Comparison

Retro NES Emulator vs Let's NES

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

Let's NES

Experience classic 8-bit and 16-bit gaming with a beautifully designed retro interface. Enjoy exclusive online multiplayer for two players and save your progress instantly. Bring your favorite childhood games to life on your iPhone and iPad.

Highlights
  • Exclusive online multiplayer for 2 players
  • Gorgeous pixel-art and skeuomorphic UI
  • Tactile retro controller experience
  • Smart save states for instant progress saving
  • Import your own legally obtained ROMs
Features
Read full description

LetsNES is a retro game emulator designed for phones, tablets, and Macs. We have perfectly preserved the soul of the classic NES, SNES, and GBA, while reimagining them with stunning, high-quality pixel art interfaces and skeuomorphic console designs. No dry, cold modern menus, no complex online setups—from visuals to performance, it’s top-tier in every way. Key Features: 【Global Online Two-Player Co-op — Jump In with Friends Anywhere】 Want to relive classic games with old friends miles away? LetsNES makes remote multiplayer as easy as sending a text! Simply create a room with one tap, share your unique room code, and your friend can join instantly as Player 2. We support shared-screen online play for NES and SNES, as well as zero-cable LAN and remote multiplayer for GBA. With no complex network configuration required, our completely overhauled network architecture guarantees ultra-low latency co-op fun! It's also perfect for live streams and party gaming. 【Exquisite Pixel Art & Skeuomorphic UI for Detail Lovers】 LetsNES features custom-crafted pixel art interfaces and retro console aesthetics. Every menu, icon, and transition is designed to capture the essence of retro gaming while looking crisp, high-end, and extremely detailed on modern HD displays. 【Effortless Rewind & Save States — No More Frustration】 Stuck on a tough level? LetsNES features an incredibly intuitive Rewind function that lets you pull back time and try again whenever you slip up. Enjoy real-time Save and Load states with single-tap pause, allowing you to resume your adventure anytime, anywhere. 【Tactile Retro Controller — Feel Every Button Press】 We carefully crafted a skeuomorphic virtual controller that authentically recreates the look and feel of classic gamepads. Combined with fine-tuned button layouts, rapid response times, and subtle haptic feedback, it delivers an addictively physical touch on touchscreen displays. (Supports key mapping for up to 4 physical controllers or keyboards as well.) User Notice (Legal Disclaimer): LetsNES is strictly a software emulator and media player. This application DOES NOT contain, embed, or bundle any games or ROM files. Users must provide their legally obtained game ROM files (NES/SNES/GBA formats) to play. Simply import your game files via the built-in Files app or from your computer to start playing!

Screenshots

Retro NES Emulator4 screens
Let's NES4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Retro NES Emulator at none against Let's NES's shown. Let's NES's advantage is update cadence (every 10 days vs every 2 months) and device support (4 vs 1). On price, rating, ratings volume and in-app purchases 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 Let's NES sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Retro NES Emulator against 5.0 for Let's NES. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 2 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Retro NES Emulator ships an update every 2 months, Let's NES every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 5 level
Retro NES Emulator versus Let's NES: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRetro NES EmulatorLet's NES
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings)5.0 (2 ratings)
Number of ratings22
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 10 days — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS1715.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size21 MB87 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperTao Chengyu zhu

Customer experience

Retro NES Emulator

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

Let's NES

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

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
2 purchases

Let's NES

One-time2
  • 500 Energy$0.99
  • Infinite Energy$4.99

Questions

Is Retro NES Emulator free?
Retro NES Emulator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Let's NES free?
Let's NES is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Retro NES Emulator or Let's NES?
Retro NES Emulator and Let's NES are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 2 and 2 ratings respectively.
Do Retro NES Emulator or Let's NES have ads?
Let's NES shows ads; Retro NES Emulator does not.
Which is updated more often, Retro NES Emulator or Let's NES?
Retro NES Emulator ships an update every 2 months, and Let's NES every 10 days. Most recently, Retro NES Emulator was updated on October 18, 2026 and Let's NES on October 7, 2026.

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