# ArcadeMania vs iMSX2

The clearest difference is price: ArcadeMania at Free against iMSX2's $1.99. ArcadeMania also leads on rating (4.4 vs 3.4) and review sentiment (74% vs 59%). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

ArcadeMania is free to download; iMSX2 costs $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ArcadeMania holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ArcadeMania has 122 ratings behind it against 10, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 74% of ArcadeMania's written reviews are positive against 59% of iMSX2's.

ArcadeMania ships an update monthly, iMSX2 every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on October 18, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | ArcadeMania | iMSX2 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $1.99 |
| Rating | **[4.4 (122 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/arcademania/id6496971234/reviews)** | [3.4 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/imsx2/id6499231192/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **122** | 10 |
| Positive reviews | **74.2% of reviews** | 59.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Size | 300 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.4** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Infinite Evolution Technologies](https://appshunter.io/developer/382641860) | [Enrique Enguix](https://appshunter.io/developer/1723324154) |

## What reviewers say

### ArcadeMania

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/arcademania/id6496971234)

Relive classic arcade, computer, and electronic games from over three decades. This app utilizes the MAME emulation core to support thousands of titles, offering enhanced graphics and extensive controller support for an authentic retro gaming experience.

**Highlights:** Supports 5,000+ arcade games, MAME 0.278 emulation core, Native Metal Graphics Renderer, Custom Shaders and HDR Support, Full controller support (Xbox, PS, Switch), Save States and Cheats

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Smooth emulation
- 👍 Great UI and options
- 🎮 Flawless ROM importing and controller support
- 💰 Free with no ads or IAPs

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes on older iPad models
- 🔊 No sound or music in some games

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes on iPad with iOS 16.7.11
- Crashes on iPad with iPadOS 13.5

**Requested features**

- Support for 8Bitdo Bluetooth controllers
- Fix for game mode not working


### 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 ArcadeMania free?

ArcadeMania is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is iMSX2 free?

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

### Which has better reviews, ArcadeMania or iMSX2?

ArcadeMania is rated higher. ArcadeMania averages 4.4 out of 5 from 122 ratings, while iMSX2 averages 3.4 from 10 ratings.

### Do ArcadeMania or iMSX2 have ads?

Neither ArcadeMania nor iMSX2 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ArcadeMania or iMSX2?

ArcadeMania ships an update monthly, and iMSX2 every 3 weeks. Most recently, ArcadeMania was updated on October 18, 2026 and iMSX2 on October 18, 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.*