Quick Summary
Although it's not the first retro games emulator to have appeared after Apple relaxed its App Store rules, Delta is the first to not be pulled soon after.
It emulates a wide range of Nintendo games consoles and is available to download for free right now.
Apple's promised relaxation of the rules around gaming emulators on the App Store has just borne its first real fruit.
Delta, an emulator that has been around for ages on Android and on sideloaded iPhones, is now available for free directly on the App Store for the first time. You can download it on the iPhone 15 series, but also older iPhones too.
Depending on your location you might find that searching for the app doesn't yield much, but a direct link can take you there.
If you're in the EU, meanwhile, you'll have to get the app from the third-party AltStore, one of the first new app storefronts that have popped up since the rules on that front were relaxed, too.
Delta is a simple and smooth emulator that will work with all manner of older Nintendo consoles and handheld ROMs (the files that comprise an older game).
It has some nice skins to make your display look a bit like the console in question as you play, as well as full touch controls and even the ability to use your phone's gyroscope for games that use it on the DS, for example.
This also means there are a few layouts to choose from, so you can experiment.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Adding ROM files seems to be pretty straightforward, as you can import them by sticking them into your iPhone's Files app and simply finding them in there.
The app supports AirPlay, which is great for playing on the TV or a monitor if you like, and works with Bluetooth controllers including the Xbox Wireless Controller.
This all makes it a pretty clear frontrunner at this stage, without too many other polished emulators yet available.
Without any included game data, it also should be safe legally from any allegations of piracy, since users import their own data – and are in theory only allowed to do so for games they also own physically.
So, if you've been waiting years for the ability to play retro games on your iPhone without resorting either to jailbreaking it and voiding your warranty, or sticking to flaky browser options that could lose your saved data at any moment, this is your time.
Max is T3's Staff Writer for the Tech section – with years of experience reporting on tech and entertainment. He's also a gaming expert, both with the games themselves and in testing accessories and consoles, having previously flexed that expertise at Pocket-lint as a features editor.
-
You'll soon be able to play SNES games on your iPhone
The emulators are coming
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
It'll soon be easier to switch from iPhone to Android after you upgrade your device
Apple vows to simplify the digital transfer process when you swap phones
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Apple iPhone 15 review: the best for most people
The entry-level iPhone could be your perfect upgrade
By Mat Gallagher Published
-
Huawei's flagship earbuds are discounted right now
Get £20 off the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 4 right now with this discount code
By Mat Gallagher Published
-
Auralic's luxury streamer will continue to bring exquisite audio in the apocalypse
Cutting-edge tech promises super-clean power for crystal clear audio
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
Bizarre iPhone 17 photo leak shows Apple could be heading in a new direction
Alleged early images of the rear casing reveal a very different type of camera... for Apple, at least
By Rik Henderson Published
-
iPhone SE 4 could make iPhone 16 irrelevant – will reportedly include Dynamic Island
But will it have Camera Control and the Action Button?
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
The Switch 2 could be the greatest console ever, thanks to one key detail
That back catalogue is going to be genuinely crazy
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Apple Intelligence news notification summaries have been suspended
Here's why, as well as how to turn the feature off yourself
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
iPhone SE 4 photos appear online in major Apple leak
This is a massive change for the base model iPhone
By Sam Cross Published
-
Say goodbye to the Dynamic Island, iPhones could have Face ID set into the display in future
It might not be this year though, so don't get too excited
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
A new Apple TV 4K box is reportedly coming, it's just a matter of when
What will it offer though and will it change design?
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Apple's affordable iPad set for major speed boost and Apple Intelligence
It's exciting times ahead for the entry-level tablet
By Britta O'Boyle Published