# RetroPlay vs GameX Emulator

The clearest difference is rating: RetroPlay at 4.5 against GameX Emulator's 3.8. RetroPlay also leads on iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.6). GameX Emulator's advantage is review sentiment (40% vs 0%) and ads (none vs shown). On price, ratings volume, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. RetroPlay sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and GameX Emulator sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

RetroPlay holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 150 and 152 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 0% of RetroPlay's written reviews are positive against 40% of GameX Emulator's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

RetroPlay ships an update every 2 months, GameX Emulator every 9 days. Both last shipped on November 9, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | RetroPlay | GameX Emulator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (150 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retroplay-console-emulator/id6755721950/reviews)** | [3.8 (152 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gamex-emulator-ps2/id6761678763/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 150 | **152** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **40.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | Freemium | Freemium |
| Size | 101 MB | 33 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | +4 |
| Developer | [Hamza El karmouni](https://appshunter.io/developer/1642379528) | [Anupkumar Naginbhai Patel](https://appshunter.io/developer/1863355963) |

## What reviewers say

### RetroPlay

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retroplay-console-emulator/id6755721950)

Play classic games from GBA, SNES, N64, and more on your iPhone or iPad. This emulator offers smooth performance, customizable controls, and easy ROM import. Relive your favorite retro titles with enhanced audio and visual filters.

**Highlights:** Supports GBA, GBC, NES, SNES, N64, and more, Easy ROM import from Files and iCloud, Customizable on-screen controls, Unlimited save states and quick resume, Fast forward gameplay, Retro visual and audio filters, AirPlay support for big screen gaming

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| RetroPlay Premium Access | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| RetroPlay Premium Access | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| RetroPlay Premium Access | $29.99 | one-time |


### GameX Emulator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gamex-emulator-ps2/id6761678763)

Play your owned PlayStation 2 games on iPhone and iPad with this emulator. It features a native engine for smooth performance, customizable settings, and save states. Enjoy a free trial of one game before unlocking the full library with various subscription options.

**Highlights:** Native PS2 engine with Metal graphics, Per-game performance settings, Save states and screenshots, Touch controls and gamepad support, Library with generated cover art, Import your own PS2 game files

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Premium | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Premium | $9.99 | per month |
| Yearly Premium | $17.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Premium | $24.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is RetroPlay free?

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

### Is GameX Emulator free?

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

### Which has better reviews, RetroPlay or GameX Emulator?

RetroPlay is rated higher. RetroPlay averages 4.5 out of 5 from 150 ratings, while GameX Emulator averages 3.8 from 152 ratings.

### Do RetroPlay or GameX Emulator have ads?

RetroPlay shows ads; GameX Emulator does not.

### Which is updated more often, RetroPlay or GameX Emulator?

RetroPlay ships an update every 2 months, and GameX Emulator every 9 days. Most recently, RetroPlay was updated on November 9, 2026 and GameX Emulator on November 9, 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.*