To use Delta on iPhone or iPad, install it through the official route offered for your region, then import game files you are entitled to use. Delta emulates NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, and Nintendo DS games; it does not include the games themselves. Once a game is imported, you can play with touch controls or a supported external controller, create and protect save states, and sync data through a supported cloud provider.
What Delta does—and what you need before you start
Delta is an iOS emulator for several Nintendo systems: NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, and Nintendo DS. It provides the emulator and play features, but not game files. You must import compatible files separately, and you should only use files you have the right to use.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Nintendo Joy-Con (L/R) - Neon Red/Neon Blue | $88.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Nintendo Switch™ 2 Pro Controller | $89.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Nintendo Switch Pro Controller | $77.90 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Wireless Switch Controller for Nintendo Switch/Switch 2/Lite/OLED Controller, Switch Controller with... | $21.59 | Buy on Amazon |
Delta’s official Get Delta guide is the starting point for installation. The available distribution route depends on your location, so check the guide and the live store listing for your territory rather than relying on old instructions or third-party IPA downloads.
Install Delta using the route offered in your region
Delta’s guide currently directs users in EU countries to AltStore PAL and users outside the EU to the App Store. AltStore’s homepage separately lists AltStore PAL availability in the EU, Japan, and Brazil, and says AltStore Classic requires AltServer. Those descriptions do not establish one universal eligibility rule; follow the current option presented for your location.
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- Introducing Joy-Con, controllers that make new kinds of gaming possible, for use with Nintendo Switch.
- The versatile Joy-Con offer multiple surprising new ways for players to have fun.
- Two Joy-Con can be used independently in each hand, or together as one game controller when attached to the Joy-Con grip.
- They can also attach to the main console for use in handheld mode, or be shared with friends to enjoy two-player action in supported games.
- Each Joy-Con has a full set of buttons and can act as a standalone controller, and each includes an accelerometer and gyro-sensor, making independent left and right motion control possible.
- Open Delta’s official Get Delta page and check which route it identifies for your region.
- Follow the installation instructions on the relevant official store or installation page. AltStore’s site describes the service as “an app store designed for sideloading.”
- After installing Delta, open it and proceed to import a game file. For detailed, current steps, use Delta’s official user guide.
The official overview does not provide a complete, current installation walkthrough for every device and region. Store availability and installation details can change, so use the live official pages rather than a mirror or an outdated tutorial.
Import game files you are entitled to use
Delta cannot distribute games directly. Find compatible file-format details and import instructions in Delta’s importing guide. The emulator and the game file are separate: installing Delta does not give you a game, and owning a copy does not by itself establish that you have the right to use a particular ROM file. Check the laws and rights that apply to you; this guide cannot determine them.
If a game will not open or freezes
- Check whether the file is altered or corrupted. Delta’s troubleshooting guidance identifies either as a possible reason a game may fail.
- Some larger ROM hacks may need additional software. Delta does not promise that every hack or file will work.
- For a file-specific issue, consult Delta’s troubleshooting and importing documentation.
Choose touch controls or a physical controller
Touch controls and built-in controller skins let you play without buying hardware. Delta also documents support for PS4, PS5, Xbox One S, Xbox Series X, and MFi controllers, as well as Bluetooth or wired keyboards. The supported options and mappings may vary by device or accessory; confirm compatibility for your specific controller before buying.
Rank #2
- HD Rumble 2
- Motion controls
- Built-in amiibo functionality*
- Capture Button
- C Button for GameChat**
| Input option | Useful when | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Touch controls | You want to play without carrying extra hardware; Delta includes built-in and importable controller skins. | Buttons occupy part of the screen, and the feel may not suit every game or player. |
| External controller | You prefer physical buttons or want to customize button mappings. | It is extra hardware to pair or carry; exact compatibility should be confirmed for the model you plan to use. |
| Bluetooth or wired keyboard | You prefer keyboard input. | Delta documents keyboard support, but the best setup depends on your device and how you play. |
Delta documents customizable mappings by system and controller. Open its controller settings and adjust the mapping for the system or controller you are using; consult the official guide for current menu labels and steps.
