# SimulatorArcade vs emu

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SimulatorArcade at none against emu's 1. SimulatorArcade also leads on device support (4 vs 1) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. emu sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. SimulatorArcade asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for SimulatorArcade against 5.0 for emu. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 2 respectively.

SimulatorArcade ships an update every 3 days, emu every 2 days. Both last shipped on October 25, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | SimulatorArcade | emu |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simulatorarcade/id6794821728/reviews) | [5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/emu-retro-game-emulator/id6799981908/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **2** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 days | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 33 MB | 145 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [鹏 孙](https://appshunter.io/developer/6782364248) | [Code and DESIGN inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1172903960) |

## What reviewers say

### SimulatorArcade

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simulatorarcade/id6794821728)

This application emulates classic arcade and console systems, allowing users to play ROM files they legally own. It offers fast and accurate emulation with support for various controllers and customizable on-screen controls. Enjoy multiple screen scaling options and automatic game saves for a seamless retro gaming experience.

**Highlights:** Supports CPS-1, CPS-2, Neo Geo, NES, GBA, PlayStation, Fast and accurate emulation, Bluetooth controller support, Save & Load States, Customizable on-screen controls, Automatic game save

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### emu

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/emu-retro-game-emulator/id6799981908)

This app allows you to play classic games from seventeen different systems on your iPhone without complex setup. It supports various file formats and offers features like a unified library, customizable controls, and rollback saves. Enjoy local or online multiplayer with friends.

**Highlights:** Supports seventeen retro game systems, No downloads or configuration needed, Unified game library with search and favorites, Customizable on-screen and gamepad controls, Automatic saves and rewind functionality, Two-player online multiplayer, Supports various archive and disc image formats

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Hide Ads | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SimulatorArcade free?

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

### Is emu free?

emu is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, SimulatorArcade or emu?

SimulatorArcade and emu are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 2 ratings respectively.

### Do SimulatorArcade or emu have ads?

Neither SimulatorArcade nor emu shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SimulatorArcade or emu?

SimulatorArcade ships an update every 3 days, and emu every 2 days. Most recently, SimulatorArcade was updated on October 25, 2026 and emu on October 25, 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.*