# VirtualFriend vs Vactrex

The clearest difference is price: VirtualFriend at Free against Vactrex's $2.99. Vactrex's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and update cadence (every 5 days vs every 24 months). On review sentiment, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

VirtualFriend is free to download; Vactrex costs $2.99 up front. VirtualFriend sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Vactrex asks for nothing beyond the download.

VirtualFriend ships an update every 24 months, Vactrex every 5 days. Both last shipped on October 14, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | VirtualFriend | Vactrex |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $2.99 |
| Rating | **[4.8 (20 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/virtualfriend-vb-emulator/id6479948317/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **20** | — |
| Positive reviews | 95.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 24 months | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Size | 14 MB | 1 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **16.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Vision Pro** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Adam Gastineau](https://appshunter.io/developer/913804973) | [Javier Sandoval](https://appshunter.io/developer/6782248391) |

## What reviewers say

### VirtualFriend

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/virtualfriend-vb-emulator/id6479948317)

Experience classic Nintendo Virtual Boy games in true 3D on Apple Vision Pro and iOS. This open-source emulator allows you to explore the entire official library and homebrew titles with customizable color palettes and flexible control options.

**Highlights:** 3D Virtual Boy experience, Explore official and homebrew libraries, Customizable color palettes, Flexible control options (touchscreen, controller, keyboard), 3D title screen previews

**Features:** Game Controller support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Small Tip | $0.99 | one-time |
| Medium Tip | $2.99 | one-time |
| Large Tip | $4.99 | one-time |
| Extra Large Tip | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 💡 Excellent Virtual Boy emulation
- 👍 Easy to run games
- 👍 Light and simple UI
- 🎮 Works well with controllers
- 🙏 Grateful for the developer's work

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Some games run slow
- 🐛 Some games crash after 10 minutes
- 🎮 Lack of button mapping
- 🔉 Buzzing sound issues in Hyper Fighting
- 🕶️ No cardboard/VR headset support


### Vactrex

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vactrex/id6805203911)

Experience the classic Vectrex vector-graphics console on your mobile device. This emulator meticulously recreates the original hardware's analog display, including phosphor glow and beam tracing. Bring your own legally obtained game cartridges to play a wide library of retro titles.

**Highlights:** Authentic vector display simulation, Cycle-accurate processor emulation, Accurate sound and timing, Bring your own ROMs and cartridges, Organize games with folders, Adjustable on-screen controls, Game controller support

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is VirtualFriend free?

VirtualFriend is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Vactrex free?

Vactrex costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do VirtualFriend or Vactrex have ads?

Neither VirtualFriend nor Vactrex shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, VirtualFriend or Vactrex?

VirtualFriend ships an update every 24 months, and Vactrex every 5 days. Most recently, VirtualFriend was updated on October 14, 2026 and Vactrex on October 14, 2026.

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