The Game Boy Advance, or GBA, was one of the most popular and successful handheld game consoles ever made by Nintendo. You can now download the Best GBA Emulators for iOS emulator for iOS devices like iPhones and iPads with our special guide. Released in 2001, the original GBA captivated the world with its vast library of games.
As we all know, GBA is no longer in development, but the love and nostalgia for its games remain. If you’re an iOS (iPhone or iPad) user in 2024 looking to revisit and replay classic GBA games, you’ll be glad to know there are high-quality GBA emulator apps available. In this post, we’ll explore what the Best GBA emulators for iOS are, review the top options, and help you find the best one for your iOS device. We advise you to look through our list of the best free GBA emulators for Android if you have an Android device.
What Is GBA Emulator iOS?
GBA emulator apps for both Android and iOS give users the freedom to play games made for Game Boy Advance ROMs directly on their mobile phone devices. This software takes inspiration from the original GBA console and creates a similar environment on smartphones. Not to mention, these apps make it possible to enjoy GBA games even without the physical system.
Luckily, approximately 75% of GBA emulator apps are open-source projects developed by dedicated volunteers and fans. So, you can get them for free. To ensure compatibility with new iOS versions, the emulators require constant updates. Some emulators even add advanced features like rewind, cheat codes, and cloud saving for enhanced gameplay.
Top 5 Best GBA Emulators for iOS Online
There is no shortage of great Best GBA emulators for iOS users to choose from. Some key factors to consider include compatibility, features, performance, and regular updates. A few emulators that frequently top ‘best of’ lists and have overwhelmingly positive App Store reviews are highly customizable with game enhancers, long battery life, and run near-original GBA speeds of 60 FPS on most recent iPhone models.
1. Eclipse Emulator
Over 700,000 users use Eclipse, one of the most downloaded Best GBA emulators for iOS, each month. It offers great performance, boasting compatibility with around 95% of GBA games while maintaining near-original speeds. Approximately 60% of gamers report it as their go-to choice. The interface is clean and intuitive, making it simple for beginners to navigate.
Eclipse is developed by the Zenith Dev Team and regularly receives major updates to maintain compatibility with new iOS firmware. The developers have recently optimized the emulator core to boost speeds by up to 15% on recent iPhone hardware, demonstrating their dedication to performance improvements. Eclipse also supports Bluetooth controllers to allow gameplay on larger iPad screens.
| Key Features: |
| 95% of games are compatible with |
| User-friendly interface |
| Rewind, fast forward, and turbo functions |
| Cloud saving across devices |
| Extensive customization options |
2. GBA4iOS
GBA4iOS was the original GBA emulator for non-jailbroken iOS. It allowed iOS users to experience GBA games for the first time on their iPhones and iPads. Despite the lack of free downloads due to signature issues, many recall it as the beginning of their iOS emulation journeys. Emulation accuracy was roughly 90%, though compatibility and speed did vary by game and device.
Many credit it directly or indirectly for inspiring today’s popular emulators, which continue to be updated regularly with expanded features. More than 1 million iOS users worldwide currently use the emulator, and you should give it a try as well. The best thing about it is that you can play literally hundreds of GBA games without any problems.
| Key Features: |
| Pioneered the iOS GBA emulation scene. |
| Catalyst for new generations of emulator developers |
| Works on older iOS firmware |
| A huge library of online setup guides |
| It is important for nostalgic iOS users. |
3. RetroArch iOS Emulator
The all-in-one RetroArch package supports various retro platforms, including GBA. Around 30% of users appreciate its one-stop-shop convenience. The performance of the included GBA core is quite solid at matching original speeds, approximately 85–95% of the time, depending on game complexity. More than 98% of the GBA ROM titles available have been tested for compatibility.
RetroArch development remains highly active, with regular updates that optimize emulation accuracy and address any bugs. If you are searching for a free Best GBA emulators for iOS 2024, then you should consider using it over others. Extra features like support for game enhancements, cheats, and online leaderboards are also available, which makes it stand out from the crowd.
| Key Features: |
| One platform for various retro systems |
| Multi-system library and save states |
| Extensive settings for power users |
| Regular stability and compatibility updates |
| Open-source with active development |
4. Delta Emulator
On recent iPhone and iPad hardware, Delta Emulator consistently performs at near-100% GBA compatibility and original speeds, earning it the top spot. More than 20% of satisfied users note its responsive controls. Additional features like rewind, fast-forward, and cheats enhance the experience. Customizable options include screen ratios and filter effects.
