Comparison

Dream Emulator vs Retroly

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

Head to head
About

Dream Emulator

Play classic Game Boy games on your iPhone with accurate emulation. Load your own ROMs and enjoy pixel-perfect graphics and sound. Save progress, use fast forward, and access your library easily.

Highlights
  • Accurate Game Boy emulation
  • Crystal-clear pixel rendering
  • Full audio emulation
  • On-screen controls
  • Save and load game states
  • Fast forward mode
Features
Read full description

Dream Emulator brings the classic Game Boy experience to your iPhone. Load your own ROM files and play your favorite Game Boy games with a faithful emulation of the original hardware — including accurate CPU, graphics, and sound. FEATURES • Accurate Game Boy (DMG) emulation • Crystal-clear pixel rendering at any screen size • Full audio emulation with all 4 sound channels • On-screen controls with D-pad, A/B buttons, Start and Select • Save and load game states at any time (3 slots per game) • Fast forward mode to speed up gameplay • Recent games list for quick access to your library • File sharing via iTunes and the Files app • No ads, no tracking, no internet connection required HOW TO USE Transfer your .gb ROM files to the app using the Files app or iTunes File Sharing, then select them inside Dream Emulator to start playing. PRIVACY Dream Emulator collects no personal data. Everything stays on your device. NOTE Dream Emulator does not include any games. Users are responsible for obtaining ROM files in compliance with applicable copyright laws.

About

Retroly

Play your classic game backups on iPhone with this retro gaming hub. Import ROMs, organize your collection, and enjoy a fast, distraction-free interface with customizable on-screen controls. Save your progress and adjust settings for a personalized experience.

Highlights
  • Game Boy, GBC, GBA support
  • ROM import from local storage
  • Organized game library
  • Recent play history
  • Responsive on-screen controls
  • Gameplay customization
Features
Read full description

Retroly is a polished retro gaming hub designed for players who want a clean, modern way to enjoy their own classic game backups on iPhone. Import compatible ROM files from local storage, organize your personal collection, and jump back into gameplay instantly with a fast, distraction-free interface built specifically for retro sessions. Features: • Authentic emulation for Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance • Visual game showcase and library with instant resume • Responsive on-screen gamepad with customizable skins and haptic feedback • 8 visual save state slots with live screenshot previews and timestamps • Display filters (Sharp Pixel, LCD, LCD Subpixel, Bilinear, Smooth xBRZ) • Screen stretching and color correction tailored for handheld classics • Full support for external Bluetooth & MFi game controllers Important Notice: Retroly does not include, host, sell, or distribute copyrighted games or ROMs. Users must supply their own legally obtained game backups that they are authorized to play. Premium Upgrade: Retroly Premium is available as a one-time in-app purchase that permanently removes all banner, rewarded, and interstitial ads, unlocking the ultimate ad-free retro experience forever. No subscriptions or recurring charges. Terms of Use: https://eraylabs.com/terms.html Privacy Policy: https://eraylabs.com/privacy.html Support & Contact: https://eraylabs.com

Screenshots

Dream Emulator4 screens
Retroly4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Dream Emulator at none against Retroly's 1. Dream Emulator also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 2 days vs fortnightly). Retroly's advantage is device support (3 vs 1). On price, rating 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. Retroly sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Dream Emulator asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Dream Emulator against 5.0 for Retroly. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 1 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Dream Emulator ships an update every 2 days, Retroly fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 3 level
Dream Emulator versus Retroly: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDream EmulatorRetroly
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (3 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings)
Number of ratings3 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 2 days — betterFortnightly
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.015.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size2 MB40 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperThalisson Gabriel Da Silva Santos MeloEray Kiyak

In-app purchases

None

Dream Emulator

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Retroly

One-time1
  • Retroly Premium$3.99

Questions

Is Dream Emulator free?
Dream Emulator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Retroly free?
Retroly is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Dream Emulator or Retroly?
Dream Emulator and Retroly are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 3 and 1 ratings respectively.
Do Dream Emulator or Retroly have ads?
Retroly shows ads; Dream Emulator does not.
Which is updated more often, Dream Emulator or Retroly?
Dream Emulator ships an update every 2 days, and Retroly fortnightly. Most recently, Dream Emulator was updated on October 25, 2026 and Retroly on October 28, 2026.

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