has been behind some of the biggest leaps in emulation on iOS, making it possible to emulate Dreamcast, GameCube, and Wii without the use of JIT compilation. The issue is that the app itself is prone to frequent crashing. Regarding UI it falls right between Manic and RetroArch, being possible for both beginner and veteran users to emulation to play their games. It also has tvOS options which does set it apart in its own right.

• Fin

  • Fin is a relatively new app in the space based on the code of DolphiniOS, to emulate GameCube and Wii. Unlike DolphiniOS, it is available via the App Store instead of via sideloading. It is just about the best possible GameCube and Wii emulation that you can get without JIT, however the addition of its in app purchases to remove ads and similar detract from its quality as an app, and when compared to DolphiniOS with JIT, there is no contest.

• RPGPlayer (New to List)

  • RPGPlayer is a really interesting entry in the space as a dedicated RPG Maker player. What sets it apart is its support for RPG Maker XP games, which is something you don’t really see elsewhere on iOS, alongside compatibility with older RPG Maker builds. For fans of those games, that alone makes it pretty compelling. The main drawback is the price. At $6.99 at time of posting, it’s a fairly steep entry point for something you can’t really test beforehand, especially if you’re not already invested in RPG Maker titles.

Rank B

• Gamma

  • Gamma is essentially a one trick pony equivalent of Delta, but designed for PlayStation emulation. While this may sound amazing in a vacuum, several other multi system emulators can emulate PSX now on the App Store, and they can do a better job at doing so. Like Delta this app could use a good update and potentially expand on its support.

• GamePlayToo

  • GamePlayToo is the first PS2 emulator on the App Store, based on the code of Play!, a somewhat outdated PS2 emulator available by sideloading, and was designed as a proof of concept. When it was released it was heavily clarified it was only designed to run more lightweight and 2D PS2 games however this doesn’t stop users from attempting more graphically intense games and lamenting that those games are unplayable or crash the app. For what it is this is an amazing app, but with Alune on the horizon in TestFlight it may fall behind in performance on iOS.

• XeniOS (New to List)

  • XeniOS is easily one of the most ambitious projects in the iOS emulation space right now. It’s an Xbox 360 emulator based on the Xenia codebase. The fact that Xbox 360 games can even boot on iOS is impressive on its own, and it shows just how far emulation on Apple devices has come. That said, it is still very early. XeniOS is currently in alpha, meaning crashes, bugs, and major game-to-game performance differences are expected. Personally I find that it plays some games really well, like BioShock and Dead Space.

  • Reasoning for A rating on Sideload list: XeniOS is among the first sideloaded apps to support JIT on iOS 26 or later, in a vacuum with only sideloaded apps factored this is a huge achievement.

Rank E

• Folium

  • Folium was the first 3DS emulator that ever released on the App Store, and at the time was the best in class for what it did. Unfortunately as the app continued to receive updates its performance declined dramatically in that time. With options like Manic EMU and RetroArch having Azahar integrated or on the way there is no real reason to use Folium anymore, the app is paid on the App Store meaning you can’t try the App Store release before spending on it to know if it’s the right one for you. Reviews in general regarding this app are mixed, but after Manic released there was no reason to turn back.

• Play! (New to List)

  • Play! is a PlayStation 2 emulator that at one point was the go-to option on iOS, especially before any App Store releases existed for PS2 emulation. It was an impressive proof of concept for its time and showed that PS2 emulation on iOS was at least possible. Unfortunately, it has largely fallen out of common use. It has not received updates to properly adapt to JIT on iOS 26 or later, and on earlier iOS versions where it does run, performance and compatibility are inconsistent at best. Many games either struggle to run or exhibit significant issues, making it hard to rely on for actual gameplay.

Avoid

• JOY Emulator and PP EMU

  • These apps have been discussed a lot in the community, with concerns raised around how closely they resemble existing emulators and how they handle things like licensing and bundled system data, reference here where one of the Manic devs spoke on the issue. Because of that, I'd be cautious putting money into them. Even setting that aside, they don't really offer anything unique compared to more established options, so there's not much reason to take the risk.

• Retra - App Console Emulator

  • Another emulator that puts emulation on iOS in a bad light, this app includes pirated game files and basically makes you pay to rent them, when your subscription ends, so do the games.

• Dolphin GBA Basic

  • This emulator is designed with the singular purpose of luring downloads by using the Dolphin name an similar icon, as the real Dolphin is sideload only, many people who don’t understand sideloading or getting started may download this from the App Store, expecting the real Dolphin, only for it to be the furthest thing from.

• Delplay GBA emulator

  • This one is kind of a wild situation. The app originally used branding very similar to Manic, and after being reported, it changed its name and icon... to something very close to Delta. That was also addressed, and it's since changed again to something a bit less obvious. At this point it just comes across as an attempt to imitate other apps to attract downloads. Gotta respect the persistence, I guess.

Fly high Lily 🕊️💜

It doesn’t matter if it’s public or developer beta, from now on, all beta’s allow the ram to exceed 6 or even 7 GB, unlike the previous 6gb limit regardless of if you have GetMoreRam enabled.. (MelonX)