Introduction
If you’re like me and you grew up loving classic video games, you’re probably excited to know that playing them on your iPhone or iPad is easier than ever. Thanks to tools that let you install apps outside the App Store, you can now relive your favorite moments from consoles like the NES, SNES, Game Boy, and even PlayStation.
Two of the most talked-about emulators in the iOS community right now are Delta and Provenance. Both are powerful and impressive in their own ways, but depending on what you’re looking for, one might fit you better than the other.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to pick the best emulator for your retro gaming adventures in 2025.
Meet the Emulators
Delta Emulator
Delta is the brainchild of Riley Testut. If you’ve used GBA4iOS back in the day, Delta is its official successor. It works on iOS, iPadOS, and even on macOS (in beta). You can install it using AltStore without needing to jailbreak your device.
Why do people love Delta?
- Easy-to-use interface that feels like a native iOS app
- Supports Nintendo consoles like GBA, GBC, GB, N64, SNES, and DS
- Cloud sync through Dropbox or Google Drive
- Quick installation with no technical skills needed
Delta is great if you just want to start playing Nintendo games without worrying about complex settings or setup.
Provenance Emulator
Provenance is a different kind of emulator. A community of contributors develops it and is open source, meaning anyone can help improve it. It works on iOS, iPadOS, and Apple TV.
Why do people choose Provenance?
- Supports more than 25 consoles, including PlayStation, Sega Genesis, SNES, and more
- Offers advanced customization options
- Let’s you organize your game library with cover art and details
- Open source and regularly updated by the community
Provenance is ideal if you’re into more than just Nintendo and want deeper control over your emulator settings.
Delta vs Provenance Features at a Glance
| Feature | Delta | Provenance |
|---|---|---|
| Supported Consoles | Focused on Nintendo | MFi, Bluetooth, PS, and Xbox |
| Installation | AltStore, Sideloadly | Sideloadly, Xcode, AltStore (manual) |
| Interface | Clean and modern | Functional but less polished |
| Performance | Optimized for iOS | Varies, but strong overall |
| Save States | Auto and manual with cloud sync | Auto and manual only |
| Controller Support | MFi, Bluetooth, PS and Xbox | Same as Delta |
| ROM Management | Drag and drop or cloud sync | Local files, iCloud, Files app |
| BIOS Required | No for most systems | Yes for PlayStation, Sega CD |
| Multiplayer | Not available | Not supported yet |
| Open Source | No | Yes |
| Community Help | Reddit and Discord | Reddit and GitHub |
Pros and Cons
Delta Emulator Pros
- Great for beginners
- Modern, user-friendly design
- Easy cloud save support
- Quick to install through AltStore
- Regular updates from the main developer
Delta Emulator Cons
- Only works with Nintendo systems
- No support for PlayStation or Sega
- Lacks in-depth customization
- Closed source
Provenance Emulator Pros
- Works with over 25 different consoles
- Open source and built by the community
- Supports PlayStation and Sega games
- Full of advanced features for serious gamers
- Organizes your game collection neatly
Provenance Emulator Cons
- Installation can be tricky for new users
- Interface feels outdated
- Some systems need BIOS files
- No built-in cloud saving
Which One Should You Choose
Your choice depends on how you like to game and how tech-savvy you are. Here’s a simple breakdown.
If you’re just getting started
Go with Delta. It’s easier to install, looks clean, and gets you playing quickly without too many steps.
If you love diving deep into settings and want more console options
Choose Provenance. It’s built for power users and supports more than just Nintendo games.
If you don’t want to jailbreak your iPhone
Delta is your friend. It’s designed to work seamlessly with tools like AltStore, eliminating the need for jailbreaking.
If you’re looking for the widest variety of games from different consoles
Provenance is hard to beat. With support for PlayStation, Sega Saturn, Atari, and more, it has the broadest range.
If you just want to play old Pokémon or Mario games, Delta might be all you need. But if you’re trying to relive PlayStation classics like Final Fantasy or Resident Evil, Provenance is where it’s at. Just be ready for a bit of a learning curve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Delta better than Provenance
Not exactly. Delta is better if you want a smooth experience focused on Nintendo games. Provenance is better if you want more console support and control over your settings.
Which one is easier to install
Delta. Thanks to AltStore, you can get it up and running in minutes without needing much technical knowledge.
Can I use both on the same device?
Yes. As long as you manage your sideloading tools like AltStore or Sideloadly properly, you can install both and switch between them as needed.
Are they safe to use
Yes, as long as you download them from their official sources. Delta comes from Riley Testut’s official website, and Provenance is on GitHub.
Do I need to jailbreak my iPhone
No. Both Delta and Provenance work on non-jailbroken devices.
Does Provenance need a BIOS file?s
Yes, for certain systems like the PlayStation or Sega CD. These files aren’t included with the app, but you can legally create your own from real hardware.
Can I use cloud saving with Provenance?
Not automatically. There’s no built-in cloud support, but you can manually back up your saves using iCloud Drive or the Files app.
Final Thoughts
Both Delta and Provenance are powerful ways to bring retro gaming to your iPhone in 2025. If you want a smooth, easy Nintendo-focused experience, Delta is the best choice. If you want something broader with more control and are willing to put in a bit more effort, Provenance is worth learning.
Either way, you’re getting a full pocket-sized retro arcade without jailbreaking your device. That’s pretty amazing.