# SAGA Synth \| 16-Bit Sonic Fun! — #1 Video Game Music App + AUv3

> 16-bit retro video game synthesizer for music creation and sound design. (iPhone/iPad app by AudioKit Pro.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/saga-synth-16-bit-sonic-fun/id1658167569 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [AudioKit Pro](https://appshunter.io/developer/1307785645)
- Category: Music, Entertainment
- Price: $3.99 (on sale, was $4.99)
- Rating: 4.90/5 from 435 App Store ratings · 73 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 14.4 · 121 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2023-01-04
- Data updated: 2026-08-23
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/saga-synth-16-bit-sonic-fun/id1658167569/reviews.md

## What is SAGA Synth | 16?

"SAGA SYNTH IS THE MOST FUN MUSIC APP ON THE PLANET!" – The GarageBand Guide

SAGA Synth is a super-fun retro 16-bit video game synth

More than chiptunes, you can use this synth for amazing and expressive pads, sound fx, drums, leads, and more!

Make your music stand out with real 16-bit retro video game power. Created from 5 different vintage hardware YM2616 sound chips for the greatest collection of 16-bit sounds ever produced. We put lots of love into making this app.

Ready Player One? Press a Key to take your music to the next level!

REQUIRES iOS 14 and ABOVE! Thank you. :)

Includes over 350+ Presets by MobyPixel, Electronisounds, Red Sky Lullaby, Gavinski, The GarageBand Guide, DJ Puzzle, The Audio Dabbler, Sound of Izrael, Marc Hupkens, AnalogMatthew, Brian Funk, Shazaam the Producer and more.

Features custom-created sounds for this app, made from vintage retro gaming hardware.

Learn More & Watch Videos:
audiokitpro.com/sagasynth

SAGA SYNTH is available only on iOS and iPadOS. 

FEATURES:
•  Standalone app & iOS AUv3 Plugin
•  Over 350+ presets to inspire you
•  Fun free-running step sequencer
•  Exclusive sound sources made for this app
•  New, more stable AudioKit code
•  16-bit Synth, Drum, and Sound FX sounds included
•  Over 600+ Mb of sounds compressed to under 150 Mb
•  Audio recording, record your sounds then export wav files! No other apps needed
•  Use as an iOS Plug-in in hosts like GarageBand, AUM, Cubasis, Beatmaker 3, and more
•  Use with MIDI keyboard or iOS MIDI host
•  Ableton Link

SAGA Synth is the first of the next generation of AudioKit Pro apps, written from the ground up with a focus on playability and amazing sound. We've added rock-solid sequencer timing, improved AUv3 support, easy standalone recording, and much more. It's created with lots of love.

+ iPhone & iPad versions included for one low price
++ BONUS: Includes sounds from the best-selling Ableton 16-Bit Video Game sound packs by Brian Funk. For the first time on iOS!

More Info:
www.audiokitpro.com/sagasynth

###

AudioKit is an open-source project intended to bring joy and music to people, and enlighten people on how to build custom instruments and iOS apps.

All product names, images, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners, including SEGA Corporation, Yamaha Corporation, Twisted Electrons, MEGAfm, Genesis, MegaDrive, and others, which are in no way associated or affiliated with the creators of this app, including AudioKit, Brian Funk, AudioKit Pro, LLC, and the other contributors. Product names are used solely for the purpose of identifying specific products related to hardware, synthesizers, sampling, sound design, and music-making.

Use of these names and images does not imply any cooperation or endorsement, including SEGA Corporation, Yamaha Corporation, Twisted Electrons, MEGAfm, Genesis, MegaDrive, and others. We thank them for their incredible hardware and instruments.

## Key features

- 16-bit retro video game synth
- Over 350+ presets
- Standalone app & AUv3 plugin
- Step sequencer
- Audio recording and export
- MIDI keyboard support
- Ableton Link

## Chart rankings

- #175 in Top Paid · Music (US App Store)

## What do users think of SAGA Synth | 16?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 🎶 Awesome retro sounds
- 👍 Great creation methods
- 🎨 Versatile and fun
- 🎨 More than just game sounds
- 👍 Tons of presets
- 👍 Excellent sounds
- 🎨 Upbeat and lively sounds
- 🎨 Nostalgic and inspirational

**Cons**

- 🐛 Midi not working properly
- 🐛 Sequencer issues with recording
- 🐛 Keyboard issues and bugs
- 🐛 Crashes and stability problems
- 🤔 Not true 16-bit emulation

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Crashes when too many favorites
- Overlapping UI elements on phones

**Most requested features**

- Export to Famitone music file
- macOS version
- Improved quantization

## Recent user reviews (10 of 73)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/saga-synth-16-bit-sonic-fun/id1658167569/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Appreciation

*2026-07-28*

Absolutely love this app. Can’t wait to see what comes out next

### 5/5 — Really Ike this app

*2026-03-17*

Love this app, has amazing sounds, good creation methods, and such good vibes for retro sounding music. 5-stars from me!

