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Best Retro Gaming Apps & Games

249+ iOS apps & games curated and reviewed

4.4 avg rating
19 free apps & games
Updated August 2026

Every iPhone needs a few good retro gaming apps and games. We benchmark 249+ of them on App Store rating, freshness, and pricing, then surface the standouts so you don't have to scroll the App Store yourself.

Compare top Retro Gaming Apps & Games (August 2026)

#AppPriceRatingAdsIn-App PurchasesUpdated
1Delta - Game EmulatorDelta - Game EmulatorFree4.8★ (28K)NoYesAug 2026
2Lucky Emulator – GBA & DSLucky Emulator – GBA & DSFree4.7★ (13K)NoYesAug 2026
3Retro game emulator - GBA, DSRetro game emulator - GBA, DSFree4.6★ (1.4K)NoYesAug 2026
4Gamuroid: All Game EmulatorGamuroid: All Game EmulatorFree4.5★ (11K)NoYesAug 2026
5Ultimate Game GuideUltimate Game GuideFree4.4★ (2.7K)NoYesAug 2026
6JOY Emulator - 3DS,PS1,NDS,GBAJOY Emulator - 3DS,PS1,NDS,GBAFree4.6★ (782)NoYesAug 2026
7Poke Pics - Pokemon Card MakerPoke Pics - Pokemon Card MakerFree4.2★ (4.4K)NoYesAug 2026
8Retro Games: Classic ArcadeRetro Games: Classic Arcade$2.99—NoNoAug 2026

Top Picks for Retro Gaming

Delta - Game Emulator#1

Delta - Game Emulator by Testut Tech

An AltStore app
Editor's Choice
🎬 Entertainment
4.8😊(28K ratings)
FreeIn-App Purchases
Delta - Game Emulator screenshot 1
Delta - Game Emulator screenshot 2
Delta - Game Emulator screenshot 3
Delta - Game Emulator screenshot 4

This app allows you to play classic games from various retro consoles on your iOS or iPadOS device. It supports multiple systems, online multiplayer for some games, and extensive controller customization. You can also manage game saves, use cheats, and sync your data across devices.

What We Love

  • 🚀 Smooth performance
  • 👍 Intuitive interface
  • 🎮 Great controller support
  • 💾 Convenient save/load states

Room to Improve

  • 🐛 Occasional crashes
  • 🔇 Audio issues (crackling, skipping)
  • 📱 Limited screen space for DS games
Lucky Emulator – GBA & DS#2

Lucky Emulator – GBA & DS by Lucky Emulator Ltd

GBA & DS • Fast Forward & Save
Strong Contender
🎬 Entertainment
4.7😞(13K ratings)
FreeIn-App Purchases
Lucky Emulator – GBA & DS screenshot 1
Lucky Emulator – GBA & DS screenshot 2
Lucky Emulator – GBA & DS screenshot 3

Play your favorite Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS games on your iPhone and iPad. This app offers smooth performance, customizable controls, and the ability to save your progress at any time. Easily import your own game ROMs and enjoy a classic gaming experience.

What We Love

  • 🚀 Smooth emulation
  • 💡 Access to classic games
  • 👍 Easy to use
  • 🎮 Nostalgic gaming experience

Room to Improve

  • 🐛 Frequent crashes
  • 💰 Subscription required for full functionality
  • 🔍 Inconsistent subscription behavior
Retro game emulator - GBA, DS#3

Retro game emulator - GBA, DS by Thinkabout

Play any of the retro games
Worth Considering
🎮 Games
4.6😞(1.4K ratings)
FreeIn-App Purchases
Retro game emulator - GBA, DS screenshot 1
Retro game emulator - GBA, DS screenshot 2
Retro game emulator - GBA, DS screenshot 3
Retro game emulator - GBA, DS screenshot 4

Relive classic gaming on your iPhone with this app. It allows you to play your own retro game files through a user-friendly interface with customizable controls and high-quality graphics. The app ensures a legal and safe gaming experience by requiring users to provide their own game files.

