Aether vs emu98
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Aether
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Aether: Versatile Media Player Aether is a versatile media player designed for local content, combining video playback, subtitle support, and visual novel functionality in one app. Simply import your media files, and Aether will automatically identify supported content. No complicated conversion or setup is required, so you can focus on watching videos, displaying subtitles, and enjoying your favorite visual novels. Extensive Media Format Support Built with FFmpeg 8.1.2, Aether supports a wide range of commonly used video, audio, and subtitle formats. Supported video codecs include: H.264, H.265/HEVC, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, VP8, VP9, AV1, Theora, WMV/VC-1, MJPEG, ProRes, and more. Supported audio codecs include: AAC, MP2, MP3, AC-3, E-AC-3, FLAC, Vorbis, Opus, WMA, PCM, and more. Supported subtitle formats include: • External subtitles: SRT, VTT, ASS, and SSA • Embedded subtitles: ASS/SSA, SubRip, WebVTT, MOV Text, and other text-based formats After a video is imported, Aether automatically detects available audio and subtitle tracks, allowing you to select the track you prefer. Flexible Playback Controls Adjust playback to match your viewing preferences: • Change the playback speed • Drag the progress bar to jump to a specific position • Quickly seek forward or backward • Pause and resume playback at any time Whether you are quickly reviewing content, replaying a favorite moment, or locating a particular scene, Aether makes navigation simple. Verified Playback Configurations The following configurations have been tested: • MP4 with H.264 video and AAC audio at 1920 × 1080 • MKV with 10-bit H.265 video and AAC audio at 1920 × 1080, including embedded ASS subtitles • MPEG-1 video with MP2 audio used within visual novel content Additional formats and codec combinations may also work. Compatibility may vary depending on the container format, encoding parameters, and device performance. Easily Import Visual Novels Aether includes a visual novel runtime compatible with XP3 content. Import visual novel content that you legally own and launch it directly from your library with a single tap. There is no need to repeatedly locate files or perform complicated manual configuration, allowing you to focus on the story and gameplay. Manage Local Content in One Place View and manage imported videos and visual novels from a single library. Open a title’s details and quickly continue watching or playing. Aether does not include or provide any third-party movies, games, or visual novel content. Users must import their own content and ensure that they have the legal right to use it. Compatibility Notice Some visual novels may use custom plug-ins, encryption methods, or specialized scripts. Therefore, compatibility with every XP3 title cannot be guaranteed. Video playback may also vary depending on encoding settings, device model, and operating system version.
emu98
This app is a compatibility environment for running PC-98 programs on iOS devices. It allows users to import and manage disk images, configure settings for different software, and customize controls. It includes interactive demos and supports game controllers.
- Run PC-98 programs on iPhone/iPad
- Import floppy, hard disk, and CD-ROM images
- Organize and run local software library
- Configure font ROMs, graphics, and controls
- Real-time saving and loading
- Customize virtual keyboard and layout
- Supports game controllers
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emu98 is a compatibility environment for running PC-98 programs on iPhone and iPad. It is designed for retro-computing enthusiasts, software authors, and anyone who wants to organize local program files. Import floppy-disk, hard-disk, and optical-disc images that you created, compiled, or lawfully possess, then organize and run them in the on-device software library. emu98 does not provide commercial software, BIOS or ROM downloads, or an online content catalog. Key features: • Includes two fully original interactive demos • Manages PC-98 floppy-disk, hard-disk, optical-disc, and ZIP files • Supports per-software font ROM, display, performance, and control settings • Supports quick save, quick load, and save-state import and export • Customizable on-screen controls, opacity, size, and layout • External keyboard, mouse, and controller mapping support • Simplified Chinese, English, and Japanese interfaces • Imported software, ROMs, artwork, settings, and save states remain on the device The free version allows one user-imported local program. A one-time non-consumable purchase unlocks additional software slots and can be restored through your Apple ID. emu98 has no user accounts, online resource catalog, or user-generated-content platform. Except for purchases, purchase restoration, and entitlement verification, the app does not upload user-imported files to a server. Import only files that you created or lawfully possess. emu98 is not affiliated with or endorsed by the official NP2 project.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: emu98 at every 2 days against Aether's every 6 days. On price, ads, in-app purchases 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
Both are free to download. Aether sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and emu98 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
Aether ships an update every 6 days, emu98 every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on September 14, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Aether | emu98 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 4.7 (3 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | — | 3 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 6 days | Every 2 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 16.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 202 MB | 9 MB |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | 煜 刘 | Caner (Chongqing) Computer System Co., Ltd. |
In-app purchases
Aether
- Buy the author a coffee$0.99
- Unlock Directory Restrictions$7.99
emu98
- Unlock More Software Slots$0.99





