Best emulators for iPhone Duo

Delta is the iPhone Duo emulator to start with: its version 2.0 update, released Oct 22, 2026, is the only listing here that names iPhone Duo, per its App Store listing. Five other emulators below should run on the Duo on paper, but none of their listings mentions it as of Nov 13, 2026. Nothing here comes from testing.

Why emulators are on the App Store at all

Apple added games from retro game console emulator apps to the software allowed under guideline 4.7 on April 5, 2024, per its developer news post. On Aug 1, 2024, Apple clarified that PC emulator apps can offer to download games as well.

The guideline puts the burden on developers: Apple's App Review Guidelines make them responsible for all such software offered in their app, including its compliance with the guidelines and applicable laws, and AppleInsider reports that add-ons and ROMs must comply with applicable laws. Apple told MacRumors it allows emulators for retro console games only, without saying which consoles count as retro.

What the Duo brings to emulation

Apple's iPhone Duo spec page lists a 7.6-inch inner display and a 5.4-inch outer display, both with ProMotion up to 120Hz, plus the A20 Pro chip with a 6-core CPU and 7-core GPU. The catch is layout. Apps built with the iOS 26 SDK or earlier run centered on the inner display with wide empty margins, MacRumors reports, while apps built with the iOS 27.1 SDK or later can earn the "Made for iPhone Duo" label.

Only Delta's listing says it has been adapted, so the others may not fill the inner screen yet.

Delta: best for Nintendo DS and Game Boy

Delta is free with optional in-app purchases (Delta Patron at $5.00 is the cheapest tier, as of Nov 13, 2026), needs iOS 17.4 or later, and covers NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS and, new in 2.0, Sega Genesis, per its listing. The listing names Switch Pro and Joy-Con, PS4 and PS5, Xbox and MFi controllers, plus keyboards.

Testut Tech's 2.0 notes promise controller skins for each iPhone Duo pose and Split View support, and folding the Duo puts DS games to sleep like closing a real DS. 9to5Mac reports that DS layouts use the full inner display and span the crease when the Duo is partly folded in book mode. Co-founder Riley told Retro Dodo the Duo's DS experience is "unlike anything you've ever had on Delta before".

Limitation: no PlayStation or PSP support, so Sony fans need a second app.

Folium: best for 3DS and a mixed library

Folium costs $2.99 as of Nov 13, 2026, with an optional $1.99 Extra Features purchase, and needs iOS 16.0 or later, per its App Store listing. It lists Nintendo 3DS, DS, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, NES and SNES, plus Sega Genesis, PlayStation, ColecoVision and WonderSwan, with Backbone One, Joy-Con, DualSense, DualShock 4 and Xbox controllers named.

Limitation: it's the only paid-upfront pick here, and its listing doesn't mention iPhone Duo.

PPSSPP: best for PSP

PPSSPP is free, with PPSSPP Gold at $3.99 as of Nov 13, 2026, and needs iOS 13.0 or later, per its listing. The listing says it can run nearly all PSP games, which you supply yourself as ISO or CSO files, or you can use free homebrew from its built-in store.

Limitation: the description doesn't list controller support, and the listing doesn't mention iPhone Duo.

Gamma: best for PlayStation 1

Gamma, from ZODTTD LLC, is free and needs iOS 15.0 or later, per its listing. It lists PlayStation, Xbox and MFi controllers, and version 2.0.2 added per-game settings and faster Hi-Res Metal rendering.

Limitation: the free version contains ads; Gamma Pro removes them for $4.99 as of Nov 13, 2026.

RetroArch: best for the widest range of systems

RetroArch from Libretro is free, needs iOS 12.0 or later, and runs cores for dozens of systems, from Atari 2600 and Sega Saturn to PlayStation, PSP and arcade, per its listing. It lists PlayStation, Xbox and MFi controllers.

Limitation: its latest listed version, 1.22.2, dates from Nov 18, 2025, so it predates iPhone Duo, and the listing doesn't mention the Duo.

Provenance: best for collectors of odd systems

Provenance is free with optional Provenance Plus purchases starting at $3.99 as of Nov 13, 2026, and needs iOS 16.0 or later, per its listing. It spans Atari, Nintendo (including GameCube and 3DS), Sega, Sony, SNK and more, with PlayStation, Xbox and MFi controller support listed.

Limitation: at 2.5 GB it's the largest download here, and the listing doesn't mention iPhone Duo.

Which one should you get?

For DS and Game Boy, Delta is the clear pick because it's the only one built around the Duo's fold. PSP players want PPSSPP, PlayStation 1 players want Gamma, and 3DS fans pay $2.99 for Folium (as of Nov 13, 2026). RetroArch and Provenance suit tinkerers who want one app for many systems.

Pair any of them with a controller from our game controllers for Duo guide, and for native games see the best games on Duo and Genshin Impact and RPGs. Which emulator are you running on your Duo?