Retropa
Retropa is an emulator for handheld and arcade games on iPhone and iPad.
What Retropa is
Retropa is an emulator for handheld and arcade games on iPhone and iPad. It supports 14 handheld and console systems alongside arcade families; listed systems include GBA, Nintendo DS, NES, Super NES, Genesis, WonderSwan and Neo Geo Pocket. The free plan includes imports, controller templates, Delta skin import, save states and rewind. Retropa does not provide game or BIOS files; users import content they are entitled to use through Files, AirDrop, a browser, a local Wi-Fi Portal or the Homebrew catalog.
Compatible external controllers work with ready-made templates. Retropa Plus adds arcade families, premium skins, console mode, advanced save workflows and adaptive touch controls with five styles. It also includes advanced display filters, with 64 listed. 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, and its supported platforms include Mac. Purchases and renewals are handled through the App Store, where plan availability and regional prices can differ.
Good
- Free plan includes save states and rewind.
- Imports through Files, AirDrop, browser and Wi-Fi Portal.
- Supports compatible external controllers.
- Game files stay on the device.
Watch out
- Games and BIOS files are not included.
- Requires iOS 18 or later.
Who it suits
Retropa suits iPhone and iPad users who want to emulate handheld, console and arcade systems using their own game files. Users need iOS 18 or later, and an account is not required to play.
Verdict
Retropa offers a free set of handheld and console emulation features, with arcade support and additional controls and display options in Retropa Plus. Users must supply game files they are entitled to use.
Plans and prices
From Retropa's own pricing page, checked 29 Sep 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | 14 handheld and console systems · imports · controller templates · Delta skin import · save states and rewind |
| Retropa Plus | — | Arcade families · premium skins · advanced filters · console mode · advanced save workflows · Plans and regional prices are shown in the App Store; the page does not list prices or billing terms. |
The facts
Each one read from Retropa's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Controls
- Retropa supports compatible external controllers and offers ready-made controller templates.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Display
- Retropa Plus includes advanced display filters, and the site lists 64 filters.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Game files
- Retropa does not include games or BIOS files; users import content they are entitled to use.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Imports
- Games can be imported from Files, AirDrop, a browser, a local Wi-Fi Portal, or the Homebrew catalog.checked 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.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Privacy
- The product page says game files stay on the device and an account is not needed to play.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Product
- Retropa is an emulator for handheld and arcade games on iPhone and iPad.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Purchases
- Purchases and renewals are handled by the App Store, and plan availability can differ by region.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Save features
- Retropa supports save states and rewind, and says saves can be backed up and restored with iCloud Drive.checked 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.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Touch controls
- Retropa Plus includes adaptive touch controls with five styles for different game genres.checked 29 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Device requirements
- Retropa is available for iPhone and iPad running iOS 18 or later.checked 29 Sep 2026
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