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.
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.
- 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
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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.
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.
- 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
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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
Verdict
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
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.
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.
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.
| Parameter | Retro NES Emulator | Let's NES |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (2 ratings) | 5.0 (2 ratings) |
| Number of ratings | 2 | 2 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 10 days — better |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better |
| Requires iOS | 17 | 15.6 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 21 MB | 87 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | Tao Cheng | yu zhu |
Customer experience
Retro NES Emulator
Let's NES
In-app purchases
Retro NES Emulator
- 30 Days VIP$1.99
- Donate a cup of americano$1.99
- Donate a cup of latte$3.99
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- 90 days vip$4.99
- Donate a cup of Yunnan small coffee$9.99
- 1 year vip$19.99
Let's NES
- 500 Energy$0.99
- Infinite Energy$4.99






