Delta Emulator iOS: Complete Setup Guide (2026)

Delta is the best emulator on iOS, and it's now available directly from the App Store — no AltStore, no jailbreak, no Mac required. Here's how to get it running and which systems it handles well.

Supported Systems#

As of 2026, Delta supports:

Installation: App Store (Easiest)#

Delta is now on the App Store, free, worldwide. This is the simplest installation path.

1. Open the App Store on your iPhone
2. Search for "Delta - Game Emulator" by Riley Testut
3. Tap Get and install
4. Open Delta — it will ask to import ROMs on first launch

No Apple ID changes, no certificates, no AltStore needed.

If You Can't Find It on the App Store#

In some regions Delta may still be filtered. Use AltStore instead (see below).

Installation: AltStore PAL (EU Recommended)#

EU users with AltStore PAL get a version of Delta with additional features not possible on the App Store build (due to Apple's restrictions on emulator functionality).

1. Install AltStore PAL (full guide)
2. Open AltStore PAL → Browse
3. Find Delta → Install
4. Done — no 7-day re-signing

Adding Games (ROMs)#

Delta doesn't include any games — you need to supply ROMs yourself. Legally, you can dump ROMs from cartridges you own.

Import via Files app#

1. Copy your ROM files to your iPhone via AirDrop, Files, or cloud storage
2. Open Delta → tap the + button in the top right
3. Navigate to your ROM files
4. Tap a ROM to add it to your library

Supported file formats#

BIOS Files (Required for Some Systems)#

The Nintendo DS and PlayStation 1 cores need BIOS files to run properly:

DS BIOS:
Delta Settings → Cores → melonDS → Import BIOS
Required files: bios7.bin, bios9.bin, firmware.bin

PS1 BIOS:
Delta Settings → Cores → DuckStation → Import BIOS
Required file: scph1001.bin (or any PlayStation BIOS)

Dump these from your own PlayStation hardware. Delta will prompt you if a BIOS is required.

Controller Setup#

MFi Controllers#

Delta works with any MFi-certified Bluetooth controller:

1. Pair your controller via iOS Bluetooth settings
2. Open Delta — it will detect it automatically
3. Customize button mapping in Delta Settings → Controllers

iPhone as Controller (Two-Player Local)#

Go to Settings → Controllers → Skin → select a two-player skin. A second iPhone can connect as a controller over the same WiFi network.

On-Screen Controls#

Delta's on-screen skins are the best in any iOS emulator — high-res, customizable opacity, and proper haptic feedback. Adjust in Settings → Skins.

N64 Performance Tips#

N64 is the most demanding core. For smooth performance:

• Enable Speed Hack in Delta Settings → Cores → Mupen64Plus
• Set Video Plugin to gliden64 for modern games, rice for older titles
• On iPhone 15 Pro / 16 series: enable Metal HiDPI for better visuals
• Games like Mario 64 and Ocarina of Time run at 60fps; demanding titles like Conker may dip

PlayStation 1 (Beta)#

The PS1 core works well for 2D games and early 3D titles. Performance varies on complex 3D games:

• Final Fantasy VII/VIII: Excellent
• Metal Gear Solid: Good
• Crash Bandicoot: Very Good
• Gran Turismo 2: Playable but may have visual glitches

Enable Texture Cache in DuckStation settings for better performance.

Frequently Asked Questions#

Is Delta legal? The emulator software itself is legal in most jurisdictions. Playing games you don't own is a separate legal question that varies by country. Delta doesn't come with or encourage piracy.

Does Delta support save states? Yes. Hold down the menu button (three lines) during gameplay for Quick Save/Load. You can have unlimited save states per game.

Can I use cheats? Yes — Delta supports Game Genie, GameShark, and Action Replay codes. Game menu → Cheats.

Does Delta support multiplayer? Local multiplayer via two iPhones on the same WiFi works for GBA games. Network multiplayer (emulating link cable over the internet) is not currently supported.

Why does my N64 game run slowly? N64 emulation is CPU-intensive. Ensure Background App Refresh is off, close other apps, and try lowering the resolution multiplier in core settings.

Can I transfer saves from my physical cartridge? Yes, with a cartridge reader and a Mac/PC. Dump the save file, convert to the format Delta expects (.dsv for DS, .srm for SNES/GBA), and import via Delta's save state import feature.