Game Emulator vs Nova Retro
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Game Emulator
This app allows you to play classic retro games on modern iOS devices. It offers smooth performance, customizable controls, and the ability to save and load your progress anytime. Organize your game library and import your legally owned game files easily.
- Multi-system support
- Smooth and fast performance
- Save and load anytime
- Customizable controls
- Controller support
- Wi-Fi file transfer
- Game library organization
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Rediscover classic gaming with Game Emulator — a powerful, all-in-one emulator designed for modern iOS devices. Play your favorite retro games smoothly with advanced performance, customizable controls, and a beautifully designed interface. Whether you’re revisiting childhood classics or exploring timeless titles, Game Emulator delivers a seamless and responsive experience. Key Features Multi-System Support Enjoy games from a wide range of classic handheld and console systems in one app. Smooth & Fast Performance Optimized for modern devices with stable frame rates and minimal lag. Save & Load Anytime Create multiple save states and continue your progress whenever you want. Customizable Controls Adjust button size, position, and opacity to match your play style. Controller Support Connect external controllers for a more immersive gaming experience. Wi-Fi File Transfer Easily import your game files from your computer using a simple browser interface. Beautiful Game Library Organize your collection with cover art, sorting, and quick access to recently played games. Advanced Features Fast forward, rewind, and performance tuning options for enhanced gameplay. Designed for iOS Clean and modern interface Dark mode support Optimized for iPhone and iPad Low battery consumption Important Notice Game Emulator does not include any games. Users must import legally owned game files. Why Choose Game Emulator? All-in-one retro gaming solution Easy to use for beginners, powerful for advanced users Regular updates and performance improvements Built with privacy in mind Bring your classic games back to life — anytime, anywhere. Download Game Emulator today and start playing. Play Classic Games Smoothly Anytime #Game Emulator offers auto-renewing subscription options: •$7.99 per month •$34.99 per year • You can subscribe for unlimited access to all features and content offered for purchases within Video Stabilizer • Subscriptions are billed weekly/yearly on the subscription plan • Payment will be charged to iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase • Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period • Account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period, and identify the cost of the renewal • Subscriptions may be managed by the user and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to the user’s Account Settings after purchase • Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when the user purchases a subscription to that publication, where applicable Terms of Use: https://tos.asiancomputingapps.com Privacy Policy: https://privacy.asiancomputingapps.com
Nova Retro
This app allows you to play your own classic console and arcade games locally. It supports saving game states, fast-forwarding, and cheats, with customizable touch controls for mobile devices. You can also host or join local multiplayer rooms.
- Local game library
- Save states
- Fast-forward and cheats
- Customizable touch controls
- Local network multiplayer
- Import your own games
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Bring your own games. Nova Retro brings six classic console types and validated arcade titles together in one local library. Save states, fast-forward and cheats are available according to system and game capabilities. Edit touch layouts on iPhone and iPad, with normal, turbo and combo buttons. Host, join or watch rooms on a mutually reachable local network. Player counts depend on the game; no internet matchmaking or relay service is provided. No games, game downloads or commercial firmware are included. Import only files you legally own and have the right to use. Compatibility and save-state support depend on the exact game set, firmware and save-state version. Optional support purchases unlock no emulation features.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is ads: Nova Retro at none against Game Emulator's shown. 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. Game Emulator sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month and Nova Retro sells 3 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 Game Emulator against 5.0 for Nova Retro. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 2 respectively.
| Parameter | Game Emulator | Nova Retro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) | 5.0 (2 ratings) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 2 — better |
| Update frequency | — | Every 3 weeks |
| Ads | Yes | No — better |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, Mac — better |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 — better | 18.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 7 MB | 59 MB |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | Do Anh | 振东 史 |
Customer experience
Game Emulator
Nova Retro
In-app purchases
Game Emulator
- Game Emulator Premium Monthly$7.991 Month
- Game Emulator Premium Yearly$34.991 Year
- Game Emulator Premium Lifetime$39.99
Nova Retro
- A Small Tip$0.99
- Buy Me a Coffee$1.99
- Big Support$12.99









