Zeta
Zeta is an iPhone emulator app for playing games from classic systems on modern devices.
What Zeta is
Zeta is an iPhone emulator app for playing games from classic systems on modern devices. It supports iPhones running iOS 16.0 or later; iPad and Mac are not supported. Users can import game files by dragging them into the app or choosing a library folder, after which Zeta recognizes games and displays cover art. Listed systems include Nintendo 3DS, DS, Wii, GameCube, Game Boy, PlayStation 2, PSP, PlayStation, Sega Dreamcast, and Genesis. Gameplay options include manual and automatic save states, speed-up of up to 5×, cheat codes, custom controls, one-tap combos, skins, filters, and screenshots. Bluetooth controller support includes Xbox Wireless, PlayStation DualShock and DualSense, Nintendo Switch Pro, and MFi-certified iOS controllers. Zeta also lists link play, multiple controllers, AirPlay casting, and a console mode for using the iPhone as a wireless controller while casting. The free plan includes core emulation, ROM loading, save states, basic controller support, and screen recording; premium prices are shown in-app or in the App Store.
Good
- Free plan includes core emulation and save states
- Supports a range of listed console systems
- Offers manual and automatic save states
- Supports Bluetooth controllers and AirPlay casting
Watch out
- Requires an iPhone running iOS 16.0 or later
- Does not support iPad or Mac
- Premium prices are shown in-app or in the App Store
Who it suits
Zeta suits iPhone owners who want to emulate games from its listed systems and use game files they provide. It is not an option for iPad or Mac users.
Verdict
Zeta offers a free entry point for iPhone emulation, with a broad set of listed gameplay and controller features. Check device compatibility and the in-app or App Store premium prices before choosing an upgrade.
Plans and prices
From Zeta's own pricing page, checked 5 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | Core emulation, loading and running game ROMs, save states, basic controller support, screen recording |
| Premium features | — | Specific features may include cloud sync, advanced filters, and cheat code manager · One-time fee; amount shown in the App Store |
| Premium subscription | — | Combination of premium features; subscriptions auto-renew · Monthly; price shown in-app |
| Premium subscription | — | Combination of premium features; subscriptions auto-renew · Annual; price shown in-app |
The facts
Each one read from Zeta's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Casting and multiplayer
- The App Store description lists Bluetooth multi-controller support, link play, AirPlay casting, and a console mode for using the device as a wireless controller while casting.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Controllers
- The FAQ lists Xbox Wireless, PlayStation DualShock and DualSense, Nintendo Switch Pro, and MFi-certified iOS controllers connected over Bluetooth.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Emulated systems
- The App Store description lists systems including Nintendo 3DS, DS, Wii, GameCube, Game Boy, PlayStation 2, PSP, PlayStation, Sega Dreamcast, and Genesis.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Game import
- Users can drag and drop game files into Zeta or select a game library folder with the built-in file browser; the app recognizes games and displays cover art.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Gameplay features
- Listed features include manual and automatic save states, speed-up up to 5×, cheat codes, custom controls, one-tap combos, custom skins, filters, and screenshots.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The privacy policy identifies Firebase Crashlytics for crash and performance diagnostics, Apple App Store/StoreKit for distribution and purchases, and optional iCloud sync when enabled with separate authorization.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Local data
- The privacy policy says game ROMs, saves, settings, controller mappings, history, and favorites are stored locally on the device under iOS sandbox protections.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- Zeta says it does not collect ROMs, game saves, or gameplay behavior; its privacy policy says it collects technical diagnostics and crash data, including through Firebase Crashlytics.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Product
- Zeta is an iPhone retro game emulator intended to help users play classic games on modern devices.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Security
- The privacy policy describes TLS/SSL encryption in transit, access controls, security assessments, vulnerability scanning, firewalls, and iOS sandbox protection for local game data.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Support
- Zeta offers FAQ and help center pages and directs users to email support; its home page says the small team personally reads and replies to every email.checked 5 Oct 2026
The company
- Maker and affiliation
- The privacy policy names the operator as the Zeta Development Team, and the site says Zeta is independent and unaffiliated with the named console makers.checked 5 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Supported device
- The FAQ says Zeta currently supports only iPhone with iOS 16.0 or later; iPad and Mac are not supported.checked 5 Oct 2026
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