# iMSX2 vs LocoLink

The clearest difference is price: LocoLink at Free against iMSX2's $1.99. LocoLink also leads on rating (4.0 vs 3.4) and update cadence (every 5 days vs every 3 weeks). iMSX2's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 10) and review sentiment (59% vs 33%). On ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

LocoLink is free to download; iMSX2 costs $1.99 up front. LocoLink sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. iMSX2 asks for nothing beyond the download.

LocoLink holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 3.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: iMSX2 has 10 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 59% of iMSX2's written reviews are positive against 33% of LocoLink's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

iMSX2 ships an update every 3 weeks, LocoLink every 5 days. Both last shipped on October 14, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | iMSX2 | LocoLink |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $1.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [3.4 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/imsx2/id6499231192/reviews) | **[4.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/locolink/id6760320854/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **10** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | **59.3% of reviews** | 33.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 8 MB | 73 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Enrique Enguix](https://appshunter.io/developer/1723324154) | [Tom Westerman](https://appshunter.io/developer/1883853153) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### LocoLink

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/locolink/id6760320854)

Control your model railway layout wirelessly from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Manage locomotives, switch turnouts and signals, and even automate train movements. Features include a track plan editor, block system, and CV programming.

**Highlights:** Wireless DCC command station control, Locomotive speed and function control, Turnout and signal switching, Interactive track plan editor, Block system and automation, CV programming and speed table editing, Game controller support

**Features:** Game Controller support, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| LocoLink Pro iOS | $5.99 | per month |
| LocoLink Pro Mac | $8.99 | per month |
| LocoLink Pro All Devices | $9.99 | per month |
| LocoLink+ iOS | $29.99 | per year |
| LocoLink Pro iOS | $59.99 | per year |
| LocoLink Pro Mac | $69.99 | per year |
| LocoLink Pro All Devices | $79.99 | per year |
| LocoLink Pro iOS Forever | $249.99 | one-time |
| LocoLink Pro Mac Forever | $299.99 | one-time |
| LocoLink Pro All Forever | $399.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is iMSX2 free?

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

### Is LocoLink free?

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

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

LocoLink is rated higher. iMSX2 averages 3.4 out of 5 from 10 ratings, while LocoLink averages 4.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do iMSX2 or LocoLink have ads?

Neither iMSX2 nor LocoLink shows ads.

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

iMSX2 ships an update every 3 weeks, and LocoLink every 5 days. Most recently, iMSX2 was updated on October 14, 2026 and LocoLink 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.*