After the AltStore launched Delta, its gaming emulator, everyone, including me, eagerly awaited more official emulators. The wait is over with SameBoy and RetroArch, bringing the joy of emulation to iOS.
I installed both apps and immediately opened Zelda: Link’s Awakening. They both work perfectly. SameBoy has a familiar interface, while RetroArch gives off a more complex, nerdy vibe. However, getting a game running on SameBoy is surprisingly trickier.
Both apps support uploading games via a browser using their IP address. If you have ROM files on your iCloud Drive, simply go to the file manager in iOS, find your ROM file, and long-press it to open the share option. Select SameBoy, and the game will open instantly. From there, the usage is straightforward.
RetroArch isn’t just a Game Boy emulator like SameBoy; it offers many more options and settings. RetroArch supports so many consoles and OS that it leaves me speechless. It seems like there’s nothing it can’t emulate.
Getting used to RetroArch’s UI takes time. It’s not user-friendly and feels like a programmer designed it without much thought to aesthetics. Despite this, I won’t complain too much because the extensive features and settings it offers are worth the effort.
I haven’t tried using a controller with either emulator yet, but that’s the next logical step. I’ll either buy one or try my old Xbox 360 controller. RetroArch can emulate virtually everything, from the Sega Master System to the PlayStation and Atari 2600. Imagine gaming on a big screen with a controller—that would be fun. I haven’t tested AirPlay with the app, but if you own an Apple TV, you don’t need to. The best part? RetroArch is available in the App Store for Apple TV. That’s frigging awesome! I’ll try it soon and keep you updated.
I’m also curious if iCloud savegames will work, allowing seamless switching between devices. That would make sense, and would RetroArch make a retrogamechanger.
I foresee hours of retrogaming ahead—just need to find the time.
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