Retropa

What Retropa is

Retropa is an emulator for handheld and arcade games on iPhone and iPad. It supports 14 handheld and console systems, along with arcade families; listed systems include GBA, Nintendo DS, NES, Super NES, Genesis, WonderSwan, and Neo Geo Pocket. The free plan includes the handheld and console systems, game imports, controller templates, Delta skin import, save states, and rewind. Arcade families, premium skins, advanced display filters, console mode, and advanced save workflows are included with Retropa Plus. Its price and billing terms are shown in the App Store, where availability and regional pricing can vary.

Import games from Files, AirDrop, a browser, a local Wi-Fi Portal, or the Homebrew catalog. Retropa does not provide games or BIOS files, and users import content they are entitled to use. Compatible external controllers are supported, with ready-made templates. Retropa Plus adds adaptive touch controls with five styles and 64 listed display filters. Save states can be backed up and restored through iCloud Drive. Game files stay on the device, and an account is not required to play. Retropa is available on iPhone and iPad running iOS 18 or later, and its supported platforms also include Mac.

Who it suits

Retropa suits iPhone and iPad users who want to play games from its supported handheld, console, and arcade systems using imported game files. It also fits players who want save states, rewind, controller support, or optional display and touch-control features through Retropa Plus.

Limits

The free plan covers 14 handheld and console systems, imports, controller templates, Delta skin import, save states, and rewind. Arcade families, premium skins, advanced filters, console mode, and advanced save workflows are included with Retropa Plus.

Getting started

1. Visit https://retropa.com/.
2. Use an iPhone or iPad running iOS 18 or later.
3. Import entitled game files through Files, AirDrop, a browser, the local Wi-Fi Portal, or the Homebrew catalog.
4. Use the free plan, or check the App Store for Retropa Plus availability and regional pricing.
5. Connect a compatible external controller and choose a controller template if desired.

Verdict

Choose Retropa if you want an iPhone or iPad emulator with broad listed system support, multiple import routes, and save states on its free plan. Look elsewhere if you need an emulator that supplies games or BIOS files, or if you need Retropa Plus pricing before viewing the App Store.