Playing Game Boy Advance games on your iPhone or iPad is now easier than ever, and it’s also one of the best ways to relive your favorite classics. Thanks to Apple’s updated App Store policy, you no longer need to jailbreak your device or use complicated workarounds. You can now download GBA emulators directly from the App Store and start playing in just a few minutes.
Your iPhone and iPad offer a great way to enjoy GBA games. The touchscreen is smooth and responsive, and many emulators now let you customize on-screen buttons or even connect a controller. With features like save states, fast-forwarding, and cheat support, you can pick up right where you left off or replay a favorite boss battle anytime you like.
Whether it’s Pokémon FireRed, Advance Wars, or Mario Kart: Super Circuit, GBA emulators let you carry your favorite childhood games in your pocket without needing the original console or cartridges.
In this guide, we have handpicked some of the best GBA emulators for iPhone and iPad that you can readily download and start playing. These apps are easy to use, offer solid performance, and support all the core features you would expect from a modern emulator.
If you are all set to relive those games, let’s quickly start with our best GBA emulators list for iPhone and iPad.
Also Read: How to Download & Install GBA4IOS on iPhone and iPad
The Best GBA Emulators for iPhone and iPad | Play Tetris, Mario Kart & More
| GBA Emulator | Download on iPhone/iPad |
|---|---|
| Delta Emulator | Download the App |
| GBA Emulator – Retro Game | Download the App |
| iGBA – GBA & GBC Retro Emulator | Download the App |
| Gameboy Emulator – Retro Games | Download the App |
| MyBoy模拟器 – GBA in one Emulator | Download the App |
| Lucky – GBA Emulator | Download the App |
| MON – DS GBA Arcade Emulator | Download the App |
1. Delta Emulator
Delta is one of the most popular and reliable GBA emulators now available on the App Store. Created by Riley Testut, Delta has long been a favorite among iOS users who wanted a simple, powerful way to play retro games on their iPhones and iPads. With official App Store approval, it’s now easier than ever to download and start playing.
It supports not only GBA games but also GBC, GB, NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, and even Nintendo DS, making it a full retro gaming suite in one app. It has a clean and modern interface, responsive controls, and a well-organized library that makes managing your ROMs easy.
One of Delta’s strongest features is its customization. You can remap on-screen controls, connect wireless controllers like the Xbox or PlayStation gamepad, and choose different skins for your virtual buttons. It also supports save states, quick load, cheat codes, fast-forward, and cloud syncing via Google Drive or Dropbox.
Performance on both iPhones and iPads is excellent. Games run smoothly, and the app rarely crashes or lags, even when playing larger or more demanding ROMs. Best of all, it’s completely free and ad-free, with no in-app purchases required.
If you want a polished GBA experience with support for multiple systems, Delta is easily one of the best choices on the App Store today.
The Good
- Supports GBA, GBC, GB, NES, SNES, N64, and DS
- Controller support and customizable skins
- Cloud save, cheat codes, and fast-forward included
- Free to use with no ads
The Bad
- Requires ROMs to be added manually
- No built-in ROM library (for legal reasons)
Also Read: The Best NDS Emulators for Android | Pokemon, Mario
2. GBA Emulator – Retro Game
If you’re looking for a GBA emulator that focuses purely on the Game Boy Advance experience, GBA Emulator – Retro Game is a great pick. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and designed specifically for running GBA games on your iPhone and iPad without any extra complexity.
This emulator doesn’t try to do too much, and that’s a good thing. The interface is straightforward, with clean menus and quick access to your game library. You can load .gba files directly or use compressed .zip ROMs, which is helpful if you’re managing multiple titles.
The app supports save and load states, letting you pause and resume gameplay at any point. There’s also a quick save feature if you want to exit and jump back in later. Touchscreen controls are smooth and responsive, and while controller support is limited, it works well for casual players who prefer on-screen buttons.
One of the best features is the ability to customize the screen layout and control position. You can resize buttons or move them around to better suit your play style, a small touch that adds a lot of comfort during longer sessions.
While it doesn’t support other consoles or advanced settings like cheat codes or controller vibration, it performs really well for GBA gaming. If you’re after something fast, stable, and focused, this is one of the best GBA emulators for iPhone and iPad.
The Good
- Clean and focused GBA-only emulator
- Supports .gba and .zip ROMs
- Adjustable on-screen controls
- Fast load times and stable performance
The Bad
- No multi-system support
- Lacks advanced features like cheats or cloud saves
Also Read: 15 Best NDS Emulators for Windows | Play Pokemon, Mario & More
3. iGBA – GBA & GBC Retro Emulator
iGBA is a lightweight and easy-to-use emulator for iPhone and iPad that supports both Game Boy Advance (GBA) and Game Boy Color (GBC) games. It’s designed for users who want a clean, no-frills emulator that works right out of the box without the need for complex setup or deep customization.
