RetroArch on iOS: Setup Guide & Best Cores (2026)

RetroArch finally landed on the iOS App Store in 2025 after years of sideload-only availability. The App Store version has some limitations compared to jailbroken or AltStore builds, but it runs well for most systems through PS1 and covers gaps Delta doesn't fill.

What RetroArch Does That Delta Doesn't#

RetroArch's key advantage over Delta is its broader system support:

• Sega Genesis / Mega Drive — Delta doesn't support Sega systems
• PlayStation 1 — RetroArch's Beetle PSX core often outperforms Delta's DuckStation for specific titles
• Arcade (MAME/FBNeo) — Classic arcade titles
• Atari 2600/7800 — Older retro
• PC Engine / TurboGrafx-16 — Not in Delta
• Neo Geo — Via FBNeo core
• PS Vita (very experimental, high-end iPhones only)

For everything GBA and below, Delta is more polished. For wider system coverage, RetroArch wins.

Installation#

1. Open the App Store and search RetroArch
2. Download the free app (published by Libretro)
3. Open RetroArch — you'll see the main XMB (cross-media bar) interface

The App Store version comes with several cores pre-installed. Additional cores can be downloaded inside the app.

Downloading Additional Cores#

1. From the main menu, navigate to Online Updater
2. Select Core Downloader
3. Browse by system and tap to download:
   • Genesis Plus GX → Sega Genesis/Mega Drive
   • Beetle PSX HW → PlayStation 1 (hardware renderer)
   • FBNeo → Arcade and Neo Geo
   • MAME 2003-Plus → Arcade (wider compatibility, slightly lower accuracy)
   • Mednafen PCE Fast → PC Engine / TurboGrafx

Loading a Game#

1. From the main menu, select Load Content
2. Navigate to where your ROM is stored (Files app, iCloud, etc.)
3. RetroArch will ask which core to use if multiple are compatible — select the recommended one
4. Game loads and starts

Setting a default core per file type#

1. Navigate to Settings → File Browser → Associate File Extensions with Core
2. Map .md/.gen → Genesis Plus GX, .cue → Beetle PSX, etc.
3. Now opening a file automatically uses the right core

Performance by System#

Controller Configuration#

RetroArch's controller setup is more complex than Delta's:

1. Connect your Bluetooth controller
2. In RetroArch, go to Settings → Input → Port 1 Controls
3. Tap Bind All and press each button on your controller when prompted
4. Save the configuration

Alternatively, under Settings → Input → Auto Configuration, enable Auto-detect Controller — many controllers are pre-mapped.

Shaders (Optional but Great)#

RetroArch has excellent CRT shader filters that make old games look period-accurate:

1. In-game, open the RetroArch menu (small button icon, or shake phone)
2. Go to On-Screen Overlay → Shaders
3. Load a preset: crt-royale for arcade games, zfast-crt for mobile performance

Saving and Loading#

RetroArch uses save states rather than in-game saves for most systems.

Quick Save: In-game menu → Quick Save (or configure a hotkey)
Quick Load: In-game menu → Quick Load

Saves are stored per-game and core.

Frequently Asked Questions#

RetroArch vs Delta — which should I use? Use Delta for Nintendo systems (it's more polished). Use RetroArch for Sega, arcade, PS1 (some titles), and any system Delta doesn't support. Many people have both installed.

Why is the RetroArch interface so complex? RetroArch is a frontend designed for power users. For simpler alternatives on iOS, Delta or PPSSPP (for PSP specifically) are easier to set up.

Can I use save files from a real PlayStation? Yes — if you can extract the save data from a PS1 memory card using a PS1/PS2 and a USB adapter, the .mcr files work directly in Beetle PSX.

Does RetroArch support online multiplayer? Via Netplay — yes, for supported systems. Settings → Netplay → Host or Connect to a session. Works for SNES, Genesis, N64 and others.

Will the App Store version get core updates? Core updates are delivered via the Online Updater inside the app, separate from App Store updates. You can update cores without waiting for an App Store release.

Is RetroArch on the App Store the same as the PC version? Same cores, slightly restricted feature set due to Apple's sandboxing. Dynamic library loading (for some advanced cores) isn't available. Otherwise functionally identical for gaming.