Delta review
A broad Apple-only emulator with saves, controller support, sync, cheats, and DS multiplayer.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Delta is an open-source, freemium emulator for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple silicon Mac, and Apple Vision devices. It is aimed at players who want to run imported ROM files from classic Nintendo systems, with Sega Genesis/Mega Drive support available in beta. The core system list includes NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, and Nintendo DS. It does not require BIOS files, and it includes save states, auto-save, cheats, controller skins, and per-system button mapping.
Its strongest fit is for users already invested in Apple devices and cloud storage. Delta supports Bluetooth, wired, MFi, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo controllers, while Google Drive and Dropbox can synchronize games, saves, save states, cheats, skins, and controller mappings. N64 users also get OpenGL ES rendering, custom resolutions, and custom texture packs. Compatible Nintendo DS games can access online multiplayer through community Nintendo WFC servers, adding a platform-specific feature beyond local emulation.
Delta has a free plan, while Early Adopter, Community Member, and Friend Zone are listed as patron-benefit in-app purchases rather than conventional software plans. That keeps the basic product accessible, but the paid options are better understood as support tiers than feature-defined subscriptions. Choose Delta if you want multi-system Nintendo emulation on iOS or macOS with broad controller and synchronization support. Look elsewhere if Android, arcade systems, or a conventional paid software plan is essential.
Delta pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Supports NES, SNES, N64, Game Boy, GBA, DS, and Genesis/Mega Drive beta
- Syncs games, saves, cheats, skins, and mappings through Google Drive or Dropbox
- Supports external controllers, save states, cheats, and compatible DS online multiplayer
- Where it doesn't
- Available on iOS and macOS, with no Android support
- Arcade systems are not supported
- Genesis/Mega Drive emulation is still in beta
Delta fact sheet, pricing and score →
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