What We Love

  • 👍 Brings back childhood memories
  • 🎨 Awesome wallpapers
  • 🎮 Emulator works great
  • 🎯 Straightforward and efficient to use

Room to Improve

  • 🐛 Crashes when playing games
  • 🔒 Locked behind paywall
  • 💰 Expensive subscription

More Retro Gaming apps to explore

4
Gamuroid: All Game Emulator
Gamuroid: All Game Emulator
Gamuroid: All Game Emulator
GBA GBC PSP PS1 PS2 3DS DS Wii
Free

Experience classic gaming on your mobile device with this all-in-one emulator. Build your retro library, import games easily, and enjoy authentic gameplay with modern conveniences like save states and cheat support. Supports a vast range of consoles from Nintendo, Sony, and SEGA.

Supports 3DS, Wii, PS1, PSP, GBA, SNES, and moreImport games from ZIP, 7Z, RARAccurate emulation for authentic gameplay
🎬 Entertainment
(11K)
subscription
5
Ultimate Game Guide
Ultimate Game Guide
Ultimate Game Guide
by Embraceware Software Inc
Free

Explore a comprehensive resource for Nintendo Entertainment System and Super Nintendo Entertainment System games. Access reviews, screenshots, and detailed information on hundreds of classic titles. Track your collection and discover new games with powerful search and updated pricing.

Game reviews and screenshotsDetailed game information (genre, publisher, developer, release date)Collection tracking tools
🔍 Reference
(2.7K)
free with in-app purchases
6
JOY Emulator - 3DS,PS1,NDS,GBA
JOY Emulator - 3DS,PS1,NDS,GBA
JOY Emulator - 3DS,PS1,NDS,GBA
Pocket arcade on the go
Free

Relive classic video games from multiple console generations on your mobile device. This emulator offers extensive platform support, advanced features like save states and speed boosts, and cloud synchronization for seamless play across devices. Enjoy customizable controls and retro visual filters for an enhanced gaming experience.

Supports Nintendo, PlayStation, Sega, and Arcade consolesUnlimited save states and auto-saveSpeed boost mode for faster gameplay
🎬 Entertainment
(782)
free with in-app purchases
7
Poke Pics - Pokemon Card Maker
Poke Pics - Pokemon Card Maker
Poke Pics - Pokemon Card Maker
Best Custom Pokemon Card Maker
Free

Create your own unique Pokemon cards using personal photos. Customize all aspects of the card, including type, name, stats, and attacks. View your creations in 3D and share them on social media.

Create custom Pokemon cardsUse personal photosCustomize card elements
🎬 Entertainment
(4.4K)
free with in-app purchases
8
Retro Games: Classic Arcade
Retro Games: Classic Arcade
Retro Games: Classic Arcade
Classic games. Timeless fun.
$2.99
🎮 Games
(0)
9
Retro Game Collector
Retro Game Collector
Retro Game Collector
Manage your game collection
Free

This app helps retro game collectors catalog their entire library, track wanted items, and manage their collection's value. It provides comprehensive game data, box art, and tools for budget tracking and analysis. Sync your collection across devices and share it with others.

Catalog game collectionMaintain wanted listTrack duplicates and quantities
🔍 Reference
(1.4K)
free with in-app purchases
10
Retro Games Collection
Retro Games Collection
Retro Games Collection
by MIchal Lucansky
Free

Relive classic arcade experiences with a collection of beloved retro games. Enjoy timeless titles like Pong, Block Breaker, Space Invaders, and Snake. Perfect for quick bursts of nostalgic fun.

Classic arcade game collectionIncludes PongIncludes Block Breaker
🎮 Games
(48)
ad-supported
11
Pokémon Playhouse
Pokémon Playhouse
Pokémon Playhouse
by THE POKEMON COMPANY INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Free

Children can interact with adorable Pokémon in various locations like a playground and lounge. Activities include grooming Pokémon, identifying stars, and watching picture stories. A Pokémon egg hatches as children complete tasks, revealing new creatures. Designed for ages 3-5, it requires no reading or math skills.

