Quick Summary
Although it's not the first retro games emulator to have appeared after Apple relaxed its App Store rules, Delta is the first to not be pulled soon after.
It emulates a wide range of Nintendo games consoles and is available to download for free right now.
Apple's promised relaxation of the rules around gaming emulators on the App Store has just borne its first real fruit.
Delta, an emulator that has been around for ages on Android and on sideloaded iPhones, is now available for free directly on the App Store for the first time. You can download it on the iPhone 15 series, but also older iPhones too.
Depending on your location you might find that searching for the app doesn't yield much, but a direct link can take you there.
If you're in the EU, meanwhile, you'll have to get the app from the third-party AltStore, one of the first new app storefronts that have popped up since the rules on that front were relaxed, too.
Delta is a simple and smooth emulator that will work with all manner of older Nintendo consoles and handheld ROMs (the files that comprise an older game).
It has some nice skins to make your display look a bit like the console in question as you play, as well as full touch controls and even the ability to use your phone's gyroscope for games that use it on the DS, for example.
This also means there are a few layouts to choose from, so you can experiment.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Adding ROM files seems to be pretty straightforward, as you can import them by sticking them into your iPhone's Files app and simply finding them in there.
The app supports AirPlay, which is great for playing on the TV or a monitor if you like, and works with Bluetooth controllers including the Xbox Wireless Controller.
This all makes it a pretty clear frontrunner at this stage, without too many other polished emulators yet available.
Without any included game data, it also should be safe legally from any allegations of piracy, since users import their own data – and are in theory only allowed to do so for games they also own physically.
So, if you've been waiting years for the ability to play retro games on your iPhone without resorting either to jailbreaking it and voiding your warranty, or sticking to flaky browser options that could lose your saved data at any moment, this is your time.
Max is T3's Staff Writer for the Tech section – with years of experience reporting on tech and entertainment. He's also a gaming expert, both with the games themselves and in testing accessories and consoles, having previously flexed that expertise at Pocket-lint as a features editor.
-
You'll soon be able to play SNES games on your iPhone
The emulators are coming
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
It'll soon be easier to switch from iPhone to Android after you upgrade your device
Apple vows to simplify the digital transfer process when you swap phones
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Apple iPhone 15 review: the best for most people
The entry-level iPhone could be your perfect upgrade
By Mat Gallagher Published
-
When is Black Friday 2024 – this Friday or next? Here's the official answer
Black Friday is on 29 November in 2024 – a week later than the year previous. But that's not stopped retailers putting on their sales...
By Mike Lowe Published
-
Forget Black Friday, F1 24 is completely free for a limited time
This top racing game has a free weekend
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Forget Black Friday, F1 24 is completely free for a limited time
This top racing game has a free weekend
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
I sold my PS5 to upgrade to the PS5 Pro and it might have been a mistake
Do I regret it? Ask me again in six months...
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
As most phones get bigger, iPhone 17 is set to shrink one major Apple feature
The Dynamic Island looks set to lose some territory
By Sam Cross Published
-
When does the Xbox Black Friday sale start?
Xbox's Black Friday sale is now live!
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Your older iPhone is about to lose an essential feature forever
If you don't have a modern iPhone, it may be time to upgrade
By Sam Cross Published
-
iPhone 17 Slim tipped to be the thinnest iPhone Apple’s ever made
Could make the iPhone 16 look massive
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
An Apple flatscreen TV could be back on the cards again
It might take a while though...
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Apple AirTag 2 upgrade will bring better range, improved privacy, and a stalker-proof speaker, says insider
Apple's useful little thing-finders are reportedly getting a big refresh in 2025
By Carrie Marshall Published