Delta Retro Game Emulator App Surges in Popularity on iPhone

The Delta retro game emulator app has gained significant popularity on the iPhone, allowing users to play classic video games on their devices. Developed by Riley Testut, the app has been able to be hosted on the App Store due to a recent change in Apple's App Store policy.

The growing popularity of gaming on iOS devices, coupled with the availability of Bluetooth controllers and the acceptance of emulator apps like Delta, has contributed to the app's success. Delta serves as a successor to the GBA4iOS app, providing iPhone users with access to a wide range of classic video games.

Unlike the App Store, Delta can be downloaded from the AltStore PAL platform, which allows developers to self-host apps that have been notarized by Apple. The app is considered one of the best methods for installing and playing Gameboy games on iOS devices, especially for those who don't want to jailbreak their phones.

After years of being banned on iOS, Apple has finally loosened its App Store restrictions to allow retro gaming emulators to be hosted on the platform. The Delta emulator, which can emulate various classic game consoles, quickly shot to the top of the App Store rankings upon release.

While Apple says the games offered by these emulators must adhere to all applicable laws to prevent piracy, the smaller screen of smartphones and the portability of iPhones make them well-suited for playing low-resolution retro games. The launch of the Delta emulator on iPhones is seen as a significant development, marking the first officially sanctioned game emulator for the iPhone since Apple began allowing them.

Why this matters: The sudden mainstream popularity of Delta on the App Store could draw unwanted attention from Nintendo, which is known to be protective of its intellectual property. While emulators for early Nintendo systems have been available elsewhere for years, the new crop of iOS emulators could spur Nintendo to offer older games on the App Store and other channels, though this remains uncertain based on Nintendo's history.

The Delta Emulator is compatible with a wide range of iPhone and iPad models, including the latest iPhone 15 series and iPad Pro models. Users have three options for installing the app: directly from the Apple App Store, through the AltStore PAL app store, or using the AltStore app. The AltStore PAL method is the recommended option, as it is officially approved by Apple.

In addition to its compatibility with various iOS devices, the Delta Emulator is able to emulate Nintendo DS touchscreen controls, making games like Metroid Prime Hunters playable on the iPhone. This feature further enhances the app's appeal to retro gaming enthusiasts.

The Delta Emulator and AltStore were created by the developer Riles (rileytestut), who has been praised for his contributions to the retro gaming community. The app's popularity highlights the growing demand for classic gaming experiences on modern mobile devices.

Key Takeaways

• Delta, a popular retro game emulator app, now available on iOS
• Delta allows users to play classic games on iPhones/iPads
• Delta is hosted on AltStore PAL, avoiding Apple's App Store restrictions
• Delta's success may prompt Nintendo to offer older games officially
• Delta emulator compatible with latest iOS devices, including touchscreen controls