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Retropa
What it is
Retropa is an emulator for handheld and arcade games on iPhone and iPad. It lists 14 handheld and console systems, including GBA, Nintendo DS, NES, Super NES, Genesis, WonderSwan, and Neo Geo Pocket, as well as arcade families. The free plan includes imports, controller templates, Delta skin import, save states, and rewind. Users bring their own game files: Retropa does not include games or BIOS files, and imported content should be content they are entitled to use. Import options include Files, AirDrop, a browser, a local Wi-Fi Portal, and the Homebrew catalog. Compatible external controllers work with ready-made templates. Retropa Plus adds arcade families, premium skins, console mode, advanced save workflows, adaptive touch controls in five styles, and advanced display filters; the site lists 64 filters. Save states can be backed up and restored with iCloud Drive. The product page says game files stay on the device and an account is not needed to play. Retropa is available on iPhone and iPad running iOS 18 or later. Purchases and renewals are handled by the App Store, where plan availability can vary by region.
For and against
For
- Free plan includes 14 handheld and console systems.
- Imports support Files, AirDrop, browser, and Wi-Fi Portal.
- Supports compatible external controllers and templates.
- Save states support iCloud Drive backup and restore.
Against
- Does not include game or BIOS files.
- Requires iOS 18 or later on iPhone or iPad.
- Plan availability can differ by region.
The verdict
Retropa offers a free entry point with imports, controller templates, save states, and rewind. Check the App Store for Plus pricing and availability, and note that game files are not supplied.
Who it suits
Retropa may suit iPhone and iPad users who want to play games from its listed systems and can import their own eligible game files. It is also listed for Mac.
Plans and prices
Free
14 handheld and console systems · imports · controller templates · Delta skin import
Read 29 Sep 2026 · retropa.com
Retropa Plus
Arcade families · premium skins · advanced filters · console mode
Read 29 Sep 2026 · retropa.com
On the record
- Controls
- Retropa supports compatible external controllers and offers ready-made controller templates.retropa.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Device requirements
- Retropa is available for iPhone and iPad running iOS 18 or later.retropa.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Display
- Retropa Plus includes advanced display filters, and the site lists 64 filters.retropa.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Game files
- Retropa does not include games or BIOS files; users import content they are entitled to use.retropa.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Imports
- Games can be imported from Files, AirDrop, a browser, a local Wi-Fi Portal, or the Homebrew catalog.retropa.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Integrations
- The site describes iCloud Drive for save backup, Files and AirDrop for importing, and controller support; it does not list third-party service integrations.retropa.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Privacy
- The product page says game files stay on the device and an account is not needed to play.retropa.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Product
- Retropa is an emulator for handheld and arcade games on iPhone and iPad.retropa.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Purchases
- Purchases and renewals are handled by the App Store, and plan availability can differ by region.retropa.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Save features
- Retropa supports save states and rewind, and says saves can be backed up and restored with iCloud Drive.retropa.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Supported systems
- The site lists 14 handheld and console systems and arcade support, including GBA, Nintendo DS, NES, Super NES, Genesis, WonderSwan, Neo Geo Pocket, and arcade families.retropa.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Touch controls
- Retropa Plus includes adaptive touch controls with five styles for different game genres.retropa.com · read 29 Sep 2026
