The Best Game Boy Advance Emulators For IOS

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Best Game Boy Advance emulators for iOS

Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority

From the Game Boy to the Nintendo Switch, handheld gaming has always been an absolute joy for gamers of all generations. Playing on the go offers a certain level of convenience that console games just cannot; but whether you’re looking to replay some of your favorite Game Boy titles or are just now discovering the retro handheld, finding the original copies of old Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games can be frustrating and expensive to acquire.

Thankfully, emulation has made experiencing old retro handheld games like the GBA easier and more convenient than ever before. In fact, thanks to smartphone emulators, you can play your retro games from the convenience of your iPhone or iPad. Today, we’ll be sharing some of the best GBA emulators for iOS devices that are well worth your time.

Best Game Boy Advance emulators for iOS

Delta Emulator
Linking Boy
Provenance Emulator
Retroarch

Delta Emulator

Delta Emulator is a great GBA emulator for iOS, but it’s also so much more. It’s an all-in-one emulator with support for a variety of Nintendo platforms, including NES, SNES, N64, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, DS, and more.

The emulator sports a great UI, use of cheat codes, and a high level of customization (such as multiple controller skin options). Delta’s reputation for reliability, coupled with Testut’s ongoing dedication to improvement, solidifies its standing as a top-tier GBA emulator for iOS users seeking a sleek and dependable gaming experience.

Previously you had to jump through some hoops to install it via the AltStore, but it’s now readily available on the App Store. No jailbreaking or other funny business required.

Features a sleek and polished user interface.
Compatibility with various Nintendo platforms, including Game Boy Advance and other Nintendo consoles and handhelds.
Available on the App Store.

Linking Boy

Over on Android, the My Boy! emulator has been a staple for GBA emulation for years. Now, the developer has released a successor called Linking Boy (Linkboy on Android), and it’s readily available on the App Store.

Unlike the other options, it’s focused only on Game Boy Advance emulation, but it does it very well. Compatibility is excellent, and it has all of the features you’d expect: save states, fast forwarding, configurable controls, and more. As the name implies, it also features link cable emulation, and a recent update even added LCD3X shader support for the most authentic look possible.

The emulator is free to download from the App Store, with some advanced features locked behind a $3.99 paywall. It’s under active development, so expect it to continue to improve as time goes on.

Optimized for GBA emulation on iOS.
Great compatibility and features, with more added over time.
Available on the App Store.

Provenance Emulator

Provenance Emulator is another all-in-one emulator, with support for many different game systems other than GBA. It also offers a fair amount of different features, including the ability to autosave, remapping controls, cloud storage, additional graphical filters, and more. As an added convenience, the emulator even supports single-click play, meaning that users will only have to tap one single button upon opening the app to boot back into their game of choice. It’s also compatible with use with Apple TVs, for those looking for a more immersive gaming experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned retro gamer or just diving into the world of emulation for the first time, Provenance provides a reliable and enjoyable platform for reliving the classics on your iOS device.

Even better, it’s now available on the App Store, making the installation process much easier for beginners.

Supports multiple game systems such as Game Boy Advance, Sega Genesis, Game Gear, NES, SNES, and more.
Offers a user-friendly interface and features like cheat code support.
Regular updates and active development contribute to its stability.

Retroarch

Those who have used emulators for other devices in the past may be familiar with Retroarch, which stands out for many as the all-encompassing emulator. This emulator supports a very broad spectrum of gaming platforms, including the GameBoy Advance though also supports far more niche systems like the Virtual Boy, 3DO, and more. While it may demand a learning curve due to its extensive feature set, Retroarch offers unparalleled customization options and advanced features like shader support and netplay for online multiplayer.

This emulator goes beyond the traditional, providing users with a robust and flexible gaming experience. Retroarch is open source and has a very active development community, which ensures that it remains at the forefront of emulation technology. For users seeking a comprehensive solution for multiple retro consoles, Retroarch stands as a powerful, albeit intricate, choice that rewards dedication with a feature-rich gaming experience.

Moreover, this was one of the first GBA emulators to become directly available in the App Store. Click the button below to download it right away.

An all-in-one emulator that supports tons of platforms, including GBA.
Has a robust set of features.
Can be downloaded from the Apple App Store.

FAQ

Game Boy Advance emulators are software applications that mimic the functionality of the original Game Boy Advance handheld console. These emulators allow users to play Game Boy Advance games on various devices, including iOS smartphones. By recreating the console’s hardware and system, these emulators enable users to enjoy classic games from the past without the need for the original hardware.

Yes, emulators of all kinds are legal as emulators themselves are simply the software used to emulate a game console. The act of downloading an emulator is not piracy, as it is only the software used to play games, not games themselves. In the same way that a DVD player isn’t illegal but a bootleg DVD is, an emulator is not illegal but copied ROMs played on it are. It’s important to own the original copies of the games or ensure that the games are obtained through legal means, such as from the copyright holder or authorized distributors.

Generally, reputable Game Boy Advance emulators for iOS are safe to use, especially when downloaded from trustworthy sources. However, users should exercise caution and avoid downloading emulators from unofficial or suspicious websites. Stick to well-known sources and app stores to minimize the risk of malware or other security issues. Additionally, ensure that your device’s security settings allow installations only from trusted sources to enhance safety.

No. Although Apple has been slow to fully embrace sideloading apps, all of the emulators on this list are available on the App Store. Others can be found on the AltStore, which is more complicated to install but still doesn’t require jailbreaking.