Comparison

GaMBi vs RetroTune

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

Head to head
About

GaMBi

This app allows chiptune enthusiasts to deeply customize classic video game music. It offers extensive playback controls, integration with other music apps, and access to a large library of licensed tracks. Export your creations or share them with the chiptune community.

Highlights
  • Loop and shuffle playback
  • Track favorites and playlist creation
  • Channel toggle and equalizer
  • AudioCopy and Audiobus support
  • Sample export to iTunes
  • Library sort and search
Features
Read full description

GaMBi is an iOS app for chiptune fans, performers, DJs, and remix artists, allowing deep customization of classic video game sound and connection with hundreds of other music-making apps via channel control, AudioCopy, Audiobus, and sample export. GaMBi contains over 60 licensed tracks and two full hours of music from classic and modern composers including: Jeroen Tel, Jon Dunn, C-jeff, Blitz Lunar, Tappy, Hally, and 1H1D!! Key features include: - loop, shuffle, track favorites - library sort and search - playlist creation - channel toggle and built-in equalizer - AudioCopy, Audiobus, export to iTunes Supported formats include, NSF, GBS, SPC, VGM, HES, KSS, AY, SAP, and more. Check out our trailer, manual, and get support at: http://ichigoichie.org/gambi Twitter: http://twitter.com/gambi_app Facebook: http://facebook.com/gambiapp

About

RetroTune

Features
Read full description

RetroTune is a music player for iOS and macOS, built for retro game music. With support for NSF, SPC, VGM, and many other chiptune formats, you can enjoy those classic sounds anytime, anywhere. ■ Wide Format Support - NSF / NSFe (NES) - SPC (SNES) - GBS (Game Boy) - VGM / VGZ / S98 (FM sound) - HES / AY / KSS / SAP, and more - MP3 ■ Manage Your Whole Collection Import ZIP, 7z, and RAR / RSN archives directly while preserving their folder structure. Reference files straight from the Files app or iCloud to save space on your device. ■ Build Playlists as You Listen Even with collections of dozens of tracks per file, you can star the tracks you like while listening, then save them together as a playlist later. ■ Comfortable Playback - A full-screen player that shows track info while you listen - Background playback support - A mini player you can control from any screen

Screenshots

GaMBi4 screens
RetroTune4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: RetroTune at every 4 days against GaMBi's every 4 months. RetroTune also leads on price ($1.99 vs $4.99). GaMBi's advantage is iOS requirement (14.8 vs 26.2). On 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

GaMBi costs $4.99 and RetroTune $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

GaMBi ships an update every 4 months, RetroTune every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
GaMBi versus RetroTune: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGaMBiRetroTune
Price$4.99$1.99 — better
Rating4.5 (43 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews67.4% of reviews—
Number of ratings43 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS14.8 — better26.2
Further details — not scored
Size44 MB2 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDavid VenturaTsuyoshi Terasaki

In-app purchases

None

GaMBi

No in-app purchases

None

RetroTune

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is GaMBi free?
GaMBi costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is RetroTune free?
RetroTune costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do GaMBi or RetroTune have ads?
Neither GaMBi nor RetroTune shows ads.
Which is updated more often, GaMBi or RetroTune?
GaMBi ships an update every 4 months, and RetroTune every 4 days. Most recently, GaMBi was updated on November 1, 2026 and RetroTune on October 3, 2026.

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