Comparison

RetroHandheld vs VectorBattle

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

Head to head
About

RetroHandheld

Transform your iPhone or iPad into a classic gaming console. Play popular retro systems like Game Boy, NES, and PlayStation with controller support and save states. Bring your own legally owned game files for an offline, ad-free experience.

Highlights
  • Plays 8 classic consoles
  • Controller support
  • Save states and auto-save
  • Offline play
  • Cheat code support
  • iCloud backup
Features
Read full description

Retro Handheld turns your iPhone and iPad into a real retro gaming machine, and it plays the consoles most iPhone emulators leave out. Start for free with the classic lineup: Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, NES, and Super NES. Unlock Nintendo 64, PlayStation, GameGear, DreamCast and Sega Genesis with one purchase — no subscription and no ads, ever. PlayStation works the moment you import a game. OpenBIOS is bundled, so there is no BIOS file to hunt down and no setup to wade through. Every emulator core ships inside the app, ready to play. WHAT YOU GET Eight consoles in one app, from Game Boy to PlayStation Auto cover art box art downloads automatically when you add a game A native, uncluttered interface built for iPhone and iPad Xbox, PlayStation, Switch Pro, and MFi controller support with automatic per-console mapping Game Genie, GameShark, and Action Replay cheat code support Save states anywhere, auto-save on exit, and one-tap resume Fast-forward for speeding through slow sections Screenshot capture to save your best moments iCloud backup for save data across devices Retro TV shell on iPad, plus haptic feedback Play time tracking for every game Fully offline. No accounts, no internet, no tracking. BRING YOUR OWN GAMES Retro Handheld does not include any games. You must own the original cartridge or disc to legally use game files with the app. Import your library from the Files app and keep it on your own device. Built on proven open-source emulation cores, compiled and bundled so there is nothing extra to download before you play.

About

VectorBattle

Features
Read full description

VECTOR BATTLE - THE ULTIMATE RETRO ARCADE EXPERIENCE Step into the neon-lit arcade halls of the 1980s with VectorBattle, a stunning tribute to classic vector graphics gaming. This isn't just another retro game—it's a love letter to the golden age of arcade shooters. ▸ CLASSIC ARCADE ACTION Navigate through increasingly challenging geometric battlefields. Dodge enemy ships, fire with precision, and survive wave after wave of vector-based threats. Every round brings new challenges and faster enemies. ▸ AUTHENTIC VECTOR GRAPHICS Experience the distinctive visual style of classic arcade machines like Tempest and Asteroids. Clean vector lines, glowing trails, and geometric perfection combine to create a mesmerizing retro aesthetic. ▸ MULTIPLE CONTROL STYLES • Touch Buttons - Classic arcade-style controls • Swipe Controls - Modern gesture-based gameplay • Game Controller Support - Full MFi controller compatibility ▸ PROGRESSIVE DIFFICULTY Start easy, master the fundamentals, then face the ultimate challenge: • EASY - Learn the ropes • MEDIUM - Test your skills • HARD - For arcade veterans • EXTREME - Only the best survive ▸ CUSTOMIZABLE EXPERIENCE • Choose from 4 distinct ship designs • Customize your ship's trail color • Enable rapid-fire or auto-fire modes • Toggle screen shake and visual effects • Practice mode for skill building ▸ COMPETE FOR GLORY Track your high scores and compete against yourself. Enter your name like the arcade legends of old—three letters, infinite bragging rights. ▸ IMMERSIVE AUDIO Original synthesizer soundtrack and authentic arcade sound effects transport you straight back to the 80s. ▸ NO ADS, NO SUBSCRIPTIONS Pure arcade gaming without interruptions. One unlock, endless retro action. Whether you're a veteran gamer who remembers pumping quarters into cabinet machines, or a newcomer discovering the timeless appeal of vector graphics, VectorBattle delivers addictive, challenging, and beautiful arcade action. The high score table is waiting. Can you claim the top spot? INSERT COIN TO CONTINUE...

Screenshots

RetroHandheld4 screens
VectorBattle4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: RetroHandheld at 16.0 against VectorBattle's 26.0. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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. RetroHandheld sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and VectorBattle sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
RetroHandheld versus VectorBattle: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRetroHandheldVectorBattle
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.8 (4 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings4 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS16.0 — better26.0
Further details — not scored
Size24 MB11 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDavid MargotRalf Langhoff

In-app purchases

1 purchases

RetroHandheld

One-time1
  • Full Unlock$2.99
1 purchases

VectorBattle

One-time1
  • Full Version$0.99

Questions

Is RetroHandheld free?
RetroHandheld is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is VectorBattle free?
VectorBattle is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do RetroHandheld or VectorBattle have ads?
Neither RetroHandheld nor VectorBattle shows ads.

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