Comparison

CrashPlayer vs Retroly

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

Head to head
About

CrashPlayer

This application allows you to play games created with Crash BASIC, a retro-inspired programming language. Organize your game library, save your progress with optional iCloud sync, and enjoy controller support. It's a privacy-focused player with no ads or analytics.

Highlights
  • Play .crashcart game files
  • Organize game library
  • Track recently played games
  • Per-game save files
  • Optional iCloud sync
  • MFi and Bluetooth controller support
Features
Read full description

CrashPlayer is the official player for Crash BASIC — a modern, retro-inspired programming language for creating games. PLAY CRASH BASIC GAMES Open and play .crashcart game files on your iPhone or iPad. These files are created by developers and hobbyists using the Crash BASIC programming environment. YOUR GAME LIBRARY • Organize your games in a clean grid view with automatic icon extraction • Search and sort by name, author, or recently played • View game details including author, version, and description • Track your recently played games SAVE YOUR PROGRESS • Per-game save files stored on your device • Optional iCloud sync keeps saves across your devices • Manage save files from the game detail screen CONTROLLER SUPPORT • Full support for MFi and Bluetooth game controllers • Touch controls for supported games HOW IT WORKS Create a game using Crash BASIC at crashbasic.com Export it as a CrashCart bundle Import the .crashcart file using Files, AirDrop, or the share sheet Play GETTING STARTED CrashPlayer works with .crashcart files. You can: • Create your own games using Crash BASIC (free for non-commercial use) • Open CrashCart files shared with you • Import files via the Files app, email attachments, or AirDrop PRIVACY FOCUSED CrashPlayer does not collect personal data. No analytics, no tracking, no ads. Your games and save data stay on your device or in your private iCloud account if enabled. CrashPlayer does not include a storefront or purchasing functionality. Crash BASIC is designed to be easy to learn while still powerful enough to create complete games. Visit www.crashbasic.com to learn more.

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 collection, and jump back into gameplay instantly with a fast, distraction-free interface built for retro sessions. Features: • Support for Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance gameplay • Clean game library with recent play history • Responsive on-screen controls • Save-friendly experience for long sessions • Gameplay customization and performance settings Retroly does not include, host, sell, or provide copyrighted games or ROMs. Users must supply legally owned game backups that they are permitted to use. Premium is available as a one-time in-app purchase that permanently removes banner, rewarded, and full-screen ads.

Screenshots

CrashPlayer3 screens
Retroly4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: CrashPlayer at none against Retroly's 1. CrashPlayer also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 4 days vs every 3 weeks). Retroly's advantage is iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.6). On price, rating, ratings volume 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. Retroly sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. CrashPlayer 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 CrashPlayer against 5.0 for Retroly. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 1 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

CrashPlayer ships an update every 4 days, Retroly every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 4 level
CrashPlayer versus Retroly: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCrashPlayerRetroly
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings)
Number of ratings11
Update frequencyEvery 4 days — betterEvery 3 weeks
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple TViPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS17.615.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size52 MB45 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperCrash Continuum LLCEray Kiyak

Customer experience

CrashPlayer

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Retroly

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

CrashPlayer

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Retroly

One-time1
  • Retroly Premium$3.99

Questions

Is CrashPlayer free?
CrashPlayer 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, CrashPlayer or Retroly?
CrashPlayer and Retroly are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 1 ratings respectively.
Do CrashPlayer or Retroly have ads?
Retroly shows ads; CrashPlayer does not.
Which is updated more often, CrashPlayer or Retroly?
CrashPlayer ships an update every 4 days, and Retroly every 3 weeks. Most recently, CrashPlayer was updated on October 7, 2026 and Retroly on October 4, 2026.

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