# Retra vs HandCube

The clearest difference is review sentiment: HandCube at 100% against Retra's 14%. HandCube also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 3) and ads (none vs shown). Retra's advantage is ratings volume (3K vs 1) and update cadence (every 4 days vs fortnightly). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Retra sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days. HandCube asks for nothing beyond the download.

HandCube holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Retra has 3K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 14% of Retra's written reviews are positive against 100% of HandCube's.

Retra ships an update every 4 days, HandCube fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Retra | HandCube |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retra-app-console-emulator/id6746222411/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/handcube/id6755707410/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **3K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 14.4% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 days** | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 80 MB | 19 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MODERN DEV LP](https://appshunter.io/developer/1604740281) | [KAI WANG](https://appshunter.io/developer/1035148921) |

## What reviewers say

### Retra

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retra-app-console-emulator/id6746222411)

Experience classic gaming with this retro console emulator. Relive childhood memories with support for multiple consoles, customizable skins, and controller integration. Unlock the full experience through a subscription or a lifetime purchase.

**Highlights:** Support for 5+ retro consoles, 10+ visual skins, Customizable settings, Controller support, Cloud game saving, Fast ROM import

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly access to emulator | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly access to emulator | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Lifetime access to emulator | $39.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Nostalgic feel
- 👍 Controller support

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Difficult to play on mobile
- 💰 Expensive pricing
- 🔒 Suspicious free trial
- 🐛 Freezing issues
- 🐛 Unresponsive controls

**Reported bugs**

- Games freeze
- Inability to play without paying

**Requested features**

- Option to exit free trial
- Improve mobile optimization


### HandCube

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/handcube/id6755707410)

Relive the joy of a classic handheld puzzle game on your mobile device. Enjoy intuitive tap and swipe controls to fit falling blocks, clear rows, and achieve high scores. Explore a new challenge mode with progressively difficult levels for endless fun.

**Highlights:** Classic block-fitting gameplay, Intuitive tap and swipe controls, Challenge mode with increasing difficulty, Unlockable gameplay elements, Stress-relieving casual experience, Timeless nostalgic appeal

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Retra free?

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

### Is HandCube free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Retra or HandCube?

HandCube is rated higher. Retra averages 4.8 out of 5 from 3K ratings, while HandCube averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Retra or HandCube have ads?

Retra shows ads; HandCube does not.

### Which is updated more often, Retra or HandCube?

Retra ships an update every 4 days, and HandCube fortnightly. Most recently, Retra was updated on October 17, 2026 and HandCube on October 4, 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.*