But just because you’re free to, doesnt necessarily mean you should.
Heres what Ive learned so far.
Emulators onMyiPhone?
Tim Brookes / How-To Geek
Just in case you missed it,Apple now allows emulators on the App Store.
Now it’s possible for you to download it from the App Store and go hog wild.
The first time you run an emulator like Delta feels like taking a bite out of a forbidden fruit.
Jason Montoya / How-To Geek
Apple has prohibited apps like this since the App Store arrived in 2008.
For many, the iPhone is now the most accessible way to play old games.
Everything I threw at the emulator on my iPhone 13 Pro worked perfectly.
Its the experience that retro gaming enthusiasts who also happen to own an iPhone have dreamed about.
If youre sick of mobile games and would rather level up your Charmander on the bus, you could.
Unfortunately, there are a few drawbacks to playing retro games on your iPhone.
On-screen touch controls are still bad for precise input.
They always have been, and they probably always will be.
This is a limitation of the form factor, not the emulator.
Jason Montoya / How-To Geek
It means that some games are simply best avoided if youre going to rely on touch controls.
Exacting platformers likeSuper Mario Bros.and frantic racing titles likeF-Zero Xdemand a real controller.
In time, muscle memory will likely improve but youll need patience to get there.
Fortunately, there is a whole stack of slower-paced games that you’re free to play instead.
Turn-based RPGs likeChrono Triggerand just about any game in thePokemonfranchise feel right at home on your iPhone.
And then theres everything in between, like touchscreen triumphsGhost TrickandBrain Ageon the Nintendo DS.
Emulation is powered by well-known cores likeSnes9xandmupen64plus, open-source projects that ensure excellent compatibility with game libraries.
Things should be better on a larger gear like a Plus or Max iPhone and the iPad.
These devices are also likely to have better battery life since they have more internal space for the battery.
Mobile gaming can be hard on your battery, and emulation adds a whole extra layer of complexity.
This is particularly true when emulating more demanding modern platforms.
On top of this, your iPhone is still doing phone things in the background.
Game files, or ROMs, are a legal grey area.
This process is relatively smooth and works just as youd expect it to.
Youve been able to do this sort of thing in other apps for years.
Its really no different from loading your iPhone up with MIDI and chiptune music in an app likeModizer.
But the form factor still leaves a lot to be desired.
Youre much better off mimicking the Nintendo Switch form factor and buying a controller like theBackboneorRazer Kishiinstead.
Apple recently switched its iPhone range to USB-C, so verify you buy the right controller for the job.
If your iPhone supports MagSafe, aclip-on wireless chargermight also be a good idea.
you could also drown out notifications from all but the most important places using Focus.
Head to parameters > Focus and tap on the plus + button to add a new Focus.
it’s possible for you to choose Gaming from the list of options, or choose Custom instead.
The preset Gaming Focus mode automatically triggers whenever it detects a wireless controller.
First, launch Shortcuts and create a new shortcut.
Now head to the Automation tab, create a new Automation, and use App as the Trigger.
When you shut the app, Gaming will be disabled.
This can massively cut down the number of notifications and unwanted communication you receive when youre playing games.
These fit neatly into your Steam library, and you might even spice things up a bit withRetro Achievements.
You have other options like theROG Ally, but these Windows-based machines are all more expensive than Valves handheld.
There are alsoportable retro handhelds from Retroid and Anbernic.
These devices are inexpensive and come in all manner of form factors, without relying on touchscreen controls.
Just check that youavoid the cheapest, nastiest knock-offs.
Being able to playPokemonon the iPhone in short bursts is also highly compelling.