### 5/5 — Awesome retro sounds!!

*2025-11-10*

So cool.

### 5/5 — Want a refund

*2025-08-03*

I rated this 5 stars so the next person looking at this app can read this. This app does not live up to its name. Apparently this game was supposed to have sega genesis sound pieces and sound effects, but none of that was in the app. Even The mascot is some bootleg version of Sonic the hedgehog. I seriously don’t understand why so many people like this app. It is misleading and I want my money back.

### 4/5 — Not as Adevertised!

*2025-07-05, version 1.9.2*

This sounds NOTHING like a SEGA or any 16 bit FM synth AT ALL. Not even close. That said, it’s a nice sounding and easy to program synth. I’m glad I got it at the sale price of $3 because I would not have been happy at all shelling out full price for something that’s falsely advertised. If you want SEGA 16 BIT goodness you’ll have to buy Plogue’s Chip Synth MD as a DAW plugin. That’s an AMAZING emulation of a Genesis/Mega Drive.

### 5/5 — Outstanding!

*2025-01-27*

Way more than nostalgic video game synths. This thing rocks.

### 5/5 — Sounds great.

*2024-12-19, version 1.9.2*

Tons of presets

### 5/5 — PLS ADD a feature to export to a famitone music file

*2024-11-28*

i love this app but i wish i could like export the music cuz i wanna use this for retro game dev

### 5/5 — It’s So Nice And I Can Make More Different Music.

*2024-11-20, version 1.9.2*

By Anthony Ocampo.

### 5/5 — Amazing classic synths and many modulations

*2024-10-03*

:)

## Frequently asked questions about SAGA Synth | 16

### What is SAGA Synth?

SAGA Synth is a 16-bit retro video game synthesizer app for iOS. It offers a wide range of sounds inspired by vintage hardware, allowing users to create expressive pads, sound effects, drums, and leads. It can be used as a standalone application or as an AUv3 plugin within other music production apps.

### What kind of sounds can I create with SAGA Synth?

You can create a variety of sounds beyond just chiptunes, including amazing and expressive pads, distinctive sound effects, powerful drums, and catchy leads. The app is built from 5 different vintage hardware YM2616 sound chips, providing a unique collection of 16-bit sounds.

### How much does SAGA Synth cost?

SAGA Synth is a paid application. The price includes both iPhone and iPad versions for a single purchase. Specific pricing details can be found on the app store.

### What are the system requirements for SAGA Synth?

SAGA Synth requires iOS 14 and above to function. It is available for both iPhone and iPad devices.

### Can I use SAGA Synth with other music apps?

Yes, SAGA Synth can be used as an iOS AUv3 Plugin in hosts like GarageBand, AUM, Cubasis, and Beatmaker 3. It also supports MIDI keyboard input and can be used with an iOS MIDI host, and features Ableton Link for synchronization.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.9.7 — 2026-05-19

THANKS EVERYONE!
• NEW: MIDI Clock In can now be toggled off
Tap the Tempo readout to turn MIDI Clock In on/off
NOTE: Tempo readout turns green when MIDI Clock is controlling it
• iPhone AU View improvements
• Fixes sequence sound cutting out while scrolling presets 
MORE FREE UPDATES TO COME! BETTER & BETTER!

### 1.9.6 — 2026-04-29

THANKS EVERYONE! Big improvements:
• NEW: MIDI Clock Input. Get your Tempo from a MIDI source! (In Standalone mode. AUV3 hosts should have their own timing)
• AUV3 Timing: Sequencer/Arp Starts on First Beat in Cubasis
• Fix for MIDI Learn crashes in iOS 26
This app will keep getting Better & Better!

### 1.9.5 — 2026-02-06

Thanks Everyone, Big stability improvements!
• Fixes crashes on launch some users were experiencing
• Fixes Ableton Link related crashes
MORE FREE UPDATES TO COME!

### 1.9.4 — 2026-01-21

Thanks, everyone! Stability Upgrades + New Features:
• MIDI Program Change added to AUv3. App now responds to MIDI Program Change in hosts like AUM.
• Close button added to the Bluetooth MIDI Keyboard popup (especially useful on iPhone).
• Were you having crashes on standalone during load? This version should fix!
• Fixes crashes for those changing presets in Loopy Pro while sending MIDI
• Many more little fixes & improvements!
More updates coming soon. Thanks!

### 1.9.3 — 2025-08-20

THANKS EVERYONE! NEW FREE UPDATE:
∙ Fresh new save screen and fixes for favorites saving
• MIDI runs tighter and more reliable than ever
• UI tuned up to look better on phones and inside AUv3
• Plus a bunch of little tweaks to keep the groove going
More updates to come!

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All apps by AudioKit Pro: https://appshunter.io/developer/1307785645

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-23.*