# Retro Gamepad vs Mappa

Retro Gamepad and Mappa are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Retro Gamepad ships an update every 3 days, Mappa every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Retro Gamepad | Mappa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Every 4 days |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 12 MB | 98 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Andrei Sidorenko](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896746767) | [NURLYBEK SALKHAYEV](https://appshunter.io/developer/6794104564) |

## What reviewers say

### Retro Gamepad

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retro-gamepad/id6770484442)

Transform your iPhone into a virtual controller for playing classic NES games on your TV. Enjoy an 8-bit retro design with precise controls and haptic feedback. Connects automatically and works offline via local Wi-Fi.

**Highlights:** Virtual NES controller, 8-bit retro design, Precise D-pad, Simultaneous button support, Automatic TV connection, Offline local Wi-Fi play, Haptic feedback

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Mappa

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mappa/id6794104562)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Retro Gamepad free?

Retro Gamepad is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Mappa free?

Mappa is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Retro Gamepad or Mappa have ads?

Neither Retro Gamepad nor Mappa shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Retro Gamepad or Mappa?

Retro Gamepad ships an update every 3 days, and Mappa every 4 days. Most recently, Retro Gamepad was updated on October 24, 2026 and Mappa on October 19, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*