# Handheld Game vs iMSX2

The clearest difference is rating: Handheld Game at 5.0 against iMSX2's 3.4. Handheld Game also leads on review sentiment (85% vs 59%). iMSX2's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Handheld Game costs $1.99 and iMSX2 $1.99 up front. Handheld Game sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. iMSX2 asks for nothing beyond the download.

Handheld Game holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 15 and 10 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 85% of Handheld Game's written reviews are positive against 59% of iMSX2's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on September 22, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Handheld Game | iMSX2 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $1.99 | $1.99 |
| Rating | **[5.0 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/handheld-game-nes-emulator/id1595901138/reviews)** | [3.4 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/imsx2/id6499231192/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **15** | 10 |
| Positive reviews | **85.3% of reviews** | 59.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Size | 6 MB | 7 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Jinan Matrix Information Technology Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1009091575) | [Enrique Enguix](https://appshunter.io/developer/1723324154) |

## What reviewers say

### Handheld Game

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/handheld-game-nes-emulator/id1595901138)

Experience classic 8-bit games with a high-performance emulator. Enjoy precise controls, unlimited saves, and local multiplayer. Compatible with MFi controllers and optimized for iPhone and iPad.

**Highlights:** 8-Way Directional Control, Local Network Netplay, Unlimited Save States, Auto-Fire Functionality, MFi Controller Support, Portrait and Landscape Modes

**Features:** Game Controller support, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cheat Codes | $2.99 | one-time |


### iMSX2

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/imsx2/id6499231192)

Play classic MSX and MSX2 games on your iPhone or iPad. Load games from ROM, MX1, MX2, DSK, or ZIP files. Features include save states, Bluetooth controller support, customizable buttons, and screen filters for an authentic retro experience.

**Highlights:** Play classic MSX/MSX2 games, Load games from ROM, MX1, MX2, DSK, ZIP, Save and load game states, Bluetooth keyboard and controller support, Customizable button layouts, CRT and scanline screen filters, Load BASIC programs

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Game Controller support, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Handheld Game free?

Handheld Game costs $1.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is iMSX2 free?

iMSX2 costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Handheld Game or iMSX2?

Handheld Game is rated higher. Handheld Game averages 5.0 out of 5 from 15 ratings, while iMSX2 averages 3.4 from 10 ratings.

### Do Handheld Game or iMSX2 have ads?

Neither Handheld Game nor iMSX2 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Handheld Game or iMSX2?

Handheld Game ships an update every 3 weeks, and iMSX2 every 3 weeks. Most recently, Handheld Game was updated on September 22, 2026 and iMSX2 on September 22, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*