Comparison

Retro NES Emulator vs Nova Emulator

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

Nova Emulator

Play classic console games on your smartphone with this high-performance emulator. Enjoy smooth gameplay, save states, fast forward, and display filters. Supports a wide range of retro consoles and offers cheat code functionality.

Highlights
  • High-performance emulation (60fps)
  • Virtual gamepad with radial dial
  • Save and load game states
  • Fast forward gameplay (2x-4x)
  • Display filters (CRT, LCD)
  • Cheat code support
  • Play time statistics
Features
Read full description

Play your favorite emulator games again on your smartphone. A high-performance retro game emulator that lets you play game ROMs. SUPPORTED CONSOLES • GBA, GB, GBC, NES, N64, NDS, PSX, PCE, Lynx, NGP, NGPC KEY FEATURES • High-Performance Emulation — 60fps smooth gameplay powered by libretro cores • Virtual Gamepad — Lemuroid-style radial dial with glass morphism design • Save & Load States — Save your progress anytime • Fast Forward — Speed up gameplay from 2x to 4x • Display Filters — Sharp, Smooth, CRT scanline, LCD pixel grid • Cheat Codes — GameShark, Action Replay, Game Genie and more • 11 Languages — English, Korean, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, Spanish, Portuguese, Indonesian, French, German, Chinese (Traditional) NOVA PREMIUM Upgrade to Nova Premium and enjoy all features. • Remove all ads • Unlimited game library • Cheat mode activation • Unlock all save & load slots • Full weekly play time statistics PLAY HISTORY Track your gaming habits with weekly play time charts, daily breakdowns, and per-game statistics. LEGAL NOTICE • Nova does NOT provide or distribute any ROM files • You must only use ROMs of games you legally own • Downloading or distributing copyrighted ROMs is your responsibility • Nova does not encourage the use of illegal ROMs • Nova does not transmit any of your game data externally This app is subject to Apple's Standard End User License Agreement (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Retro NES Emulator4 screens
Nova Emulator4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Retro NES Emulator at 5.0 against Nova Emulator's 3.0. Retro NES Emulator also leads on ads (none vs shown). Nova Emulator's advantage is update cadence (every 9 days vs every 2 months) and device support (3 vs 1). On price, ratings volume, in-app purchases and monetization model 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 and Nova Emulator sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Retro NES Emulator holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 2 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Retro NES Emulator ships an update every 2 months, Nova Emulator every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Retro NES Emulator versus Nova Emulator: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRetro NES EmulatorNova Emulator
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better3.0 (2 ratings)
Positive reviews—0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings22
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 9 days — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS1716 — better
Further details — not scored
Size21 MB69 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTao ChengIDEATAG STUDIO

Customer experience

Retro NES Emulator

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Nova Emulator

All ratings2 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

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
3 purchases

Nova Emulator

Subscriptions3
  • NOVA Premium$1.991 Month
  • NOVA Premium$4.993 Months
  • NOVA Premium$7.996 Months

Questions

Is Retro NES Emulator free?
Retro NES Emulator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Nova Emulator free?
Nova Emulator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Retro NES Emulator or Nova Emulator?
Retro NES Emulator is rated higher. Retro NES Emulator averages 5.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Nova Emulator averages 3.0 from 2 ratings.
Do Retro NES Emulator or Nova Emulator have ads?
Nova Emulator shows ads; Retro NES Emulator does not.
Which is updated more often, Retro NES Emulator or Nova Emulator?
Retro NES Emulator ships an update every 2 months, and Nova Emulator every 9 days. Most recently, Retro NES Emulator was updated on October 18, 2026 and Nova Emulator on October 24, 2026.

Other comparisons