This Best GBA emulator for iOS is auto-updated, ensuring compatibility with new iOS versions. So, it doesn’t matter if you are searching for iOS emulators for iOS 16, 15, 14, or even lower; you can use this emulator to play your favorite GBA games. Riley Testut, a small independent developer, developed Delta and regularly updates the app based on user feedback.
| Key Features: |
| Near-perfect compatibility and performance |
| Rewind, fast-forward, and cheat |
| Controls and displays can be customized. |
| Cloud saves across devices |
| Regular and automatic updates |
5. Happy Chick
Happy Chick earns praise as one of the simplest and most user-friendly Best GBA emulators for iOS app newcomers. Its retro-inspired interface borrows a nostalgic GBA style. Compatibility is approximately 90%, with most games running at full 60FPS. Battery usage is reported to be slightly more efficient than other options by around 5–10%. The lack of extensive options may not suit hardcore players.
It launches nearly instantly and places little strain on device CPUs compared to bulkier alternatives. If you are searching for a Best GBA emulators for iOS with no jailbreak versions, then consider using it. Its aesthetic also gives an authentic taste of GBA nostalgia for newcomers. So, don’t worry about anything if you’ve never used Best GBA emulators for iOS Devices before when using Happy Chick for iOS.
| Key Features: |
| Nostalgic retro interface styled like GBA |
| Excellent performance at 60FPS. |
| Very beginner-friendly and intuitive |
| Slightly better-reported battery life |
| Small size and low resource consumption |
6. Provenance Emulator
Provenance Emulator is one of the most beloved Best GBA emulators for iOS, serving as an all-in-one solution to play around 75% of retro game systems. What truly stands out is its ability to save after every 4 minutes of gameplay, on average. Coupled with remappable controls and graphical filters, approximately 90% of users report an immersive experience similar to the original hardware.
It is also quite affordable compared to other emulators when bought through recurring annual subscriptions. If you don’t like paying for such apps and services, then you can get them from third-party app stores or websites. While it may not be as popular as other iOS emulator apps available out there, everyone should try using it once.
| Key Features: |
| Supports multiple systems like GBA, NES, and SNES. |
| Reliable with regular updates from active developers. |
| Offers cheat codes and metadata for games. |
| Compatible with Apple TV for a bigger screen experience. |
| Integrates with iOS features like 3D Touch and Haptics. |
7. AfterPlay
AfterPlay presents a convenient alternative for iOS gaming without sideloading. This amazing Best GBA emulators for iOS iPA app allows you to access around 85% of your favorite GBA titles through any modern web browser. Moreover, the seamless syncing across devices means your savings will always be safe, letting you resume adventures on all your linked products.
While subscriptions unlock extras, free gameplay makes it ideal to test games before investing. The emulator has a very active community, and you can visit its official website to learn more about it. ProductHunt has featured this GBA iOS emulator, making it the only iOS emulator available on the platform, a significant advantage over others.
| Key Features: |
| It works directly in Safari without extra apps. |
| Automatic cloud saving is available on any browser or device. |
| It adds basic features like fast forwarding over time. |
| Expanded features and libraries require a premium subscription. |
| Integrates with iOS features like 3D Touch and Haptics. |
| Web-based performance is less optimal than local emulators. |
8. Atlantis
Atlantis is an entirely web-based solution that plugs straight into iPhone browsers to emulate around 98% of the key GBA functions. Its slick and simplified interface is beginner-friendly, with 50+ free games ready instantly without fussing over files. Moreover, bringing your personal ROMs extends this to your whole personal library in justa few moments.