The interface is intuitive and minimal. Once you import your ROM files (which can be .gba or .gbc), the app automatically organizes them in a visually neat library. Launching games is fast, and the emulator handles gameplay smoothly, even for larger titles. It also supports screen rotation, so you can play in portrait or landscape mode based on your comfort.
iGBA includes features like auto-save, manual save states, fast-forward, and customizable on-screen controls. You can reposition or resize the buttons to suit your hand placement, making long gaming sessions more comfortable. It also offers support for external controllers, which adds flexibility for players who prefer physical buttons over touchscreen controls.
There’s even AirPlay support, allowing you to mirror your gameplay to an Apple TV, a nice bonus for users who want to play GBA games on a larger screen.
While it doesn’t support systems beyond GBA and GBC, iGBA is stable, lightweight, and focused, making it a great choice if you’re mainly revisiting those two classic Nintendo consoles.
The Good
- Supports both GBA and GBC games
- Auto-save and fast-forward are built-in
- Clean interface with simple game library management
- AirPlay and controller support
The Bad
- No support for SNES, DS, or other consoles
- Requires manual ROM import with no built-in game access
Also Read: How to Download & Install Momo Emulator on Windows
4. Gameboy Emulator – Retro Games
If you’re looking for a multi-system emulator that still delivers solid GBA performance, Gameboy Emulator – Retro Games is a strong contender. Available on the App Store, this emulator supports several retro systems, including GBA, GBC, GB, NES, SNES, and Nintendo DS, making it one of the most versatile options on this list.
The app is designed with simplicity in mind. Once installed, you can easily add your game ROMs and start playing within seconds. It features a clean interface with a clear game library and quick-load options. Whether you’re jumping back into Pokémon Emerald or switching over to Super Mario World, navigation feels fluid and user-friendly.
Key features include save/load states, screen scaling, and customizable on-screen buttons. The emulator also supports external game controllers, which is great for users who want a more tactile experience. For casual players and longtime retro fans alike, these features help make gameplay more comfortable and tailored.
One thing to note is that while the emulator supports multiple systems, it doesn’t overcomplicate the interface. You select the game and start playing, and the emulator remembers your progress: no fuss, no ads, no login screens.
For players who enjoy more than just GBA titles and want to carry a full library of Nintendo classics, this emulator delivers both variety and ease of use in one clean package.
The Good
- Supports GBA, GB, GBC, NES, SNES, and DS
- Save/load states and customizable controls
- Controller support for a better gameplay experience
- Smooth interface for switching between systems
The Bad
- Lacks advanced emulator settings
- No integrated ROM store (ROMs must be added manually)
Also Read: The Best GBA Emulators For Android
5. MyBoy模拟器 – GBA in one Emulator
MyBoy模拟器 – GBA in one Emulator is a multi-system emulator available on the App Store, offering support for a wide range of retro consoles, including GBA, GB, GBC, NES, SNES (SFC), and Mega Drive (MD). If you’re looking for one app to handle most of your Nintendo and Sega classics, this one covers a lot of ground.
The interface is modern and responsive, with well-labeled menus and an organized game library. You can import ROM files easily and sort them by console or favorites. Once a game is loaded, the emulator provides on-screen controls, which can be customized in both size and placement. It also supports save states, fast-forward, and multiple slot saves, which makes managing your progress seamless.
Performance is solid across supported systems. GBA games like Golden Sun or Metroid Fusion run smoothly, with no noticeable lag or audio glitches. You also get controller support, allowing you to connect Bluetooth controllers for a console-like experience.
The emulator includes minor visual enhancements like screen filters and aspect ratio adjustments, which help make older games feel sharper on modern screens. It doesn’t come with built-in games, so you’ll need to provide your own ROMs, but once that’s done, it’s smooth sailing.
If you want a broad emulator with a focus on GBA that also plays well with other systems, MyBoy模拟器 is a powerful and easy-to-use option.
The Good
- Supports GBA, GB, GBC, NES, SNES, and MD
- Fast-forward, save/load states, and controller support
- Visual filters and customizable controls
- Organized multi-system game library
The Bad
- The interface uses some Chinese labels (which may confuse new users)
- ROMs must be manually imported
Also Read: Candy Crush Alternatives for iPhone: 10 Best Tile Matching Games
6. Lucky – GBA Emulator
Lucky – GBA Emulator is a focused and modern Game Boy Advance emulator for iPhone users who want a clean and distraction-free way to enjoy their favorite GBA titles. Unlike some multi-system emulators, Lucky stays true to just one goal: delivering a smooth and polished GBA experience on iPhone and iPad.
The app features a clean interface with a responsive game library and fast ROM loading. It supports .gba files, and once you import your games, you’ll find it easy to navigate through your collection. The emulator launches games quickly and maintains solid performance throughout gameplay, even with larger or more demanding ROMs.
Lucky includes all the essential features you’d expect from a good GBA emulator: save/load states, fast-forward, on-screen control customization, and external controller support. You can adjust button layout and size to your liking or pair a Bluetooth controller for more precise gameplay, perfect for action-heavy titles like Metroid Fusion or Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow.
