# SimulatorArcade vs RetroOne

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.

Both are free to download. RetroOne sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. 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 RetroOne. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 2 respectively.

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

## The numbers

| Metric | SimulatorArcade | RetroOne |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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/retroone-gba-emulator/id6807632417/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **2** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 33 MB | 179 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.5 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [鹏 孙](https://appshunter.io/developer/6782364248) | [Nguyen Dinh Gioi](https://appshunter.io/developer/1673627955) |

## 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


### RetroOne

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retroone-gba-emulator/id6807632417)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| RetroOne Plus Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| RetroOne Plus Yearly | $44.99 | per year |
| RetroOne Plus Lifetime | $79.99 | one-time |


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