Freedom251 › Sega Genesis Emulators
Zeta
What Zeta is
Zeta is an iPhone emulator for playing games from a range of classic systems on a modern device. It supports iPhones running iOS 16.0 or later; iPad and Mac are not supported. Add games by dragging files into the app or selecting a library folder in its file browser. Zeta recognizes imported games and displays cover art. Listed systems include Nintendo 3DS, DS, Wii, GameCube, Game Boy, PlayStation 2, PSP, PlayStation, Sega Dreamcast, and Genesis.
Play features include manual and automatic save states, speed-up of up to 5×, cheat codes, custom controls, one-tap combos, skins, filters, and screenshots. Supported Bluetooth controllers include Xbox Wireless, PlayStation DualShock and DualSense, Nintendo Switch Pro, and MFi-certified iOS controllers. Zeta also lists multi-controller support, link play, AirPlay casting, and a console mode for using the iPhone as a wireless controller while casting.
The free plan covers core emulation, game loading, save states, basic controller support, and screen recording. Premium options include a monthly subscription and a one-time purchase; prices are shown in the app or App Store. Game files and related app data are stored on the device, with optional iCloud sync.
Who it suits
Zeta suits iPhone owners who want to play games from multiple classic console systems and use save states, cheats, or custom controls. It may also suit players who want Bluetooth controller support or AirPlay casting, provided they use a supported iPhone.
What it does well
- Supports games from multiple listed console systems.
- Offers manual and automatic save states.
- Cheat codes and speed-up up to 5× are listed.
- Supports several Bluetooth controller types.
- Includes AirPlay casting and link play.
- Free plan includes core emulation and screen recording.
What to know first
- Requires an iPhone running iOS 16.0 or later.
- Does not support iPad or Mac.
- Premium prices are shown in-app or in the App Store.
Limits
The free plan includes core emulation, game loading, save states, basic controller support, and screen recording. Premium features, which may include cloud sync, advanced filters, and a cheat code manager, are separate purchases; their prices are shown in the app or App Store.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Core emulation, loading and running game ROMs, save states, basic controller support, screen recording | Free |
| Premium subscription | Monthly; price shown in-app · Combination of premium features; subscriptions auto-renew | On request |
| Premium subscription | Annual; price shown in-app · Combination of premium features; subscriptions auto-renew | On request |
| Premium features | One-time fee; amount shown in the App Store · Specific features may include cloud sync, advanced filters, and cheat code manager | On request |
As zemu.app lists them, read 5 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Open Zeta’s website at https://zemu.app/.
- Use a compatible iPhone running iOS 16.0 or later.
- Add game files by dragging them into Zeta or choosing a game library folder in its file browser.
- Use the free plan for core emulation, game loading, save states, basic controller support, and screen recording.
- Choose a premium subscription or one-time purchase in the app or App Store if needed.
Verdict
Choose Zeta if you want an iPhone emulator with broad system support, save states, cheats, and controller options. Look elsewhere if you need iPad or Mac support. Premium features are available as a subscription or one-time purchase, with the amounts shown in the app or App Store.
Questions
Is Zeta free?
Yes. Its free plan includes core emulation, game loading, save states, basic controller support, and screen recording.
What does Premium cost?
A price is not given here. Subscription pricing is shown in-app, and the one-time purchase amount is shown in the App Store.
Which devices does Zeta support?
It supports iPhone with iOS 16.0 or later. iPad and Mac are not supported.
Which game systems are listed?
The listed systems include Nintendo 3DS, DS, Wii, GameCube, Game Boy, PlayStation 2, PSP, PlayStation, Sega Dreamcast, and Genesis.
Does Zeta support controllers and casting?
It lists Bluetooth support for Xbox Wireless, PlayStation DualShock and DualSense, Nintendo Switch Pro, and MFi-certified iOS controllers. AirPlay casting, link play, and Bluetooth multi-controller support are also listed.
Who makes Zeta, and where is game data stored?
The operator is the Zeta Development Team, and Zeta says it is independent of the named console makers. Game ROMs, saves, settings, controller mappings, history, and favorites are stored locally; optional iCloud sync is available with separate authorization.
Facts from Zeta's own pages
- Casting and multiplayer
- The App Store description lists Bluetooth multi-controller support, link play, AirPlay casting, and a console mode for using the device as a wireless controller while casting. · apps.apple.com, 5 Oct 2026
- Controllers
- The FAQ lists Xbox Wireless, PlayStation DualShock and DualSense, Nintendo Switch Pro, and MFi-certified iOS controllers connected over Bluetooth. · zemu.app, 5 Oct 2026
- Emulated systems
- The App Store description lists systems including Nintendo 3DS, DS, Wii, GameCube, Game Boy, PlayStation 2, PSP, PlayStation, Sega Dreamcast, and Genesis. · apps.apple.com, 5 Oct 2026
- Game import
- Users can drag and drop game files into Zeta or select a game library folder with the built-in file browser; the app recognizes games and displays cover art. · zemu.app, 5 Oct 2026
- Gameplay features
- Listed features include manual and automatic save states, speed-up up to 5×, cheat codes, custom controls, one-tap combos, custom skins, filters, and screenshots. · apps.apple.com, 5 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The privacy policy identifies Firebase Crashlytics for crash and performance diagnostics, Apple App Store/StoreKit for distribution and purchases, and optional iCloud sync when enabled with separate authorization. · zemu.app, 5 Oct 2026
- Local data
- The privacy policy says game ROMs, saves, settings, controller mappings, history, and favorites are stored locally on the device under iOS sandbox protections. · zemu.app, 5 Oct 2026
- Maker and affiliation
- The privacy policy names the operator as the Zeta Development Team, and the site says Zeta is independent and unaffiliated with the named console makers. · zemu.app, 5 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- Zeta says it does not collect ROMs, game saves, or gameplay behavior; its privacy policy says it collects technical diagnostics and crash data, including through Firebase Crashlytics. · zemu.app, 5 Oct 2026
- Product
- Zeta is an iPhone retro game emulator intended to help users play classic games on modern devices. · zemu.app, 5 Oct 2026
- Security
- The privacy policy describes TLS/SSL encryption in transit, access controls, security assessments, vulnerability scanning, firewalls, and iOS sandbox protection for local game data. · zemu.app, 5 Oct 2026
- Support
- Zeta offers FAQ and help center pages and directs users to email support; its home page says the small team personally reads and replies to every email. · zemu.app, 5 Oct 2026
- Supported device
- The FAQ says Zeta currently supports only iPhone with iOS 16.0 or later; iPad and Mac are not supported. · zemu.app, 5 Oct 2026
Where Zeta stands on Freedom251
- Sega Genesis Emulators#26 of 29