One of the standout qualities of Lucky is how beginner-friendly it is. There’s no login, no ads, and no complicated settings menu. Just import a ROM and play. That simplicity makes it a strong choice for casual players who want something that just works.
The Good
- Dedicated GBA emulator with clean UI
- Fast performance and save state support
- Adjustable on-screen controls and controller compatibility
- No ads or registration are required
The Bad
- GBA-only; no support for other systems
- Doesn’t offer advanced emulator features like cheat codes
7. MON – DS GBA Arcade Emulator
MON – DS GBA Arcade Emulator is one of the most feature-rich emulators currently available on the App Store. It supports multiple systems, including GBA, Nintendo DS, GBC, SNES, NES, and even arcade titles, making it ideal for players who want one app to handle a full range of retro games.
The interface is organized and modern, with an intuitive game library that lets you browse by system. You can import ROMs for all supported platforms, and once loaded, the games launch quickly and run smoothly, even on older iPhone or iPad models. The emulator handles GBA titles exceptionally well, delivering fast frame rates and reliable audio.
What makes MON stand out is the wide list of features. You get to save and load states, fast-forward, controller support, CRT-style visual filters, and even cheat code compatibility. The on-screen controls are responsive and customizable, and users can switch between aspect ratios or tweak display settings for the best experience.
Unlike some emulators that focus on just one or two systems, MON is a true all-in-one platform. That said, beginners may find the settings a bit overwhelming at first, but once you’re used to the interface, it’s a powerhouse.
If you’re looking for a versatile emulator that doesn’t compromise on GBA performance and also opens the door to other classics, MON is a great choice.
The Good
- Supports GBA, DS, SNES, NES, GBC, and Arcade
- Save/load states, cheat codes, and visual filters
- Responsive controls and controller support
- Fast, stable performance across all systems
The Bad
- The interface may feel complex for beginners
- Requires manual ROM import
Which are the Best GBA Emulators for your iPhone/iPad? Let’s Compare
| App Name | System Support | Save/Load States | Controller Support | Customization Options | Ease of Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta | GBA, GBC, GB, NES, SNES, N64, DS | Yes | Yes | High (skins, layouts, cheats, cloud sync) | Easy |
| GBA Emulator – Retro Game | GBA | Yes | Limited | Basic (button layout) | Very Easy |
| iGBA – GBA & GBC Retro Emulator | GBA, GBC | Yes | Yes | Medium (button layout, AirPlay) | Easy |
| Gameboy Emulator – Retro Games | GBA, GB, GBC, NES, SNES, DS | Yes | Yes | Medium (button layout, screen scaling) | Easy |
| MyBoy模拟器 – GBA in one Emulator | GBA, GB, GBC, NES, SFC, MD | Yes | Yes | Medium (filters, layout, slots) | Moderate |
| Lucky – GBA Emulator | GBA | Yes | Yes | Basic (button placement, fast-forward) | Very Easy |
| MON – DS GBA Arcade Emulator | GBA, DS, SNES, NES, GBC, Arcade | Yes | Yes | High (filters, cheats, layouts) | Moderate |
Also Read: 10 Best Tetris Games for iPhone and iPad
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Yes. All emulators in this guide are approved on the App Store and follow Apple’s security guidelines.
Most of them do. Apps like Delta, iGBA, and MON offer full controller support, while others may offer limited compatibility.
No. Due to legal restrictions, none of these apps provides downloadable ROMs. You must import your own legally obtained game files.
Yes, using emulators is legal. However, downloading copyrighted ROMs you don’t own is not.
No. Once installed and your ROMs are imported, these emulators work fully offline.
Yes. All apps support save/load states, and some offer auto-save or multiple save slots.
Yes. Most emulators support both screen orientations and allow UI customization.
The emulators featured here are generally ad-free or minimal in ads, especially Delta and Lucky, which have clean, distraction-free interfaces.
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Wrapping up: The Best GBA Emulators for iPhone and iPad
Game Boy Advance emulators on iPhone and iPad are no longer difficult to access, and that’s a big win for anyone who grew up playing GBA classics. With Apple’s official support for emulators on the App Store, users can now enjoy their favorite retro games without jailbreaking or using third-party workarounds.
Whether you’re playing Pokémon FireRed, Mario Kart: Super Circuit, or Advance Wars, today’s GBA emulators offer smooth gameplay, save states, controller support, and customizable layouts, all optimized for the iOS experience. Your iPhone or iPad becomes a portable retro console, and the setup is easier than ever.
From all-in-one emulators like Delta and MON, to focused GBA apps like Lucky or iGBA, there’s something for every kind of player. Whether you value simplicity, multi-console support, or advanced features like fast-forward and cheat codes, you’ll find a reliable option on the App Store.
Just remember: you’ll need to import your own legally owned ROMs. Once you’re setup, the gameplay experience is smooth, modern, and incredibly satisfying.
If you’ve been waiting to revisit your childhood favorites or explore GBA games for the first time, this is the easiest and safest way to do it on iOS today. Which are your favorite games? Let us know in the comments section below.
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