Use save states to protect progress
Save states capture a point in a game, independently of the game’s own save system. Delta documents saving and loading states from the pause menu, locking a state to prevent accidental overwrite, and automatic backup states.
- Save before a difficult section or a point you may want to revisit.
- Lock a milestone state if you want to reduce the chance of overwriting it by mistake.
- Use automatic backup states as an additional recovery option, not as a substitute for keeping an independent backup of important data.
With an external controller, Delta also documents controller-mapped quick save and quick load actions. If those shortcuts fit your setup, assign them in the controller mapping settings and check which buttons you have chosen before relying on them.
Rank #3
- Take your game sessions up a notch with the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
- Handheld Nintendo Switch gaming at a great price
- Comes with charging cable (USB C to USB A)
Use fast-forward and customize your controls
Delta documents fast-forward from the pause menu and through a mapped button on an external controller. A mapped shortcut can make the feature easier to reach while playing; the specific control and available settings depend on Delta’s current interface and your controller configuration.
Controller skins can be built in or imported. If you change skins or mappings, keep in mind that Delta Sync can include both, so the same custom setup may be available on another device when syncing is configured.
Sync games and progress between devices
Delta Sync can sync games, game saves, save states, cheats, skins, and controller mappings. Delta lists Google Drive and Dropbox as supported providers; its documentation also says synced items have version histories that can be restored to earlier versions.
Rank #4
- 【PROGRAMMABLE FUNCTION for SWITCH CONTROLLER】: The switch controller with 2 back programming buttons, there are two modes, which are single programming or multi-programming. M1/M2= A+B+Y+L+ZL+R+ZR+D-pad, then you can use other fingers to operate more comfortably and centered. Switch controllers with the programmable buttons helping to minimize button abuse and stick clicking it can last more than several years with heavy use.
- 【ONE-BUTTON WAKE-UP SWITCH CONSOLE】: The switch wireless controller is used for the first time, you need to press the "Y + HOME" button to connect. Then next time just simply presses the "HOME" button of the pro switch controller to wake up your device. It's very convenient for you to start the game. (NOTE: DOES NOT SUPPORT WAKE-UP SWITCH 2 AND AUDIO FUNCTIONS)
- 【VIBRATE FUNCTION & GYRO SENSOR】: The controller for switch have dual vibration motors with 3-level precise vibration: weak, medium and strong that provide you excellent vibration feedback to enhance the game immersion. With the 6-axis gyro sensor, this controller can detect the inclination of the controller and make a quick response, give you more fun while playing motion sensing games
- 【ERGONOMIC DESIGN & TURBO FUNCTION】: The pro controller switch remote's ergonomic and non-slip design that allows you to control the game stably and don’t have to worry about the sweat in your hands. The wireless switch controller can be set to auto TURBO or manual TURBO mode. There are 3 adjustable speeds: 5 shots/s, 12 shots/s or 20 shots/s. You also can customize the TURBO button, A/B/X/Y/L/ZL/R/ZR all buttons can be set to TURBO, which make it easier to win an arcade or action game
- 【SCREENSHOT & HIGH-PERFORMANCE BATTERY】: The switch pro controller wireless’s continuous screenshoting function help you more enjoyable to play games. The switch pro controller for controllers with 600 MAH large capacity rechargeable battery, but it just need 2-3 hours to charge fully. Switch controllers pro can run for 10-15 hours, make sure you can enjoy games longer without interruption. (Warm Tips: Left Stick has been upgraded, please purchase with confidence.)
Set up syncing through Delta’s current sync settings and choose a supported provider. Cloud sync is convenient for moving data between devices, but it should not be treated as an error-free process or as your only backup. For important progress, retain an independent backup where practical. See Delta’s sync documentation for current setup instructions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check the current version and feature details
The App Store version history retrieved for this guide lists Delta 1.7.3s dated November 11, 2025, with updates and fixes that include iOS 26 keyboard support and RetroAchievements error handling. Store listings change; check the live listing in your region for the version and release notes currently available. The available documentation does not establish universal compatibility across every iPhone or iPad model, controller, game file, or regional store arrangement.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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