Comparison

SimulatorArcade vs RetroOne

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

Head to head
About

SimulatorArcade

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
Read full description

Arcade Emulator is a high-performance emulator designed for classic arcade systems. Supports CPS-1, CPS-2, Neo Geo, NES, GBA, PlayStation... hardware platforms, allowing users to run ROM files they legally own. Features Supports CPS-1, CPS-2, Neo Geo, NES, GBA, PlayStation... Fast and accurate emulation Bluetooth controller support Landscape and portrait modes Save & Load States Customizable on-screen controls External keyboard and game controller support Multiple screen scaling options and filters Automatic game save Simple and user-friendly interface This application does not include any game ROMs, copyrighted game content, or downloadable games. Users must provide their own legally obtained ROM files.

About

RetroOne

This app allows you to play your legally owned retro game collection on your iPhone and iPad. It supports multiple classic gaming systems and offers features like a beautiful library, customizable themes, and multiplayer options.

Highlights
  • Supports 8 classic gaming systems
  • Import and organize game collection
  • Customizable themes
  • Portrait and landscape orientation
  • Play on big screen
  • Multiplayer with 'Use as Controller'
  • Save and continue progress
Features
Read full description

Rediscover the golden age of gaming with RetroOne — a beautifully designed multi-system emulator built for smooth, flexible play on iPhone and iPad. 8 CLASSIC GAMING SYSTEMS Enjoy support for eight popular retro systems: • ARCADE • GBA • GB • GBC • NES • SNES • GEN • NEOGEO From classic handheld adventures to the unforgettable arcade games of the past, RetroOne brings your legally owned game collection together in one convenient place. RELIVE THE ARCADE ERA Experience the atmosphere of classic arcade machines wherever you go. Enjoy responsive controls, smooth gameplay, colorful pixel graphics, and an interface inspired by the golden age of gaming. YOUR GAMES, ONE EASY IMPORT Import supported game files directly from your device. RetroOne automatically detects compatible systems and organizes your collection, making it easy to browse, search, sort, and favorite your games. A BEAUTIFUL LIBRARY Keep your entire collection organized with: • Recently played games • Favorites • Search and sorting • Automatic system detection • Quick access to saved games • Easy game management MULTIPLE THEMES Make RetroOne feel truly yours. Choose from multiple visual styles, including: • Classic • Midnight • Retro Handheld • Neon • Chrome Each theme offers a distinctive look while keeping the controls clear, responsive, and comfortable. PORTRAIT OR LANDSCAPE Play from the angle that works best for you. RetroOne supports both portrait and landscape orientations, allowing every game and controller layout to adapt naturally to your preferred way of playing. PLAY ON THE BIG SCREEN Share gameplay with a compatible TV and enjoy your favorite classics on a larger display. Turn your phone or tablet into a convenient game controller while the action stays on the big screen. PLAY WITH FRIENDS Use the “Use as Controller” feature to connect additional devices and play together with friends. Connect through the same Wi-Fi network, use each device as a controller, and enjoy a shared gaming experience. SAVE AND CONTINUE EASILY Save your progress and continue whenever you want. RetroOne makes it easy to return to recently played games without starting over. SMOOTH AND RESPONSIVE RetroOne is designed to deliver stable performance, responsive touch controls, and smooth gameplay across supported systems. Compatible external game controllers can also be used for a more traditional gaming experience. PLAY ANYTIME, ANYWHERE Whether you have a few free minutes or want a longer gaming session, RetroOne keeps your classic game library ready on iPhone and iPad — at home, while traveling, or together with friends. IMPORTANT INFORMATION RetroOne does not include games, ROMs, BIOS files, or copyrighted game content. Users must import game files created from titles they legally own. RetroOne is independently developed and is not affiliated with, sponsored, authorized, or endorsed by any console manufacturer or game publisher. All trademarks and copyrighted materials belong to their respective owners. SUBSCRIPTION AND LEGAL RetroOne Plus is available as a monthly or yearly auto-renewable subscription, or as a one-time purchase. Payment is charged to your Apple Account at confirmation of purchase. Subscriptions renew automatically unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage or cancel your subscription in Settings > Apple Account > Subscriptions. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://mmtstudio.site/privacy

Screenshots

SimulatorArcade4 screens
RetroOne4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SimulatorArcade at none against RetroOne's 3. SimulatorArcade also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 3 days vs fortnightly). 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. RetroOne sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. SimulatorArcade 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 SimulatorArcade against 5.0 for RetroOne. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 2 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SimulatorArcade ships an update every 3 days, RetroOne fortnightly. Both last shipped on October 31, 2026.

Scorecard4 real differences · 5 level
SimulatorArcade versus RetroOne: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSimulatorArcadeRetroOne
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings)5.0 (2 ratings)
Number of ratings12 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 days — betterFortnightly
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.0 — better15.5
Further details — not scored
Size33 MB179 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developer鹏 孙Nguyen Dinh Gioi

Customer experience

SimulatorArcade

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

RetroOne

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

SimulatorArcade

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

RetroOne

Subscriptions2
  • RetroOne Plus Monthly3 Days trial$4.991 Month
  • RetroOne Plus Yearly$44.991 Year
One-time1
  • RetroOne Plus Lifetime$79.99

Questions

Is SimulatorArcade free?
SimulatorArcade is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is RetroOne free?
RetroOne is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, SimulatorArcade or RetroOne?
SimulatorArcade and RetroOne are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 2 ratings respectively.
Do SimulatorArcade or RetroOne have ads?
RetroOne shows ads; SimulatorArcade does not.
Which is updated more often, SimulatorArcade or RetroOne?
SimulatorArcade ships an update every 3 days, and RetroOne fortnightly. Most recently, SimulatorArcade was updated on October 31, 2026 and RetroOne on October 31, 2026.

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