# iMSX2 vs Parlor

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Parlor at 100% against iMSX2's 59%. Parlor also leads on price ($0.49 vs $1.99). iMSX2's advantage is iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

iMSX2 costs $1.99 and Parlor $0.49 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

iMSX2 ships an update every 5 weeks, Parlor every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | iMSX2 | Parlor |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $1.99 | **$0.49** |
| Rating | **[3.4 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/imsx2/id6499231192/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **10** | — |
| Positive reviews | 59.3% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 8 MB | 36 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | +4 |
| Developer | [Enrique Enguix](https://appshunter.io/developer/1723324154) | [DBL Studio](https://appshunter.io/developer/1771399423) |

## What reviewers say

### iMSX2

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

Transform your iPhone or iPad into a portable MSX2 emulator. Relive classic gaming by loading ROMs and disk images, with support for custom controllers and save states. Enjoy an authentic retro experience with customizable filters and fast-forward options.

**Highlights:** Emulate MSX and MSX2 games, Load ROM, MX1, MX2, DSK, ZIP files, Save and load game states, Bluetooth keyboard and controller support, Customizable button layouts, CRT and scanline screen filters, Fast forward mode

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Parlor

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/parlor-retro-game-emulator/id6806241270)

Play classic Game Boy, DS, and 3DS games on your Apple devices. Supports a wide range of controllers and syncs saves across all your screens via iCloud. Enjoy enhanced visuals and convenient features for a seamless retro gaming experience.

**Highlights:** Plays GBA, GBC, DS, and 3DS games, Supports various Bluetooth controllers, Automatic iCloud save syncing, Play on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and Mac, Customizable screen layouts for DS games, Fast forward and visual filters, No accounts or tracking

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is iMSX2 free?

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

### Is Parlor free?

Parlor costs $0.49, with no in-app purchases.

### Do iMSX2 or Parlor have ads?

Neither iMSX2 nor Parlor shows ads.

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

iMSX2 ships an update every 5 weeks, and Parlor every 3 weeks. Most recently, iMSX2 was updated on November 4, 2026 and Parlor on October 31, 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.*