How to use Delta, the top iOS game emulator

Do you want to relive your favorite retro games? Perhaps you want to try the originals that inspired today’s Pokemon and Super Mario titles?

Fortunately, iPhone users can enjoy Game Boy Advance, Nintendo Entertainment System, and Nintendo DS games with Delta.

READ: The best Pokemon games

It’s the latest free emulator app that’s topping the Apple App Store’s Entertainment section. The program requires slightly more setup than most apps, so here’s a quick guide.

How to set up the Delta app

Start by downloading the Delta app on your Apple device. Open it, and you’ll notice it contains no games. You must put their ROM files into your gadget.

MakeUseOf recommends using a cartridge dumper like Epilogue’s GB Operator to extract ROM files from game cartridges legally.

It only works for Game Boy cartridges, but you may find similar tools for other retro Nintendo gaming devices. Delta only works with the following ROM file formats:

• NES (.nes)
• SNES (.smc, .sfc, .fig)
• Game Boy (.gb)
• Game Boy Color (.gbc)
• Game Boy Advance (.gba)
• Nintendo DS (.ds, .nds)
• Nintendo 64 (.n64, .z64)

You may download from other websites, but beware of malware and follow your country’s laws regarding online intellectual property. 

Load the ROMs to your iPhone, and then follow these instructions:

1. Tap the + icon in the top-right corner.
2. Tap Files from the context menu and browse to the directory that contains the ROM files. 
3. Then, choose the ROM file to reveal it on your app.
4. Tap the game to start playing.

If you want to play Nintendo DS games, you must add DS BIOS files to your iPhone. You can find many free online sources, but be careful of potential malware and other cyber threats.

Once you have the BIOS files, tap Nintendo DS under the Core Settings. Then, import the DS BIOS files by tapping on them.