Comparison

Retro NES Emulator vs RetroAchievements Tracker

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Retro NES Emulator

Transform your device into a classic 8-bit and 16-bit gaming console. This emulator supports multiple retro systems and allows you to organize your legally owned game files with custom metadata and artwork. Enjoy a pro gaming experience with customizable controls and an in-app browser for game guides.

Highlights
  • Multi-platform emulation (NES, SNES, GB, GBA, MD)
  • Import game files from Files app or Wi-Fi
  • Customizable game library with metadata and cover art
  • Dual-core NES emulation options
  • Virtual touchscreen and external controller support
  • In-app browser for game guides and walkthroughs
Features
Read full description

Turn your iPhone or iPad into a classic 8-bit & 16-bit powerhouse! RetroNES now supports NES, SNES (SFC), Game Boy (GB), Game Boy Advance (GBA), and Sega Mega Drive (MD) — all in one beautifully designed emulator. Play your legally owned game files with speed, accuracy, and style. ** KEY FEATURES: ** ** Multi-Platform Library ** Import game files (.nes, .smc, .sfc, .gb, .gba, .md, .zip, etc.) directly from the Files app or via Wi-Fi Transfer. All your retro games, neatly organized in one unified library. ** Custom Metadata ** Make your collection shine. Edit titles, descriptions, add ratings, and import custom cover art from your Photo Library. ** Dual-Core NES Emulation ** Choose between Fast Core (Nestopia) for smooth performance or Accurate Core (FCEU) for maximum precision — other platforms use highly optimized cores tailored for each system. ** Pro Gaming Experience ** Responsive, customizable virtual touchscreen gamepad + full support for standard external Bluetooth controllers. ** In-App Browser – Game Info & Walkthroughs ** Need help beating a level or finding a secret? Use the built-in browser to search for game guides, maps, cheats, and walkthroughs without leaving the app. ** IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: ** This app is an emulator and does NOT include any games, ROMs, or copyrighted software. You must provide your own game files in accordance with applicable laws.

About

RetroAchievements Tracker

Features
Read full description

Discover and track classic games across multiple retro platforms in one simple app. Browse games by console, view detailed game information such as release date, developer, publisher, and genre, and explore cover art and screenshots for each title. Follow your progress with a complete achievement system. View locked and unlocked achievements, check point values, and see how many players have earned each achievement, making it easy to track completion and set new goals. Manage your player profile with rankings, total points, and recently played games. Use search and favorites to quickly find titles you care about and keep your retro gaming progress organized in a clean, mobile-friendly interface.

Screenshots

Retro NES Emulator4 screens
RetroAchievements Tracker4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: RetroAchievements Tracker at none against Retro NES Emulator's 6. RetroAchievements Tracker also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 2 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Retro NES Emulator sells 6 one-off in-app purchases. RetroAchievements Tracker asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Retro NES Emulator ships an update every 2 months, RetroAchievements Tracker monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
Retro NES Emulator versus RetroAchievements Tracker: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRetro NES EmulatorRetroAchievements Tracker
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsMonthly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS17 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size21 MB60 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperTao ChengItalo Cunha de Melo

In-app purchases

6 purchases

Retro NES Emulator

One-time6
  • 30 Days VIP$1.99
  • Donate a cup of americano$1.99
  • Donate a cup of latte$3.99
Show 3 more
  • 90 days vip$4.99
  • Donate a cup of Yunnan small coffee$9.99
  • 1 year vip$19.99
None

RetroAchievements Tracker

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Retro NES Emulator free?
Retro NES Emulator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is RetroAchievements Tracker free?
RetroAchievements Tracker is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Retro NES Emulator or RetroAchievements Tracker have ads?
Neither Retro NES Emulator nor RetroAchievements Tracker shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Retro NES Emulator or RetroAchievements Tracker?
Retro NES Emulator ships an update every 2 months, and RetroAchievements Tracker monthly. Most recently, Retro NES Emulator was updated on October 18, 2026 and RetroAchievements Tracker on October 20, 2026.

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