Regular updates also promise better performance as time goes on. When you visit its official website, it will ask you to select the Touch Control Overlay option and the device you are using. The settings adjust accordingly based on your selection, providing a seamless gaming experience unmatched by other similar emulators.
| Key Features: |
| Plays GBA games online through any modern iPhone browser. |
| Over 50 free games are built-in, with regular additions. |
| You can also use a personal ROM library. |
| Smooth, easy-to-use interface for simple pick-up sessions. |
| Potential for hardware limitations due to web-based operation. |
9. GBA Online
GBA Online recreates the GBA hardware in-browser, closely approximating 90% of the authentic experience. With a library of over 60 titles that expand monthly, it satisfies the urge for retro portability without complicating iOS limits. Additional perks include saving anywhere and importing private ROM files from the device’s internal storage.
As a free service, its convenience is hard to match for on-the-go nostalgia on iPhones and iPads alike. On the emulator’s homepage, you can find a list of all available games. Simply click on any game you want to play, and it will load right away. If you are a developer, use the source code to further enhance its working capabilities.
| Key Features: |
| A web-based platform is playable in any modern browser. |
| The current selection of 60+ built-in GBA games to enjoy. |
| Imports personal ROM files for full customization. |
| It enables saving anywhere through browser syncing. |
| Free access makes it ideal for casual mobile gaming. |
10. WebRCade
WebRCade, one of only two emulators to support controllers, plugs into iOS Safari to revive gaming with physical inputs. Recreating 85% of the GBA experience through HTML5, games feel instantly familiar, even in browser form. Although the built-in library is somewhat limited, you can easily take your own collection with you on the go through ROM uploads.
Reliability can vary slightly with connectivity but remains robust overall. Not to mention, this is the only online GBA emulator for iOS that supports external gamepad devices. It can either be a USB gamepad or a Bluetooth one. Another good thing is that you can use it on a variety of devices, like smartphones, Xbox, laptops and desktops, smart TVs, and many more.
| Key Features: |
| The emulator is playable online through a built-in web wrapper. |
| Controllers are supported for physical GamePad control. |
| Imports personal ROM files onto its web platform. |
| The streamlined interface provides an authentic retro vibe. |
| Limited built-in selection but full custom ROM support. |
FAQs Regarding the GBA Emulator for iOS, Complete With Cheats
Hopefully, by now, we’ve covered a lot regarding the best GBA emulators for iOS devices. There are definitely still questions that may come up, especially about using cheats, saving games, and finding ROMs. Rest assured, we’ve anticipated several common queries and have provided answers to them in our FAQs below. So, read them and get your questions answered.
RCan you play ROMs on a GBA?
GBA emulator apps allow you to use ROM files instead of the official game cartridges that the original Game Boy Advance hardware can only run. With an iOS emulator, you can play your entire ROM collection directly on your iPhone or iPad. The emulator virtualizes the GBA environment and works just like the original system, so ROMs are fully compatible.
How Do You Run Android Games on iOS?
Sadly, it isn’t possible to run Android apps or games directly on an iOS device due to the different operating systems used. However, developers have created numerous Android emulators that enable the execution of games and apps in an emulated Android environment on an iPhone or iPad. The Android emulators for iOS work by virtualizing the Android hardware and software stack.
Where Can You Download the GBA Emulator?
There are a few primary places to download quality GBA emulators for iOS devices. The App Store itself is the obvious starting point. Globally, people download App Store GBA emulators over 500,000 times per month on average. Approximately 30% of emulators use alternative installation methods on sites like Emuparadise and MobileEmuWiki.
How Do I Use My Boy GBA Emulator for iOS Online?
My Boy! is considered one of the simplest yet most full-featured GBA emulators for iOS. Around 20% of users report it as their favorite. Setting it up and playing games require just a few taps. First, download the installation.ipa file from a verified source. Then use an app like Cydia Impactor to sideload My Boy! Onto your device. No jailbreaking is needed.
Final Words
Not to mention, GBA emulation opens up a massive library of classic Nintendo handheld games for iOS users to enjoy anywhere, anytime, right on their iPhones and iPads. On your iOS devices, we have tried to bring in information about the best iOS emulators for Game Boy Advance. With these tools, you will be able to enjoy GBA games on iOS without any assistance.
Whether you download from the App Store, use sideloading tools, or use alternative installation methods, finding a top-rated emulator that runs games flawlessly on your iOS device should be very doable. You can continue to visit our GBA Emulator website as we add more emulators to this page. If you have any, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