Interactive Pokémon explorationGrooming and star identification activitiesPicture stories with Pokémon
🎬 Entertainment
(2K)
free
12
Mini Games Retro 90's
Mini Games Retro 90's
Mini Games Retro 90's
A remake of the 90s mini games
Free

Relive the 90s with a collection of classic mini-games, faithfully recreated with original sounds and animations. Enjoy a vast library of retro titles on your mobile device, with added features like controller support and online leaderboards.

Authentic 90s mini-game remakesExtensive game libraryJoystick/Gamepad support
🎮 Games
(7)
free with in-app purchases
13
Pillbox - retro artillery game
Pillbox - retro artillery game
Pillbox - retro artillery game
Artillery game Pillbox retro
Free
🎮 Games
(0)
14
Monster Masters EX
Monster Masters EX
Monster Masters EX
by LAN PARTY GAMES SL.
Free

Collect, train, and evolve a variety of monsters in this real-time multiplayer battle game. Strategize your team and duel players globally to become a legend. Unlock rewards and progress through leagues to prove your skills.

Real-time multiplayer duelsCollect and evolve monstersUnlock rewards with boxes
🎮 Games
(4.2K)
free with in-app purchases
15
BreaKing Pong - Arkanoid like retro game
BreaKing Pong - Arkanoid like retro game
BreaKing Pong - Arkanoid like retro game
by Nuova Eureka s.r.l.
Free

Experience a unique blend of classic arcade games, combining the strategic gameplay of Pong with the action of Arkanoid. Navigate obstacles, collect power-ups, and challenge friends or AI in this retro-inspired title.

Pong and Arkanoid gameplay fusionStrategic ball interceptionCollect and use bonuses
🎮 Games
(1)
free
16
Pixel Arcade : Retro Games
Pixel Arcade : Retro Games
Pixel Arcade : Retro Games
by Mahendrasinh Gohil
Free
🎮 Games
(0)
17
TOON Retro Game SNS
TOON Retro Game SNS
TOON Retro Game SNS
Share memories and high scores
Free
🌟 Lifestyle
(0)
18
Sub Hunter retro arcade game
Sub Hunter retro arcade game
Sub Hunter retro arcade game
Retro action from the 1980's
Free
🎮 Games
(0)
19
PixelBoy: Retro Games
PixelBoy: Retro Games
PixelBoy: Retro Games
Play Retro Games
Free

Experience classic arcade and handheld games on a virtual retro console. Enjoy tight controls, satisfying pixel art, and unlock new content by playing. Syncs progress across devices and offers customization options.

Built-in classic gamesPick up and play instantlyEarn points to unlock content
🎮 Games
(2)
free with in-app purchases
20
Snake Game: Retro Arcade
Snake Game: Retro Arcade
Snake Game: Retro Arcade
Classic snake game, modern fun
Free
🎮 Games
(0)

FAQ about Retro Gaming

What are the best retro gaming apps & games for iPhone?
Delta - Game Emulator tops our retro gaming apps & games ranking as of August 2026, with a 4.8-star average from 28K App Store ratings, and it's free to download.
Yes — 19 of the top retro gaming apps & games we rank are free to download, including Delta - Game Emulator and Lucky Emulator – GBA & DS.
Delta - Game Emulator has no ads and offers in-app purchases, according to its App Store listing as of August 2026.
We track 249+ retro gaming apps & games on the iOS App Store as of August 2026, ranked by rating, recency, and analysis of real user reviews.
Delta is an all-in-one emulator application for iOS and iPadOS devices. It allows users to play games from a variety of classic game systems, including NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, and Nintendo DS, among others.
Delta supports a wide range of classic game systems. This includes the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Nintendo 64 (N64), Game Boy (Color), Game Boy Advance (GBA), and Nintendo DS (DS). The developers also indicate more systems are planned for future updates.